It may not have exactly been much of secret that Stern's next game was going to be Ghostbusters, and the backglass artwork and snippets of the playfield design may have been leaked several weeks ago. However, today Stern Pinball released pictures of the Pro, Premium and Limited Edition models to much acclaim.
Ghostbusters is a John Trudeau design, with artwork by Jeremy Packer who goes under the name Zombie Yeti and who created much of the artwork for John Popadiuk's ill-fated Magic Girl project.
The Pro translite artwork 
As you can see, the game is based on the 1984 original movie and the 1989 sequel featuring Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Bill Murray, Rick Moranis and Sigourney Weaver, rather than the upcoming reboot which features an all-female lead.
The translites in the Pro, Premium and LE are very similar, but do have a few changes, especially on the right side.
The Premium translite
The LE translite artwork
The Pro cabinet features the team's iconic ECTO-1 vehicle
The Pro model
The Pro model
You can see that Ghostbusters continues to use the traditional red LED dot-matrix display rather than an LCD panel which it was originally thought might premiere with this title.
While the display is monochromatic, the playfield artwork is a veritable riot of colour, with purple a predominant theme but no part of the colour spectrum unrepresented.
The Pro playfield
The Pro playfield detail
The Pro playfield detail
The Pro playfield detail
All models feature a rotating illuminated Slimer which is suspended over the playfield. On the Premium and LE models it can also move across the playfield like the Scarecrow bash-ball in Batman.
The Pro playfield detail
The slimer toy on the Pro
All models also feature a triple Newton ball mechanism at the Public Library area of the playfield.
The Pro playfield detail
The Pro playfield detail
As you would expect, the Premium and Limited Edition models add several extra playfield and trim features. The Premium uses a similar cabinet design as the Pro with some extra colour accents, different backbox side art, all combined with the playfield from the Limited Edition.
The Premium model
The Limited Edition features different cabinet art and bright green trim, along with extended side rails with button area protectors.
The Limited Edition model
The Limited Edition model
The LE backbox artwork
The LE playfield
The most significant addition feature of the Limited Edition is the Ecto Goggles device. This projects animated models of various ghosts onto the playfield and is combined with a playfield sensor to detect hits on the holographic image.
The Ecto Goggles feature with simulated projected image
Elsewhere, the more expensive variants tend to replace the flat plastics of the Pro with custom moulded 3D models
LE playfield detail
LE playfield detail
LE playfield detail
Another big change for the LE and Premium models is the use of Magna-slings. These do away with the traditional solenoid kicker to repel the ball and instead use electro-magnets below the playfield, much like the Magna-Flip feature on the powerfield in Twilight Zone.
Magna-slings
The LE speaker panel and display
Here's the feature matrix comparing the three different models.
The feature matrix for Ghostbusters
Finally for now, here's Stern's press release announcing the game.
Stern Pinball Calls in Ghostbusters for Next Pinball Hit
Leading Pinball Manufacturer Introduces Classic Paranormal-Themed Machine
ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL – March 10, 2016 – Stern Pinball, Inc., the world's oldest and largest producer of arcade-quality pinball machines, proudly announced today the availability of its much anticipated Ghostbusters pinball machine inspired by the original Columbia Pictures blockbuster “Ghostbusters” film. The Ghostbusters pinball machine will be available in Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition models. The game will immerse players in the amazing and fun challenge of catching mischievous ghosts in an adventure-filled pinball environment capturing the world of Ghostbusters.
The Ghostbusters pinball experience highlights the humor of the film as the player progresses through the game. The game also includes custom speech by original “Ghostbusters” cast member, Ernie Hudson, who guides the player into becoming the newest member of the Ghostbusters team! “The Ghostbusters pinball machine celebrates the much loved original movie produced by Columbia Pictures and gives fans a fun, entertaining, high energy pinball experience,” said Gary Stern, Chairman and CEO of Stern Pinball, Inc. “After all, it’s the Ghostbusters!”
Ghostbusters pinball is designed to be easy to play but difficult to master. It features a moving interactive Slimer toy target and a fresh distinctive layout that integrates traditional pinball devices with unique multifunction two-way ramps featuring a magnetic diverter and scoring switches. In addition, the game features a modern take on a ball transfer target, combative open field drop targets, a ball eject target, a captive ball target and custom molded toys.
The Premium and Limited Edition models also feature an interactive ghost hologram target with animations, “para-normal” magnetic action slingshots, distinctive ramp architecture and additional custom molded toys.
All models feature beautiful and unique hand drawn art by renowned illustrator Jeremy Packer a.k.a. Zombie Yeti.
Pricing and Availability:
Pro Model: $US 5,995 Premium Model: $US 7,595 Limited Model: $US 8,795
Ghostbusters pinball is available through authorized Stern Pinball distributors and dealers around the world.
About Stern Pinball, Inc.
Stern Pinball, Inc., headquartered just outside Chicago, Illinois, is the oldest and largest producer of arcade-quality pinball games in the world. Stern’s highly talented creative and technical teams design, engineer and manufacture a full line of popular pinball games, merchandise and accessories. Recent Stern titles include Spider-Man Vault, Game of Thrones, KISS, WWE WrestleMania, The Walking Dead, Mustang, Star Trek, Metallica, The Avengers, X-Men, AC/DC, Tron, Transformers, Avatar, Iron Man, Batman, and many more! All of Stern’s pinball games are crafted by hand and assembled by Stern’s expert team. A broad range of players enjoy Stern’s games from professional pinball players that compete in high-stakes international competitions around the globe to novice players who are discovering the allure of the silver ball for the first time. To join the fun and learn more, please visit http://www.sternpinball.com.
About Sony Pictures Consumer Products
Sony Pictures Consumer Products (SPCP) is the licensing and merchandising division of Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE), a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com.
All trademarks and product names are the property of their respective companies.
Ghostbusters TM & © 2016 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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We'll be back with much more about Stern's new Ghostbusters game shortly, right here at Pinball News.
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