{"id":21672,"date":"2021-09-14T15:16:11","date_gmt":"2021-09-14T14:16:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/?p=21672"},"modified":"2021-09-17T12:13:09","modified_gmt":"2021-09-17T11:13:09","slug":"godzilla-pinball-revealed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/2021\/09\/14\/godzilla-pinball-revealed\/","title":{"rendered":"GODZILLA PINBALL REVEALED"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Stern Pinball today revealed their latest ‘cornerstone’ pinball title, Godzilla<\/em>. Cornerstone games are ones created in-house by the Stern design team, with three such games usually announced every year and each having three feature levels (Pro, Premium and Limited Edition).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/a>
The new Godzilla game from Stern Pinball<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The playfield design for Godzilla <\/em>is by Keith Elwin who previously designed Iron Maiden<\/em>, Jurassic Park<\/em> and The Avengers: Infinity Quest <\/em>for the company. Artwork is by Jeremy Packer (a.k.a. Zombie Yeti).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/a>
The playfield, cabinet and backbox art is by Zombie Yeti<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

In recent releases the Pro model has been been missing relatively little compared to the Premium, but with Godzilla there are several important mechanisms left out of the Pro. However, all models feature three flippers and the Magna-Grab magnetic newton ball device, and even the Pro has plenty of shots and features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s take a look at the Pro first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/a>
The left side of the Pro model<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a>
The front of the Pro model<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a>
The right side of the Pro model<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a>
The backbox translite art on the Pro model<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Part<\/a>
Part of the cabinet art on the Pro model<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Part<\/a>
Part of the cabinet art on the Pro model<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a>
The Pro model’s playfield<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a>
The Pro model’s playfield<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a>
The upper part of the playfield on the Pro<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a>
The cylindrical Magna-Grab on the Pro<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a>
The building is static on the Pro but moves on the Premium\/LE<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a>
The building on the Pro model<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a>
The damage meter in front of the building<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a>
The right ramp and spiral wireform<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a>
The feature ladder on the Pro<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a>
The Pro model’s playfield with the single pop bumper above the right outlane<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Next we’ll move on to the Premium model. As usual, this and the Limited Edition model share a playfield design and feature set, with the Limited Edition having more bling and extra-cost items such as a shaker motor, art blades and anti-reflective glass. All three version have their own translite, backbox and cabinet art packages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here’s the Premium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/a>
The left side of the Premium model<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a>
The front of the Premium model<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a>
The right side of the Premium model<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a>
The Premium model’s playfield<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

While the Mechagodzilla feature is a flat plastic on the Pro, the Premium and LE get a real model. But, there’s a lot more besides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/a>
The Mechagodzilla toy and mechanism with a ramp and spinner<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a>
The Mechagodzilla model includes a ball grab magnet and illuminated eyes<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"In<\/a>
In addition to a ramp, spinner and magnet, the device also rotates to reveal a bank of standup targets<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a>
The upper part of the Premium’s playfield<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a>
The central building shot<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a>
The moving building on the Premium and Limited Edition<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a>
The bridge on the left can fracture to divert the ball<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a>
The building can move up and down to reveal shots and release locked balls<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Balls<\/a>
Balls can be locked on top of the building<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a>
The building lowers to release the locked balls<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a>
The three locked balls are released<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a>
The right ramp on the Premium<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Limited Edition comes with silver powdercoated and clearcoated metalwork along with its own unique art package on the cabinet and backbox, including a different font for the game’s title.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/a>
The left side of the Limited Edition model<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a>
The front of the Limited Edition model<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a>
The right side of the Limited Edition model<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a>
The playfield in the Limited Edition<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Limited Edition bottom arch features game designer Keith Elwin’s signature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/a>
The playfield in the Limited Edition<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a>
The Mechagodzilla device in the Limited Edition<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a>
The left side art blade features more art from Zombie Yeti<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a>
The right-side art blade on the Limited Edition model<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

For the multimedia, the design team had access to the first ten Godzilla movies for visuals, sounds and the theme music. If the theme tune isn’t immediately recognisable, the game also includes Blue Oyster Cult’s Godzilla<\/em> song.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stern have followed Spooky Pinball by initially only making the Limited Edition model available to members of the paid Stern Insider All-Access membership scheme. It is ‘limited’ to 1,000 units.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stern have said they intend to reduce the number of times they change production of the three models in order to increase output. Production of the Pro models comes first, starting in around a week’s time with the aim of targeting public locations ahead of home buyers. Limited Edition models are next in line with production starting in the last week of September. Premiums will, as usual, be the last to be manufactured. These should go on the line in mid-October.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here’s the feature matrix showing what you get with each of the three versions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/a>
The feature matrix for Godzilla<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The prices of the three models have all increased since Stern’s previous cornerstone game. The Mandalorian<\/em> cost $6,199 for the Pro model, $7799 for the Premium and $9,199 for the Limited Edition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Godzilla’s prices are $6,899 for Pro (an increase of $700 or 11.3% ), $8,999 for the Premium (up $1,200 or 15.4%) and $10,499 for the Limited Edition (up $1,300 or 14.1%). The price rise can in part be explained by the higher cost of parts used in the games and the greater transport costs, while all new Stern titles will now include the QR code reader for their Insider Connected internet-linked system. The company also revealed they have had to increase wages due to staff shortages which has added nearly $100 to the price of a game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/a>
The Insider Connected system is pre-installed on Godzilla<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The addition of the Insider Connected QR code reader means there is no longer space for a pricing card, although the game pricing can be viewed on the LCD panel in the backbox.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/a>
The Insider Connected QR code reader<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The company have also revealed a wholesale price (i.e. price to distributors) of $200 for the Insider Connected kits which can be fitted to older Spike 2 titles. Expect to see these available soon for not much more than that price, with an initial six month price reduction to encourage uptake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There will also be some accessories available for Godzilla from the Stern Shop and from distributors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/a>
A custom shooter rod and decal for Godzilla<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a>
The art blades found on the LE can also be purchased for the Pro or Premium models<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Here’s how Stern Pinball announced their latest release:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CHICAGO, IL \u2013 September 14, 2021<\/strong> \u2013 Stern Pinball, Inc. and Toho International, Inc., the subsidiary of the Japanese entertainment studio Toho Co., Ltd, announce a new line of pinball machines based on the iconic Toho film franchise featuring the King of the Monsters, Godzilla! The Godzilla pinball machines are available in Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition (LE) models.

Godzilla is the longest running film franchise created by Toho, with thirty-two films produced since 1954. The popularity of the films have made Godzilla one of the most recognizable symbols in pop culture worldwide. In addition to numerous accolades and cinematic awards for film, music, and special effects, the Godzilla film series and licensed characters have generated over $1 billion in merchandise sales around the world.

In this monster-packed pinball adventure, players become Godzilla! The evil aliens, the Xiliens, use mind control rays to take control of the monsters King Ghidorah, Gigan, Megalon, Ebirah, and Titanosaurus. The Xiliens are demanding all of Earth\u2019s resources. Godzilla and its allies, Mothra, Rodan, and Anguirus, battle the Xilien invasion with the goal of conquering Mechagodzilla to become King of the Monsters!

Chaos and destruction ensue on the playfield with Godzilla multiball, started by shooting one of the various shots in and through the centrally located skyscraper. In the Premium and LE models, a motor actuates the skyscraper, diverting balls through each of its five stories as it collapses, ultimately locking three balls on its roof. The Premium\/LE playfield also features a collapsing bridge ramp. This animated breakaway ramp is guarded by a custom molded Godzilla and can divert pinballs back to the flipper or directly onto the playfield during Bridge Attack multiball.

On the Premium and LE models, Mechagodzilla features a motorized three-bank target set which rotates to reveal a spinner and jump ramp. Players will engage the Kaiju in battle by launching pinballs with the jump ramp and bashing the magnetic ball catch on its chest to start Mechagodzilla multiball.

All models of Godzilla pinball machines feature an innovative \u201cMagna Grab\u201d magnetic newton ball, capable of catching pinballs from five different shot paths, including off the plunge. This device can also divert pinballs to set up shots from the upper left flipper. The game also includes the iconic title song \u201cGodzilla\u201d by Blue Oyster Cult, stunning hand-drawn artwork by Zombie Yeti, intricate wireform ramps, three spinning targets (Heat Ray, Mechagodzilla, and Monster Rampage), three flippers, three \u201cpowerline\u201d themed stand-up targets and a UFO pop pumper. The game highlights video and audio from ten* Toho Showa Era Godzilla films to create a one-of-a-kind immersive Godzilla pinball experience.

Godzilla pinball machines also debut Stern\u2019s Insider Connected system, which includes a QR code reader on the bottom arch that enables players to interact with the game and this new network in a variety of ways. Stern Insider Connected provides new entertainment and player engagement features and an operator focused tool set to drive location play and remotely manage every aspect of the machines. Insider Connected goes live with the launch of Godzilla, with the full scope of features scheduled for roll out over the next year.

Only 1,000 LE machines will be available. The LE version includes an exclusive full color mirrored backglass inspired by Mechagodzilla, iconic custom cabinet artwork, custom high gloss metallic silver powder-coated pinball armor, a custom designer autographed bottom arch, exclusive inside art blades, upgraded audio system, anti-reflection pinball playfield glass, shaker motor, a sequentially numbered plaque, and a Certificate of Authenticity.

\u201cPartnering with Toho, we have brought the Godzilla universe to pinball\u201d said Gary Stern, Chairman and CEO of Stern Pinball, Inc. \u201cInsider Connected enables players, owners, and operators to interact with their machines like never before.\u201d

Pricing and Availability:
<\/strong>Manufacturer\u2019s Suggested Retail Price (\u201cMSRP\u201d)*:
*MSRP for sales to USA end-users, before any VAT, GST, Sales Tax, Duties, or other taxes.
Pro Model: $US 6,899
Premium Model: $US 8,999
Limited Edition Model: $US 10,499
Godzilla pinball machines and accessories are available now through authorized Stern Pinball distributors and dealers around the world.

About Stern Pinball, Inc.<\/strong>
Stern Pinball, Inc. is a global lifestyle brand based on the iconic and outrageously fun modern American game of pinball. Headquartered minutes from Chicago\u2019s O\u2019Hare International Airport in the heart of North America, the company creates, designs, engineers, manufactures, markets, and distributes a full line of technologically advanced terrestrial and digital pinball games, parts, accessories, and merchandise. Stern Pinball serves digital, consumer, commercial, and corporate markets around the globe.
Recent Stern Pinball titles include The Mandalorian, Led Zeppelin, Avengers: Infinity Quest, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Stranger Things, Elvira\u2019s House of Horrors, Jurassic Park, Black Knight: Sword of Rage, The Munsters, The Beatles, Deadpool, Iron Maiden, Guardians of the Galaxy, Star Wars, Aerosmith, Ghostbusters, KISS, Metallica, Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, Star Trek, AC\/DC, Batman, and Spider-Man. A broad range of players enjoy Stern Pinball\u2019s games from professional pinball players who compete in high-stakes 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 www.sternpinball.com.

About Toho<\/strong>
Toho Company, Limited, is a Japanese entertainment studio focused on the development, production, exhibition, and distribution of powerful live action and animated content including motion pictures, television and theater. Founded in 1932, Toho remains a prominent force in bringing brands and original storytelling with versatile talents to audiences worldwide. Its subsidiaries include Toho Cinemas, the highest grossing exhibition company in Japan, and Toho International, Inc., a U.S. established incorporated company that manages and commercializes Toho\u2019s intellectual property portfolio. To learn more about Toho, visit: www.toho.co.jp\/en\/.

Follow Godzilla!<\/strong>
Twitter: @TOHO_GODZILLA
Instagram: @godzilla_toho
YouTube: GodzillaToho<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
Stern Pinball’s press release for Godzilla<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We hope you’ve enjoyed this detailed look at Godzilla<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jack Danger will be streaming the Premium or Limited Edition gameplay on his Dead Flip Twitch channel<\/a> on 17th September at 6pm Chicago time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We end with the latest promo video showing some of the features above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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