Stern announces "24" pinball machine UPDATED!

By robin

February 07, 2009

This story got featured & frontpaged on September 28, 2009

UPDATE: As user Swissorcapin kindly points out in the comments, "24" has just received a fantastic software update!

- Wizard Mode ("Master Agent")
- "Save the President" (comes after all 3 MB's where started)
- Escape
- Skill Shot (ok, a very simple one)

- Shaker motor code

Jack Bauer is back, but this time in Stern Pinball’s new 24 pinball machine. Designed by Steve Ritchie (Designer of some of the greatest games of all time like Black Knight, Terminator 2, Star Trek: TNG and last year's Spiderman) and Stern’s engineering team, Stern Pinball takes FOX’s hit television show and turns it into one fast-paced pinball machine that will excite both operators and homeowners.

The "24" pinball contains original speech by Mary Lynn Rajskub, who plays Chloe on the television show. The pinball also offers speech from the television show, as spoken by Jack (Kiefer Sutherland) and Chloe.

The "24" pinball machine playfield features: 1. a Suitcase that holds and releases pinballs for multi-ball play; 2. a Sniper House that opens to reveal a bullet-spraying terrorist; 3. an exploding Safe House that one can shoot the pinball into; 4. several single Sniper Drop Targets that can both obscure and free up playfield shots; 5. and lots of multi-ball action.

Pinball Hall of Fame artist Kevin O’Connor created the artwork, and Ken Hale did the sound.

Gary Stern says, “"24" is the hottest show on television right now, and our game lives up to its reputation. "24" is both challenging to the expert player and easy to understand by the casual player. We are very proud of this game.”

The "24" pinball machine will begin shipping in February 2009. To learn more about the "24" television show, visit http://www.fox.com/24. Other details can be found on Sterns website.

No photos are attached to this story.

I can't really get exciting about a suitcase that holds balls. The rest of the table sounds pretty good though. There's dropdown targets on the table too. which is nice.

I don't know who was out to lunch when Stern pulled the "CSI" and "24" license into production, but whoever it is should come back and pull the "green light" off projects like this. There is virtually no buzz about these new machines and, frankly, I don't know where ops plan on putting these machines that would attract players. For a company that banks on licensing, this is very disappointing.

Hear, hear pinball charlie. I want a Hellboy or Iron man. At least they'd have a vague sense of excitement about them. blooming suitcase! tsh!

I agree that 24 is not the worlds most exciting license. I'm no big fan of those license games (I'd rather have Medieval Madness, Attack From Mars types of games where the art/sound/game designers actually have something original and fun to design instead of having to stick to what Hollywood cooked up. But I was wondering, did you actually play the "24" game before drawing to such a harsh conclusion about it?

Not a fan of television series to begin with! You need...lets say a ''Hero!"You need a supporting cast of characters.You need, eye candy in the art work woven thru the backglass to every inch of the playfield. I can't see a father and his son waiting to uncrate this pin.Just image what you could do with the Watchmen.Oh Baby!!! P.S If i could purchase a new pin from Stern it would be definently be Indy by John Borg.

I agree that 24 and CSI are poor uses of licenses...As the Simpsons has been their best hit, how about a new (3rd) Simpsons machine based on the Treehouse of Horror episodes? Halloween based, using a multitude of green and purple lighting - maybe even a blacklight for night usage?

I played 24 tonight. Never seen the show. I loved it. You can combine multi-balls, and there is good pay off for playing well. Unlike CSI it challenges a more skilled player. Good build on points for scenes and snipers. I love the "Cactus Canyon" style drop targets in mid play. Really fun game. I would give it a shot. I had a good hour long game tonight. I give it a two thumbs up. Thanks Stern. Nice work...

This game sounds super with the Pinball Pro SW-4VHS

Thanks but the correct speaker upgrade is the SW-4VS and it will enhace most of the Stern Games. Get it a http://www.pinballpro.com

24 is a really poor pinball machine, at least with this software version. Wizard mode??? Useless stand-up targets???? The escape????

@miciotigre
The Software Update is online since sep 04, with:
- Wizard Mode ("Master Agent")
- "Save the President" (comes after all 3 MB's where started)
- Escape
- Skill Shot (ok, a very simple one)
All in all a very good update!

I forgot: AND a very cool Shaker Motor code added in the new Software Version!