Stern

Stranger Things (LE)

Pinside Rating

This game received 164 approved Pinsider ratings and currently rates 8.638 _/10

8.638

Top 100 ranking

This game ranks 1st in the game group "Stranger Things". The group itself ranks #19 in the Pinside Pinball Top 100.

Score breakdown

Score breakdown in the 4 main categories:

Game Design: 8.463

Artwork: 8.52

Sounds/Music: 8.694

Other Aspects: 8.757

Pinside staff rating

This is how we, the very knowledgeable (wink wink) Pinside.com staff & moderators rate this game. 1 of us has rated this game.

7.828

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This title is part of group: "Stranger Things"

Stranger Things
(Pro)

Stranger Things
(Premium)

Stranger Things
(LE)

Found 81 ratings (with comment) on this game

There are 81 ratings (that include a comment) on this game.
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8.960/10

9 days ago

ACE

Megalodon360

Pinside+ Frequent

<1y 38,150 4 2 15

I didn't expect to like this as much as I did. Not a huge fan of the show but I kept wanting to play more and more. The Demi gorgon shot is satisfying when you hit it but it certainly is challenging. Layout is good and the game was not super hard to figure out. I will certainly put more time on this machine next time I am on location. Even my daughter who is not a huge fan loved the game and wanted to play more!

4 Pinsiders starred this!

8.408/10

38 days ago

DRD

DrDrain

Pinside member

9y 42,900 57 159

This is a really enjoyable game.

In terms of layout this is one of the most flow based games Brian Eddy has made. The ramp shots are beautiful and shooting the ball into the Demogorgon is similarly good as the Hole-in-One shot on No Good Gofers. The backpanel that grabs the ball is a nice idea too. It is a shame though that it rather doesn't work than work. I often receive rejects from the left ramp or if I'm lucky the ball will just drop onto the ramp without being on the panel. The projections on the playfield are a good addition to this version, although I think it's more interesting to onlookers rather than to players.

The rules are pretty straight forward and playing the different modes is fun. The Upside Down mode has one of the best lighting effects of any modern pinball machine.

In terms of artwork there are many other new Sterns that look a lot better but it still beats the dreadful photoshop art on some machines in the late Whitestar / early SAM era.

All in all, this is a very good and smooth playing game. I am not that familiar with the theme but if I was this would probably be one of my favorite machines.

3 Pinsiders starred this!

5.956/10

45 days ago

???

cama66

Pinside apprentice

Unknown

7y 9,000 23

overrate pinball

7 Pinsiders flagged this.

9.940/10

4 months ago

JOE

Young-At-Hart

Pinside member

Tulsa, OK

3y 40,650 17 11 4 3

I really didn't give this pin much thought because I have never seen the show and not really into scary movies. A friend of mine had an LE that I played a few times and didn't give it much thought. This Halloween I played it again and fell in love with it!! So much, I bought his. I'm sure I overpaid for it, but it seems to be on a totally different level than any other pin I own. Definitely a keeper.

Later

Young-At-Hart edited previous rating on March 29, 2024.
Young-At-Hart currently owns this game.

7.176/10

5 months ago

???

alexander5815

Pinside member

Wien

3y 37,750 31 56

i like the tv series session 1+2 very much. but the pinball machine is not more than "average"

3 Pinsiders flagged this.

7.617/10

6 months ago

KDZ

kool1

Pinside member

Oakville, ON

2y 101K 3,434 5 54

Game is fun. The LE projector and ball locks are very cool but otherwise the pro plays pretty much the same. One of the best TV shows, theme is A+ to me,

I'm not sure I would own this game but I love to play it on location locally. I just feel like it's too much like AFM which I have played to death. Still love playing AFM on location also though!

kool1 edited previous rating on February 27, 2024.

4 Pinsiders flagged this.

7.285/10

8 months ago

FEN

Fenshiro

Pinside apprentice

4y 17,500 4 6

Some serious eye candy on this machine. This game offers some great toys and the best lighting feature in pinball with the upside-down mode. Shots are what you expect from a fan layout familiar but satisfying. The music and call-outs really help deliver the experience.

3 Pinsiders flagged this.

1.000/10

8 months ago

???

oldochris

Pinside apprentice

5y 26,250 51

So and so pinball , dislike the theme.

oldochris edited previous rating on January 22, 2024.

2 Pinsiders flagged this.

10.000/10

9 months ago

???

Nixpaints

Pinside member

Littleton, CO

6y 34,800 68 8 22

Whoa! Have it sitting next to my AFMle thinking it’s the same layout so I’d sell one of them. After 6 months I can’t let this one go (still can’t let AFM go either ). It’s like attack on steroids. By far the most immersive pin I’ve ever owned. Playing it literally sucks u into its world.

Other than the obvious mods (cleland sound, uv light kit) a couple of absolutes are an external sub and the black screens for the projector.

Playing on location gives this game no justice for immersion as well as the ability to properly dial it in.

5 Pinsiders flagged this. 4 Pinsiders starred this!

9.760/10

9 months ago

JSM

Georgiapinball

Balls Of Steel Pinball

Richmond Hill, GA

2y 58,550 102 10 26 1

Amazing game that is under rated. The projector and UV kit kit it just over the top!!

2 Pinsiders flagged this. 2 Pinsiders starred this!

9.604/10

10 months ago

WIL

wizard1974

Pinside member

Brighton

19y 42,650 59 5 8

Sterns best pinball in forever.

Owned two pros and one LE and they nailed it with this one.

Going to review the LE I hear a lot of comments saying you don't need the projector or the TK lock etc etc well you do cause it's awesome and in the dark it's amazing it's total world under the glass , the TK lock maybe I was lucky as it always worked for me .

This game is elevated by the new code by the clever people on here adding new music and clips .

For me this game is the perfect mix of Brian's three best tables in order

The shadow
MM
AFM

Stranger things takes all the best bits from them and mixes them all up perfectly.

Go buy one

wizard1974 has owned this game in the past.

3 Pinsiders flagged this.

8.432/10

1 year ago

ARF

WestCoastAussie

Pinside member

1y 34,550 136 13

When I first saw a ST cabinet in the wild, it really didn't impress me. It was a Pro and it was well lit where the game was placed. The playfield had me a bit "huh". Still, the wife was busy playing Mario Cart and it was the only pin in the place. So. Here we go. And, now I'm happy that circumstance made me try it. Then, I found a bar that has an LE, and I was eager to have me a game or 5.
I'm not a great pinball player. I do have a game at home, and 1 due at the end of the month I'm writing this. So, not a mug, but I watch and ask questions of better players when I see them. That kind of "level". So I totally get when people whinge about how brutal this game can be. I either get a bit of a flow and feel going, or I'm continuously saving the ball every time it comes near the flippers. There's nothing in between. This game really punishes you for missing 2 shots plus in a row, and a good smattering of the time for 1.
The under glass projection screen, being the panels predominantly in front of the demogorgon bash toy, is something I'm really happy Stern tried. True, it didn't quite come off as intended. But, I still enjoy what's seen there whilst playing. Even if it isn't as powerful a projection as we'd all like.
Speaking of the bash toy. Unless your invested in the theme totally, I can understand some of it's detractors. Yes. I do sometimes think it's too far forward, when I'm sucking. And yes. It's really big, really central and quite repetitive feeling.
I'd like one day to play at a level that would allow me to get right into ST. Right now, I like the idea of playing, so I do. Then if I can't hit my shots and it gets frustrating, I move onto another game.

WestCoastAussie edited previous rating on April 09, 2023.

9.220/10

1 year ago

NED

Nedi

Pinside member

Kangasala

19y 57,400 18 18 64

Projector makes the playing more fun for additional info. The modes and multiballs are very easy to understand (like in MM). I love this game as I love the serie.

Nedi has owned this game in the past.

3 Pinsiders flagged this.

9.900/10

1 year ago

???

Dee55

Pinside+ Addict

Dublin, GA

4y 44,550 3 26 12

Fantastic theme integration. The sounds draw you into the game. Great feeling shots.

Dee55 currently owns this game.

3 Pinsiders flagged this.

8.740/10

1 year ago

MNL

Legenbad

Pinside member

Unknown

1y 19,800 14 1 8

This is the game that will be the benchmark for how to nail lighting design. It’s a super fun game, especially with the demigorgon ramp shot. It’s a traditional Brian Eddy game where you get huge points for hitting up the middle. I like it more than his other heavy hitters to be honest.

2 Pinsiders starred this!

8.836/10

1 year ago

MCO

mbrave77

Pinside+ Frequent

Haddonfield, NJ

5y 96,650 2,417 11 18 2

Owned LE for about a year and really enjoyed it. I love the theme and the game shoots really well. TK lock is AWESOME…..when it works. I spent many hours trying to dial it in but never got it perfect. I got this and GnR the same weekend. GnR lasted a month. I couldnt stop playing ST. UV kit/topper/shooter rod all add to the game significantly. Loved the projector. The actual are on playfield is ok but not great. Overall a great game.

mbrave77 has owned this game in the past.

2 Pinsiders flagged this.

9.340/10

1 year ago

MJZ

mzhulk

Pinside+ Addict

Broadview Hts, OH

17y 74,050 621 23 6 1

I love the show and I love this pinball machine, super fun and super fast. The projector really adds to the game.

mzhulk has owned this game in the past.

7.614/10

1 year ago

CSF

JurassicPark

Pinside member

Springfield, VT

2y 27,300 33 3 46

Stranger Things is one of the greatest themed pins I have ever seen and this game would be a 10+ if it was theme alone. But unfortunately for that, mechanics and gameplay are more important elements of a good pin, and Stranger Things is lacking these qualities comparatively to other pins surrounding its current rank. Shots draining when they shouldn't, mediocre animations, and subpar replay value makes this game get tiresome quickly. If it wasn't for the theme this would have trouble making the top 100. I will try it again like I always do with games viewed so highly, but at this moment the only thing it has going for it is a great theme and a sweet projector gimmick. 7/10.

JurassicPark edited previous rating on February 03, 2023.

10.000/10

1 year ago

???

SCRAIGNE

Pinside apprentice

Paris

2y 6,500 19

I like it. Colors are beautiful shooting demorgedon is fun and music is relax !
Easy to understand the rules.

5 Pinsiders flagged this.

6.104/10

1 year ago

TIZ

Tizza

Pinside member

Melbourne

4y 23,000 15 4 10

After playing this game i sadly felt there is only 1 main shot to go for in the stage and i love the idea of it just think it takes up to much and you end up hitting the same thing over and over again and sadly at some point it just becomes a bit repetitive and boring. Theming is amazing

7 Pinsiders flagged this.

8.535/10

1 year ago

BYC

Sooperzero

Inactive member

Fremantle

2y 17,000 1 2 8

I haven't gotten to play this table as much as I'd like. It was at a local establishment, but it was moved... So that's disappointing! Do yourself a favour, and go out and play this game!

I found this game to be very fun! The theme was everywhere through the game. Very good integration with the demigorgan and the projectors. The middle of the playfield felt oddly empty, but I suppose it makes sense, to make room for the massive ramp into the demigorgan mouth! I would certainly like to own this game, if it becomes available.. but that's unlikely.. as everyone seems to hold on to them! No wonder.. it's a pleasure to play this table!

9.800/10

1 year ago

ROC

Rocket82

Pinside apprentice

Melbourne

3y 13,400 4 9

Finally found a Stranger Things LE to play and must say......it is awesome! Such a simple fan layout with arguably the "best" bash toy in all of pinball. The projector is one of the greatest gimics of the modern pinball world, suits the 80's theme with the drivings/cinema feel from the old days. Game play is simple to understand and keeps you glued to what you need to achieve to advance into the game. The telekinesis lock is far superior to any other game with magnets ( that I have played so far.) Last but not least.... the UV kit, what a spectacle!!! I honestly don't have anything bad to say about this machine other than the 2 orbits need to be aligned right to guide balls towards the flipper. Other than that, I don't understand the bad feedback this machine gets. It's a title I'll be considering to buy one day but seems hard to find at the moment. I would still settle for a premium tho.

9.465/10

1 year ago

KEV

NC_Pin

Pinside+ Addict

7y 90,550 1,486 16 32 1

***Update.... if you have this game, and haven't already, buy the Medisynl Mod set. It is just amazing. ***

The first dozen or so time I played Stranger Things I didn't care for it. The early code didn't do it any favors - and it just seemed like a cheap knockout off of AFM.

Fast forward a few years, and I got to play it in a dimly lit arcade. The code was updated and the UV kit was installed. I really couldn't hear the game too well, but It was a totally different experience. It was definitely fun, but I didn't really ever expect to want one.

Fast forward again... I picked up an LE in a trade. The game has the UV kit and the Cleland code... and wow... in a home environment this game really shines. It really is a deeper modern take on AFM. It has the same fast flow and risky shots. While AFM has far superior art (the LE cabinet is pretty terrible) and callouts, Stranger Things has the best "mood" of any game I have played. When you add the Cleland code the them integration is fantastic. Lots of intensity. Then you add a projector/ramp and bash toy.... and it really does make for a great game.

Things we like

- The UV kit is a must. I know it is a gimmick, but it is a great one.

- The projector adds a lot to the game. Also, try updating the screens to more of a high contrast backing.

- Fun, fast, and deep. Just like AFM the center shots can be deadly. Unlike AFM, the scoring seems to be more balanced - the side modes are important for scores.

It is not perfect.

- The TK ball lock isn't very reliable and is a flow kill when it is rejected. Ultimately, I just disabled the diverter. The lock is super cool, but not worth the hassle.

- Lots of ball traps and airballs galore. This is a game that really must be dialed in.

- The cabinet art is.. bad. The backglass is ok - but the playfield is excellent.

NC_Pin edited previous rating on January 17, 2023.
NC_Pin currently owns this game.

9.532/10

1 year ago

LEW

sleepygtr

Pinside+ Frequent

13y 67,550 337 8 31 1

So much fun. Theme integration is so well done. The spinner orbit shot and the TK lock are 2 of my favorite shots in all of pinball. Definitely has the “one more game factor” going for it and the projector images are so incredible and innovative. The premium and LE are amazing with projector but the pro is still pretty fun to shoot. This game grew on everyone for a reason!

sleepygtr edited previous rating on October 18, 2022.
sleepygtr currently owns this game.

10.000/10

1 year ago

???

Hansolo0071

Pinside member

4y 16,400 2 16

I might be biased here as I really dig the series, but the game ticks every box for me.

6 Pinsiders flagged this.

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