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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7.107/10

2 years ago

BW

KingBW

Pinside+ Frequent

8y 116K 3,143 102 1

Not too bad, but I never saw this show that the theme is based on, unfamiliar with the plots, terminology, and logic in progression. That hurts understanding theme integration into the code and rules as the game itself isn't intuitive with that. I would have to study the rules to "get to know" what is going on in the game. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but not knowing the show that the theme is based on makes me lose interest.

The ball gets stuck in some of the same places from machine to machine at locations which is another thing to contribute to losing interest. The UV lighting kit should have been included in the premium as it does add to the gimmick effect and is pretty cool. The projection on the spinners and center screens is interesting but wonder about the long-term durability of that feature.

2 Pinsiders flagged this.

7.940/10

2 years ago

FAV

bemmett

Pinside+ Addict

12y 127K 3,970 126 2

The LE has many mechanical flaws that prevent the game from feeling "good". The ball lock mechanism is flaky, getting consistent shots in the center demo hole on my game was next to impossible. Projector was a cool feature but needed to use better quality materials to make it pop. Overall a good game that has too many shortcomings to be considered great

2 Pinsiders flagged this.

8.829/10

2 years ago

???

blacklightprod

Pinside member

St Charles, MO

2y 35,400 108 30 35

This game is a hit and miss. The game lacks an amazing layout or toys however it sports many industry firsts such as video mapping I think this is the perfect game for the common player very easy shooting game

blacklightprod currently owns this game.

9.284/10

2 years ago

RAT

Rodent

Inactive member

3y 77,300 702 10

rated with OS 1.02 + Cleland code
includes UV kit

9.499/10

2 years ago

DEW

Damonator

Pinside+ Addict

10y 121K 3,150 35 8

The projector on the Prem/LE is one of the coolest features I've seen on a pin. Add in a classic Bryan Eddie layout, crazy ball lock, the incredible UV kit and over the top Cleland sound package...and it's a formula for super success. Thanks Stern!

6.918/10

2 years ago

BRI

BriannaWu

Pinside+ Frequent

Dedham, MA

2y 53,800 324 10 40

Is the Demigorgon the greatest gimmick in pinball history? Very arguably. If you haven't played this, there's a projector screen which lowers. There, behind it is a shaking giant monster. You have to shoot the ball up the ramp to land in the Demigorgon's mouth. It's a thrilling moment.

But, beyond that amazing moment, the rest of the game feels lacking. There aren't great missions. So much of the playfield is monopolized by the screen, that you're just chipping around the edges.

If you see it on location, be sure to play it. But, it's not one I would add to my home.

8 Pinsiders flagged this.

8.676/10

2 years ago

EGC

ECanup122

Pinside member

St. Augustine, FL

3y 31,050 18 3 11

I enjoy Stranger Things (Netflix Show), but it is not a top theme for me. With that being said, I want to purchase this pin after spending a couple of hours on it. The gameplay is fun and the music perfect! The blacklight MOD is a must!

ECanup122 has this game on the wishlist.

10.000/10

2 years ago

RIK

UCFKnight71

Pinside member

Debary, FL

2y 31,800 134 1 22

The more I play pinball, the more I realize how special this game is! Whenever I go to different locations, people are still actively playing this machine, even with new machines out like Godzilla. The game flows well, and I think shoots better than Attack From Mars, which it is often compared to. They have the LE version at my favorite location, and wow is this a beautiful game! The UV mod makes it look even better.

If the machine is set correctly, making the demogorgon shot is fair. The projector is such a cool element, that it draws in even non pinball people. I've played the pro as well, and it's still an amazing machine. This machine is a must have, and I can't wait to have the funds to add this to my one machine (Deadpool) collection!

6 Pinsiders flagged this.

9.320/10

2 years ago

MAT

Matt68061

Pinside+ Frequent

Omaha, NE

5y 62,050 552 4 17

I love this game…played one at a place in Colorado… ended up purchasing a Pro model because of the $$..

It is a gorgeous game but I am a sucker for purples and blues. The UV lighting is flat out awesome. As long as the game is dialed in, which can take some doing, it is supremely fun.

The biggest thing for my friends and family is it is so easy to explain and understand. There have been many comparisons to AFM and that totally makes sense. Very similar…game plays fast and brutal at times.

We really liked the TK lock and projector… but decided that 2 grand or so increase in price could go towards another pin. The actual gameplay is near identical barring the ability to “swipe” a ball from the Telekinesis lock. Again, super cool.

Matt68061 edited previous rating on August 19, 2023.

8.419/10

2 years ago

???

Dogballs

Inactive member

Rosemount, MN

12y 19,250 6 26

Very unique UV playfield. Easy to understand rules. I don't know about the theme if you have never watched the show. But it works well with the game play.

8.760/10

2 years ago

TEZ

allsportdvd

Pinside member

Brisbane

13y 101K 2,337 21 45

All my reviews are going to follow a simple formula for those reading.
Number of shots to make - Pro's - Con's - Must Have Mods - What To Look For When Buying

Number of shots - 8 - high

Pro's:
* Projector and UV kit really unique and add to the gameplay experience
* Hitting the ball into the Demogorgon’s mouth extremely satisfying
* Lots of modes with good rule set
* Burn it back shot fun and fast shot
* Bullsh!t mode pretty funny
* Think AFM on steroids

Cons:
* Very similar layout to both AFM and MM
* Left scoop shot and right shot to pops rather unsatisfying
* TK Ball lock is very hit & miss.
* Feeds from left and right ball guides need to be adjusted
* Gameplay overall can grate quickly if not dialed in properly

Must Have Mods: (Note I will not include things like LED's, Color DMD, Invisiglass or Speaker Upgrades unless it's really badly needed)
* Cleland sound mod an absolute must
* Dice shooter rod as the factory one lights up
* Titan glow rubber kit looks really cool as does perfect play purple, both react with UV kit
* Speaker Light kit
* Medisynal Mods platform set

What To Look For When Buying
* Check for the amount of playfield dimples
* Make sure the Telekinesis lock is working properly and ball feeds are satisfactory
* Check playfield hours put in from a projector point of view
* UV kit has been installed

allsportdvd edited previous rating on December 28, 2022.
allsportdvd has owned this game in the past.

9.700/10

2 years ago

JOB

jobowens

Pinside+ Frequent

Orlando, FL

4y 47,400 13 9 17 1

Really enjoy the unique UV playfield, dem shot, music from cleland adds and makes this one hard to not play another game. Rules are easy to pick up and enjoyable, love the speed of the game. Projector and Tele multiball are just cool and implemented well. Overall just a blast to play!

jobowens has owned this game in the past.

9.960/10

2 years ago

FAT

KingVidiot

Pinside+ Addict

2y 69,800 748 22

I think this might be my favorite pin of all time. If I could trade this table for anything else.... I wouldn't.

It's just a fun, easy to pick up, hard to put down kinda game. But plenty of games have this quality, so the Things that set it in a league of its own are its innovations.

- Projector. Why has nobody thought of this before or ripped this idea off yet? It's infinitely better to be able to see new modes and objectives displayed right there in front of you. Plus, it's a great implementation of an 80s staple, that being the drive-in theater.

- UV lighting. Again, how has nobody thought to do this before, and why aren't other tables ripping this off? The effect is honestly breath-taking, even in a medium-lit room, but in the dark, it's astonishing, and you always want the mode to last longer than it does.

- Demogorgon shot. This has to be one of THE most satisfying shots in all of pinball. Setting it up with projected drop targets and spelling progressively longer sentences? This is the kind of stuff Nintendo would do if they made a pinball machine - simple, easy to understand, difficult to master. I honestly can't think of a more exciting moment than sailing a ball, off a ramp, through the air, and into the mouth. Then getting 2 in a row on the more difficult modes? Forget about it. Pure bliss.

- Telekinesis Ball Lock. When this works, it's amazing. I had to dock a few points here for this one, because it's just not a good design for the effect they were going after. Idea? 10/10 Implementation? 6/10 Again, when it works, it's an absolutely amazing effect. Getting 3 balls suspended in the air? Come on, this is brilliant! But yeah, wish it was more reliable. I have a new ramp cover coming from Stern, so I hope that makes it a bit more reliable. Right now, I just play with the cover off, because even though the ball will go flying off the ramp, at least the ball lock is far more consistent.

EDIT - got the new ramp cover from Stern, and my god, it actually works consistently now! I didn’t think it would make this much of a difference, but if you have a stranger things premium or LE, HIT UP STERN AND GET THE UPDATED LEFT RAMP COVER. My tk ball lock works like a dream now. Score has been updated to reflect this.

- Sounds, music, theme, callouts, rules, layout, all of this stuff is 10/10 for me. Here come the flags, but I'm gonna say it. This is a better table than Attack From Mars. The way the drop targets chime in key with the theme is just so satisfying. Demodog and jackpots are appropriately intense and rewarding. All if the music is just perfect too. I love the end credits remix with the prions for show - it absolutely captures the vibe of the show.

- World Under Glass. If this is important to you, I honestly believe Stranger Things (LE/Premium + UV kit) is the most other-worldly pinball table in existence. Sure, Guns & Roses has a lot of flashing lights, but this table takes you somewhere else entirely. It's not the quantity of lighting, but how they are implemented. Between the UV lights and the projector, this game is absolutely the lighting champ as of this moment. It's not even remotely close IMHO. Maybe lighting is just more important to me, but if you've only played a Pro without the UV kit and projector, you've shot this game, but you haven't EXPERIENCED this game.

I currently own a Jurassic Park (Stern) and as much as I absolutely love that table, Stranger Things is just a better overall package. If I could only own one table, this would be it.

KingVidiot edited previous rating on August 21, 2021.

3 Pinsiders flagged this. 6 Pinsiders starred this!

8.640/10

2 years ago

MVM

DaddyManD

Pinside+ Frequent

Monroe Township, NJ

3y 98,050 1,442 13 25 1

Rating Premium with Cleland sound mod

DaddyManD edited previous rating on June 17, 2022.

10.000/10

2 years ago

SAN

VARESQUI

Pinside member

Santo André

5y 30,050 10 5 26

stranger things premium, follow the fantastic innovation of the projector and the uv kit! for me the best stern ever made to date! very good game with wonderful sound and effects. for those who watched the series there is no way not to like this machine!

3 Pinsiders flagged this.

10.000/10

2 years ago

K D

diamondfate9

Pinside member

Winter Haven, FL

5y 28,800 35 3 9

Such a great game for Brian's return!

diamondfate9 has owned this game in the past.

6 Pinsiders flagged this. 2 Pinsiders starred this!

9.660/10

3 years ago

???

cdcslot

Inactive member

Unknown

3y 4,250 1 7

sensational machine!

Great connection between the theme and the machine.
Revolutionary lighting and projector.

9.460/10

3 years ago

SJP

peely

Pinside+ Frequent

Melbourne

10y 51,050 106 6 18

This is a surprise.
I owned the PRO and couldn't get rid of it quick enough. The LE is a different game, the ball magnet lock once dialed in is a great feature. The projector works surprisingly well and the animations blend nicely with the theme. The shots are AFM, however the LE left orbit is easier on the LE and consequently more satisfying. Once dialed in the "VG" shot is easily achievable and satisfying...
This is a great game and compared to AIQLE is, really....superior, and I love KEs work.
The flow is fast and fun and a wizard mode that looks to be difficult to reach.
One of the best from Stern, and I've owned them all...

peely edited previous rating on March 07, 2021.
peely has owned this game in the past.

6 Pinsiders starred this!

10.000/10

3 years ago

CHR

Munsters

Pinside+ Frequent

4y 49,050 372 21

Very Addictive! Love it!

Munsters edited previous rating on June 23, 2022.

3 Pinsiders flagged this.

9.080/10

3 years ago

JD4

JD4444

Inactive member

3y 27,650 107 2 9

I was surprised by this game. Fun to play. I only had about 10 plays on it though. Unfortunately it is gone from the location now.

JD4444 edited previous rating on March 23, 2021.

8.184/10

3 years ago

???

foxwilly

Pinside apprentice

Unknown

3y 15,000 3 19

Update: this game needs to be dialed in. I played a nice dialed in one and wow changes the experience completely. Fun game with a lot of fun shots and rules are quite simple. I like the main toy and whole idea of shooting it.

The game is fun and the ramps feel really good when you hit them.

foxwilly edited previous rating on February 15, 2024.

5 Pinsiders flagged this. 3 Pinsiders starred this!

7.604/10

3 years ago

SYD

Onwallst

Pinside member

Denver, CO

8y 82,550 655 95

Don’t like this one all around. Lighting is bright spot.

2 Pinsiders flagged this.

9.640/10

3 years ago

DLG

Chief_G

Pinside+ Frequent

Midlothian, VA

4y 53,550 79 3 38

I used to own the pro, which was really cool, but then sold it to try out some new pins.

Played the LE about a year later and fell in love with this game all over again. LE was even better than I imagined. The ball capture magnet, the constant video, of course the UV kit, the call outs, awesome code updates, and now the incredible music from CLELAND. The artwork and PF are incredible too. This is one of my favorite games now, once again, I will not be selling the LE for quite a while. Everything about this game and theme is super cool and it is really fun to play every time. It has great shots and killing that shaking Demogorgan is so rewarding and exciting.

If ever you find yourself missing a pin after you sell it, it's a sign of a really good game if you ask me.

Again I watched a youtube pinball channel where this guy was just tearing this game a new one, huh?? Did he play it blindfolded? I had to stop watching that channel because our interpretations of super fun immersive pinball games are definitely not aligning. This game should be ranked higher. I like it as much as DP.

Don't listen to the nay sayers, go play the premium or LE and see for yourself. This game kick ass..

Loving my ST LE!!!!

Chief_G edited previous rating on February 19, 2021.
Chief_G has owned this game in the past.

7.994/10

3 years ago

ERW

chuckwurt

Pincinnati

10y 193K 31,360 16 13

I have had this game since day one. We are now at 1.01 code. I feel the game is complete enough to review it. I have around 2,000 plays on my game. BEFORE READING FURTHER: this review assumes you have the game 100% dialed in. this can take hours and hours to get right. So please consider that before buying:

Pros:

The innovation in this game is great. the Projector, TK magnet lock, and Demogorgon toy, and UV kit/art are all pinball firsts. They really tried something different with this game. Execution was not good, but you get this baby dialed in, and those features are all great. when I come across a pro after playing the LE so much, it just feels like the whole game is missing when you play. The added features are so fun.

The shots are smooth, but the right orbit dead end to the pops and the vuk shot to the left are not very satisfying to hit. Overall though, all shots feel good especially the burn it back loop and the left orbit that feeds the right ramp/flipper.

The sounds are fantastic on this game. GET AN EXTERNAL SUB!! that combined with the upgraded sound package of the LE are so so great.

The animations are fine. they do a good job overall syncing the show clips with the callouts (not perfect, but good), but the custom animations are not going to blow you away. The EB animation being like AFM was a nice touch.

The artwork is solid. Not photoshop crappy, and not the crazy details of Yeti, but it is solid and fits the theme well.

Code. This was a slow burn for sure. But the base code had good bones and was updated monthly for its first year of existence. It has come a long way. It is a straightforward ruleset that has lots of modes and tasks to complete, but not too difficult to reach the end. All the modes are varied, some of the rules of the Demogorgon modes are very very good and keep you coming back. The collect drawings side quest is great for all players and makes you want to complete and play all modes well. If you hate multipliers, this is the game for you. only the typical 2x playfield exists in this game and certain modes will double your shot value if you combo the shots. that is it. It is not an Elwin or a Keefer game code wise, but if you like Deadpool, Guardians, KISS, etc. this code is just as fun and easy to pick up. The FINAL SHOWDOWN wizard mode is very well done too. It also has it as a challenge to play from attract mode like other new sterns so that is fun too. The game is set up so that a big scoring opportunity is always around the corner (DEMO modes, Total Isolations, big bonus collects and the mini wizard modes for completing the season modes).

CONS:

THIS GAME IS A BITCH TO SET UP AND GET PLAYING RIGHT!!!!! haha. you have been warned. this game will forever be plagued by how hard it is to dial it in. I might have the only LE on earth that works right. haha.

The chapter modes from seasons 1 and 2 are pretty basic and could have been coded better. yeah there are 12 of them, but only like 3-4 of them have really enjoyable rules. The rest are just clear the shots and be done with it.

The total isolation modes work like TA modes in AFM. Clear the shots, get a super and restart. they are both different than each other, but I wish they had multiple varied stages to add to their appeal. The scoring in those modes does make up for this somewhat. Very satisfying to score big in those.

The mini wizard modes are a tad too easy to complete and basically have capped scoring to them. I would have liked to see more to these modes as well to add to the risk and reward and allow for more parity in the scoring.

Final Verdict: if you are okay with dialing this game in, or find one that is already dialed, hell yeah. dive in. it should be cheaper than most other recent LEs, and is a sleeper due to the bad reviews it has received. To see a dialed game in action, see the video below. Enjoy!

https://youtu.be/MQ2hQuIMzrw

chuckwurt edited previous rating on January 21, 2021.
chuckwurt has owned this game in the past.

5 Pinsiders starred this!

7.596/10

3 years ago

PSG

PeterG

Pinside member

8y 88,300 2,144 65

This game could have een so much more.....The call outs, the toys, the theme deserved more. But it is what it is. I love the show, do no care to own this one.....Play it when you see it in the wild, ok to get some stuff going but truly something different...no.

2 Pinsiders flagged this.

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