Stranger Things (LE)

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"


Found 81 ratings (with comment) on this game

There are 81 ratings (that include a comment) on this game.
Currently showing results page 3 of 4.

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10.000/10
3 years ago
Just bought it and boy am I happy. Game is fantastic! I am really scratching my head on this one. I have or currently own most of the Williams classics from the 90s and games in the top 40. To say Addams Family is a better game than this is ludacris! I feel like we should have separate ratings for games from each era. It is like comparing an old Chev Iroc to a Tesla. Yes they are both cars but that is the only thing they have in common. To try and say one is better than the other is rediculous. They are completely different animals and can not be compared to each other. This game is waaaaay better than anything from the 90s but yet, quite a few oldies are above it in the rankings. This has a color L.C.D screen , bigtime high quality speakers, projector, ect ect ect. It even has basically a second playfield when the black light mode kicks in. This game is essentially A.F.M with modern day tech and toss in some steriods. So according to the pinside rankings it should be ranked around number 2. Monster Bash is a better game than this......Really .......Put an LE that is dialed in next to a Monster Bash. Let people play them both, give them the option to take one or the other home. 100perc will take S T LE home. Game is criminally underated. Pick one up and thank me later. Premium or LE is a must! Projector and T.C lock are FANTASTIC!!!! Just my humble 2 cents fellow pinheads!

NEW CODE MAKES THIS GAME THE G.O.A.T! 1.02 Game is the best ever!
8.639/10
3 years ago
This game creeps me out. The demagorgon is just weird. Don't like the theme at all. But this game is fun and playable. Love the projectors and the center ramp is just awesome. Love the 4 drop targets in the center. The ramps are smooth for me. Save for the theme, I could play this game for hours. Not sure why it gets all the hate, except for that theme just doesn't work. But if you like Stranger Things the TV show, this machine is for you.
7.460/10
3 years ago
Love the show. This pin is average at best. And the cheaper models i like even less
9.104/10
3 years ago
Fun, smooth shooting layout. Lots of code and things to do in the game. Great theme too. Make sure you try it with the latest code.

The main thing I would rag on is the telekinesis lock is a pretty badly designed mech
8.260/10
3 years ago
I played one with the uv-kit; it is very impressive. Fast game, nice theme integration and the sound is incredible good and generates this Stranger-things-atmosphere. Top notch!

What is a pitty that the physical ball lock does not work properly. So you have to disable it to be able to lock a ball.... doing so you are loosing one of the main toy/feature in the prem/LE version.
The beamer is a nice gimmick and well integrated. But in case the pinball is not powered the white areas are looking "strange".
9.560/10
3 years ago
Great flow. Keeps you coming back for more.
9.820/10
3 years ago
In my opinion one of the most undervalued Pins ever, this is really a master piece: Incredible implementation of the theme (activation of upside down with UV Kit is just spectacular), great sound effects, balanced rules and complexity. I just love it!

Playfield, Cabinet and Translite just look gorgeous!
8.048/10
3 years ago
The upside down and projector are what sells this game. It is very cool and brings the player into the theme. The game play is dissapointing and gets old for me. All shots and ramps seem to disappear somewhere behind the giant screen and bring me very little satisfaction. I am more concerned about firing at the entrances to light the insert. I'm sorry but for anyone walking up to this game and sees the Demegorgan come out with a hole in it and find out its impossible to make it in it is deflating and embarrasing. The telekaneses multiball magnet when it works is very cool!
10.000/10
3 years ago
Very under rated pin. This is a Brian Eddy masterpiece.
Once 1.0 hits, I think players. Will change their opinion.
9.160/10
3 years ago
Fast game, wants you play more and more.
the uv light kit and shaker motor makes another level to the game
9.493/10
3 years ago
This is the game I wish I could own right now. I was blown away with the projector and the UV playfield. Just amazing and fun game to play. Shots are really good and shooting for the demon in the middle is so much fun trying to get the ball in it's mouth. It sort of suffers from AFM and MM where in home use the middle toy may get old, but probably not. Would love to own one to knwo for sure. I just wish it had more shot variety or more uniquie shots. The project can be faint unless it's dark.
9.180/10
3 years ago
The theme is awesome, and I love the shots in this game. Extreemly satisfying to hit the demegorgan in the mouth.
9.780/10
3 years ago
I will definitely update my rating as the code progresses but so far at v .96 I have been impressed. The shots are smooth and the game is super fast. It can be a drain monster though if you are not very accurate with your shots, reminiscent of Game of Thrones and TWD for me. I'm excited to see where this game goes in the future as I have a feeling it can only get better as the code matures. Some players have complained about the Demogorgan shot being too difficult but so far mine has been quite easy to hit (knock on wood).
7.828/10
3 years ago
It is fun in spurts, but I don't see it as a long term keeper.

They do well on location, so if you are thinking if putting it out there, I would recommend it.
9.140/10
3 years ago
i had my reservations purchasing the LE after reading all the negative comments but i am so glad i went ahead and made it part of my collection
its very different to other machines and TBH it is a fantastic pin. The new innovations are refreshing and i have had no issues at all regarding QC..in fact it is one of the best feeling and solid sterns along with my beatles diamond.
the projector images along with the lighting and sound are immense and really drag you in..i keep coming back and its even made me curious about the series as I had previously no interest in watching...the upside mode and UV lighting are unique and everything just works. its a pin i want to play and one of the more involving machines i have played. with .92 code only, the future of this title is endless. I just want to keep hitting that demogorgon. Well done Stern.
9.380/10
3 years ago
This is my first LE and i have to say that I am not disappointed: the look is awesome with its decals, red black colors, the anodized purple paint and a better finished back glass than on the Pro according to me. Then, from the first play, it is obvious that it changes from the old flips that I had (Taxi, Police Force, Road show) like the new ones like an Elvira HOR which has more free area on the playfield . The game is fast, brutal if you play the central targets! The game therefore arises with reinforcement of deadflip, transfer and blocking or we play by feeling and the ball go in all directions :)

In summary on the “pros”
. The video projector really adds a visual aspect but also in the information during the games. Personally I don't have the time at stake to watch the DMD, but more the projections on the playfield (arrows of directions, time remaining on the mode in progress etc)
. The Atmosphere combines carefully chosen sounds and 80´s music, crazy light cinematics (especially with the UV kit) and brings a great immersion in the game.
. The shaker and the subwoofer are mandatory in my opinion. It really changes the experience of the game to physically live the monster grunts
. The shaker on the demonmorgon allows him to move like a damned (Like on the sparky from metallica) the more we put his mouth full the more we want to butt him: D
. This flip is technical, but it has a good flow and I think it is accessible to experts as well as to rookies (my kids of 8 and 15 years old manage to have good games). With a sufficient technical level we can play some crazy multiballs !
. The mods are very numerous, personally even on a pro with 600M in score I havent done all these modes.
. Overall it's a physical flip: I love it! you have to control the descending trajectories a lot, move the flip to avoid the outlanes, the forks start off full ball on the ramps ...

In summary on the "cons" :
. The quality and brightness of projection is correct but really lacks contrast on the central ramp and the side ramps (I ordered a black mat vinyl which will solve the problem,
- It is almost impossible to do backhand on the left ramp with the left flip, it is imperative to deactivate the magnetic lock of the flip in the menu (and it will always be much easier on a pro). Otherwise, the ball is insured. No worries however on the throws of the left flip.
. The flip is therefore significantly harder than on a pro and requires more technique (transfer, deadflip)
. The difficulty to shoot in the demon's mouth is really high, it's a big challenge! No worries however we can bash it and adjust in the menu the number of shots needed to kill him.
. It is often necessary to shake the flip in order to control the fallout and avoid the outlanes which are quite large
. No video mode yet but the code is only at version 0.9 with already tons of improvements (voice of the actors, SCi ring, kinematics of the light, projected images ... etc) and there are about one to two updates per month which is a good omen.
9.220/10
4 years ago
Some members on Pinside tend to crap on every game that isn't a theme of their liking or doesn't check the boxes for what they like. The constant complaining and arguing about everything doesn't make Pinside very entertaining often. Look at this game. Projection has never been used like this in a game. Something that is inventive and new and implemented very well into the game. The TK lock goes along with the theme and is sort of new idea, levitating ball in Kiss being another. I know that some have have issues but mine works like a Champ. The UV lighting for the "Upside Down" is the best lighting feature that I have ever seen in a game. Would have been great if Stern would have included it in the LE's but they didn't, so move on. All of shots don't have the normal paths around the machine that we are used to, again inventive and not cookie cutter. The Demogorgon is better than any other bash toy that Stern has offered. It isn't just a static Herman Munster, TWD Walker or Wolverine. It moves, has a target and a ramp. Lastly is the theme integration.I had never watched the show until I decided to get one of these. I watched all 3 seasons over two weeks and this game picks up on every detail. No matter how big or small a part it played in the show, it made it in there.

Members such as Chuckwurt laboring with pinsound to add in songs that mirror a part of the show in certain situations in the game have made the game even more enjoyable.
9.700/10
4 years ago
This might be my favorite "flow" game. (others would Star Trek, ACDC, Tron, IM, WH20) It's fast, brutal, and has great flow and combos. It's very immersive, with lots of atmosphere.

The theme needs to be fleshed out more. It needs more callouts/lines from characters. It needs to do more with the projector. This game has a really high ceiling in my opinion and if it reaches it's potential it could be a top 10 game.

The game has 4 ramps, 9 ball paths counting the Demogorgan shot, custom callouts, assets from the show, main music theme from the show, And a nice art package.

- Demogorgan toy, which is a way above average overall feature in my opinion, with the drops, ramp coming down, shooting it in his mouth, and movement. Mine has worked perfectly out of the box.

3 things we've never seen before:

- Projector. It's really cool and only going to get better.

- Unique magnetic ball lock. One of the best ball locks ever. I' haven't had one issue with mine.

- UV kit - it's awesome and perfect theme integration
8.152/10
4 years ago
Some Pinball machines just have that "IT Factor". A combination of elements that stimulate my senses. Stranger Things (LE) is one such Pinball. From the music and effects in the sound package, to artwork of the cabinet, Backbox and playfield. The controlled LED lighting scheme; laser light projection very nice touch.

That center Jump ramp aiming for the The Demigorgon is a total blast of a shot. Making the Hole-In-One is a great payoff triggering the Demigorgon to shake and shriek after you nail the shot down the demons throat."Bat-s.h.i.t" crazy I love it. Thanks a million... Brian Eddy... I really like the flow of the game’s shots. Sir you are officially back on the pinball scene ! Pinball is in a very good state.

The challenging rule-set is very deep with consideration to the early code. The modes are random, which always mixes up what will be played from game to game. There is variation within each game as there is strategy with stacking in the modes, demogorgon, demodog. The mode progression is an exciting build up to Telekinetic, Total Isolation multiball. Love the nods to AFM.

If you're in the coin-operated Amusement game business Stranger Things (LE) is going to be in excellent location pinball machine for some serious coin drop coin-drop.

Pinball is subjective . This game is fast, furious and fun. I really am enjoying what Brain Eddy has done so far with Stranger Things (LE) It is only going to get better.
7.640/10
4 years ago
BTW: what’s with the overly long reviews on this sight? Too much time on their hands? Delusions of importance? Too much coffee? If what has to be said about a pin can’t be summarized within a few paragraphs, I won’t bother to read it.

Anyway after getting several plays on this pin, I found myself liking it. The added gimmicks from the Pro version stand out nicely, particularly the projection mapping onto the screen concealing the Demigorgon as well as onto other playfield components. The Demigorgon itself has an added shaker motor and growls. However trying to get the ball down its throat is pretty much impossible (unlike the Pro version). I made what I thought were pretty accurate shots, but the ball wouldn’t shoot high enough to cram it down its throat. So if that’s deliberate, that may be a problem.

There is also a drain monster haunting this game a bit. But it isn’t a deal breaker. The multiball modes are fun. This feels like a well made game with good ball flow and some good shots (except for the Demigorgon) continuing Stern’s solid run.
6.806/10
4 years ago
I am a fan of the series.

THE CONS: Having played the PRO and LE editions it looks like they have moved the on screen information from the big screen to the smaller screen while the upper screen does....what? Maybe that is just a setting thing. The center toy shot is still hard. The machine needs tweaking so that the goofy angle bounce back shots don't drain. Seems a bit repetitive.
Not sure how soon I would get bored of faceless inter-dimensional monsters on the screens all the time.

THE PROS: Love the fact the toy vibrates and sounds like it squeals more when it gets hit (has anyone figured a way to change the settings to get an in the mouth shot?). The lights on the playing field look cool. Can't wait to see the Upside Down lights when they get installed. Loved the Demodogs.

Waiting to see where it goes and to see what this thread looks like a year from now :)

As usual, this is one subjective opinion and respect to everyone.
9.340/10
4 years ago
Was in on the LE from day one but certainly had concerns leading up to unboxing it.
But, I absolutely love this pin and it is so early on in code and projector mapping.
UV Lighting will take this pin to another level.
Blowing up the demogorgon or seeing the ball lock on the left ramp always feels satisfying.
Modes are already fun and they’ll only get better as code advances.
A winner. Glad all the hate was just hot air.
8.016/10
4 years ago
Stranger Things the first game to Brian Eddy has designed in over 20 years. The similarities to attack from Mars and medieval madness are apparent.

The Pros:
While I have never watch the show, playing this pinball makes me want to check it out. That’s a good sign for a theme. The layout, while initially showing itself to be a fan layout has a few more things going for than are immediately available to the eye. The in orbit to the right of the drop targets spins around quite quickly to the left or a bit with the spinner, Think of the spinner shot on monster bash. The artwork reeks of those great Drew Struzan movie poster of days gone by. The music and effects in the sound package and quite good. The UV lighting kit is HOT! Very well implemented. The sound design and music on this game is very well done. In fact, I think it’s one of Stern’s best sound packages ever. I haven’t watched the show, but listening to this game makes me want to check it out. The big innovation on this game is the projector in the reflective surfaces that it is placed upon. We saw a bit of this with the last Elvira game in the coding on the mansion that would reflect the different colors projected onto it in relation to the modes within the game. These features act more like the movie screens specifically driving but it’s also on the ramps and the spinner and in combination with the UV lighting kit this game pops out theatrically let you know the game before it. It looks fantastic big ups to the creative minds that conceived and executed this feature. While it may not hold up well under bright lights, in an arcade environment, this effect is absolutely incredible. I love it! And now... the rules, while still a work in progress are quite well laid out. Qualifying the lit yellow and orange modes from the left and right Orbits and ramps are quite well done and offer good scoring opportunities. Multi-ball from the left ramp doesn't offer big scores, but stacked with modes... Yas! Another nod to AFM, the linear inserts telling you how many shots are needed to get a mode started. It seems that there’s Three levels of wizard modes with in that layering of the six modes on each side. When you qualify all four main shots at the ramps and the orbits that’s two modes on either side of the playfield. Once you get all 4 shots and their modes lit, it starts again for a total of three times. This leads to three (mini) wizard modes within the game. The inserts at the bottom of the table give an indication of what attack from Mars brought to the rule set on this game with 5way combos and the like for game rule qualifications. The ramp that lowers to the playfield works as it should. I am very curious to see how this thing will hold up to long-term use and play.

The cons:
The rules are well done and I really like the flow of the game’s shots. However this game feels good when games like JP, Wonka, IM and BK SoR feel great. This game may grow on me with time, but you can’t fix a PF design. The kick out on the left since the ball in a direction that will quite often rebound into the left out lane. While this can probably be fixed or adjusted easily, I don’t like being punished for successfully making a shot on a game. And this is a physical part of the play field design. The stand of target on the far right is not available to be hit by the flippers. While it does bounce around in that area quite a bit, I’m surprised that the fan layout has an upward facing luck shot like this. This game has a plethora of inserts on the layout? How is this game being held together with structural integrity compromised to this extent? Last thing. You'd better make your shots to the right ramp. There is a good chance that it will go sdtm if it comes back atcha...

The takeaway:
This is a Fun game with a fantastic spooky horror theme. There’s a lot of things I like about this table and a few things that I don’t. While I am very happy to have Brian Eddy back in the pinball game, I find that this game in many ways feels a lot like what he designed along time ago for Williams. Who knows what he’ll come up with for his next design? While I don’t love it, I like this game. Nothing is perfect, Especially pinball. So let’s see where the code takes us and what the operators do to make sure this game plays the way it should. Something to look forward to.
8.952/10
4 years ago
Don’t let others fool you. This game is fast, furious and fun. The sound and art package is amazing, the early rules are enough to give you the “just one more game” bug. Can’t wait for the code updates. This was my first NIB LE and admittedly was nervous, but I am very happy with it.
8.456/10
4 years ago
Good fun that should remain fresh for some time. Artwork is substandard for a high end pin.
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