Stranger Things (Premium)

Stern

Stranger Things (Premium)

Pinside Rating

This game received 234 approved Pinsider ratings and currently rates 8.414 /10

8.414

Top 100 ranking

This game ranks 2nd 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: 8.275

Artwork: 8.277

Sounds/Music: 8.275

Other Aspects: 8.562


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.

8.196

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This title is part of group: "Stranger Things"


Found 105 ratings (with comment) on this game

There are 105 ratings (that include a comment) on this game.
Currently showing results page 4 of 5.

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9.248/10
3 years ago
Great game!
Love the upside down mode.
The Cleland code is fantastic!
Bummer you have to buy the uv kit even when you have the premium.
8.571/10
3 years ago
So far I am having to do too much work to "fine tune" a $8k NIB prem. Hopefully it clears up and I can adjust my ratings.
-glass and sub rattles.
-right flipper was loose and became disoriented.
-lots of mods currently available. 2021.
Also the sound package must be upgraded to a pinside users mix for the best experience.

Not very user friendly to know what is happening or what shots to go for, I am new to pinballs with video. But the Chaos is still fun
9.700/10
3 years ago
Was extremely surprised at how much fun this game was. Never watched the show but still really liked this game. The projections are cool but the white screens look silly when the game is off. The telekinesis lock only works if you hit that ramp fast and clean.
8.860/10
3 years ago
Zero disappointment. The projectors make this sooooo cool. What a great shooter. The monster is wonderful (if not extremely dangerous) to shoot at and score.

The uv lighting, the art. The game is wicked fast, but controllable. Shots are hard but not impossible. The real decision comes to whether you wanna bash the middle tagerts for the demogorgon and risk the middle drains. So much fun

I will say, the magnetic ball lock really screws this game up bad if it's not working correctly. It sends it sdtm of it doesn't lock the ball. And that sucks. Big time. Not a lot of info for a good fix either.

But man.... This machine made me decide to watch the series and now I love the machine even more. The new code is great with the drawings. All the videos and clips and call outs are great.
7.376/10
3 years ago
Don’t like this one at all. Lighting is bright spot. Needs much improvement in code.
5.140/10
3 years ago
Loved the show and had high expectations regarding the machine. It succeeded in underwhelming me. Such a great concept so poorly translated. I real pinball shame.
9.260/10
3 years ago
As many of the recent ratings indicate, this one suffered from early code issues, and it cost the machine. I purchased this one after much debate, and have no regrets. I had parted with my AFM, and this machine filled that void. Obvious similarities, but there is something about the way this machine looks and feels that just appeals to me. The ball lock was a fantastic gimmick, and I also added the UV kit to my Premium, which enhanced the gameplay significantly. I agree with other posters that the Premium or LE is definitely the way to go, as I feel the projector adds a ton to the ambiance of this game. This machine, EHOH, and Xmen seem to be my "one more game" machines at the moment. I don't tire of hitting that start button over and over!
8.088/10
3 years ago
Fun game with some staying power. Enjoyed it very much!
8.612/10
3 years ago
When deciding to buy this game, I would say go Premium or LE. Some of the best features are on these models. If you are a fan of the show you will enjoy the game. Oh and be sure to pick up the UV Kit!!
9.816/10
3 years ago
I love the AFM and this game is for me the new AFM , thanks Brian Eddy !!!
7.671/10
3 years ago
Really disappointed with this pin. It’s like they tried to make a re-make of Attack from Mars, but fell way short. The use of video on the playfield is really inventive, but doesn’t look great in person.

Fan layout is pretty boring, and shots at the demo get old fast.
8.392/10
3 years ago
I really wanted to love this game more. Some of the ground breaking technology with the projectors is truly impressive. I've only played it on location, and probably have 30 games total. Love the theme and the core modes (as I haven't made it to many of the wizard modes.) Bottom line: I don't like the shots. Very plain to me, without much satisfaction to making them (outside of making it in the mouth in a blue moon.)

Still, such a visually impressive machine. If money was no object, I'd have to have it... Call outs are fun. Love the retro graphics as well. I found the visuals more compelling than many new sterns.
9.360/10
3 years ago
Here are my disclaimers: Bought the gaming loving the theme, knowing full well some of the criticisms for this title (which, until now, have deterred me from buying sooner). Played (out of the box) code version 1.00.00 with the UV kit installed by me. Bought the game NIB, never having played it, promising (to myself) to give an honest review.

As I was playing this (and seeing it in person for the first time after watching hours of YouTube play), the legendary (from my RPG days) "operators giving away" Cirqus Voltaire in the '90's as a "bombed title" came to mind. I think this is one of those games who will come into their own long after Stern stops running them... And too bad for those that didn't grab it when it was available.

First, I will get out my apprehensions from all the reviews I have read. The projector is freaking awesome. Worried like hell it was going to be some dim piece of s#!t I was going to be bummed about... Not at all. It adds so much to the gameplay, and unlike some of the videos online, I found it to be perfectly bright, and rely on it more than the games main display. If the hate on the projector is deterring you on this title... Totally don't worry about it. It rocks. Second--I was worried about the code. It is both awesome (and a little risky--at least to me) that Stern can release games with half finished code knowing they can update them easily. I wonder to myself--what if Stern abandons the code, and I am stuck with a half finished turd? As my disclaimer stated--I have never played an earlier code... BUT if Stern abandoned this game, and left it 1.00.00 would I be happy??? Totally. The game is great, and (I think) deep as hell with what they have to offer. I hope they continue revising, but man... It is great where they have it and seriously addictive. Finally--on the disclaimers--should Stern have included the UV kit out of the box??? Totally, but I am rating a game with one, not one without. Is the UV kit worth it??? HELL YES. ADDS SOMETHING TOTALLY NEW TO THE GAME THAT NO OTHER PIN HAS... Finally, (for me) I suffered no out of the box issues some other owners have reported (can make demogorgen shots out of the box--and telekenisis lock is a bitch, but it can be made).

CONS: There ARE still some glitchy things about this game... Namely, in my first 30 hours of play, the game locked up once... Not cool, but hopefully will be something that is addressed in a future code fix. Didn't pay attention to what caused it, but it did happen. Has also happened with other titles I have owned, but take it for what you will. Second, not really a con, but the game must be leveled correctly if you want to avoid ball search city. This is really my bad, and not Sterns, but again, take it for what you will. This is a "serious" game... Contra, TMNT or Deadpool which are more "lighthearted." Some people have mentioned this is "a great 80's theme even if you don't know the show..." Don't see that, but might be a good horror pin if you don't know the show. You come this game to play... Feels more TZ, CV, LOTR, RBION, in that it is "serious" when you come up to it... Finally, the show has a rich '80's soundtrack, which the game basically doesn't use at all. Would have been nice to mix some of the shows more light-hearted elements in, as I don't think the show is as totally dark as the pin (mood, not lighting).

Pros: Shots are awesome... Some people have mentioned AFM on steroids... AFM to me is more lighthearted, but the shots feel similar, and it definitely has more "modern" elements built in. If you like how AFM shoots... You will LOVE how this shoots... Lighting (with the UV and projector) is INCREDIBLE... Smokes every other pin I have played, and coupled with game play, makes this amazing. The videos on this really do not do it justice... You have to play this in person before you rate it. I also think the game has an incredible amount of assets, which are all integrated very well. This is my "one more game pin..." We will see how it holds up over time, but this game TOTALLY is underrated, and over-hated... My prediction is this will be the modern-Stern version of Cirqus Voltaire... Dissed at release, and loved in the long run. All in all, an awesome title, which I am so glad I pulled the trigger on... Also--that Demogorgon shot is MOST satisfying!!!
8.800/10
3 years ago
Holy cow is this game underrated. First off-- has things no other pinball machine has ever had--projector and UV lighting. Both have exceeded my expectations greatly. There is no other machine like it out there. It plays fast and faster. Many modes and most of them are really good. 2 minis and a final showdown. The TK ball lock is nice too---IF you can get it dialed in correctly. The demogorgon shot is cool also. Many people adjust this to make it too easy imo. I want it to be a difficult shot as the game can be tough overall. It's more satisfying when you hit it that way. Play better. Good looking machine all modded out too. A few cons---the TK ball lock can be really hard to get dialed in. Most of the time can be accomplished but it will take you much trial and error. The demodog modes are a little lacking--not very compelling. Many feel they need to dial in the Demogorgon also. Some QC issues that can be resolved--no playfield issues on this one. Not perfect but give Stern credit for trying new technology and pushing the envelope. It's always tough being the first to try something. Code is complete---give it a try!
9.520/10
3 years ago
This game is absolutely amazing! The projector is as cool as others have said. It really provides an immersive game play experience. The UV upside down mode is mind blowing. I just wish it would last longer. The magnet that holds the ball capture is such a cool idea and fits the theme of the game really well. I also really enjoy the ramp shots. There are plenty of ramp shots and I have been missing a good drop target layout and this has a great wall of targets. I love the show and they really hit a home run with the theme. My only complaint is there are so many sound effects you miss out on what music might be played. The back glass could be better, but doesn't effect overall play.
6.967/10
3 years ago
This rating was before the big code update.
8.140/10
3 years ago
Projector is an awesome toy and magnet is great when it works. Callouts are so so but it does have some good tracks. Game isn’t incredible, but it shoots well and looks nice.
5.785/10
3 years ago
It's not for me.
9.616/10
3 years ago
I've had this one for about a month now. Amazing game. I'm glad I was not in the market for one when it first came out as all the negative talk may have persuaded me not to purchase it...

The game is super fun. Great shots, even better toys. The left orbit to right ramp/flipper shot is one of the most satisfying shots I've seen recently.

The toys on the Premium are insane. The playfield projector is a game changer and the Demogorgon bash toy is really well done. The UV kit is a must have.

Theme integration is insanely well done.

I can't say enough good things about this pin. One of the most fun pinball experiences I've ever had. It'll be in my collection for quite some time.
8.764/10
3 years ago
Very cool game! Ignore the critics from the initial release. The code is getting better and better (currently playing .97). Fan layout but who cares? it shoots fast and furious - which I love. Lots of call outs, samples from the series and animations. The upside down mode with the UV kit is something you need to experience to appreciate it. Projector is super cool! This game feels futuristic! I upgraded the speakers, added an external sub and shaker and I’m telling you, it’s complete immersion.
9.120/10
3 years ago
I traded my beloved Metallica Pro for this table and while not ever having watched the show, this pin has me wanting to. I don't think that the ratings that the table has gotten while just being released, the reviewers should come back and review it once again on one that has the most recent code. I really thing that it hasn't gotten a fair shake because it's more of a game than just something to play casually on.

The gameplay has a lot of shots to make from the season 1 (left side) and season 2 (right side) as well as many different modes to start, shots to hit during those modes, and points to earn by doing so. There's tons of video from the show, tons of callouts, and it's easy to follow while in different modes.

I added the UV light kit and I know that many feel that it was something that the table should've included but it wasn't to terrible in price and pretty easy to install and it looks AMAZING. I'm adding the SPIKE shaker so that the table will become a bit more interactive with the Demogorgon.

I'm looking to set the table up to be a little more forgiving because the ball easily drains down the left and right lanes and I find it tougher to get the ball up the left ramp for the Telekinesis multiball so I need to look into that as well.

As far as gameplay, it's an excellent choice and just like I said, make sure you're playing on one with the most recent sode. The sound is great especially when it's turned up. The playfield light shows are superb and the UV kit is like nothing you've seen in a pin.

The projector feature on the Prem/LE is something that you need to see to appreciate. It shows you the shots that you have to make during whichever modes that you're on and the projector screen during the game is something that you would never expect to fall in love with.

The backglass is plain and there aren't any alternatives to improve it.

The cabinet is dark and has some pretty nice artwork.

There's a lot to do in this game if you're good at ball control and hitting the shots that you need to hit.

If you've reviewed this table when it in its first months, do us all a favor and go back to the table, play it, a lot, and come back and edit your review.
9.014/10
3 years ago
Kids and Wife play-tested all available new Sterns; choosing one to buy. I was dead set on Jurassic Park, but was outvoted for the family pin new purchase. I am so happy with this. As much as I enjoyed JP, this pin had more life and challenge about it. Our 11 year couldn’t be more satisfied after hitting the Demogorgan. I am addicted to its modes and speed.
8.408/10
3 years ago
The projection screen and the blacklight for the upside down are pretty cool features. Fun game but expect to get boring over time. Not a lot of challenging shots.
10.000/10
3 years ago
I’ve gotta say I don’t know what all the negativity is about this pin. If your not a fan of the Stranger Things series I could possibly see not loving this title but as an avid fan of the series I think it’s spot on. No issues with Demagorg shot whatsoever. Can hit it consistently from both flippers. I don’t think I’ve seen anything from a pin as cool as the UV upside mode. Really incredible. I can see where people would be bent it’s not standard on every model. Really spectacular especially playing in the dark. No issues with call outs at all. Hopper is spot on just like he is in the show. The TK multi ball took a little tweaking to tune it in but once it’s dialed it’s pretty consistent. Code keeps getting better and better. Really fun to complete missions and very rewarding feeling when you accomplish them. In attract mode it would be nice to see more animations on the ramps but it’s not a deal breaker for me. Hoping Stern incorporates season 3 at some point with upcoming code releases. All in all I think it’s a fantastic pin that keeps me coming back for more. It will be in my collection for a long time.
10.000/10
3 years ago
This pin is just fantastic. It gives everyone that comes to my gameroom that "just one more game" feeling.
Great layout (tried and true Eddy). Lighting, animations, audio are ALL 10/10. Fantastic features that are new and unique. Projector is awesome!! TK ball lock is unique.
The ONLY negative is that it needs adjustments right out of the box. Especially the TK lock.
It's a keeper! 10!
There are 105 ratings (that include a comment) on this game. Currently showing results page 4 of 5.

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