Stern
Stranger Things (Pro) Pinside Rating
This game received 386 approved Pinsider ratings and currently rates 7.974 /10
Stranger Things (Pro)
Top 100 ranking
This game ranks 3rd 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: 7.822
Artwork: 7.837
Sounds/Music: 7.86
Other Aspects: 8.109
Pinside staff rating
This is how we, the very knowledgeable (wink wink) Pinside.com staff & moderators rate this game. 4 of us have rated this game.
This title is part of group: "Stranger Things"
Found 173 ratings (with comment) on this game
There are 173 ratings (that include a comment) on this game.
Currently showing results page 4 of 7.
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Santa Rosa, CA
8.960/10
2 years ago
Stranger Things is a tragically underrated pin that plays smooth but lacks any major bells and whistles.
Like many fan layouts, Stranger Things shoots well and plays as expected for the most part. Unlike a more traditional fan layout, there are a couple of shots that, initially, send the ball in an unexpected direction like the left orbit which loops back around and down the right ramp to the right flipper. Additionally, the right orbit leads up to the bumpers. Instead there is an inner "burn it back" that is a more traditional orbit but faster! There's only 1 shot that is a bit on the clunky side and that's the left ball trap/kicker. But it doesn't really detract from the overall layout.
Ramps are your standard plastic fair here which is somewhat disappointing. But they shoot smoothly and are perfectly placed offering just enough challenge to keep you coming back!
The art package is pretty standard "screen grab" stuff but the colors are appropriately moody with dark purples, reds, and blues.
Music and sounds are taken right from the show. If you liked it there then you'll like it here :).
Rules are easy to understand and harken back to games like Medieval Madness and Attack from Mars. Hitting any ramp 3 times begins a standard mode. Hitting the center drop down targets enough times and the shot behind it will unleash the Demogorgon bash toy. It's all familiar and it all feels good and works here better than it ever has! However, for those expecting more from their pins, this may not be quite as enjoyable or as challenging.
Aside from the afore mentioned Demogorgon there isn't much in the way of toys. The UV kit is a MUST have and adds an immeasurable degree of immersion to the game! I cannot emphasize just how much this one mod will change the way this game feels. If you own Stranger Things it is mandatory in my opinion.
Overall, I REALLY like Stranger Things! Is it ground breaking? No. Does it do anything new? Not really. But if you like a traditional, fun and easy shooting pin then this will fit that bill.
Like many fan layouts, Stranger Things shoots well and plays as expected for the most part. Unlike a more traditional fan layout, there are a couple of shots that, initially, send the ball in an unexpected direction like the left orbit which loops back around and down the right ramp to the right flipper. Additionally, the right orbit leads up to the bumpers. Instead there is an inner "burn it back" that is a more traditional orbit but faster! There's only 1 shot that is a bit on the clunky side and that's the left ball trap/kicker. But it doesn't really detract from the overall layout.
Ramps are your standard plastic fair here which is somewhat disappointing. But they shoot smoothly and are perfectly placed offering just enough challenge to keep you coming back!
The art package is pretty standard "screen grab" stuff but the colors are appropriately moody with dark purples, reds, and blues.
Music and sounds are taken right from the show. If you liked it there then you'll like it here :).
Rules are easy to understand and harken back to games like Medieval Madness and Attack from Mars. Hitting any ramp 3 times begins a standard mode. Hitting the center drop down targets enough times and the shot behind it will unleash the Demogorgon bash toy. It's all familiar and it all feels good and works here better than it ever has! However, for those expecting more from their pins, this may not be quite as enjoyable or as challenging.
Aside from the afore mentioned Demogorgon there isn't much in the way of toys. The UV kit is a MUST have and adds an immeasurable degree of immersion to the game! I cannot emphasize just how much this one mod will change the way this game feels. If you own Stranger Things it is mandatory in my opinion.
Overall, I REALLY like Stranger Things! Is it ground breaking? No. Does it do anything new? Not really. But if you like a traditional, fun and easy shooting pin then this will fit that bill.
8.892/10
2 years ago
i had the opportunity to play this game at southern Fried Gaming Expo and just "wow". There was a line and you could only play one game at a time as this was the top end version with the hologram. Tons of fun and got in line three times to play it. Granted i wasnt very good at it but had a blast playing it and would love to have one in my collection.
Hamilton, ON
7.293/10
2 years ago
The Demogorgon toy is fun and well designed. Rules seem simple. Can be brutal at times
8.359/10
2 years ago
London
We played Stranger Things Pro at a local pinball arcade and I REALLY liked this game.
Unfortunately, I only really liked this game because it reminded me strongly of Medieval Madness/Attack from Mars, which are two of my favourite pinball machines.
Stranger Things has a great bash toy/centre shot in the form of the Demogorgon. Personally, I think the Demogorgon would be better if it wasn’t behind an ugly plastic display (it’s a projector in the Premium version), but it’s okay. The Demogorgon itself is fun and exciting to shoot.
The side ramps are also smooth and entertaining, and I got a lot of modes going during my play - mostly, again, because it played really similar to two earlier Brian Eddy games and I evidently had muscle memory.
Stranger Things is noticeably uglier than either AFM or Medieval Madness. The playfield is covered in mediocre movie screenshot-type stuff. The LCD screen is pretty thematic, however. The theme is also, unlike Medieval Madness, not remotely child friendly and is somewhat scary, which means - sadly - however much we liked this game, it’s not something we could buy for our own home.
Thoroughly recommended for the gameplay and it’s 100% made us consider checking out Stranger Things on Netflix.
Unfortunately, I only really liked this game because it reminded me strongly of Medieval Madness/Attack from Mars, which are two of my favourite pinball machines.
Stranger Things has a great bash toy/centre shot in the form of the Demogorgon. Personally, I think the Demogorgon would be better if it wasn’t behind an ugly plastic display (it’s a projector in the Premium version), but it’s okay. The Demogorgon itself is fun and exciting to shoot.
The side ramps are also smooth and entertaining, and I got a lot of modes going during my play - mostly, again, because it played really similar to two earlier Brian Eddy games and I evidently had muscle memory.
Stranger Things is noticeably uglier than either AFM or Medieval Madness. The playfield is covered in mediocre movie screenshot-type stuff. The LCD screen is pretty thematic, however. The theme is also, unlike Medieval Madness, not remotely child friendly and is somewhat scary, which means - sadly - however much we liked this game, it’s not something we could buy for our own home.
Thoroughly recommended for the gameplay and it’s 100% made us consider checking out Stranger Things on Netflix.
7.904/10
2 years ago
very visually appealing nice graphics and colors. game is fun as well. best part of course trying to shoot the demagorgan in the mouth. I only played the pro not one id run out to buy but id play it again and would be extremely interested to play the premium eventually. this one had a lot of good stuff and i think it could only be better.
8.171/10
2 years ago
Fun pin, somewhat limited shots due to the entire center filled by drop target bank. Theme integration is good, center dropdown ramp is unique. The demigorgon toy is very finicky shot to make because the rubber is very bouncy and the hole is a tight fit. UV playfield mode lighting is unique and very cool if installed. The Pro does suffer a bit without the projector and magnet ball lock.
8.688/10
2 years ago
I’ve been playing this machine almost daily for months. It’s such a pleasure to play. I live for the multiballs on this machine. I rack up the points and let all the other points rack up the bonuses. The design, artwork, and sound quality are fantastic. I love the smooth, quick play and open playfield. When I first played this machine at a local arcade, I played the Premium version and was skeptical of playing a “new” machine. I always enjoyed the early ‘90s pins I grew up on. After about 5 games, I really got into it and appreciated the feel of the play. After a few more games, I was absolutely hooked, and decided that if I were ever to invest in a home arcade, Stranger Things would be the only “new” pin I would consider. The rest is history. After reading the reviews, I decided to do with the Pro over the Premium. My only 2 complaints about this pin are that with the Pro version, the Demogorgon doesn’t have a damage meter and it is very difficult to get the ball in its mouth. I usually avoid even trying, as it is not even worth it because the point value is next to nothing. Also, the balls frequently hit the glass when launching up the ramp. Everything else is fantastic!
Neauphle-le-vieux
8.004/10
2 years ago
Played about 10 games after watching a youtube intro and was able to get right into game and earn some decent points and get to upside down world which is really cool. The lighting is really cool in this game and memorizing at times. Demogorgon battle is fun and hard but not impossible to hit in mouth. The ball launch is unusual but was able to hit the skill shot a few times in later games. Will definitely play again and look for one to buy.
8.840/10
2 years ago
I own both the Pro and Premium of this game, this review is for the Pro. I am a huge Stranger Things fan. The Pro is essentially the same game as the Premium minus the magnetic lock. The projector on the Premium doesn't change the game itself. So from a Pro vs Premium standpoint here you basically get the exact same game. I think the Pro is a good pinball machine especially if you like Attack from Mars and Stranger Things. For some reason I still think I prefer AFM. I've thought about it a lot and I think the reason is the humor and enjoyment factor. STh focused on the serious/scary parts of the show and didn't capture any of the fun/80's themed aspects that could have made this an AFM competitor in the fun department. So I think STh is a good game, just not quite as fun as AFM. The ramps are satisfying to hit, the demogorgan (on mine) is not too hard to hit and is really fun to shoot, I added a shaker to further enhance those modes. I added the Cleland sound mod which greatly improved the callout variety and sound/music. That is another beef I have with STh the music is slow and drawn out and not exciting ever. The callouts are too few but Hopper's character does a great job with them. I wish there was a LOT more. So much potential and I hope future code updates really explore the show in all its greatness.
7.967/10
2 years ago
Never had this happen before. First time playing it: hated it. Second time: Yep, still a snoozer.
Then tonight...something clicked. It was...fun.
It isn't a great layout like a Keith Elwin game but I finally found some love for this one.
I was pleasantly surprised to have such a drastic opinion change.
Then tonight...something clicked. It was...fun.
It isn't a great layout like a Keith Elwin game but I finally found some love for this one.
I was pleasantly surprised to have such a drastic opinion change.
7.313/10
2 years ago
Seems like you have to spend a lot of money to make this good. It was missing stuff I saw online, the projector and the special lighting. Just playing the pro version wasn't much fun. Boring layout and didn't like that I couldn't see much in the back of the playfield.
The sounds were great, the light effects, fantastic, the demogorgon was fun to hit, the theme is integrated very well, but I just wasnt having much fun playing it. My kids played one game and walked away.
The sounds were great, the light effects, fantastic, the demogorgon was fun to hit, the theme is integrated very well, but I just wasnt having much fun playing it. My kids played one game and walked away.
10.000/10
2 years ago
Santo André
Pure emotion in this machine, surprising how good it is. The sound is wonderful, the effects are fantastic, and it is different from all the others by placing the u.v. the machine is fantastic transporting you to another dimension! There's really nothing I didn't like about this machine.
8.432/10
2 years ago
This game has got to be the sleeper of our generation. Just ordered a NIB pro bc this game has truly grown on me. I will say the premium/le is better with the projector and telekinesis lock but the pro is still a very solid game with very deep rules that with cleland sound package will make anybody happy for a very long time. I will have this game in my small collection for a VERY long time.
Gold Coast
8.576/10
2 years ago
I have been back and forth on this title since its release. I enjoyed the show but was not sure it would translate well into a pin. I finally got the opportunity to play a premium at a local distributor and was not impressed. So I took it off my list of titles I had interest in. Fast forward nearly a year and I happened upon a pro in the wild. After about 10 games I found myself really enjoying the speed of the game. The pro plays fast. When I was offered a NIB pro from Andy at GotPinball? I decided to scoop it up. I have put nearly 50 games on it and I am really enjoying it. In fact I have been playing it more than the JP premium I picked up at the same time. If you have not had the chance to put a few games on an ST with the updated code I would highly suggest it. This one will stay in the collection for the foreseeable future.
8.376/10
3 years ago
So due to this being the only option for rental at the time I decided to, at the very least give it a shot. I had played it a couple times when it first came out, early code and no UV lights. I was extremely disappointed so renting this pin didn’t excite me but I like having a fresh pin to play.
What a huge difference the code and UV lights made. I really enjoyed playing it, like everyone said the layout is very similar to AFM so why wouldn’t this pin be fun. It’s fast the Demegorgon battles are fun. And the UV lights really change the way the game looks. I decided to purchase the game after my rental, Added a subwoofer and placed it in a dark room and bam everyone that comes over plays it nonstop.
What a huge difference the code and UV lights made. I really enjoyed playing it, like everyone said the layout is very similar to AFM so why wouldn’t this pin be fun. It’s fast the Demegorgon battles are fun. And the UV lights really change the way the game looks. I decided to purchase the game after my rental, Added a subwoofer and placed it in a dark room and bam everyone that comes over plays it nonstop.
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