Stern Pinball And Whizbang Ship Whoa Nellie Electromechanical Game

MELROSE PARK, IL -- The first new electromechanical flipper game in 35 years is now shipping, according to manufacturer Stern Pinball Inc. Called Whoa Nellie! Big Juicy Melons, the strikingly retro-styled game combines reliable state-of-the-art engineering with such nostalgic features as illuminated mechanical score reels, retro-style bumper caps and flipper bats, dual-action bullseye melon targets and, as an appropriate finishing touch, a genuine mechanical knocker. The game is the product of a partnership between Stern and developer Whizbang Pinball (Lake Villa, IL) announced last fall. | SEE STORY

The manufacturer's selected price in the United States is $6,499. Themed merchandise and accessories are now available through the Stern Shop and authorized distributors and dealers.

"I love the combination of designing a retro-style playfield powered by today's latest technology," said Whizbang's Dennis Nordman, who cofounded the company in 2009. He observed that blending classic and modern technologies makes possible a new breed of pinball machine that presents pinball as an art form while maintaining the reliability and serviceability of modern commercial pinball machines.

The playfield, backglass and cabinet art incorporate detailed original characters and fresh hand-drawn artwork that blend elements of mid-century pin-up art with classic pinball themes. Contributing to the game's uncommon visual impact are an original retro-style playfield designed by Dennis Nordman, original retro-style hand-drawn graphics by Greg Freres depicting fresh fruit, a nifty period truck and, of course, the luscious Melony Mellon and her family.

Adding to the effect is a durable, weathered fruit-crate undercarriage that accepts crushed beer cans at the rear corners of the cabinet, to set the perfect playfield angle. Players can choose their own brands or use Whoa Nellie! branded cans. A supplemental set of powder-coated legs is included for ease of operation and transportation. The game comes equipped with a standard coin door for location play.

Whoa Nellie! Big Juicy Melons pinball takes players on a tour of the Mellon Family farm, operated by the winsome Melony Mellon and her twin sisters and renowned for its extra-large ripe melons. Players score points while dodging the defensive fire of their over-protective shotgun-wielding father. The traditionally styled playfield is tuned for a balance of randomness and skilled shooting challenges and rewards. It's crafted to appeal to players of all skill levels.