Stern Pinball Introduces Three Flipper Game Models Themed To Classic Rock Band Kiss

ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL -- Stern Pinball Inc. and Epic Rights jointly announced the availability of a new line of Stern Pro, Premium and Limited Edition Kiss flipper games. The pinball machine line commemorates one of the most influential and iconic rock bands of all time.

Epic Rights is the global licensing agent for the famous '70s band. Formed in 1973, Kiss is recognized for distinctive face paint, stage outfits and the memorable personas Starchild, Demon, Catma and Spaceman. Kiss rose to popularity with elaborate live performances and theatrics that featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, levitating drum kits, and pyrotechnics (including rockets). Its worldwide album sales exceed 100 million units, and the group has an unprecedented 28 gold albums to date, the most of any American rock band.

Stern's Kiss pinball machines are designed to reflect the energy, excitement and experience of a live Kiss concert, according to the manufacturer. Players will encounter 10 Kiss hits in the "concert arena" playfield while embarking on a pinball experience that culminates in their becoming elite members of the Kiss Army.

Players score points and reach game objectives to fuel the audience's energy and excitement. Higher scores augment the experience -- the higher the energy level, the bigger and louder the show -- resulting in a matchless Kiss concert experience. Players are rewarded for completing game goals with awards of in-game front row seats, backstage VIP access and fun multi-ball modes that engage players of all skill levels.

The Kiss game is built on Stern's new Spike pinball platform, which includes an upgraded high-fidelity 3-channel audio system said to be three times more powerful than previous generation pinball audio systems. Kiss pinball machines include modern and retro features to appeal to new and experienced players alike. The 10 Kiss hits are: "Deuce," "Hotter Than Hell," "Lick It Up," "Shout It Out Loud," "Detroit Rock City" and "Calling Dr. Love," along with "Rock & Roll All Night," "Love Gun," "Love It Loud" and "Black Diamond." The audio program also includes custom speech from Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons.

Among other highlights of the game are full-color high-intensity animated LED music lights, an original Gene Simmons (Demon head) molded toy and K-I-S-S spell-out drop targets. Novel occurrences include a blood-spitting demon bass solo player experience and multiball events involving a fire-breathing demon god of thunder and a flying starchild love gun.

"Partnering with rock royalty like Kiss is a natural for us," said chairman and chief executive Gary Stern. "The Kiss legacy is admired by generation after generation of fans worldwide. Kiss's legendary songs and performances will create an extraordinary pinball experience for players of all skill levels."

The licensor is equally enthusiastic. "We are always seeking avenues to expand the Kiss brand experience," said Epic Rights' executive vice-president Lisa Streff, "and the new line of Kiss pinballs from Stern are an ideal extension of the brand, providing an immersive Kiss experience for consumers of all ages."

Stern Pinball, which recently moved to new, larger quarters in Elk Grove Village, is the world's oldest and largest producer of arcade-quality pinball games.