Stern Pinball Introduces Vault Edition Update Of Spider-Man Flipper

ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL -- Stern Pinball Inc. has announced the rollout of an enhanced model of its Spider-Man flipper game. This Vault Edition features all-new artwork, animation and sound packages based on the legendary Ultimate Spider-Man comic series from Marvel Entertainment, while retaining the same gameplay as Stern's original pinball adaptation.

Stern launched its first Spider-Man series eight and a half years ago, coinciding with the release of the "Spider-Man 3" movie (2007). | SEE STORY

Combining a new look and feel with the gameplay familiar from the original, the Spider-Man Vault Edition incorporates all-new custom-molded toys, carefully modeled in the Ultimate Spider-Man artistic style to portray the celebrated villains Doc Ock, Sandman, Venom and Green Goblin. The all-new animation and dot matrix video art also are designed around the Ultimate Spider-Man comic art. Playfield illumination now is provided by LEDs.

Spider-Man Vault Edition also boasts custom speech and sound effects for all the characters, and new mode event themes based on the Ultimate Spider-Man universe. Two new music tracks and the original score complement the soundtrack. The game's decor is implemented with Webslinger-themed laser-cut side armor in black powdercoat finish with contrasting color inserts.

The new edition also offers a number of improvements based on field experience with the 2007 models. These include playfield protectors for the vertical up-kicker openings at Dock Ock and the Sandman, as well as steel and plastic protectors at the Sandman and in the pop bumper area. A stainless-steel playfield protector has been installed beneath the "webslinger" in the pops, and the webslinger's ball guides now are formed of stainless steel. An anti-wear Dock Ock playfield magnet assembly has been added, and ramp-mounting details have been enhanced by wire form improvements.

"Spider-Man is one of Marvel's most popular characters worldwide," said Stern Pinball chairman and chief executive Gary Stern. "Our goal was to take one of our most popular games and make it even better. Stern Pinball and Marvel Studios share a love for the characters in the Spider-Man universe and have a long, successful history of collaboration. This is a great pinball interpretation of the adventures of Spider-Man."

The Ultimate Spider-Man is a superhero comic book series published by Marvel Comics from 2000 to 2009. The saga is a modernized re-imagining of Marvel's long-running Spider-Man comic book franchise as part of its Ultimate Marvel imprint.

Stern Pinball Inc. is the world's oldest and largest producer of arcade-quality pinball games. Its Spider-Man Vault Edition model has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $7,595 (USA). It's available through authorized Stern Pinball distributors and dealers around the world.

Marvel Entertainment LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Walt Disney Co., is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies. It is home to a library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over 75 years, and employs its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing.