Stern Pinball Partners With HBO To Produce Feature-Rich Game Of Thrones Coin-Op Games

ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL -- The world's largest pinball machine manufacturer has partnered with HBO Global Licensing for its latest coin-op title. Inspired by HBO's hit drama series, Stern Pinball Inc.'s Game of Thrones machine puts players in the story, where noble families fight for control over the Iron Throne of the seven kingdoms.

The pinball factory is offering the new game in its usual pro, premium and limited-edition models, each with feature-rich playfields and gameplay elements. Playfield toys provide an irresistible challenge to play kings, knights, knaves and dragons, the manufacturer said.

Before they pull the plunger, players can choose to be a knight of the Stark, Lannister, Greyjoy, Baratheon, Martell or Tyrell family houses, and pick other houses to battle. Game of Thrones actor Rory McCann, who portrays Sandor Clegane (the Hound), guides the player throughout the game. The game's goal is to rule the seven kingdoms of Westeros.

Game Of Thrones:Pro Model (left) and Limited Edition cabinets and playfields.

"The Game of Thrones pinball machine celebrates the much-loved HBO series and gives fans an intense, high-energy pinball experience," said chairman and chief executive Gary Stern. Three available models offer a range of pricing and exclusivity for show fans and pinball collectors, he said. MSRP prices are:
Pro Model » $5,995
Premium Model » $7,595
Limited-Edition Model » $8,795

At the center of each model is an animated, interactive dragon that roars, flies and breathes fire -- the latter special effect is created by the game's LED-lit playfields. Players can slam the ball into a battering ram, attempting to break down a castle's doors and "grab" super jackpots, wild fire and playfield score multipliers. The animated mechanical sword of multi-ball holds back reinforcements until it's time to attack. A bank of three drop targets lights the Lord of Light lanes to protect against side drains and awards other progressive features. A kickback, when struck, fires the ball in "anger."

Game of Thrones introduces Reel Pops, Stern Pinball's new software-controlled mechanism, which awards players randomly. By interacting with pop bumpers and virtual spinning reels on the game's display -- the object of which is to align identical symbols -- players can win prizes revealed on the reels. So if a player wins gold, for instance, he or she can spend it on weapons and other game-boosting assets.

Also new is an "action button" on the cabinet's front molding, which is described as the largest interactive feature ever seen in a pinball machine.

Game of Thrones Pro, the model ideally suited for street operations, includes Reel Pops and the action button, along with seven multicolor shield inserts that represent the great houses of Westeros, as well as special playfield shots. Lightning-fast ramps and orbits send the silver ball on courses throughout the game.

Players enter a whole new pinball realm in the more expensive Game of Thrones premium and limited-edition models. Vastly different from the pro model, both feature a castle-themed upper playfield, enhanced by an animated dragon. This secondary playfield has a second set of full-size flippers, which makes for more challenging shooting. These models feature color-changing LEDs throughout the entire playfield. An elevator serving two "floors" brings the ball up to the castle, where players battle houses and dragons. The second elevator floor delivers the ball to the Iron Throne, where a player claims victory, amid a dazzling light show.

The Game of Thrones Limited Edition is sold with a certificate of authenticity, numbered plaque and designer-autographed playfield, along with a hand-drawn cabinet and backglass artwork by Bob Stevlik. Exclusive side armor -- glossy, black powder coated and laser-cut -- features dragon elements of the Targaryen Sigil, and is inscribed with the Targaryen House motto "Fire & Blood," all highlighted with a rich, red mirrored backing.