Whos Stern Gonna Call For The Next Pinball Machine Hit? Ghostbusters

ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL -- Now available from Stern Pinball Inc. is its eagerly awaited Ghostbusters coin-op flipper game. Inspired by the original Columbia Pictures blockbuster movie of the same name, the Ghostbusters pinball machine will be sold in Stern's three model configurations: Pro ($5,995), Premium ($7,595) and Limited Edition ($8,795).

PHOTO:Ghostbusters pinball machine is shown, from left, in Pro, Premium and Limited Edition models.

The new pinball machine immerses players in the fun challenge of catching mischievous ghosts in an adventure-filled environment that strives to recreate the world of "Ghostbusters." The pinball adaptation highlights the humor of the film as the player progresses through the game. It includes custom speech by original cast member Ernie Hudson, who guides the player toward becoming the newest member of the Ghostbusters team.

"The Ghostbusters pinball machine celebrates the much-loved original movie and gives fans a fun, entertaining, high-energy pinball experience," said chairman and chief executive Gary Stern. "After all, it's the Ghostbusters!"

Stern said the new machine is designed to be easy to play, but difficult to master. It has a moving interactive "Slimer" toy target and a distinctive layout that integrates traditional pinball kinetic effects with multifunction two-way ramps. The ramps feature a magnetic diverter and scoring switches. The game also incorporates a modern take on a ball transfer target, along with "combative" open-field drop targets and ball-eject and captive-ball targets. Custom molded toys adorn the playfield.

With their distinctive ramp architecture and additional custom molded toys, the premium and limited edition models ship with an interactive ghost hologram target with animations, as well as "para-normal" magnetic action slingshots.

All models feature hand-drawn art by renowned illustrator Jeremy Packer.

The original "Ghostbusters" was released in 1984, and received overwhelming acclaim from both audiences and critics. The supernatural comedy film was directed and produced by Ivan Reitman, and was written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis, who star with Bill Murray. They play three eccentric parapsychologists who start a ghost-catching business in New York City. A sequel was released in 1989. A third Ghostbusters film will be playing in theaters in July.