Stern Pinball's "Netflix Stranger Things" machine immerses players in the supernatural world of Hawkins, Indiana. Released in December 2019, this title draws directly from the popular Netflix series, bringing its blend of 1980s nostalgia, science fiction, and horror to the silverball experience. Manufactured by Stern Pinball, Inc., the machine was designed by industry veteran Brian Eddy, with artwork by Bob Stevlic, music and sound by Ken Hale, and software contributions from Lonnie D. Ropp and Mike Vinikour, among others. This collaborative effort aimed to create a pinball experience that felt authentic to the beloved show while delivering engaging gameplay. The integration of the Stranger Things intellectual property proved to be a significant draw, contributing to the machine's robust market impact since its introduction. Notably, Gaten Matarazzo, who plays Dustin Henderson in the series, was the first actor cast in the show, a piece of trivia reflecting the depth of the series' lore that the pinball machine endeavors to capture.

Distinctive Features and Design

The "Netflix Stranger Things" pinball machine comes in three distinct editions: Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition (LE), each offering an escalating array of features and design elements. At the core of all models is a design centered around the terrifying Demogorgon, a creature central to the show's narrative. This bash toy is strategically placed on the playfield, with a central ramp that lowers to allow players to shoot directly into its gaping maw, a shot many players find deeply satisfying. All editions feature two flippers, two pop bumpers, three slingshots, ten standup targets, a four-bank memory drop target, a spinning target, a kick-out hole, a stop magnet, an up-post in a ramp, and five-ball multiball capabilities. They also include stereo sound and decal cabinet artwork.

The Pro model, with its black wrinkle-finish side armor, serves as the foundational offering. It utilizes a translite for the backbox display. During initial production runs, a clear plastic piece was added to the U-turn of the right ramp to prevent balls from ejecting prematurely, a detail that indicates ongoing refinement in the machine's early stages.

Stepping up to the Premium model significantly enhances the immersive experience. It retains the Demogorgon bash toy but introduces two transformative features: a magnetic ball lock and an under-playfield projector. The magnetic ball lock, often referred to as the Telekinesis (TK) Lock, suspends balls above the playfield surface, mimicking the telekinetic powers depicted in the show. The projector, mounted beneath the lower apron, casts dynamic images and animations directly onto various playfield elements, including ramps and targets. These surfaces, typically white when the machine is off, come alive with visual effects during gameplay, particularly during "Upside Down" modes, adding a new dimension to player interaction and storytelling. The Premium model also features powder-coated steel bottom arch and black wrinkle-finish side armor.

The Limited Edition (LE) represents the pinnacle of the "Netflix Stranger Things" pinball experience. Produced in a run of just 500 units, each LE machine is distinguished by a serialized number plate, a Certificate of Authenticity signed by Gary Stern, and a playfield apron autographed by designer Brian Eddy. It incorporates all the features of the Premium model, further elevating the aesthetic with high-gloss purple powder-coated side armor, hinges, front lockdown molding, and legs. Instead of a translite, the LE boasts a mirrored backglass. It also includes playfield art blades, anti-reflection playfield glass, and a shaker motor, which integrates haptic feedback to synchronize with key moments in the game, such as Demogorgon attacks or multiball events, deepening player immersion.

Playfield and Mechanics

The playfield of "Netflix Stranger Things" utilizes a Brian Eddy-designed fan layout, a style often praised for its open flow and shot variety, reminiscent of popular titles like Attack from Mars. This layout encourages continuous ball movement and rewards accurate shooting. Central to the playfield is the Demogorgon bash toy, concealed behind a screen for much of the game. Hitting the center ramp shot allows the Demogorgon to emerge, presenting a direct shot into its mouth, a key objective for progressing through modes.

Major shots include several ramps and orbit shots that loop around the playfield, providing satisfying flow when hit in succession. The four-bank memory drop targets activate specific game features and can also lead to quick drains if missed, adding a layer of risk to these targets. A spinning target offers another dynamic element, changing point values based on its rotation. The overall design philosophy emphasizes rapid, fluid gameplay, with shots that are generally easy to identify but require precision to execute consistently.

The artwork by Bob Stevlic plays a crucial role in establishing the atmosphere. The playfield features detailed depictions of the show's characters and scenes, maintaining a vibrant 1980s aesthetic. Lighting is another critical component, with general illumination designed to evoke the dark, suspenseful tone of the series. However, the machine’s visual impact truly transforms with the addition of a UV lighting kit. While an optional accessory, many consider this kit a core component for the ultimate "Upside Down" experience. When activated, typically during specific game modes, the UV lighting illuminates reactive paint on the playfield, creating a stark, otherworldly glow that perfectly mirrors the show's alternate dimension. On Premium and LE models, the projector further augments this visual spectacle, displaying animated sequences and thematic elements directly onto the playfield, creating a dynamic narrative layer that evolves with the player's progress.

Gameplay Dynamics

The gameplay of "Netflix Stranger Things" is designed to pull players into the unfolding narrative of the show, offering a blend of accessible objectives and challenging progression. The rules are generally straightforward, allowing casual players to quickly grasp the basics, while offering deeper strategies for more experienced enthusiasts.

The core gameplay revolves around initiating and completing various modes inspired by specific episodes and plotlines from the series. Successfully navigating these modes, often requiring specific shots to ramps, targets, and the Demogorgon, advances the player's journey through the story. The "Upside Down" mode stands out, not only for its thematic relevance but also for its dramatic visual transformation, especially when paired with the UV lighting. During this mode, the playfield is bathed in an eerie glow, and objectives become visible only under UV light, heightening the sense of mystery and danger.

Multiball modes are a highlight, with five distinct multiball scenarios designed to create chaotic, high-scoring opportunities. The Telekinesis Multiball, exclusive to Premium and LE models, is a prime example of unique mechanics. It involves magnetically locking balls above the playfield, then releasing them in a burst of kinetic energy. While conceptually compelling, this mechanism can be sensitive to adjustment.

Player strategies often involve a balance of accuracy and risk. The open fan layout encourages combo shots, where linking multiple successful ramp or orbit shots in quick succession can yield substantial points. However, the machine can be unforgiving. Missed shots, particularly to the drop targets or the Demogorgon ramp, often result in drains down the middle or outlanes, making ball control and precise execution paramount. This difficulty, while frustrating for some, contributes to the game's high replayability, as players are constantly driven to improve their shot accuracy and survive longer. Despite some criticisms regarding potential scoring imbalances in early game phases, such as the disproportionate value of certain early combos, the overall scoring system encourages diverse shot-making and strategic mode progression.

Reception and Legacy

Upon its release, "Netflix Stranger Things" by Stern Pinball garnered significant attention, largely due to its highly popular licensed theme. The machine's reception within the pinball community has been largely positive, though with specific points of discussion regarding its strengths and weaknesses across its editions.

One of the most consistently praised aspects is the exceptional theme integration. Enthusiasts frequently commend how the music, sound effects, voice callouts (including those from David Harbour as Chief Hopper), and lighting packages work in concert to create a deeply immersive experience. Fans of the television series, in particular, find the game's atmosphere to be an authentic extension of the show. The Demogorgon bash toy is widely considered a successful centerpiece, with the shot into its mouth often cited as a thrilling and satisfying moment in gameplay. The visual enhancements, especially the projector on Premium and LE models and the UV lighting kit, are frequently highlighted as groundbreaking, transforming the playfield into a dynamic canvas and significantly elevating the "Upside Down" mode. Many players feel the UV kit is a near-mandatory addition for the full visual experience.

However, the machine is not without its criticisms. A common point of feedback, particularly concerning the Pro model, is a perceived sparseness or emptiness on the playfield, which some argue lacks the visual density or interactive toys of higher-tier machines. The game's difficulty has also been a recurring theme; many players describe it as a "drain monster," quick to punish imprecise shots with immediate outlane or center drains. This challenge, while appealing to some, can be off-putting for newer players.

The Telekinesis (TK) Lock mechanism on the Premium and LE models, while innovative, has been a source of frustration for some owners due to reported inconsistencies, clunkiness, or a tendency to reject balls, sometimes leading to unexpected drains. While many have managed to fine-tune it for reliable operation, its temperament can be a flow disruptor. Some long-term players have also noted that, despite its initial appeal, the core gameplay loop can become somewhat repetitive over time, focusing on a limited set of high-value shots. Additionally, while the playfield art is generally well-received, some criticism has been directed at the cabinet art, with a few finding it underwhelming or too heavily focused on the child actors rather than the show's more monstrous elements. The dark nature of the playfield can also make ball tracking difficult without the aid of the UV kit or other supplementary lighting.

Despite these critiques, "Netflix Stranger Things" has solidified its place as a popular and often sought-after title in the modern pinball landscape. Its commitment to theme, combined with innovative visual mechanics like the projector, has set a benchmark for licensed pinball machines. It is regarded by many as a strong example of how advanced lighting and interactive features can deepen narrative integration in pinball, influencing future machine designs. The Premium and Limited Edition models, in particular, are often recommended for their elevated features, contributing to the machine's reputation as a highly enjoyable and immersive experience, particularly for fans eager to dive into the world of Hawkins, Indiana, one pinball at a time.