Step by step how to set up internet connectivity on your new Guns n’ Roses Pinball. If you have any questions, contact your service tech at GAD.
Today we can get you up to speed on those improvements thanks to the information passed along to me by Adam Wray of Glitchbit. This enhanced build will better fit into arcade (non-bar) locations, with a broader appeal, while still working for those venues that serve adult beverages. These improvements came along thanks to feedback that was heard at that show (as a note to any indie devs out there – that’s a great reason to attend an industry trade show with your product, as you’ll talk with potential buyers and might find out why they will – or will not – purchase your game) along with feedback obtained through location testing.
Let’s start with the animated gif that was sent my way, then I’ll break it down in case you don’t catch it all:
Here are all of those features in a handy bullet point list of this new cabinet design:
- Drinks mode (for bars)
- Cash mode (for non-bar arcades)
- Higher splash guard
- New cash door & cash acceptor vault
- Improved control panel design with new art & controls layout
- Custom liquid tray
- New Handles
- Wheels
- Leg levelers
With all of that, the cabinet is still going to be “under $5k” on the price point and begins mass manufacturing for arcades to pick up soon. A precise date hasn’t been given, but I would venture to guess that Retro Raccoons will be available before the summer is over.
If you have played the game already, what did you think about it? If not, what do you find appealing?
Make PPE convenient for your customers – whether in a break room or public area – people want and need PPE to continue to be out and about in the post COVID environment.
Offer essentials like disposable face masks, safety glasses, gloves, and hand sanitizer. Add contactless payment with a Crane tap and pay solution.
This Crane vending machine is already set with graphics and a configuration to add PPE to your vending line-up. Or create your own graphics, product mix and payment system. GAD know Crane Vending.
THE KING OF THE MONSTERS ARRIVES! TOHO INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND STERN PINBALL ANNOUNCE NEW GODZILLA PINBALL MACHINES
CHICAGO, IL – September 14, 2021 – Stern Pinball, Inc. and Toho International, Inc., the subsidiary of the Japanese entertainment studio Toho Co., Ltd, announce a new line of pinball machines based on the iconic Toho film franchise featuring the King of the Monsters, Godzilla! The Godzilla pinball machines are available in Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition (LE) models.
Godzilla is the longest running film franchise created by Toho, with thirty-two films produced since 1954. The popularity of the films have made Godzilla one of the most recognizable symbols in pop culture worldwide. In addition to numerous accolades and cinematic awards for film, music, and special effects, the Godzilla film series and licensed characters have generated over $1 billion in merchandise sales around the world.
In this monster-packed pinball adventure, players become Godzilla! The evil aliens, the Xiliens, use mind control rays to take control of the monsters King Ghidorah, Gigan, Megalon, Ebirah, and Titanosaurus. The Xiliens are demanding all of Earth’s resources. Godzilla and its allies, Mothra, Rodan, and Anguirus, battle the Xilien invasion with the goal of conquering Mechagodzilla to become King of the Monsters!
Chaos and destruction ensue on the playfield with Godzilla multiball, started by shooting one of the various shots in and through the centrally located skyscraper. In the Premium and LE models, a motor actuates the skyscraper, diverting balls through each of its five stories as it collapses, ultimately locking three balls on its roof. The Premium/LE playfield also features a collapsing bridge ramp. This animated breakaway ramp is guarded by a custom molded Godzilla and can divert pinballs back to the flipper or directly onto the playfield during Bridge Attack multiball.
On the Premium and LE models, Mechagodzilla features a motorized three-bank target set which rotates to reveal a spinner and jump ramp. Players will engage the Kaiju in battle by launching pinballs with the jump ramp and bashing the magnetic ball catch on its chest to start Mechagodzilla multiball.
All models of Godzilla pinball machines feature an innovative “Magna Grab” magnetic newton ball, capable of catching pinballs from five different shot paths, including off the plunge. This device can also divert pinballs to set up shots from the upper left flipper. The game also includes the iconic title song “Godzilla” by Blue Oyster Cult, stunning hand-drawn artwork by Zombie Yeti, intricate wireform ramps, three spinning targets (Heat Ray, Mechagodzilla, and Monster Rampage), three flippers, three “powerline” themed stand-up targets and a UFO pop pumper. The game highlights video and audio from ten* Toho Showa Era Godzilla films to create a one-of-a-kind immersive Godzilla pinball experience.
Godzilla pinball machines also debut Stern’s Insider Connected system, which includes a QR code reader on the bottom arch that enables players to interact with the game and this new network in a variety of ways. Stern Insider Connected provides new entertainment and player engagement features and an operator focused tool set to drive location play and remotely manage every aspect of the machines. Insider Connected goes live with the launch of Godzilla, with the full scope of features scheduled for roll out over the next year.
Only 1,000 LE machines will be available. The LE version includes an exclusive full color mirrored backglass inspired by Mechagodzilla, iconic custom cabinet artwork, custom high gloss metallic silver powder-coated pinball armor, a custom designer autographed bottom arch, exclusive inside art blades, upgraded audio system, anti-reflection pinball playfield glass, shaker motor, a sequentially numbered plaque, and a Certificate of Authenticity.
“Partnering with Toho, we have brought the Godzilla universe to pinball” said Gary Stern, Chairman and CEO of Stern Pinball, Inc. “Insider Connected enables players, owners, and operators to interact with their machines like never before.”
Pricing and Availability:
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (“MSRP”)*:
*MSRP for sales to USA end-users, before any VAT, GST, Sales Tax, Duties, or other taxes.
Pro Model: $US 6,899
Premium Model: $US 8,999
Limited Edition Model: $US 10,499
Godzilla pinball machines and accessories are available now through authorized Stern Pinball distributors and dealers around the world.
About Stern Pinball, Inc.
Stern Pinball, Inc. is a global lifestyle brand based on the iconic and outrageously fun modern American game of pinball. Headquartered minutes from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport in the heart of North America, the company creates, designs, engineers, manufactures, markets, and distributes a full line of technologically advanced terrestrial and digital pinball games, parts, accessories, and merchandise. Stern Pinball serves digital, consumer, commercial, and corporate markets around the globe.
Recent Stern Pinball titles include The Mandalorian, Led Zeppelin, Avengers: Infinity Quest, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Stranger Things, Elvira’s House of Horrors, Jurassic Park, Black Knight: Sword of Rage, The Munsters, The Beatles, Deadpool, Iron Maiden, Guardians of the Galaxy, Star Wars, Aerosmith, Ghostbusters, KISS, Metallica, Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, Star Trek, AC/DC, Batman, and Spider-Man. A broad range of players enjoy Stern Pinball’s games from professional pinball players who compete in high-stakes competitions around the globe to novice players who are discovering the allure of the silver ball for the first time. To join the fun and learn more, please visit www.sternpinball.com.
About Toho
Toho Company, Limited, is a Japanese entertainment studio focused on the development, production, exhibition, and distribution of powerful live action and animated content including motion pictures, television and theater. Founded in 1932, Toho remains a prominent force in bringing brands and original storytelling with versatile talents to audiences worldwide. Its subsidiaries include Toho Cinemas, the highest grossing exhibition company in Japan, and Toho International, Inc., a U.S. established incorporated company that manages and commercializes Toho’s intellectual property portfolio. To learn more about Toho, visit: www.toho.co.jp/en/.
Follow Godzilla!
Twitter: @TOHO_GODZILLA
Instagram: @godzilla_toho
YouTube: GodzillaToho
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All trademarks and product names are the property of their respective companies.
*Final video and audio pending licensor approval.
Designed for those that own a route with lots of AMI customers or the manager with multiple locations. This app does so much for you.
Operator Features
AMI Co-Pilot is a powerful mobile tool for operators and AV installers always on the go. Simply download the app and sign in with your AMI Operator Website credentials to view route connections, check revenue, access contact information, get driving directions, add/edit location managers, control installed systems, and more!
Venue Controls
Common actions previously done by using the remote control provided with your jukebox are now built into AMI Co-Pilot! Reject unwanted songs, power your device on and off during bands or sporting events, and even reboot your jukebox right from your own phone.
AMI Ad Manager Support
AMI Co-Pilot also includes an optimized version of our widely popular Ad Manager tool. In four quick steps, operators, installers, business owners and staff can create and schedule digital signage promoting their own goods and services! Ads created on your phone appear within minutes on your AMI equipment.
Want a demo? Need more information? GAD knows AMI!
What a blast to the past! Retro Raccoons takes players back – and in a great way – to past arcade games.
Retro Raccoons is a retro styled, patented arcade that entertains up to 4 players with dozens of unique minigames. Each player has their own joystick, button and cupholder. New content and minigames are added periodically to ensure gameplay stays fun and fresh. Updates require Wifi or Ethernet access.
Retro Raccoons features the patented “Cheers” mode for bar and barcade locations. Requires players to place their drinks in the cup holders to participate, ensuring customers purchase a drink. Additionally, there is a traditional Cash Mode (bill acceptor) which makes it great for family friendly arcade locations.
Features include:
- 40+ minigames
- 2-4 player
- New content added periodically
- Large cup holders for bottles, cans or glasses
- Light up marquee
- For bar, restaurants, arcades, family friendly locations, homes and private establishments
Retro Raccoons is made in America featuring quality parts and an Intel CPU. This game is ETL Certified for both commercial and home use.
Sensational Retro Fun For Arcades, Bars & More!
- Installed Dimensions: H: 72″ W: 38″ D: 27.5″ Weight: 245lbs.
- Shipping Dimensions: H: 79″ W:46″ D: 32″ Weight: 256lbs.
- Electrical: 120V @ 2A, 240W
- Condition: New
- Manufacturer: Incredible Technologies
COVID is brutal on getting consistent foot traffic. Taking aside the new protocols, here’s ideas (some new – some reinforcing) to better repeat traffic in your bar, restaurant or barcade.
TRIVIA
Trivia made easy with AMI digital music systems. The digital game master has lots of great games to choose from. Run on every screen in the house for easy social distancing.
AMI also helps you by running contests on to users. This encourages app usage for both gaming and music playing. You, as the owner, has lots of options what to charge for and what’s free.
TOURNAMENTS
Want to turn your slowest night into your busiest? Looking to attracting a competitive audience? Near a gym and want to capture the post-workout crowd? How about a tournament?
Darts are a good one to start with. The G3-Fire can be connected to the internet to create a league with even a few people to start. The G3-Fire is a brilliant red to brighten even the darkest corner.
Billiards – what more can we say? Pool is a favorite with lots of variations to tournament, team or individual play.
Golden Tee also has internet leagues, contests and other built in games. Or work to create your own league. The new Golden Tee PGA is just shipping now, so this is a brand new game for the Golden Tee fan.
Pinball games are getting in the action by adding new internet capabilities. You can run a tournament. Join Stern Army. But always, and we mean always, keep the high scores on the game!
Tournaments should have some type of prize. Check with your local jurisdiction as to what you can and can not award!
Tournament Play Control
If you aren’t using some of the preset internet leagues, try an app like Match Play to control your tournament. Players can enter their score, with you controlling the official approval. You choose the games from head-to-head, round robin, elimination, best score, ladder brackets…. This allows you to run tournaments over time. Change the type of tournament to entertain your audience. And – extend the contest so everyone who wants can participate.
If you want a simple, manual bracket game – try printing a large format bracket. Or use chalkboard paint on a wall and draw or paint a bracket.
Approachable
Think ahead to make the game approachable. Everyone likes to participate and win!
- Grand “Prize”
- Best Fan Club
- Make it a team sport
- Announce winners across your TV screens with AMI Ad Manager
- Consolation prizes are always a hit – worse ball, best flipper, etc.
- Prizes can be money, trophies, medals, gift cards, bar swag (free advertising!), or other prizes
Don’t Drag It Out – But Maybe You Can
Pay attention to how long your tournament will last. You don’t want people to get too bored and leave. Or a tournament you can’t finish within last call.
Think about your tournament running over multiple evenings or on a particular week day. Invite players back for a “best of” tournament – along with drink/food specials.
Run a triathlon of games. Every Tuesday is a different game that accumulates points. Darts, Pinball, Golden Tee, etc. Players have 4 weeks to complete each station to their best score.
Start Your Own Pinball Tournament
Interested? Looking for more resources?
- Professional and Amateur Pinball Association (PAPA.org) guidelines.
- Stern Army
- International Flipper Pinball Association
- Bullshooter Dart League Downloadable Ads
*The suggestions in this article are general. Make sure you check your local NE, SD, KS, MO or IO laws about gaming, awards and tournament rules before you choose the tournament type and rules that work for you. GAD Knows and Sells Games, Pinball, Pool and Arcade.
Our offices are closed on Monday, September 6 to observe Labor Day. And, give our staff time to play lots of arcade games, pinball, darts and Golden Tee!
To our commercial arcade customers – if you have equipment issues, please contact your sales or service personnel direct.
Have a wonderful holiday weekend.
GAD
This fall Stern Pinball will launch the highly anticipated initiative to connect the existing universe of Stern pinball machines and all its future games. The platform is known as Insider ConnectedTM, and it was designed as a comprehensive system with elements that address both players and operators. Stern Pinball’s Chief Creative Officer George Gomez describes the future of pinball with connectivity coming soon to Stern games everywhere!