Pinball

GAD knows Pinball. Articles about new pinball games. How to place pinball in the best locations. How to choose a pinball machine for your home. Best tips on fixing pinball games. Greater America Distributing knows pinball machines and how to fix them. An authorized dealer of Stern Pinball, Chicago Pinball, Valley-Dynamo Pinball and Chicago Pinball. Distributing in Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri and Iowa.

New Home Pinball! Jurassic Park Pin Available for Pre Orders Now!

New Home Pinball! Jurassic Park Pin Available for Pre Orders Now! 830 463 GAD Vending

Affordable Pinball Machine for the Home

CHICAGO, IL – October 12, 2021 – Stern Pinball, Inc., announces the availability of Jurassic Park Pin, a new stylish, affordable, and fun pinball machine designed and engineered for the home.

Jurassic Park Pin immerses players in a pinball journey 65 million years in the making.  Based on the blockbuster film Jurassic Park from Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment, the Jurassic Park Pin experience will transport players to Isla Nublar, an amusement park where escaped dinosaurs are running amok!  With the volcano on the island erupting and threatening to destroy everything in its path, it is the player’s mission to rescue park staff, evacuate and recapture dinosaurs, and escape before it’s too late!  Players will experience heart-pounding excitement right from the start in this action-packed pinball adventure filled with suspense, twists, and turns around every flip.

Jurassic Park Pin brings to life the most fearsome predator ever to walk the earth with an interactive, custom sculpted T. rex.  Players will battle against the Spinosaurus by bashing a captive ball and corral Raptors in their enclosed pen with precision shooting.  Fast flowing metal ramps, lightning quick spinners, and kinetically satisfying physical drop targets will provide players with an adrenalized game experience packed with unmatched action and fun.  The all-LED playfield lighting provides dazzling light shows in sync with the iconic Jurassic Park theme music to create an immersive pinball experience.

The easy-to-setup Jurassic Park Pin is affordable, reliable, built to last, and engineered with genuine Stern commercial-quality parts.  The playfield is housed in a stylish cabinet with dynamic, high definition, hand-drawn artwork.  Complementing the iconic theme and exciting gameplay, Stern Pinball’s powerful SPIKE™ electronics hardware system enables high-definition graphics and innovative animations on the LCD display.  SPIKE™ also reduces system complexity and energy usage, resulting in enhanced reliability and simplified servicing.

Jurassic Park is an iconic film featuring something we all love­­­­­…dinosaurs!  The Jurassic Park Pin is designed to provide quality family entertainment and bring pinball fun to homes everywhere,” said Gary Stern, Chairman and CEO of Stern Pinball, Inc.  “This game will be an incredible addition to any home!”

Pricing and Availability:

 Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (“MSRP”)*:                                      $US 4,599

*MSRP for sales to USA end-users, before any VAT, GST, Sales Tax, Duties, or other taxes.     

 The Jurassic Park Pin is available to pre-order now through authorized Stern Pinball distributors, like GAD Vending. 

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 Godzilla, 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 Munster’s, 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 Jurassic World Franchise

From Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment, Jurassic World immerses audiences of all ages in a new era of wonder and thrills where dinosaurs and humankind must learn to coexist. Jurassic World is more than a film franchise. At every turn, this $5 billion film series delivers a larger-than-life destination for exploration, discovery, and epic adventure. Dinosaurs live again and they live in Jurassic World.

Godzilla – The Hype is Real

Godzilla – The Hype is Real 1200 632 GAD Vending

The King has arrived!  Toho International, Inc. and Stern Pinball announced a new line of pinball machines based on the iconic King of the Monsters, Godzilla! And the hype is real.

The game trailer premiered directly on Toho’s official YouTube channel with the press and media exposure train not slowing down with features on The NerdistHYPEBEASTColliderSuperHeroHypeThe Pop InsiderMoviewebShackNewsJoBloLicense GlobalAusretrogamerHardcore GamerYahoo!, and a deep dive by This Week in Pinball to name a few.

The official reveal stream with Dead Flip and the game team was mirror broadcast by the world famous streamer, Shroud on his Twitch channel https://www.twitch.tv/shroud (collective following base of over 20 million followers across all social media platforms!). This live stream event had over 600,000 live views between both platforms reaching a massive new audience of eyeballs.

Visit the official Godzilla game page for full details on this action-packed pinball experience including the official game trailerPro model game features, and Premium/LE model game features!  You can also check out the reveal stream on the Pro model with Dead Flip and Chicago Belles & Chimes here!

If you are interested in owning a Stern Pinball Godzilla game in Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota or Kansas City – check in with your local GAD office. We have a limited number on order and available for commercial or home pre-purchase.

Guns n’ Roses Internet Connectivity and Update Tutorial

Guns n’ Roses Internet Connectivity and Update Tutorial 663 472 GAD Vending

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.

The King of the Monsters Arrives to Stern Pinball

The King of the Monsters Arrives to Stern Pinball 427 340 GAD 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.

Bar Tournaments to Drive Bar Traffic

Bar Tournaments to Drive Bar Traffic 617 360 GAD Vending

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?

  1. Professional and Amateur Pinball Association (PAPA.org) guidelines.
  2. Stern Army
  3. International Flipper Pinball Association
  4. Bullshooter Dart League Downloadable Ads

Call GAD Vending office closest to you or our Omaha office at (402) 553-2812. Our staff has extensive knowledge in tournament resources

*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.

Stern Pinball Insider Connected Explained by George Gomez

Stern Pinball Insider Connected Explained by George Gomez 768 437 GAD Vending

 

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!

Back to School: Game Night Can Save Your Sanity

Back to School: Game Night Can Save Your Sanity 2048 1365 GAD Vending

Spending more family time always sounded like a great idea – before COVID. Now, hopefully, all the kids are back (physically) in school. But as the novelty of school wears off again, its time to start Family Game Night.

Turn the TV off. Go to an arcade to play. Or add a game to your home. Either way, there are lots of games for all ages.

Going Out to an Arcade? 

There are lots of ways to find the games you want to play. Google, of course. Call GAD – we can give you suggestions for games that are age appropriate. Stern Pinball has their own map of Stern Pinball game locations. Try Pinball Game Map or Pinside. 

Break Up the Boredom and Up Your Game Night At Home

While board games can be fun, they generally don’t always engage the entire family. (Unless you set up an Olympic type marathon tournament that includes board games, pinball, darts, etc.) Why not find a set of games that match your family dynamic? Here are a few suggestions.

Table Classic-Cade

This is the perfect family game for all ages, genders and skill levels. With over 60 classic games, it offers hours of single play, one on one and team play fun.

Games include: Pac Man, Donkey Kong, Space Invaders, Mario Bros, Centipede, Galaga, Pong and so many more!

Pinball

A pinball game is a classic, family favorite.

Choose from titles like Hot Wheels, Ghostbusters and The Addams Family for younger audiences. Check out Stranger Things, Jurassic Park and Houdini for a junior high school + age audience. And, consider Metallica, Iron Maiden or Guns ‘N Roses for an older player.

For family favorites across all ages, check out Stern’s The Mandalorian, Guardians of the Galaxy, or Hot Wheels.

Ask us about connecting your Pinball game to the internet. Many of the newer games are internet friendly allowing for remote play against friends, family or internet tournaments!

Golden Tee

Golden Tee 2021 Home Edition is the worldwide hit bar game Golden Tee programmed for home play. With the internet, play tournaments, win best shot of the week or play against friends remote.

Golden Tee PGA is becoming the newest standard for Golden Tee lovers. If you are looking at a new game, the commercial version is available for home purchase.

Darts

Electronic darts has upped the game with electronic scoring and internet tournaments.

Our new favorite is the G3 Galaxy Fire:

  • Larger 24” Monitor
  • Automatic Target Flip
  • Live Remote Play
  • Remote Leagues
  • Glowing Cabinet
  • Made in the USA

GAD can help you figure out the best titles for the ages of your family, the size of your home game room and game selections in your budget. GAD provides quotes that are all inclusive, so you never have any surprises.

GAD Vending provides games to Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas and South Dakota.

Stern Pinball – The Mandalorian Rule Sheet

Stern Pinball – The Mandalorian Rule Sheet 2048 1786 GAD Vending

Because some folks like to read the rules – before and/or after they play the game. Others say reading the rules in No Bueno. However you want to play the newest Stern The Mandalorian – here’s you go…..

The Mandalorian Rule Sheet:

This is the way to set some high scores on The Mandalorian pinball machines!  Check out the official rule sheet here! https://sternpinball.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Mando-Rule-Sheet.pdf