Stern Pinball’s latest release taps into the beloved universe of Dungeons & Dragons. If you’ve always wished your tabletop adventures had more shiny ramps and flashing lights, this machine might scratch that itch. It merges classic pinball flow with elements of character progression, weekly “dungeon” updates, and a cast of iconic monsters.
Picking Classes and Saving Progress
The game adds a twist by letting you pick a character class. Each one has slight tweaks that affect how modes and missions play out. You’ll collect loot and build stats over time, and the machine can even track your progress so you can resume your campaign later. If you’re used to “one-and-done” pinball sessions, the idea of returning to continue your quest is pretty refreshing.
Features That Stand Out
A massive red dragon sits on the playfield, looming over ramps and targets. It’s almost like a final boss glaring down at your every flipper move. On some models, the dragon will toss balls around during multiball, adding chaos that feels like a real fight. There’s also the Gelatinous Cube feature, which traps balls and then releases them in a frantic flurry. And if you like random challenges, you’ll appreciate the weekly dungeon changes, so it rarely feels predictable.
Stop-and-Go vs. Flow
This machine isn’t all fast, continuous play—there are moments when the ball pauses while you pick new missions or use the shield mechanic to block outlane drains. Some folks enjoy that blend of strategy and action; others might find it interrupts their rhythm. But the tradeoff is a deeper narrative feel you don’t usually see in pinball.
Art, Sound, and Atmosphere
The artwork is packed with dragons, beholders, and other classic D&D creatures. Neon colors pop under the LED lighting, and callouts from professional voice actors heighten the sense that you’re on an actual quest. Music changes as you progress through different missions, which can hype you up or make you sweat if you’re close to draining your last ball.
Worth Checking Out?
If you prefer pinball that tells a story, this machine does the job well. There are enough monsters to fight, quests to finish, and gear to collect that you won’t get bored quickly. Sure, it’s a more modern approach to pinball, so don’t expect the same nonstop flow you’d get in simpler layouts. But if you like the idea of leveling up in a pinball world, it’s hard to resist.
Final Thoughts
Stern’s Dungeons & Dragons pinball machine strikes a balance between old-school flipper fun and a role-playing vibe. It’s especially appealing if you’re a D&D fan who wants to see classic tropes and monsters come to life on a playfield. And if you ever wanted to play pinball with the same group of friends you roll dice with, now you can. Just be careful—once you see that dragon waiting for you, you might be tempted to stay up all night trying to finish the quest.