Game of Thrones Pinball – The Throne Awaits

Introduction

Released in 2015 by Stern Pinball, Game of Thrones Pinball brings the epic fantasy world of Westeros to life through intense gameplay, captivating design, and immersive storytelling. Based on the wildly popular HBO series, Game of Thrones combines thrilling pinball action with the intrigue, drama, and excitement of the show. The machine features a wide variety of characters and elements from the series, allowing players to relive key moments from the show while competing for the ultimate prize: the Iron Throne.

Designed by John Borg, Game of Thrones Pinball features detailed artwork, intense ramps, and innovative mechanics that challenge players while delivering an unforgettable experience for both fans of the show and pinball enthusiasts alike.

History and Development

Game of Thrones Pinball was developed and released by Stern Pinball in 2015, capitalizing on the immense popularity of the Game of Thrones television series, which was based on the book series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin. Designed by John Borg, who had previously worked on other successful Stern machines, Game of Thrones features a diverse cast of characters and themes from the show, such as House Stark, House Lannister, and the Night King, all integrated into the gameplay.

The game’s design aims to capture the intensity of the show while offering players the opportunity to engage in a battle for the Iron Throne. Stern used their LE (Limited Edition), Premium, and Pro models to create different variations of the game, each featuring slight differences in playfield elements and artwork.

Watch the unboxing of Game of Thrones Limited Edition by IGN in the video below.

Video

Gameplay and Objectives

In Game of Thrones Pinball, players take on the role of a character vying for control of the Iron Throne. The objective is to complete various missions, engage in combat, and ultimately claim the throne by defeating enemies and building alliances with key characters from the series.

Key Gameplay Features:

  • House Modes: The game features several House-themed modes inspired by the major factions in the series, including House Stark, House Lannister, and House Targaryen. Each house has its own set of objectives and rewards, with special features unlocked by completing the associated missions.
  • Multiball Mode: Players can trigger multiball mode by completing certain objectives. Multiball provides an opportunity for major point gains and more dynamic gameplay, as players manage multiple balls in play at once.
  • Iron Throne: The ultimate goal in the game is to sit on the Iron Throne, which is achieved by completing the major objectives of the game, including battling key characters and unlocking special modes.
  • Ramp Shots and Targets: The game features multiple ramps, spinners, and targets that players must hit to advance through the various modes. Some of these targets represent iconic characters from the series, such as Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow, and hitting them progresses the storyline.

Tip for Players: Focus on hitting the Iron Throne ramp to advance toward the final modes and unlock major point bonuses. Be sure to complete the House modes for maximum points and to increase your chances of triggering multiball.

Unique Features and Gameplay Mechanics

Game of Thrones Pinball stands out for its combination of strategic gameplay and thematic elements drawn from the television series. The game features unique mechanics that immerse players in the world of Westeros and allow them to engage with the show in a new way.

Key Innovations:

  • Iron Throne Toy: The game’s centerpieces include a motorized Iron Throne toy that is activated when the player completes certain objectives. The throne adds a dynamic and interactive element to the game, offering extra points and rewards when hit.
  • House-Specific Features: Each of the House modes (Stark, Lannister, Targaryen) offers unique features and challenges. For example, House Stark has a mode based on Winter is Coming, while House Targaryen lets players raise dragons for battle.
  • Battle Modes: Game of Thrones Pinball features a series of battle modes that are inspired by key moments in the series. These battles are triggered by hitting specific targets, and completing them advances the player toward the ultimate goal of conquering the Iron Throne.
  • Night King Feature: The Night King toy adds another layer of excitement, with the player needing to defeat him to progress through certain modes. The mechanical toy adds visual drama to the game as it lights up and reacts when activated.

Strategies for High Scores

  • Focus on House Modes: Completing the House missions is essential for unlocking higher scores and advancing through the game. Each house offers different challenges, so try to complete them as efficiently as possible.
  • Manage Multiball: Multiball is one of the best ways to rack up big points. Try to keep all the balls in play while focusing on hitting the high-value targets to maximize your score.
  • Target the Iron Throne: The Iron Throne is the ultimate goal, but it’s also a key source of points. Focus on triggering the Iron Throne ramp and using it to unlock additional modes.
  • Defeat the Night King: The Night King is a tough opponent, but taking him down will open up new modes and rewards. Focus on completing the required shots to challenge him.

Legacy and Player Reception

Since its release, Game of Thrones Pinball has been highly praised for its immersive gameplay, great artwork, and faithful representation of the television series. Fans of Game of Thrones appreciate the way the game integrates key moments from the show while providing an exciting pinball experience. The game’s depth, with its combination of different house modes and multiball features, has made it one of Stern Pinball's standout releases.

Community Feedback:

  • Players Appreciate: The exciting multiball mode, the unique House modes, and the Iron Throne toy. Fans of the show enjoy seeing their favorite characters and scenes come to life in a new interactive format.
  • Critics Note: Some players find the gameplay to be challenging, especially when trying to complete the various modes. However, the challenge is part of what makes the game rewarding, and it keeps players coming back for more.

Awards and Recognition: Game of Thrones Pinball received strong positive reviews and has become one of the more popular machines in the pinball community, known for its engaging ruleset and deep connection to the source material.

Fun Facts

  • Licensed Music: The game features several sound clips and music from the Game of Thrones TV show, including the iconic Main Title theme and voice recordings from characters like Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen.
  • Design by John Borg: John Borg, known for his work on games like AC/DC Pinball and Metallica Pinball, designed the Game of Thrones machine, bringing his signature style of gameplay and mechanics to the project.
  • Multiple Versions: As with many Stern pinball machines, Game of Thrones Pinball was released in multiple versions, including Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition (LE), with each offering slightly different features and artwork.

Conclusion

Game of Thrones Pinball is a must-play for fans of the show and pinball enthusiasts alike. With its engaging House modes, exciting multiball action, and dynamic features like the Iron Throne toy, it brings the epic world of Westeros to life in a thrilling and interactive way. Whether you’re aiming to defeat the Night King, conquer the Iron Throne, or just enjoy the pinball action, this game offers something for every player.

Explore More: Love fantasy-themed pinball games? Check out our guides on Lord of the Rings Pinball, Indiana Jones Pinball, and Jurassic Park Pinball for more epic pinball adventures!

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