# The Most Modded Game Ever? Miniature Model Expert Tricks Out Lord of the Rings Pinball Machine

**Source:** Knapp Arcade  
**Type:** article  
**Published:** 2022-05-06  
**Beat:** Pinball

**URL:** https://www.knapparcade.org/the-most-modded-game-ever-miniature-model-expert-tricks-out-lord-of-the-rings-pinball-machine

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## Analysis

A YouTuber and miniature model-painting expert named Squidmar has created an extensive mod of a 2003 Stern Lord of the Rings pinball machine, featuring a complete miniature diorama in the backbox, extensive apron customization, and numerous miniatures throughout the playfield.

### Key Claims

- [HIGH] Squidmar is a YouTuber and miniature model-painting expert — _Direct attribution in article text_
- [HIGH] The mod includes an entire miniature diorama built in the backbox of a 2003 Stern Lord of the Rings machine — _Described as primary feature of the modification_
- [HIGH] The game's apron was completely redone with extensive miniatures added throughout — _Explicitly stated in article_

### Notable Quotes

> "Now I've seen a lot of modded-out pinball machines over the years, but this one may take the cake."
> — **Knapp Arcade (article author)**, opening
> _Establishes this as an exceptionally elaborate modification in the context of the author's experience_

> "This is super impressive!"
> — **Knapp Arcade (article author)**, closing
> _Conveys strong positive sentiment toward the modification_

### Entities

| Name | Type | Context |
|------|------|---------|
| Squidmar | person | YouTuber and miniature model-painting expert who created the Lord of the Rings mod |
| Lord of the Rings | game | 2003 Stern Pinball game that was extensively modified with miniature diorama and custom artwork |
| Stern Pinball | company | Manufacturer of the original Lord of the Rings machine (2003) |
| Knapp Arcade | organization | Source publication covering pinball mods and arcade culture |

### Topics

- **Primary:** Pinball machine modification and customization, Miniature model painting and diorama artistry
- **Secondary:** Lord of the Rings pinball collector interest, Custom pinball art and backbox modifications

### Sentiment

**Positive** (0.9) — Article expresses clear admiration for the modification work, describing it as potentially the most elaborate mod the author has encountered

### Signals

- **[community_signal]** High-quality miniature diorama modification of Lord of the Rings demonstrates vibrant aftermarket customization community creating artistic value-add mods (confidence: high) — Squidmar's extensive backbox diorama and apron customization represents sophisticated creative modification beyond standard playfield enhancements

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## Transcript

Now I've seen a lot of modded-out pinball machines over the years, but this one may take the cake. A YouTuber and miniature model-painting expert named Squidmar used his talents to build an entire miniature diorama in the backbox of a 2003 Stern Lord of the Rings pinball machine. Beyond the art in the head, the game's apron was completely re-done and tons of miniatures were added all over the game. This is super impressive!

_(Acquisition: raw_text, Enrichment: v1)_

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*Exported from Journalist Tool on 2026-04-13 | Item ID: f6b3c3fd-94f4-43f3-96e9-26dac903e7e8*