KISS is a 2015 Stern Pinball machine designed by John Borg, based on the legendary rock band of the same name. The game features music-themed gameplay and has become highly sought-after in the secondary market, with original LE units commanding $5,000+ valuations. A remaster was officially announced for 2026 release, representing Borg's continued work on revisiting successful titles.
Kiss by Bally plays music when you press the start button
Kiss pinball (1979) designed by Jim Patla sold approximately 17,000 units
Kiss code update contains 267 lines of release notes documenting changes
Kiss Gene Head mechanical issue allows ball to be ejected straight down the middle, creating frustrating play experience despite ball save feature
Another Stern Pinball game designed by John Borg, mentioned as having similarities to Aerosmith; Joel created a tutorial for Kiss as well
Bally machine from December 1978; opens with 'Rock and Roll All Night'; famous example of licensed pre-existing music in pinball
December 1978 Bally machine featuring monophonic version of 'Rock and Roll All Nite' opening
Classic solid state pinball (and newer Stern version) used in multiple Yegpin tournaments; features skill shot and double bonus mechanics
Stern pinball machine featuring Deuce song mode strategy discussed in round 1; 200+ million difficulty tier
Stern Pinball game; recent code update discussed (April timing); vintage Bally Kiss machine referenced as collectible
No linked glossary terms
Jack Danger is attempting to acquire a Stern Kiss pinball machine for streaming
KISS launch party at Logan Arcade tonight from 7-11 PM with $5 buy-in and IFPA points
Pinball machine in auction, playfield shows wear, nice backglass, new playfield available for purchase
Previous Stern game by Aerosmith designer; Aerosmith playfield compared to KISS as similar/derivative
Stern pinball machine that followed WWE; still used DMD (dot matrix display) rather than LCD
Classic Bally pinball game; Chuck built a custom scratch-build Kiss using CPR playfield and parts from other machines
Stern game; Scott purchased for low price from tattoo shop in Edinburgh; needs TLC (decals faded); good tournament game despite Scott disliking the music
Bally pinball machine; one of two rock and roll themed games from the era; designed by Jim Patla; discussed comparatively with Rolling Stones
Licensed pinball machine from the era of IP-based game themes
Stern pinball machine from 2015 featuring Kiss band theme; Pro model being played on stream
Stern pinball machine that Jack is attempting to acquire; he plans to 'sweet talk' Stern into selling him one
Tournament game in ClePin finals group play; Luke selected as bus driver; tight tilt, easy love shots; Luke tilted on ball 1
Pinball machine used in qualifying; featured in notable head-to-head match between Joe Lemire and John Krimmer
Stern Pinball machine released in 2015, designed by John Borg, based on the band KISS; features demon multiball, love gun multiball, and rock city wizard mode
Recent Stern pinball machine designed by John Borg
2015 Stern Pinball machine themed after the rock band KISS, featuring extensive licensing, custom voiceover, and innovative playfield toys.
Bally pinball machine; featured in Classic Pinball Podcast episode from 11-12-2019; pitched by Dave for approximately two years before recent sale to Martha's Vineyard buyer
Stern pinball game with similar scoop design flaw to Rush; marginal design differences affect durability
Stern game receiving code version 1.30 with bug fixes but no rule depth improvements; community disappointed by lack of major updates
Stern release with licensing; comparatively weak music soundtrack vs Aerosmith; machines being sold at secondary market
Stern Pinball game scheduled to receive code update before summer 2018
Major early licensing client; Franchi worked for them 5 years doing merchandise design, photography, and magazine work before pinball career
Elite version listed at AU$18.25k; Kiss Remastered rumored and creating 'backlash' in secondary market
Stern pinball machine; subject of discussion regarding redundant topper design (Kiss branding repeated on both backglass and topper)
Stern Pinball machine featured in charity tournament where Albert discovered his competitive potential
Pinball machine used in Pin-Masters semifinals; features skill shot mechanics, spinners, bumpers; criticized for spinner placement and rule design
Pinball game featuring Kevin O'Connor's oil painting artwork, cited as example of his early technical mastery
Iconic pinball game with backglass artwork approved by the band in full makeup at Magic Mountain concert; featured portraits on cabinet using stencil technique
Retro pinball machine; example of 1980s-era game in multi-pin location mix
Spike 1 game; example of dot matrix display era hardware
Tournament game being run at Fantasy location for monthly tournament; played by Bruce after power restored
Stern pinball machine with notoriously delayed code updates; Batman 66's code issues compared to ongoing KISS code problems
Referenced for comparison to Legends of Valhalla's combo/weapon shot mechanics
Stern pinball game; code quality used as baseline comparison for Aerosmith Pro code (reportedly better)
Ranked #4; topper is extremely bright with stage-light appearance; reportedly flashes based on song selection; noted as must-see-in-person topper
Stern pinball game; criticized in community for incomplete coding; defended by Zach as having sufficient depth and gameplay; praised for aesthetic beauty and sound design
Home-use-only pinball machine (with clear coat playfield) owned by Gary Stern; serviced by Dave to resolve ball-trapping issue
Stern Pinball game released in 2015; Jack plays Stern Pro Edition; difficult without ball save; features music from KISS band.
Stern pinball machine; received massive code update with 267 lines of patch notes, wizard mode redesign, 15 city combos
Stern Pinball machine featuring the rock band Kiss, subject of this stream's gameplay and code testing
Pinball machine being played and said goodbye to during stream; being removed from Deadflip
Recently released Stern pinball machine being tested; features Gene Simmons tongue mechanic and Love Gun multiball; has ball save bugs
Stern pinball machine that Jack Danger is trying to acquire for streaming
Stern pinball machine themed after the rock band; featured on stream with updated code
Stern Pinball machine featured on stream; Steve Ritchie design; fast gameplay with challenging left outlane; newly received by Jack Danger
Pinball machine visible in the exhibit lineup with backglasses and artwork
Stern Pinball game used in gameplay and design comparisons with Aerosmith
Unreleased Stern pinball machine in development; DeadFlip attempting to acquire for streaming
Pinball machine Jack Danger is acquiring tomorrow; mentioned as replacement for Walking Dead donation
Stern machine in DeadFlip collection
Stern pinball machine; described as fast, punishing, and improving with code updates; had bug with Gene Simmons mechanism fixed via code
Pinball machine available at Brower House, discussed for potential tournament play
Stern pinball machine that Jack Danger is requesting for Deadflip arcade; not yet available at venue
Pinball machine with launch party event at Logan Arcade on the date of this stream
Stern Pinball Pro model; used for inflation-adjusted pricing comparison; historical MSRP approximately $6,400 adjusted to current dollars
Stern music pin; took longer to finalize code; host describes as enjoyable but not world-beater tier
Stern Pinball music-themed machine; used as comparison point for Aerosmith; hosts compare ball lock mechanisms and overall playability
Recent Stern music pin release; just over one year old at time of discussion
Stern pinball machine; discussed as example of band with devoted fans and detractors; currently receiving code improvements
Stern version; ranked 51-60 range; selected by Dennis for John Borg's good geometry and developing code quality
Stern pinball machine (Pro version) available at Tilt
Stern pinball machine available at the venue
John Borg design released summer 2015, featured throwbacks to 1979 classic and artwork by original Bally artist Kevin O'Connor; anticipated to receive software updates
Both Stern and Bally versions available at exhibition
Stern Pinball game receiving code updates as announced by George Gomez
Both Stern and Bally versions available for play; Kevin O'Connor artwork featured
Rock band featured with Stern Pinball KISS machine and Peter Criss drum kit on display
1979 music-themed pinball game in the exhibit
Pinball machine positioned on landing with DJ booth during Buggy live painting event
Stern pinball machine at Moonwalker Arcade
Pinball machine at Brauer House
Bally pinball machine used for Classic Tournament final
Last Stern game before Game of Thrones to feature coin door decal with game title
Classic pinball machine at Blue Sun in dedicated game room; shown in photo with soda consumption
Stern Pinball Pro model exhibited at Amusement Expo 2016
Stern rock-themed pinball machine present in Dallas home
Classic rock band; ended 40-year career same week as Skinny Puppy breakup; formative band for Mike Vinacore in the 1970s
Pinball machine designed by Jim Patla at Valley Manufacturing; licensed rock/pop IP title
Stern pinball machine; hosts consider likely candidate for inclusion in Stern Pinball Arcade
Stern machine at Ground Control; Chris earned three replays playing it; noted as good introduction to game mechanics
Pinball machine referenced for 'vomit mech' multiball mechanism similar to Guardians of the Galaxy
Spike 1 era game; noted as high secondary market price; vault candidate consideration
Pinball machine acquired at Houston Arcade Expo; installed at Wormhole Pinball
Game owned by Morten mentioned in context of tournament preparation and machine setup
Pinball machine mentioned in collection context
Pinball machine referenced for ramp shot deceptive difficulty
Bally machine ranked #3; plays 'I Want to Rock and Roll All Night' at start; features Kiss artwork, two spinners, and drop/standup targets.
Spike 1 era Stern title; popular partly due to rarity; potential vault candidate
Tournament game picked by Luke in Finals; Travis laid goose egg (0 points) on first ball; tilt appears to have been tightened mid-tournament
Stern Pinball game that received major code update in November 2018, described as transformative
Pinball game with four pop bumpers (both Valley and Stern versions mentioned); top answer in Expo pop bumper trivia contest
Vintage pinball machine featuring Kiss band; Patrick owns renovated 1978 version; discussed as nostalgia-driven title
1979 Bally pinball; monster seller; holds high resale value due to theme and art by Kevin O'Connor; devoted fan base
1979 Bally game; designed by Jim Patla; 17,000 units sold; symmetrical playfield; major licensed theme
Rock band; subject of multiple pinball machines; brand discussed throughout interview
Pinball game mentioned in context of artwork criticism (Paul Stanley's arm detail); used as example of minor art details becoming community focal point
Stern game with recent update that Keith has been playing and enjoying
2015 John Borg design with dead center ramp; designed for passionate fanbase/home collectors; both hosts enjoy despite center ramp criticism
Rumored Stern remaster instead of AC/DC; Naps Arcade confirmation disputed by conflicting insider sources; classic LE commands $5,000+ on secondary market
Bally game mentioned in context of Clark's involvement and design influence
Stern Pinball game being worked on for tournament play at MAGFest
Classic pinball machine featuring special dancing light effects, one of only three games using RP1/RP2 power supply components
Stern game; Kyle used ramp from this game for Friday the 13th
Rumored Stern remake; Walt speculates as likely next John Borg remake in sequence
Original 2015 Stern pinball machine designed by John Borg; will serve as foundation for 2026 remaster
Stern Pinball remastered game for 2026 announced day before Tank Girl reveal; subject of Knapp Arcade article
Rumored Stern remaster; originally had single release version; discussed potential improvements including Gene Simmons head duplication
Confirmed Stern Pinball remake (not AC/DC); musical license pinball game
John Borg-designed game predicted to receive remaster; strong resale values noted; represents continuation of Borg's remaster work after Metallica and Walking Dead.
Stern 2015 music pin, designed by John Borg; both hosts included in top 5; described as super fun and friendly
Rumored Stern remake; original LE topper once $5,000+, now $2,500; host predicts new LE will cannibalize used market to $8,000-$9,000
Confirmed remaster title (replacing ACDC rumors); original LE toppers sold for $16k-$18k; remaster will devalue original machines
Stern Pinball remaster; Kaneda criticizes remaster pricing ($5k premium) for identical layout to original
Stern game example used for secondary market pricing discussion; premium version listed at $14,000
Pinball machine referenced by costume contestant
Stern classic; LE units recently listed for sale; remaster rumored but potentially secondary to ACDC
Remaster planned by Stern; Jason Knapp reports both KISS and ACDC coming; Kaneda's sources indicate ACDC first
Stern legacy game that received code update in 2018
Stern game Rhodes plays competitively despite not enjoying personally