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Stern Star Trek

gameactive9 mentionsFirst seen Mar 10, 2017Last seen Sep 5, 2025

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Stern Star Trek is a pinball machine released by Stern Pinball in the early 2010s, built on the SAM (Stereo Audio Module) system. The game features a flowball-style design and is known for its wireform drop mechanism. It represents an early 2010s entry in Stern's licensing portfolio and has become a platform for modern upgrades, including Color DMD installations, demonstrating the game's lasting appeal in the collector community.

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Claims (6)

  • factualhigh

    Kobayashi Maru is the first wizard mode reached by completing all six modes

    Source: Zach SharpeKobiyashi Maru Wizard Mode (Star Trek Pinball)
  • factualhigh

    Medal medals (bronze/silver/gold) earned in modes directly affect Kobayashi Maru wizard mode payout

    Source: Zach SharpeKobiyashi Maru Wizard Mode (Star Trek Pinball)
  • factualhigh

    Mode timers pause if you don't hit any switch to prevent artificial timeout failures

    Source: Zach SharpeKobiyashi Maru Wizard Mode (Star Trek Pinball)
  • factualhigh

    Second-tier modes change from timed hit-as-many mechanics to roving special shot mechanics

Recent Mentions (9)

  • Jason's #5 favorite game and first pinball machine purchase; Pro version cost ~$4,200; known for satisfying warp ramp

    Ep 40: Top 5 fav gamesOct 15, 2023
  • Stern machine Jason reviewed in Episode 1; featured photon torpedoes (not proton torpedoes as Jason initially called them)

    Episode 4: Be My GuestSep 14, 2022
  • Stern Pinball designed by Steve Richie; proposed by Dennis for top 10 based on superior flow layout

    The Pinball Show Ep 162 BONUS: The Pinside Top 100?: A Closer Look At The Top 10 Pinball Machines Of All TimeOct 11, 2024
  • Tournament selection for Women's World Championship finals; played with modified settings (removed out lane rubbers, extra hard kickback, minimum ball saves); had longest queue all day; Kerry Wing's favorite game

    Part 09 | 2018-19 IFPA NA Championships & 2019 Women's World ChampionshipsMay 27, 2020
  • Steve Ritchie design; Gonzo uses as negative example of poor plastic ramp timing that 'kills it' for him

    Top 50 Greatest Pinball Machines: Monster Bash Ranked & Reviewed!May 5, 2025
  • Pinball machine by Stern being demonstrated; features SAM system, medal-based modes, tiered difficulty, and Kobayashi Maru wizard mode

Contradictions

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Related Glossary Terms

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Source: Zach Sharpe
Kobiyashi Maru Wizard Mode (Star Trek Pinball)
  • factualhigh

    Vengeance Multiball holds a ball with a magnet that can be jarred loose for three-ball multiball vs standard two-ball

    Source: Zach SharpeKobiyashi Maru Wizard Mode (Star Trek Pinball)
  • factualhigh

    Each second and third tier mode has unique animations

    Source: Zach SharpeKobiyashi Maru Wizard Mode (Star Trek Pinball)
  • Kobiyashi Maru Wizard Mode (Star Trek Pinball)Mar 10, 2017
  • Early 2010s SAM-based pinball machine receiving Color DMD upgrade

    How To Install a Color DMD into Stern Star Trek SAM System Pinball Machine!Sep 5, 2025
  • Referenced as example of game with problematic wireform drop that bounces ball momentum; contrasted negatively with Dune's design

    Incredible Pinball Machine | First Look at Dune Pinball | Gameplay, Features & Sandworm Mech!Aug 31, 2025
  • Stern Pinball game; flowball-style game in Eric's collection

    Episode 28 – Eric Meunier from Jersey Jack PinballJan 29, 2018