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Guardians

gameactive26 mentionsFirst seen Mar 12, 2018Last seen Feb 23, 2026

Profile

Guardians is a Stern Pinball game that has been a notable title in the modern pinball landscape since at least 2018. The game received a transformative code update in 2018 that addressed community concerns, and has been featured at major pinball venues like The Pinball Factory alongside other premium titles. It is recognized for its long ball times and multiball save timing, and has been used in competitive play including ICR competitions.

Aliases

Guardian

Relationships

No relationships

Facts

  • achievementCited as favorite for streaminghighfrom 2022-02-18
  • affiliationStern Pinball gamehighfrom 2018
  • attributeReceived transformative code update addressing community concernshighfrom 2018
  • locationAvailable at TPF locationshighfrom 2018-03-12
  • statusUsed in ICR competitionhighfrom 2021-03-10

Claims

No claims

Recent Mentions (26)

  • Currently number-one earner at a location; Bruce achieved high score through 'Zach training' (mode strategy coaching)

    Episode 103 – Another Quick OneAug 16, 2018
  • Stern game; Joe Fox has modified Groot Mouth feature disabled for multi-ball play to prevent stuck balls and improve reliability

    Ep 38: Fantastic Mr. FoxJul 25, 2021
  • Referenced by DeBary as a game he/she is trying to complete, mentioned as example of table Jorge would 'beat your butt on'

    S247: Tron LegacyFeb 26, 2020
  • Game being returned to Jack by Gavin Miller during stream logistics

    Scorpion Pinball by Williams Pinball, 1980Jan 4, 2019
  • Spooky pinball game; mentioned as having score design issues after Insider Connected update

    Stream 528: Jurassic Park (Stern) PROJan 17, 2022
  • Stern Pinball game; available at tournament; mentioned as alternative to Star Wars for game selection strategy

    Pinball Expo 2019 Flip Out Tournament Playoffs - Featured Match #3Aug 6, 2020

Contradictions

  • Existing: Guardians is a Stern Pinball game (established in multiple mentions)vsConflicting: Mention 5 describes Star Wars Fall of the Empire as possibly featuring 'John Borg's signature right ramp design' and being a 'Stern release', but then connects this to Guardians in the context of playfield similarity
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 2, 2026

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

Pinball machine mentioned in finals commentary

Free Play Florida 2019 Women's Pinball Tournament PlayoffsNov 9, 2020
  • Stern game mentioned in animation quality discussion; referenced by Drew positively, Jon less so

    Episode 25: Jurassic Park Review and another Top 5Sep 12, 2019
  • Stern Pinball game referenced for comparison to Blood Machines' Rocket Raccoon ramp shot and timer mechanics

    Blood Machines (2022 VPW)Apr 21, 2022
  • Pinball game (likely Guardians of the Galaxy); Dustin won a round playing this

    Alien (PinballBrothers 2020)Oct 12, 2022
  • Stern pinball game; Gonzo considers it a friendly, good game for streaming

    Tron Livestream - Testing The RigFeb 23, 2026
  • Mentioned as a game the streamer played earlier before this session

    Elvira House Of Horrors Pinball New Code 0.98Jul 24, 2020
  • Referenced as precedent for power-up systems and multiball mechanics that Avengers Infinity Quest may follow

    #14 - Discussing Avengers Infinity Quest Playfield with Tom GrafSep 8, 2020
  • Stern Pinball game; host criticizes center bash toy mechanic and hopes Godzilla avoids similar design

    Stern Pinball Teases The Next Game & Mailbag TimeFeb 25, 2021
  • Stern game that benefited from community sentiment turnaround during production run

    Episode 188 - Foo For ThoughtMar 6, 2023
  • Stern pinball; Lonnie code designer; criticized for incomplete/problematic code at launch

    Triple Drain Pinball Podcast Ep 1: Off the Record, On the RecordMay 19, 2021
  • Stern pinball; referenced for rocket kickback mechanic

    Episode 264 - Ubisoft: The SegmentFeb 1, 2026
  • Modern pinball machine (presumed Guardians of the Galaxy based on context) featured in Yagpin 2018 tournament; selected by Raymond Davidson

    Episode 131: YEGPIN recap (2018)May 18, 2018
  • Modern Stern game; used in ICR competition with Erik

    Episode 299: Erik WurtenbergerMar 10, 2021
  • Stern game referenced (noted as same as Metallica); scoop difficulty compared to Fall of the Empire

    Star Wars - Fall Of The Empire - Love it or Hate itJan 28, 2026
  • Stern release possibly featuring John Borg's signature right ramp design

    NEW @sternpinballinc Star Wars Fall of the Empire! WAIT - I've seen this playfield before, Austin!Sep 20, 2025
  • Recent Stern game with less innovation compared to Pirates of the Caribbean

    Episode 81 – Richard Rhodes ACS ChampionFeb 25, 2019
  • Stern game that received transformative code update in 2018 addressing community concerns

    Episode 74 – Zach Sharpe reveals Stern’s SecretsDec 17, 2018
  • Pinball game referenced in operator discussion of long ball times and multiball save timing preferences

    Episode 87 – Start spreading the newsApr 8, 2019
  • Stern Pinball title; available at TPF locations alongside Star Wars and Batman

    Episode 34 – TPF predictions and Bowen Kerins v2!Mar 12, 2018
  • Stern game; cited as favorite for streaming by Rebecca

    Drinks with Jack - Hot Nudge EP4Feb 18, 2022