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Pinball

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Batman

gameactive63 mentionsFirst seen Oct 30, 2008Last seen Apr 3, 2026

Profile

Batman is a pinball game designed by George Gomez and manufactured by Stern Pinball, based on the DC Comics character. Originally released around 2015-2016 as a licensed title featuring Adam West, it became a cornerstone modern pinball machine celebrated for its elegant design, strong theme integration, and simple yet engaging playfield. The game has remained highly desirable among collectors and is frequently referenced as a quality benchmark and potential remake candidate for newer platforms.

Aliases

No aliases

Relationships

  • designedChristopher FranchiArtist involved in Batman pinball artwork at Sternmedium
  • manufacturesStern Pinball Inc.Stern Pinball manufactured and released Batman as a licensed pinball gamemedium
  • designedGeorge GomezGeorge Gomez designed the Batman pinball gamemedium
  • affiliated_withJoe KaminkowJoe Kaminkow's Kapow brand was associated with Batman as first Kapow-branded licensed gamemedium
  • affiliated_withSpooky Pinball LLC

Facts

  • achievementFirst Stern game to use Spike Two systemhigh
  • affiliationStern Pinball gamehigh
  • attributeLicensed DC Comics titlehigh
  • attributeHas crane mechanism with skill-based satisfactionhigh
  • attributePraised for simple playfield design and strong theme integrationhigh
  • statusLast Stern game to meet collector expectations on valuemediumuntil 2015
  • statusReleased at Stern Expo with minimal code due to time constraints around Adam West's health and 30th anniversary deadline

Claims (3)

  • factualmedium

    Batman TV show pinball properly integrates theme through character dialogue and sequenced scene recreation

    Source: Kaneda (host)Episode 1099: "The Most JJP Pin Ever...And Most of The Clips Are Muted...Again :("
  • factualhigh

    Batman had 240 LEs and 80 SLEs

    Source: George GomezEpisode 1000 (audio): George Gomez
  • factualhigh

    Batman code 1.11 only fixes a single bug and adds no new content

    Source: KanedaEpisode 881: "Too Much Topper"

Recent Mentions (63)

  • Stern pinball machine used for the PPU/C DMD installation demonstration in this video

    There's a New Pinball Color Display Option in Town! And it's Amazing! PPUC/DMDApr 3, 2026
  • Recently revealed Stern pinball machine featured in factory stream, described as having 'so much potential'

    DOMINO Pinball - Happy New Year - The Walking Dead PinballDec 19, 2025
  • Stern Pinball game coded by Lyman Sheets, praised for deep and complex ruleset

    Ep 50: The Legend Of LymanFeb 17, 2022
  • Stern game designed by Lonnie; referenced as example of original rule mechanics featuring orange shots and multiplier logic; turntable praised as 'mechanical nightmare' but 'wow' factor

    Episode 139 – Still HereJan 22, 2020
  • DC Comics IP used as theme for the pinball machine

    Stern Pinball Batman Premium / Sizzle TrailerJan 25, 2019
  • Stern Pinball game; received code 1.11 update (bug fix only); speculation on potential 60th anniversary remake; Joe Kamnikow-designed

    Episode 881: "Too Much Topper"

Contradictions

  • Existing: Batman is a Stern game with ongoing code development and recent positive receptionvsConflicting: Mention 1 describes Batman as a 'Spooky Pinball game with Frazier artwork', suggesting a different manufacturer entirely
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 2, 2026
  • Existing: Batman is a Stern Pinball game (multiple mentions establish this as primary manufacturer)vsConflicting: Mention 19 identifies Batman as a Data East game that is 'down 25% YoY' and 'worst Data East performer'
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 2, 2026
  • Existing: Batman is a Stern Pinball game from approximately 9-10 years ago (around 2015-2016), praised as a quality benchmarkvsConflicting: Mention 19 claims 'Data East; down 25% YoY; worst Data East performer; recommended to avoid'
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 3, 2026

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

Referenced alongside Batman in context of artist Frazier's pinball artwork
medium
  • appears_inSpike TwoBatman was the first Stern game to use the Spike Two systemmedium
  • edition_ofBatman (66 Premium)Edition variant: 66 Premiumhigh
  • edition_ofBatman (66 Limited Edition)Edition variant: 66 Limited Editionhigh
  • edition_ofBatman (66 Super Limited Edition)Edition variant: 66 Super Limited Editionhigh
  • high
  • statusSubject of ongoing code updates including new minor villainshighfrom 2018
  • statusStrong candidate for remake on modern platformmediumfrom 2026
  • statusConsidered as quality benchmark for Stern pinball machinesmedium
  • Nov 30, 2023
  • Stern pinball with 240 LEs and 80 SLEs produced; highly sought after secondary market collectible; held value well

    Episode 1000 (audio): George GomezSep 16, 2024
  • Pinball machine owned by Bruce; recently fixed and playing perfectly with lock mechanisms; minor tweaks still needed

    Episode 130 – Space InvaderJun 22, 2019
  • Referenced as major launch; Kaneda predicts Toy Story will exceed its excitement and demand.

    Episode 679: "Toy Story Will Be Epic"May 19, 2022
  • Stern Pinball title; Kaneda speculates possibility of 60th Anniversary variant being produced in future

    Episode 974: "My Thoughts on Godzilla 70th"Jul 10, 2024
  • Stern Pinball game; Franchi's first pinball project, completed in two weeks with three back glass designs; featured gadget illustrations and batgirl side art

    Christopher FranchiJul 5, 2019
  • Data East title; Steve recently acquired; experiencing clear coat flaking issues requiring restoration

    Episode 53: Top 5 and Other Craziness with Steve JohnsonApr 30, 2020
  • Referenced as quality benchmark when discussing Godzilla game's impact

    Unreal Tournament 99 CTF 288M ScoreOct 28, 2021
  • Licensed IP that Williams originally planned to use for Police Force before losing the license before production

    Police Force (Williams 1989)Aug 14, 2020
  • Game used in finals, Kyle achieved multiple hole-in-ones on this machine

    2016 IFPA Pin-Masters, Finals - Part 1May 9, 2016
  • 2008 Stern pinball machine being restored and maintained by Mike Dimas; subject of this video series

    Part 3: 2008 Stern Batman Pinball * Updating code, cleaning & more!Jul 8, 2025
  • Potential first Spike 2 game (2016); mentioned alongside Aerosmith as launch title candidate

    Exploring the Spike 2 System with Kyle Spiteri and The Pinball PirateMay 29, 2025
  • Referenced multiple times; streaming rig usually positioned under Batman machine at Free Gold Watch

    Medieval Madness Chicago Gaming RemakeJul 18, 2020
  • NES Sunsoft game featured in 3DSen VR demo; demonstrates depth effects and character perspective

    Play original NES Games in VR - 3DSEN!!Jun 27, 2019
  • Referenced for turntable mechanism that influenced Gomez's Deadpool design philosophy

    Episode 58 – George GomezAug 27, 2018
  • Stern pinball machine with unreleased code; available for play at Marco Specialties booth

    Texas Pinball Festival 2018 ( Day 1 ) IRL WalkthruMar 21, 2018
  • Data East pinball machine scheduled for restoration work by Cary Hardy in the following month, commissioned by the same arcade operator

    The Star Wars Overhaul: FinaleMay 23, 2023
  • Previous Stern Pinball game designed by Gomez with complex turntable mechanism; referenced as source of design philosophy shift for Deadpool

    George Gomez - Pinball Expo 2018 - Pinball NewsOct 21, 2018
  • Premium limited edition with 240 LE and 80 SLE production run; high secondary market value ($2-3k appreciation); still rare; holds value; discussed as example of small-run limited editions maintaining collector appeal

    Kaneda's Pinball Podcast Episode 1000: George GomezSep 18, 2024
  • Data East game mentioned in context of PinSound upgrades

    5 Mods that Increase Your Pinball Machine ValueNov 16, 2023
  • Pinball machine available at Tilt

    TILTJan 8, 2016
  • Stern Pinball game previously exhibited at Comic-Con 2008

    Stern Visits Comic-conAug 9, 2011
  • Recent Stern pinball game (prior to October 2008) created with out-of-house designer

    Stern Bullish Despite Lay-offsOct 30, 2008
  • Arcade/pinball machine installed in 2010 Grand Pier reopening

    Phoenix From the FlamesOct 28, 2010
  • Stern pinball game; featured in new YouTube promotional videos

    New Stern InvestorNov 21, 2009
  • Data East pinball machine from 1991; one of three games at Jerry's Pizza Mill; 50 cents/credit or $1/3 credits

    JERRY’S PIZZA MILLOct 20, 2017
  • Referenced as example of Stern revisiting previous theme

    AVENGERS: INFINITY QUEST ANNOUNCEDSep 2, 2020
  • Stern machine present at American Pool from 2008-2024; longest-lasting machine on location; noted for dim playfield by September 2021

    AMERICAN POOLSep 27, 2021
  • George Gomez-designed Batman pinball game mentioned; damaged game acquired by Gary's family and circulated between daughters

    Gary Stern 75th Birthday Interview - Part 1Jun 12, 2020
  • Referenced as example of Stern game using LCD screen for video footage from show

    Stern Pinball Virtual Experience w. Jack Danger - 2020 Factory Tour!Oct 20, 2020
  • Modern pinball machine distributed by AMD Distributors in Sydney

    Episode 107 – Pindemonium with Mrs & Dr PinSep 2, 2019
  • First Kapow-branded licensed game designed by Joe Kamenkow for Stern; featured Batman theme and Adam West involvement; referenced as precedent for Beatles project

    Bonus Podcast: Joe Kaminkow & Gary Stern on The Beatles: Beatlemania PinballNov 6, 2018
  • Stern pinball game with action button launch capability, cited as youth-accessible

    Episode 133: IFPA 15 preview and news with…you know whoJun 1, 2018
  • Referenced as established premium collector title that buyers may downgrade from to acquire Pokemon LE.

    Kaneda's Pinball Podcast Saturday Morning Spectacular Feb 21Feb 21, 2026
  • George Gomez-designed Stern game referenced as favorite by hosts; Dr. C prioritizing this in 2026 budget discussions over Pokémon

    Pokémon by Stern Pinball - Our ReactionFeb 18, 2026
  • Referenced by Jeff regarding Zach Sharp (Josh's brother) running a 45-minute game that triggered multi-match play format change at Wednesday night event before Expo

    Episode 353: Josh Sharpe and the 2023 IFPA changesDec 29, 2022
  • Stern Pinball game released at Expo with minimal code due to time constraints around Adam West's health and 30th anniversary deadline; referenced as exception to near-complete 1.0 releases

    Episode 306: The Dwight Sullivan processMay 11, 2021
  • Referenced in context of comic book fandom and multimedia IP iterations

    Ep 27: Scott's Return and Josh's EpistleFeb 6, 2020
  • Data East; down 25% YoY; worst Data East performer; recommended to avoid

    Is The Pinball Market Crashing? | TMPM Feb 2025Jan 25, 2025
  • Game Walt recently played; praised in context of Franchi's artwork

    Let's go thru some of your lovely comments on my last vid... #pinball TALK BABYOct 3, 2025
  • Projected to enter public domain mid-2030s; potential future pinball theme

    Lots of Interesting IP is Entering the Public Domain. Which Ones Would Make Good Pinball Machines?Jan 6, 2026
  • Rumored DC/Justice League licensed game; Don reports hearing whispers of this as Jersey Jack follow-up; expresses 3-year desire for Batman pinball; multiple Batman variant suggestions (TAS, 1989, Forever)

    DPP #214 "Gimmie Ghostbusters!"Oct 26, 2025
  • First Stern game to use Spike Two system; referenced as starting point for platform

    Should you buy a NEW Stern Pinball Machine? - Pinball Expert and Chief Creative Officer George GomezOct 2, 2020
  • Spooky Pinball game with Frazier artwork; ranked among Kaneda's three favorite Frazier art packages

    Saturday Morning SpectacularNov 24, 2024
  • Stern's classic; great code/fun; potential 60th anniversary edition; clunk issues in early editions

    D&D Hangout Round 2Jan 4, 2025
  • Referenced as comparison for LE production and historical desirability metrics

    Saturday Morning Spectacular!Jan 4, 2025
  • Stern release (9-10 years ago); identified as last Stern game to meet collector expectations on value

    Kaneda's Spooky Shill Spectacular! Nov 15Nov 16, 2025
  • Licensed title showcased in pinball hall

    Stern Pinball @ San Diego Comic-Con 2019!Aug 26, 2019
  • Stern machine with code update in progress; Deadflip stream planned to show work

    Episode 100 – The 3 StoogesJul 15, 2019
  • Referenced as example of elegant topper design; contrasted with Dune animated topper concept

    Episode 1171: "Dune's Last Ditch NIB FOMO Attempt"Dec 18, 2025
  • Referenced as strong candidate for remake on modern platform

    Episode 1181: "Texas Pinball Festival's Pokemon Mistake"Jan 30, 2026
  • Referenced for crane mechanism with skill-based satisfaction (contrast to Pokémon's Meowth mech)

    Kaneda's Pinball Podcast Saturday Morning Spectacular VALENTINE'S DAYFeb 15, 2026
  • Stern machine receiving ongoing code updates including new minor villains; subject of community frustration about development focus

    Episode 54 – 70% Skill. 20% Luck. 10% H2H shirtJul 30, 2018
  • Stern Pinball title; code not ready at TPF 2024; historical example of premature show debut

    Episode 34 – TPF predictions and Bowen Kerins v2!Mar 12, 2018
  • Stern game used as quality benchmark; host considers CSI slightly inferior

    Episode 101 – CSI: Special Pinball UnitJul 22, 2019
  • Stern game praised by Kaneda for simple playfield design and strong theme integration

    Kaneda's Pinball Podcast Saturday Morning Spectacular Dec 13Dec 14, 2025
  • Example Spike 2 LCD game with special bottom arch integration for connectivity kit

    Stern Insider Connected - Explained by George GomezOct 19, 2021
  • Licensed title from Stern, not a filler game but a meaningful release

    Episode 96 – Gary SternJun 17, 2019
  • Existing: Batman is a Stern Pinball game (referenced in multiple mentions as Stern's classic, Stern release, Stern Pinball title)vsConflicting: Mention 9 states 'Spooky Pinball game with Frazier artwork'
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 3, 2026
  • Existing: Batman is a Stern Pinball game (majority of evidence)vsConflicting: Mention 19 states Batman is a Data East game that is down 25% YoY and worst Data East performer
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 3, 2026