Transformers is a pinball game by Stern Pinball based on the Hasbro-licensed Transformers franchise, featuring Autobots vs Decepticons gameplay. An original game was released around 2011 with multiball mechanics and documentary coverage. A new G1 cartoon-themed version is rumored as an upcoming Stern cornerstone release for 2026, designed by Elliott Eisman, positioned as a major IP alternative to Pokémon in Stern's release pipeline.
Transformers is gaining traction and sales momentum with good code quality reception
The main criticism of Transformers is that Optimus Prime does not physically transform from truck to robot form
Optimus Prime transformation was working two weeks ago as shown in promotional video but was disabled before launch
Transformers will be remembered as a total miss in the pinball industry despite code quality
Stern title criticized for left playfield inactivity and toy failures; secondary market losses predicted
Stern game; mixed community reception; game-focused version confirmed; repeatedly cited as perceived failure in community sentiment
Stern game designed by Elliott Eisman, based on G1 cartoon, focuses on first two seasons, features Megatron Cannon and Soundwave ball lock
Stern pinball based on Hasbro IP; G1 cartoon-focused; designed by Stawasz/Eisman; features Megatron Cannon mech; Optimus Prime does not physically transform; scheduled release 2026
Stern machine; Optimus Prime transforming mech removed from game per Kaneda; characterized as major design failure
Stern pinball machine with rumored transformer toy feature that may have been cut due to parts issues or production rushing
[Triage: George Gomez designed the original 2011 Transformers pinball game, while Keith Elwin or Elliot Eisman are associated with a newer 2026 version, representing a progression of designer responsibility across different game iterations.]
No linked glossary terms
Transformers has exceptionally well-designed code by Elizabeth Gieske with progressive rule structure and inspired design elements from other acclaimed games.
Optimus Prime was designed to transform but was removed late in development due to reliability issues.
Optimus Prime was originally designed with a transforming mechanical feature but was removed due to reliability concerns
Transformers game covers the first two seasons of the G1 cartoon plus the 1986 movie
LE models will likely sell out within one week of availability
The cassette ball lock with Soundwave and moving Megatron with cannon are LE/Premium exclusive features
The game uses video clips directly from 70 episodes of the original G1 Transformers TV show
Transformers will launch with final wizard mode, challenge modes beyond split-flipper, and coin currency system still pending
Optimus Prime does not transform in the Transformers pinball machine
The game includes a cyber-coin wallet system using Stern's Insider Connected platform
The game features an animatronic Megatron that fires balls via a Fusion Cannon mechanism, but this feature is only in Premium and LE editions
Original Transformers voice actors including Peter Cohen (Optimus Prime) are featured in the game
Early playtesters report the game code is very well made and fun to play
The Pro edition is simpler and better composed than Premium/LE due to fewer components
The game supports split-flipper multiplayer mode for competitive play
The game is expected to be fun based on designer expertise and playtest feedback
Transformers will be available at the Northwest Arcade Show this weekend
Transformers is a three-flipper game with two lower flippers and one upper right flipper
Transformers pinball playfield has Optimus Prime with a transforming mechanism that cantilevers forward with drop legs
Transformers will be the most loaded Stern game since Godzilla with potentially more content than Godzilla
Transformers will launch in approximately four months with G1 Transformer cartoon clips and strong nostalgic appeal.
Transformers is coming as a Stern machine with Elliot Eisman as designer
Transformers pinball is rumored for March 2026 release window
On Transformers at SPL, multiball strategy was ineffective due to mechanical issues with lock and shot registration
Transformers LE pinball rates 22-23 on a suck scale while Pro rates 16-17
Stern game featured in previous episode; subject of listener feedback about hosts' Stern favoritism
Stern Pinball's recent/upcoming game; streaming reveal showed failed mechanical feature (moving mech); criticized for lacking engaging code and gameplay moments despite solid shooter design
Recent Stern Pinball release; subject of community controversy and high expectations vs. delivery discussion
Stern Pinball game; centerpiece feature (transforming Optimus Prime mech) non-functional; shipped incomplete at $13,000; subject of major criticism
Stern Pinball game released last week before recording (late May); gaining traction with good sales; main criticism is non-transforming Optimus Prime
Upcoming pinball game designed by Elizabeth Gizki and Elliot Eismin; expected release ~3 weeks from stream date (mid-June 2025 equivalent)
Upcoming pinball game reported to be far along in development; mentioned as source of optimism in industry
Stern pinball machine based on Transformers IP; major failure due to Optimus Prime's inability to transform; subject of Kaneda's primary criticism
Pinball machine available at OD Pinball venue, located near garage door area.
Recent Stern release, being ordered in Pro and Premium versions by Eureka Heights Arcade
Recent Stern pinball game; Steve Bowden attended media day; described as 'interesting oddity' in Stern lineup.
New Stern Pinball machine; designed by Elliot Eisman; features Optimus Prime and Megatron themes; mid-difficulty layout; strong code; features interactive Megatron gun toy and Soundwave ball lock; notable for original voice cast call-outs
Stern Pinball machine released recently (as of May 25th recording date); features dynamic layout, multiple transformers as mechs, and strong code; Optimus Prime mech does not transform despite initial design intent.
Upcoming Stern Pinball title; centered on controversy over removed transforming Optimus Prime mechanism; Kaneda predicts secondary market price decline
New Stern Pinball game (2026, G1 cartoon theme) designed by Elliott Eisman with Elizabeth as lead coder; features 14 shots, three flipper layout, cassette ball lock, Optimus Prime and Megatron figures
New G1 cartoon-themed pinball machine by Stern Pinball designed by Elliott Eisman and Elizabeth Gerum, featuring mechanical toys, original voice acting, and deep rules based on five missions and tech spec collection
New Stern Pinball licensed machine based on Hasbro Transformers IP
New Stern Pinball machine with Transformers IP theme, featuring Megatron antagonist gameplay
Newly announced Stern Pinball title featuring original 1980s cartoon IP; three-flipper game with moving cannon and static Optimus Prime mech
New Stern Pinball title based on Hasbro's Transformers franchise, featuring animatronic Megatron, Fusion Cannon, 180-degree ramp, multi-ball modes, and cyber-coin system
The pinball machine being demonstrated; appears to be 2026 G1 cartoon-themed release by Stern
Stern Pinball machine based on Transformers IP; Limited Edition priced around 11k, Premium around 7k; discussed as primary game of current hype cycle
Recent Stern Pinball title; negatively compared to Sonic; criticized for poor Optimus Prime toy model
New Stern release with Elizabeth Gieske as lead programmer; features Decepticon cannon, Soundwave tummy lock (Premium/LE), Optimus Prime toy (non-transforming), 'Piss Lake' mode, and three-tier difficulty system; available in Pro, Premium, and LE versions
Upcoming Stern title based on 1984 animated TV series plus 1986 movie mode; Pro ships late May/early June, Premium/LE June; LE limited to 750; features Peter Cullen and Frank Welker voice work
New Stern pinball game based on 1980s G1 cartoon; uses original TV assets, voice actors, and complex rule set
Stern Pinball machine based on Hasbro Transformers IP; two versions exist: 2011 original and 2026 More Than Meets The Eye
Stern Pinball title featuring G1 Transformers franchise IP; features motorized Megatron cannon, Soundwave ball lock, dual-axis articulation, and post-launch challenge modes
New Stern pinball machine based on 1984 G1 cartoon; features Soundwave, Megatron, Optimus Prime sculpts and Prime Training Challenge feature
Recent game release from an unnamed manufacturer; mentioned in context of Sonic rumors appearing on the same timeline
Upcoming Stern pinball machine; hosts attending media day; Stern's playfield layout already analyzed by other pinball media
Upcoming pinball machine; will be featured on Flip n Out stream next week.
Stern Pinball machine with confirmed design decisions: static Optimus Prime sculpture, Megatron ball cannon, no 'You Got the Touch' licensing
Pinball machine by Stern based on the Hasbro-licensed Transformers franchise, featuring Autobots vs. Decepticons gameplay
Stern Pinball game sent early to Golden State Fest 2026 before official public announcement; represents Stern's pre-announcement distribution strategy
Stern Pinball game launching May 20th, 2024; features stationary Optimus Prime, Megatron ball-firing mechanism, Soundwave cassette lock, Grimlock toy; three trim levels (Pro/Premium/LE); based on 1980s cartoon IP
Stern pinball machine based on G1 cartoon, code-named Cheddar, featuring Soundwave ball lock, Energon spinner, Megatron cannon
Upcoming cornerstone pinball machine by Stern Pinball based on Transformers IP; full reveal scheduled for May 20, 2026
Upcoming Stern Pinball game with Generation 1 theme; accidentally leaked May 13, 2025; official launch May 20, 2026
Stern's leaked G1-themed pinball (2026 release); designed by Elliott Eisman; features Megatron cannon, Soundwave cassette mechanism; Optimus Prime rumored non-functional as static target
Pinball game 'around the corner'; mentioned as competing upcoming release
Stern summer 2024 release; leaked early; toy-heavy layout with Optimus Prime, Megatron, Grimlock, Soundwave
Stern pinball machine based on Transformers IP; playfield fully leaked, scheduled for media day release on the 20th
Upcoming Stern Pinball Cornerstone machine, Limited Edition priced at $12,999, reveal May 20, 2026
IP theme for new Stern Pinball machine; arcade/robot action franchise
Stern Pinball release; teaser dropping in 3 days (from May 13); full reveal next week; expected to kill Pokémon hype; praised for mechanical innovation.
Stern game launching in 11 days; Kaneda predicts it will exceed Back to the Future in mechanical depth and code quality; expresses concern about its impact on recent Pokemon purchases
Rumored Stern Cornerstone title; allegedly designed by Elliott Eismin; mech-loaded with LE Decepticon/Autobot variants; based on cartoon IP
Original cartoon IP rumored to be the theme for Stern's next cornerstone pinball game
Upcoming Stern Pinball game by Elliott Eisman; expected by end of May 2026
Upcoming pinball title Kaneda is excited about; represents new IP direction he prefers
Rumored Stern Pinball machine; theme based on Transformers franchise; leaked as upcoming announcement
Stern game launching end of May, predicted to ship with more complete code than Pokemon
Upcoming Stern Pinball machine (Steve Ritchie designer); predicted to launch June-July; heavily loaded with content
Rumored Stern Pinball game by Elliot Eisenman; Gen 1 cartoon theme expected; strong internal confidence at Stern
Upcoming Stern game rumored for release in ~4 weeks; Don deciding to wait rather than deposit
Upcoming Stern release; predicted by Kaneda not to generate pre-release FOMO or LE premium pricing; similar art between LE and Premium expected
Upcoming Stern pinball game; reveal scheduled for May 2026 with June release; Kaneda expresses concern about Patly as artist
Referenced pinball machine used in comparison of shot backhandability
Stern Pinball machine in development; releasing in May; Pat Lee artwork with anime-manga style Transformers
Rumored potential Stern Cornerstone title for May/June 2026 release; Ken expresses hope rumors are accurate based on nostalgic IP appeal
Upcoming Stern pinball machine mentioned as part of 2025 release slate
Upcoming Stern pinball with Pat Lee artwork, split LE variants, transforming Optimus Prime toy
Speculated upcoming Stern Cornerstone release; Don hopes for this title
Stern game expected June/July release; mentioned as next major IP release
Stern Pinball game; expected July 2025 same month as JJP's Sonic the Hedgehog; competitive market signal
Referenced as design comparison for Pokémon's crossover ramp mechanic
Stern pinball played at SPL with problematic Megatron lock and Optimus Prime shot registration
2011 Stern Pinball game licensed from the Transformers franchise; Dan recently acquired Transformers Pro (rare variant) from Darren Vaught.
Pinball machine; Dan installed Pin to DMD color display upgrade in this game
Stern title in development; rumored to have innovative mechanism (possibly transforming Autobot base)
Modern pinball machine featured in Main finals with Decepticons/Autobots mode selection
Already made as pinball machine by Stern; hosts suggest potential 80s animated re-theme version
Upcoming release in ~4 months with G1 cartoon clips; positioned as strong emotional IP competitor
2011 game by George Gomez; commercial failure; playfield layout nearly identical to Pokemon; noted as 15 years old (full circle moment)
Stern pinball; Ken owns copy with cabinet decal wrinkling issue from factory; example of 2011-2012 era defect
Game Spencer owns, praised for having interactive character launch moments (fighting Optimus Prime) despite lacking major mechanical toys.
Referenced as example of machine with split armor (two-color)
Pinball machine; previously placed new in-box at movie theater; encountered by Burrell in heavily deteriorated condition after 2+ years of operator neglect
Stern release; Pro version rated 16-17 on suck scale; LE version rated 22-23 on suck scale; poor rule set design criticized
80s IP (specifically G1 animated series, not Michael Bay movies) proposed as ideal pinball theme
Pinball machine at Golf n Stuff known for kicking two balls into shooter lane simultaneously, creating TD challenges during tournaments
Upcoming pinball title; Kaneda predicts will 'crush' in 2026
Pinball and home game versions produced by Stern; designed by George Gomez; available in consumer and Premium/LB models
Upcoming Stern title; in development for two years; described as 'crazy loaded'; art direction by Zombie Eddie; LE differentiation questioned
2011 Stern Pinball game; discussed for trim levels with powder coat split option
Stern pinball machine from 2015; non-working example visible at Pinball Hall of Fame; noted as an early attempt by Stern at smaller home-market pinball machines
Upcoming release mentioned by Ozzy; positioned as next anticipated game after Pokemon
Rumored Stern Pinball machine by Brian Eddy; unclear if movie or G1 cartoon version
Referenced as comparable game structure with dual-side gameplay (play as Autobots or Decepticons)
Potential Stern pinball game; listed on debunked rumor list; status uncertain
Stern pinball machine criticized for clunky design and ball routing issues; Tony's least favorite Stern machine
Upcoming Stern Pinball game; Kaneda predicts dual LE editions (Autobot/Decepticon or Optimus/Megatron); expects strong demand; Zombie Yeti rumored as artist
Rumored upcoming pinball machine; speculation about whether new film-based version or animated variant
George Gomez design featuring QR codes; historical precedent for Stern's QR code strategy
Pinball game; playfields visible at Churchill factory
Stern LE machine used in Winner Takes It All tournament
Stern game with Lonnie Rapp code criticized for repetitive gameplay (shoot same shot 15 times); example of his copy-paste design philosophy
Rumored Stern game; Don pitches G1 cartoon/comic version as ideal design approach
Rumored Stern release March 2026 window; low confirmation confidence; uncertain if movie/comic-based or G1 focused
Game sold by Stephen Keeler recently to make room for new acquisitions
Secondary rumor for Stern Q1 2026 cornerstone; Zach less confident in this vs Pokemon
Upcoming Stern Pinball; Kaneda expresses concern about artist Elliot Eisman's age/familiarity with 1980s Transformers IP
Rumored Stern game following Pokémon; license details uncertain (G1 cartoon vs. movie versions)
Stern Pinball forthcoming title by Elliot Eisman; Kaneda predicts this will signal Stern's recovery in game design quality
Upcoming Stern title expected within 4 months; Kaneda refers to it as 'the coolest pin of the year' and describes it as stronger theme arriving soon after Pokémon.
Referenced as prior Stern Pinball title where George Gomez demonstrated collaborative design approach with team members
Pinball game with mode start mechanics; mentioned as game Bug dislikes and criticizes
Game Werdrick hopes Stern will remake; also his major collecting hobby (1000+ figures)
Stern Pinball game based on Transformers franchise; criticized by Ryan Kuiper; he expresses preference for Generation 1 remake using original art and voice actors
Upcoming Stern Pinball title (cartoon version) confirmed as next release option (along with Pokemon) by George Gomez
Upcoming Stern Pinball G1-themed release; Kaneda predicts LE will sell out due to Pokemon FOMO spillover
Referenced for comparison of wizard mode display text implementation
Stern Pinball game (PRO version) located at TGI Fridays in Niagara Falls, Ontario Embassy Suites
Anticipated upcoming Stern title mentioned as next release; referenced for potential 40th anniversary theme tie-in
Gen 1 Transformers rumored as potential Stern release for 2026
Source playfield design that Pokémon reuses for core ramp/orbit/scoop layout; benchmark for 'buttery' shot flow
Referenced via potential Easter egg or thematic connection in Cybernaut ('More than meets the eye' Autobot/Decepticon reference)
Upcoming Stern title; confirmed as one of next two releases after Pokemon
Rumored next Stern Pinball cornerstone release; G1 cartoon version potentially designed by Elliott Eisman
Alternative potential next Stern Cornerstone; cartoon version rumored to have cool mechs and good layout; may have been pushed back for Pokémon
Rumored second Stern 2026 release based on cartoon; designed by Elliot Eisman with code by Elisabeth Geiske
Rumored upcoming Stern Pinball cornerstone game; possibly designed by Elliot Eismin; competing with Pokemon for January 2026 release
Speculated Stern title; author confirmed it is not the next cornerstone game
Alternative Stern Pinball 2026 cornerstone game candidate; possibly cartoon version
Rumored Stern 2026 cornerstone designed by Elliot Eisman; Generation 1 or movie version TBD
Stern game confirmed in development; Sterling called it; expected to be announced/released; George Gomez previously designed Transformers historically; positioning as alternative major IP to Pokemon for Stern 2026 lineup
Upcoming Stern release with viral teaser trailer (actually 14-year-old George Gomez footage); scheduled for CES reveal next week
Stern Q3 2026 release; G1 themed; designed by Elliot Eisman; originally expected at CES but delayed
Alternative rumored next Stern cornerstone; G1 generation has Gen X nostalgia appeal; Michael Bay films considered culturally irrelevant; previous Stern Transformers exists
Mentioned as possibly Spike 1 era game; used for reference on era distinctions
Potential next Stern Pinball release; mentioned as alternative option to Pokemon per George Gomez statement
Rumored upcoming Stern game; hosts note no official confirmation
Rumored upcoming Stern title; Brian hopes for G1 cartoon version; concerned about Elliot Eisman design vs preference for Keith Elwin
George Gomez's previous design; possible alternative to Pokémon as next Stern release per Gomez confirmation
Upcoming Stern release; alternative to Pokemon per George Gomez confirmation; announcement expected at CES
Forthcoming Stern game; Stern has poor track record with major IP adaptations (per Kaneda)
Upcoming Stern game; implied to be superior to Pokemon per community feedback; anticipated launch next week; potential SLE variants (Autobots/Decepticons) mentioned
Pinball game from Stern Pinball, licensed property featuring Autobots vs Decepticons theme
Rumored upcoming Stern release by Elliot Eisman, expected after Walking Dead Remastered
Upcoming Stern Pinball title; Kaneda predicts it will demonstrate Stern's capability
Upcoming Stern release; Kaneda expresses high expectations regarding Matrix of Leadership topper and 'You Got the Touch' integration
Potential upcoming Stern game by Elliott Eisman; Kaneda expresses concern about theme execution (TV show vs G1 movie)
Rumored upcoming Stern cornerstone release at CES with Spike 3 platform; Kaneda predicts mediocrity based on John Wick and Star Wars patterns
Stern upcoming title; Kaneda predicts it will reclaim community excitement
Expected to outperform Pokemon in quality based on insider reports
Upcoming Stern title; mentioned as part of confident pipeline for 2026
Stern game following Pokemon; designed by Elliot Eisman; Kaneda expresses high expectations regarding Stan Bush music and voice work
Upcoming Stern game. According to Kaneda's inside sources, has 'the wow' factor and more excitement than Pokemon.
Hasbro intellectual property licensed for The Pin theme
Hasbro intellectual property serving as the theme for The Pin
Speculated as next Stern release in 4-month rotation after Pokemon
Stern Pinball upcoming release; designed by Elliot Eisman; expected January/February 2026
New pinball machine being released and showcased at Pinball Expo 2011
Stern Pinball game in development, subject of documentary
Forum speculation for potential next Stern release; positioned as superior to Pokémon for target demographic (G1 Transformers from 1980s); criticized for potential weak execution without franchise passion
Stern game mentioned in context of LE/Pro balance problems; premium featured 'terrible right toy' (bouncing mechanism)
Stern Pinball's licensed pinball game based on Transformers franchise; subject of this documentary
Potential upcoming Stern title; mentioned as alternative to Pokemon in next release; George Gomez previously designed Transformers
Licensed IP from Hasbro; 80s cartoon franchise with recent movies; rich character universe and fan base.
Stern game with reportedly strong code and interesting mechanics; described as 'the only really cool thing happening right now' at Stern
Hypothetical Keith Elwin design option; Kaneda's poll asks community preference between this, Fallout, and Superman 78
Licensed theme for upcoming Stern pinball game
Stern game rumored for Dec 2025/Jan 2026; Kaneda skeptical of performance
Upcoming pinball title predicted by Kaneda to be 'amazing'
Licensed pinball game by Stern featuring Autobots vs Decepticons theme with multiball mechanics
Upcoming Stern release potentially launching before Pokemon; designed by Elliot Eisman (exclusive information per Kaneda)
Alternative speculation for Stern's January 6th cornerstone game reveal
Expert: Resolved by evidence. 3 sources corroborate. Expert: Resolved by evidence. 3 sources corroborate.