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Viper

gameactive15 mentionsFirst seen Oct 26, 2017Last seen Apr 1, 2026

Profile

Viper is a Stern Electronics pinball machine from 1981 designed by Joe Jews Jr., featuring a widebody cabinet with ball walker mechanics and notable backbox artwork. The game is known for its distinctive turret assembly and has appeared in multiple private collections, including machines owned by Ron and Mike Dus. Viper serves as a reference point in the pinball community for comparing mechanical designs, particularly its ball walker system versus more complex implementations in later games like Gamatron.

Aliases

No aliases

Relationships

  • affiliated_withGamatronViper used for mechanical design comparison and component sourcing in Gamatron restoration projectmedium

Facts

No facts recorded

Claims (2)

  • factualhigh

    Multiple Viper machines (Ron's, Sanctum's, Mike Dimas') are experiencing identical turret/slip-ring board contact issues

    Source: Ron Hallett / Brian Glod / Jared WhetstoneEpisode 253 – Overrated
  • factualmedium

    Viper is a Sega pinball machine with fluorescent glow balls and black lights

    Source: Chat member (Laser Lowe's and community confirmation)S232: Harlem Globetrotters (Bally)

Recent Mentions (15)

  • Pinball machine referenced for comparison of mechanical innovation (turret mech)

    Time Machine Pinball (Zaccaria, 1983) Brief Gameplay. The playfield moves!Apr 1, 2026
  • Stern pinball machine from 1980s; features flat flippers, low playfield multipliers, and high difficulty; Jim Swain acquired it via trade and uses it at the Sanctum

    Episode 119 – Viper BiteDec 4, 2018
  • Stern pinball machine; widely disliked by community; features rotating turret cannon mechanic; included in NVRAM SB300 compatibility list

    Episode 66 – No One Likes ViperOct 26, 2017
  • Sega pinball machine with fluorescent glow balls and black lights; mentioned as having bouncy ball feel

    S232: Harlem Globetrotters (Bally)Jan 22, 2020
  • Pinball machine at Sanctum; discussed extensively regarding incomplete rule set (four light unclear function) and low spinner scoring values

    Episode 68 – Working For The WeekendNov 9, 2017
  • Pinball machine used by Mike for testing the repaired alphanumeric display

    Part 2: 1979 Bally Future Spa Garage Project! Dehackification!

Contradictions

  • Existing: Viper is a Stern Electronics game from 1981 designed by Joe Jews Jr.vsConflicting: Mention 3 attributes Viper as a manufacturer of the SB300 soundboard used in Gamatron restoration, suggesting Viper is a company/manufacturer rather than just a game
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 3, 2026

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

Jul 7, 2025
  • Sega pinball machine; won Eclectic Gamers' 'Worst Pinball Machine 1994-1999' contest with 70% vote margin; considered emblematic of Sega's pinball failure

    Episode 64 - E3 2018Jun 17, 2018
  • Classic pinball at Pinbrew; featured black lights and glow-in-the-dark raccoons on backglass; generated positive play experience

    Restoration or Restomod - How Fresh is Too Fresh?Apr 22, 2024
  • Previous restoration project by Mike; boards from this machine available for Gammatron project; solenoid driver tested and working

    Part 9: 1985 Pinstar Gamatron Project! The unhacking begins!Sep 10, 2025
  • Pinball machine in Mike Dus's basement collection near Garbatron and Quicksilver

    Part 7: 1985 Pinstar Gamatron Project! Garbatron cabinet is finished!Sep 9, 2025
  • Stern game referenced for comparison of ball walker mechanics; simpler design than Gamutron version

    Part 5: 1985 Pinstar Gamatron Project! Working on the mechs!Aug 29, 2025
  • Manufacturer of SB300 soundboard used in Gamatron restoration

    Part 13: 1985 Pinstar Gamatron Project! Let there be sound!Sep 24, 2025
  • Stern Electronics pinball machine (1981) designed by Joe Jews Jr.; widebody with ball walker mech; famous for backbox art

    Updated Tour of My Pinball Collection / Game Room. November 2025.Nov 11, 2025
  • Stern Electronics game acquired by RPC at Allentown; hosts note large gobble hole created by removing Viper turret assembly; distinct from Viper Hard Drivin'

    Episode 228 – Shoot To ThrillMay 14, 2024
  • System 3 Stern game; Ron owns one with problematic turret board; contacts corroded; warped board; ongoing restoration project

    Episode 253 – OverratedJul 20, 2025