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Scared Stiff

gameactive90 mentionsFirst seen Mar 9, 2007Last seen Apr 10, 2026

Profile

Scared Stiff is a 1996 Bally/Williams pinball machine and the second game in the Elvira franchise, featuring a bed-themed aesthetic with Cassandra Peterson's involvement. Designed by Dennis Nordman with a ~3-4 month development cycle, it represents one of the final standard machines produced by Williams/Bally before the modern era. The game is notable for its challenging gameplay, distinctive mechanical features (including frogs called boogie people and frog frenzy), and continued popularity in the collector and tournament communities, with examples commanding $2,600+ in mint condition and receiving 9/10 ratings in modern digital adaptations.

Aliases

No aliases

Relationships

  • designedDennis NordmanDennis Nordman designed Scared Stiffmedium
  • affiliated_withCassandra PetersonCassandra Peterson involved in production and hosts movies in the gamemedium
  • works_atCameron SilverCameron Silver worked as effects programmer on Scared Stiffmedium
  • ownsGreg BoneGreg Bone owns a fully restored Scared Stiffmedium
  • manufacturesWilliamsWilliams manufactured Scared Stiff

Facts

  • achievementRated 9/10 by Kineticist on Pinball FXhighfrom 2025-10-30
  • attributeSecond Elvira-themed pinball gamehighfrom 1996
  • attributeWPC platform gamehighfrom 1996
  • attributeFeatures bed-themed aesthetichighfrom 1996
  • attributePinball machine manufactured by Williams/Ballyhighfrom 1996
  • attributeOne of final standard machines produced by Williams/Ballyhighfrom 1996

Claims (6)

  • factualhigh

    Scared Stiff was one of the final standard machines ever produced by Williams/Bally

    Source: KineticistSo Fun, They’re Scary: Elvira Table Reviews on Pinball FX
  • opinionhigh

    Scared Stiff is worth purchasing at $10, whether on sale or at full price

    Source: KineticistSo Fun, They’re Scary: Elvira Table Reviews on Pinball FX
  • factualmedium

    Original Scared Stiff and other Elvira machines sell for $5,000-$6,000 in the secondary market despite being older titles

    Source: HostPinball Junk Drawer Episode 62 - Merry Christmas 2024, Elvira and Stern Vault
  • factualhigh

    Scared Stiff sold approximately 4,000 units, which was middle-of-the-road compared to other Williams games of that era selling 6,000-7,000 units

Recent Mentions (90)

  • Classic Williams pinball game referenced for Alvara mode unlock system inspiration (pop targets combo ramps mechanic)

    Homebrew Showcase: Turbo Time Pinball at Texas Pinball Festival 2026Apr 10, 2026
  • Pinball game by Alivra (likely a typo for 'Alvin G' or similar); inspired Turbo Time's pop target and combo ramp mechanics for mode unlocks

    Homebrew Showcase: Turbo Time Pinball at Texas Pinball Festival 2026Apr 6, 2026
  • 1996 Williams/Bally pinball machine, reviewed for Pinball FX release

    So Fun, They’re Scary: Elvira Table Reviews on Pinball FXOct 31, 2025
  • 1990s Williams pinball game; Mike Boone was lead programmer; Alex and Alan frequently reference it as example of game that creates good pressure moments

    Episode 113 - Best Game Ever: WHITEWATERMar 9, 2026
  • Newer Elvira pinball variant; features spider-zapping mechanic in back glass; preferred by Brent over the older Elvira game

    Episode 110 - Interview with Brent Amrhein 6-21-15Jun 29, 2015
  • Shot-making focused game; featured in Raymond's best ticket with coffin multiball and spider mechanics

    Episode 14 - INDISC Part 1

Contradictions

  • Existing: Scared Stiff is a Williams pinball game (multiple sources)vsConflicting: Mention 8 states it was originally called 'El Vierer 2' with a 3-4 month development cycle, but this appears to be metadata about a different game or misattributed information
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 2, 2026
  • Existing: Scared Stiff is a 1996 Bally/Williams pinball machine (mention 11)vsConflicting: TOPCast 20 dates to 2007-03-25 but references development cycle of ~3-4 months and original name 'El Vierer 2' without clear production year context
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 2, 2026
  • Existing: Scared Stiff is a 1996 Bally/Williams game (mention 11)vsConflicting: Mention 4 describes it as having 'bed-themed aesthetic and Cassandra Peterson hosting movies' which conflates the physical machine with digital media content
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 2, 2026

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

medium
  • manufacturesBallyBally co-produced Scared Stiffmedium
  • attribute
    Development cycle approximately 3-4 months
    high
    from 1996
  • attributeOriginally called 'El Vierer 2' during developmenthighfrom 1996
  • attributeRestoration included Color DMD and PinSound upgradeshighfrom 2025
  • attributeRestored unit purchased for $10,000highfrom 2025
  • attributeContains frog-themed mechanical toys called boogie people and frog frenzyhighfrom 1996
  • intelligence_frequency_spikenoexpertfrom 2026-03-02
  • locationOwned by Greg Bone and fully restored by Brian Kellyhighfrom 2025
  • roleCassandra Peterson involved in productionhighfrom 1996
  • roleDesigned by Dennis Nordmanhighfrom 1996
  • roleCameron Silver worked as effects programmerhighfrom 1996
  • Source: Dennis NordmanEpisode 55 – Dennis Nordman and The Curse of Elvira
  • opinionhigh

    Scared Stiff is the #1 Halloween/Horror themed pinball machine

    Source: SDTM hostsSDTM Episode 39: Top 10 Halloween/Horror Pinball Machines with special guests!
  • opinionhigh

    Scared Stiff is not a deep game but is a very fun game

    Source: SDTM hostsSDTM Episode 39: Top 10 Halloween/Horror Pinball Machines with special guests!
  • Jan 12, 2020
  • 1996 Bally/Williams horror game; ranked #7 on the list; noted as classic with strong playability

    #94 Horror Show 2 - The Classic Pinball PodcastOct 25, 2022
  • Classic Williams game; Wally recreating from NBA Fast Break; Bill has purchased two; Ken's son lists it as favorite

    Episode 22 - That SOUNDS goodNov 13, 2018
  • High-end collector pinball machine; Ken Cromwell sold Brian Kelly HUO restored version with clear-coated playfield for five-digit price

    Episode 43 - Evolution and Future of PinballMar 19, 2019
  • Game Bill Webb recently sold after full Brian Kelly restoration with clear-coated playfield; sold for approximately $10,000, used as market comp

    Episode 54 - Things That Make You Go Hmm...May 28, 2019
  • Classic Bally Williams pinball; Wally building custom version; Bill Webb interested in acquiring as third copy for collection

    Episode 51 - Are You A Pinball Pirate, Flipper, or Scallywag?May 7, 2019
  • Second Elvira pinball game from mid-1990s; designed by Dennis Nordman; referenced as design precedent and inspiration for House of Horrors

    Episode 70 - Elvira Pinball is Back!Sep 19, 2019
  • Pinball game, both hosts' number three gateway game

    Episode 52 - Gateway GamesOct 14, 2024
  • Classic pinball machine. Bill Webb wants to own one. True wizard mode involves completing spider segments in backbox, not the stiff meter.

    Ep 90 - That Is Some Ouija Board BSDec 22, 2022
  • Licensed pinball machine; cited as heralded and celebrated game with licensing

    EP 91 - Nightmare On My StreetJan 17, 2023
  • Recently added to Press Start Reno; excellent condition; strong flipper mechanics; possible LED conversion pending

    The Spinner Is Lit - Episode 50 Wow, 50Sep 18, 2022
  • Yasmine's favorite game

    2019 IFPA Pin-Masters Qualifying | Day 1 | Second SessionJun 2, 2020
  • Classic pinball machine referenced as comparison in prior stream session

    Viking TutorialApr 23, 2024
  • Horror-themed game played in Maine division with coffin multiball requiring extender strategy

    Episode 15 - INDISC Part 2Jan 20, 2020
  • Second Elvira pinball game featuring the 'Crate' toy, designed by Dennis Nordman with art by Greg Ferrer

    FNO Pinball Ep 27: Greg Freres Special Guest - Elvira’s House Of Horrors (Stern Pinball, 2019)Dec 10, 2019
  • 1996 Williams/Bally game; referenced as predecessor to Elvira's House of Horrors with mechanical callbacks (trunk, frogs/leapers, deadhead features)

    Elvira House of Horrors Stern 2019May 12, 2021
  • Pinball machine Luke has played extensively, mentions spinning spider mode goal he hasn't yet achieved

    Bug and Spooky Luke playing Bally Addams FamilySep 25, 2023
  • Game featured in Tim's tournament finals match against Metallica owner; Tim came back from 4M point deficit to win

    Tribe Multiball with Rachel and Tim, Episode 18: The Great Silver CaperOct 28, 2021
  • Game where Tim achieved Golden Cue by hitting every shot in 10 consecutive combos without missing on final ball

    Tribe Multiball with Rachel and Tim, Episode 28: The Payne-ful Game Show HostMay 29, 2022
  • Second game in Elvira trilogy; 1996 Williams/Bally release designed by Dennis Nordman

    Elvira's House of Horrors Pinball ReviewApr 11, 2025
  • 1996 Bally/Williams pinball machine; subject of this tutorial. Features Elvira character, multiball gameplay, wizard mode, and skill-based objectives

    Elvira's Scared Stiff Pinball Tutorial - Danni TeachesJan 9, 2024
  • Pinball machine Danielle mentions having played with good gameplay in the past

    Future Spa Pinball Tutorial - Danni TeachesFeb 27, 2024
  • Bally/Williams pinball machine featuring Elvira; developed with Cameron Silver's involvement

    Pinball Heroes: Cameron SilverMar 7, 2009
  • Classic pinball machine owned by Bruce; subject of trade discussion; has complex wizard mode requiring web completion

    Episode 33 – BlackoutMar 2, 2017
  • Bally 1996 pinball machine, primary game played on stream; known for complex multiball stacking and coffin/crate modes

    Scared Stiff (Bally 1996)Sep 18, 2019
  • Classic pinball game at Free Go Watch with wiring issue (spider spins wrong direction); host considers streaming it

    Firepower A.I. vs MPT3k Rematch!!Aug 19, 2020
  • Long-time collection staple; one of wife's favorites; features 3D layered backglass that Rick considers best ever made; very difficult game with psychological wizard mode

    Straight Down The Middle: a pinball show Episode 4: Collector Interview (Rick-RomulusX)Feb 20, 2017
  • Classic Williams 1996 Elvira game; referenced for comparison of spider spinner mechanic to modern Hand of Fate feature

    SDTM Episode 103: Elvira House Of Horrors Pinball Machine Review (Stern Pinball, 2019)Nov 1, 2019
  • Classic pinball machine; frequently chosen in matchups for fun factor despite shallow rules

    SDTM Episode 50: This Or That? Road Trip!!! (Houdini or Dialed In! & more pinball)Feb 18, 2018
  • Williams pinball machine, ranked #1 on the Halloween/Horror top 10 list

    SDTM Episode 39: Top 10 Halloween/Horror Pinball Machines with special guests!Oct 29, 2017
  • Alternative Elvira-themed pinball; hosts suggest it's better value than Elvira's House of Horrors at half price

    Top 10 Most Overrated Pinball Machines Of All TimeJan 10, 2021
  • Second Elvira-themed pinball machine (1996 Williams); owned by Cassandra Peterson; praised for callouts and game flow

    Elvira playing Elvira's House of Horrors Pinball!Nov 15, 2019
  • Classic 1996 Williams/Bally pinball designed by Dennis Nordman; referenced as design inspiration for Freak Fryer mechanism (homage to Stiff-O-Meter)

    Elvira's House of Horrors Pinball Reveal from Stern PinballSep 26, 2019
  • Classic Elvira game referenced by Hardy; Elvira's House of Horrors features similar trunk/crate locking mechanism style

    Stern's 'Elvira House of Horrors' Gameplay DiscussionSep 18, 2019
  • WPC-era Williams pinball machine cited as example of game struggling with original GI illumination; commonly ordered with multicolor PIN Stadium kits

    Pin Stadium - Pinball Expo 2018 - Pinball NewsOct 21, 2018
  • Classic machine featuring Elvira; cited as example of Elvira-branded machine retaining high secondary market value ($5K-$6K)

    Pinball Junk Drawer Episode 62 - Merry Christmas 2024, Elvira and Stern VaultDec 25, 2024
  • Elvira pinball; ranked #6 on IPDB top 10 solid state list; criticized as too easy for location play; #6 IPDB ranking

    Episode 250 - IconicJul 20, 2025
  • Elvira-themed Williams Pinball game; Zofia Ryan served as supporting engineer on coffin mechanism with Dennis Nordman

    ZOFIA RYAN JOINS AMERICAN PINBALLJan 25, 2021
  • Bally pinball machine (1996) vintage title in the venue

    TOKEN GAME TAVERNJan 28, 2018
  • Machine used for main RPO final between Martin Ayub and Roberto Pedroni; vampire-themed game featuring coffin multiball mode

    ROMANIAN PINBALL OPEN 2016Dec 22, 2016
  • Referenced as mechanical design precedent for Queen's upkicker saucer mechanism (similar to Spider Hole-to-Boney Beast ramp routing).

    QUEEN PINBALL REVEALEDSep 29, 2021
  • Older Elvira pinball title displayed in Pin Lounge

    PINBALL EXPO 2019 - WEDNESDAYOct 16, 2019
  • Pinball machine at Steam office

    Lighting up the Silver ScreenSep 16, 2009
  • Previous Elvira pinball game; referenced for mechanical similarities (coffin lock mechanism vs trunk on new game; frog leapers vs gargoyle leapers)

    ELVIRA’S HOUSE OF HORRORSSep 18, 2019
  • Classic pinball machine featuring Elvira character; one of three Elvira pinball games produced.

    ELVIRA 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITIONOct 26, 2021
  • Classic pinball game designed or contributed to by Dennis Nordman

    DENNIS NORDMAN JOINS AMERICAN PINBALLJan 4, 2021
  • 1996 Bally pinball game; discovery of its promo video sparked the curator's archival project

    The Ultimate Compilation of 1990s Bally / Williams Pinball Promotional VideosJun 13, 2023
  • Pinball machine at Modern Pinball

    ARCADE REPORT: Modern Pinball NYC (July 2018)Jul 1, 2018
  • Second Elvira-themed pinball game; features big snake bone ramp

    DPP #6 "News update from Spooky Pinball! Location review ULEK in Michigan! Pinball storytime!"Jan 17, 2023
  • Classic Williams WPC-95 pinball game; design reference point for Elvira with similar features (crates, deadheads) and simplified rule set philosophy

    Some News is Good NewsSep 23, 2019
  • Table of the Week selection; Williams/Bally DMD game; features Elvira; discussed as easier/more fun than previous week's Haunted House

    Ten Seconds or Less and No FartsOct 19, 2015
  • Halloween tournament table; features spider mode and secret passage goal with registration issues in Pinball Arcade; wizard mode completion difficult for hosts

    If It Walks Like A Duck, It's PinballOct 28, 2015
  • Classic Williams pinball; brought up in ESRB/family mode discussion alongside Medieval Madness

    Zen Studios Interview with Mel KirkSep 16, 2018
  • 1996 Elvira-themed pinball machine; hosts anticipate improved back glass rendering in future Zen release; note photographed key visible in current Pinball Arcade version

    Vol. 4 Reactions and Live Drop ContraptionsMay 27, 2019
  • Classic Williams game; Chris notes Arcade1Up cabinet's DMD colorization appears visually similar to this title's classic look

    Sign Me 1UPJan 19, 2020
  • Pinball Arcade table; Chris previously purchased Pro Pack specifically for audio quality

    Tech Talk (Troubles) and Tourney Tongue TwistersSep 22, 2015
  • DMD-era table; multiple honorable mentions in both hosts' lists

    Top 5 Pinball Arcade Bally Williams Tables We Want Next in Pinball FXAug 24, 2023
  • DMD 1990s game; Bug's favorite from that era; described as highly replayable; recently streamed by Bug

    The Church of Pinball Tour - PinballSTAR Amusements Joe NewhartMay 2, 2024
  • Game associated with Zach Sharpe's record long game (986 million points)

    Infinite Pinball -- The Perfect Pinball GameSep 5, 2017
  • Nordman-designed Williams title; hosts rate positively

    The Pinball Show Ep 45: AP's Facelift, TWIPY Snubs, & Steel PenniesJan 4, 2021
  • Pinball machine played in casual session; Raymond placed second, appeared bored

    Triple Drain Pinball Podcast Ep 3: RayDay Is Our Ball To GoJun 30, 2021
  • Pinball machine available at Special Unlit Club; played by Peter and Frank Bona at Bulls and Balls

    Episode 327: Peter BlakemoreDec 30, 2021
  • Classic Williams horror-themed pinball machine, discussed as Halloween favorite

    This Is Halloween - Ear CandyOct 31, 2025
  • Pinball machine mentioned in context of Elvira game popularity; rumor referenced about another Elvira machine release

    Episode 183: Antoinette JohnsonMar 8, 2019
  • Pinball machine recently purchased by Robertson in Vancouver; part of his current collection

    Episode 79: Ed Robertson, part 2?Oct 12, 2017
  • Dennis Nordman-designed pinball; cited as personal favorite by host Alan

    Episode 50 - The 90s Pinball Renaissance Pt.2 w/ Roger SharpeSep 30, 2024
  • Zen's Halloween 2024/2025 announcement for Pinball FX; Elvira-themed; releasing simultaneously on VR and AtGames

    The 'lost' Halloween Episode!Nov 2, 2025
  • Listed as Deep's favorite pinball machine; classic Williams game

    Diving DEEP with Pinball FX's Peter GraflMay 15, 2023
  • Bally Williams classic; restored example owned by Josh's friend; restored by Jim McCune

    Ep 18: Double FeatureSep 21, 2019
  • Classic Dennis Nordman Williams/Bally game; Brad previously owned mint condition unit sold 2009 for $2,600; relevant to upcoming Elvira new release comparison

    Ep 20: Pinball Expo and Lit Frames with Brad HunterOct 15, 2019
  • Classic pinball title; cited as establishing high gameplay and artwork standard that new Elvira game must compete against

    Ep 15: Jurassic Park and Pinburgh with Martin Robbins!Aug 9, 2019
  • Classic pinball game with boring tournament strategy (multiball cradle left ramp repetition)

    Ep 28: Laundry Day with Keith ElwinFeb 20, 2020
  • Bally Williams Elvira sequel down 1%, specific low price not fully stated in transcript

    This Month's Pinball Market July 2025Jul 1, 2025
  • 1996 Bally/Williams pinball machine; one of final standard machines produced by Williams/Bally; rated 9/10 by Kineticist

    So Fun, They’re Scary: Elvira Table Reviews on Pinball FXOct 30, 2025
  • WPC game with difficult-to-replace slings; Kerry mentions as example of part reproduction needs for ongoing restoration capability.

    TOPCast 12: Kerry StairMar 9, 2007
  • Second Elvira game; Cassandra Peterson involved in production

    TOPCast 36: Dennis NordmanMay 23, 2007
  • Williams pinball game; second Elvira title; Silver worked as effects programmer; originally called 'El Vierer 2'; development cycle ~3-4 months

    TOPCast 20: Cameron SilverMar 25, 2007
  • Owned by Greg Bone; fully restored by Brian Kelly; purchased for $10,000; described as 'better than new in box' with Color DMD and PinSound upgrades

    EP 15 - Is Pinball Restoration a Rip-Off?Dec 4, 2025
  • Williams game that credited Rhodes and others as fault finders

    Episode 81 – Richard Rhodes ACS ChampionFeb 25, 2019
  • Previous Stern game; referenced as inspiration for Freak Friar meter concept

    Episode 111 – Are You A God?Sep 30, 2019
  • Second Elvira game with bed-themed aesthetic and numerous double entendres in dialogue

    Episode 55 – Dennis Nordman and The Curse of ElviraAug 6, 2018
  • Referenced for critter/frog mechanical toy comparison (has frogs called boogie people and frog frenzy)

    Episode 110 – Bustin’ Makes Me Feel GoodSep 23, 2019
  • Second Elvira pinball game, designed with bed-themed aesthetic and Cassandra Peterson hosting movies.

    Drinks with Jack - Greg Freres EP3Feb 11, 2022
  • Pinball machine visible in background of stream location

    Episode 99 – Hot GarbageJul 8, 2019
  • Classic pinball machine that is the focus of the player's achievement

    First time getting my initials on Scared Stiff! Almost filled out the stiff o’ meter for a second time.Feb 12, 2026