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Laser War

gameactive28 mentionsFirst seen May 27, 2007Last seen Mar 18, 2026

Profile

Laser War is a classic pinball game released by Stern Pinball in March 1987, notable as Stern's first game and featuring innovative color-coded eject targets. The machine is recognizable by its hinged backbox design and has become a sought-after collectible within the pinball community. Multiple examples exist in private collections, including machines owned by industry figures like Gary Stern and enthusiasts like Drew, demonstrating the game's enduring appeal and significance in pinball history.

Aliases

No aliases

Relationships

  • manufacturesStern Pinball Inc.Stern Pinball manufactured Laser War, their first game released in March 1987medium
  • appears_inGary SternLaser War machine is in Gary Stern's office collectionmedium

Facts

No facts recorded

Claims (3)

  • factualhigh

    Data East made Laser War in 1987 and it features a dinosaur theme with a large scary dinosaur in the backglass

    Source: George#101 Pinball and Beer - The Classic Pinball Podcast
  • factualmedium

    Laser War replacement boards are manufactured by aftermarket 'remanufacturers' of pinball boards

    Source: George#101 Pinball and Beer - The Classic Pinball Podcast
  • factualmedium

    Laser War average sale price on PinballPrices is approximately $2,100

    Source: Host Scott IanEpisode 80: Dad Jokes and some Pinball News!

Recent Mentions (28)

  • Stern pinball game; designer attributed to Garry (not Keith Elwin as initially suggested); potentially available for streaming at Stern facility

    0.90 THE WALKING DEAD CODE!Mar 18, 2026
  • First Data East game on which Margaret Hudson worked; part of her collaborative partnership with Kevin O'Connor at the company

    TOPCast 46: Margaret HudsonJul 29, 2007
  • First Data East Pinball game (March 1987 trade show); originally planned as licensed Laser Tag game but developed as original title after licensor declined

    TOPCast 37: Joe KaminkowMay 27, 2007
  • Pinball machine in tournament; second in Dead East series; requires shooting target banks and live-catching ramp shots

    It Never Drains in Southern California 2016 - Friday Night QualifyingJan 20, 2016
  • Data East 1987 pinball machine; subject of VP stream; three-color lock multiball mechanic

    Laser War (Data East 1987) VPApr 11, 2020
  • Data East 1987 pinball machine at Boston Airbnb; experienced major board failure with multiple fried coils and transistors; replacement board ordered

    #101 Pinball and Beer - The Classic Pinball Podcast

Contradictions

  • Existing: Laser War is a Data East game (mentioned in Episode 132)vsConflicting: Laser War is Stern Pinball's first game, released March 1987 (mentioned in Episode Turkey TWIP)
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 3, 2026

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

Mar 23, 2023
  • Game in Scott Ian's collection; more valuable than Oktoberfest; candidate for sale to make room for different genre

    Episode 87: Dad jokes! Pinball Talk! And Much More!!!Jan 14, 2021
  • Pinball machine owned by Scott Ian, currently unplugged in basement, considered for future sale

    Episode 98: We talk Fathom, Rumors, Game Room PornApr 30, 2021
  • Host selling their machine; pricing discussion ($3,400 asking price, $2,100 average)

    Episode 80: Dad Jokes and some Pinball News!Nov 13, 2020
  • Data East title being extensively restored by Drew and Ian; focus of multiple podcast segments; expected MGC (Midwest Gaming Classic) reveal; detailed playfield restoration underway with airbrush and brush work

    Episode 44: Special Guest Martin (Tribe Member#2), Hardbody History Lesson!Feb 12, 2020
  • Pinball machine being restored by Drew; underwent playfield clear-coating and powder-coating of metal components

    Episode 49: Top 5 with Martin Tribe Member number 2 and we have another Brickshot!Mar 18, 2020
  • Pinball game owned and played by Scott Ian, noted as difficult with aggressive stand-up targets

    Episode 52: The return of History Lesson and more fun stuff!Apr 23, 2020
  • Older game in Drew's collection; described as underrated with impressive lighting and 80s sound effects; loud attract mode noted

    Episode 70: We talk Avengers and the September Showdown!Sep 2, 2020
  • Vintage pinball machine undergoing restoration by hosts; mylar removal and playfield restoration in progress; targeted for Midwest Gaming Classic debut

    Episode 42: Tribe Member number 10 Josh Mudd! And Dad Jokes!Jan 22, 2020
  • 1980s pinball game being restored by Drew and Scott Ian; target show is MGC in April; project involves cosmetic upgrades, LEDs, powder coating

    Epidosde 41: Love Letters, Lazer War, Stern, Spooky... its perfect!Jan 15, 2020
  • Pinball machine owned by Jon Hey, plans to work on it, hyper beams removed and installed on Deadpool

    Episode 94: Ian bought a Deadpool and loves it... also Drew plays The Pricing Game!Mar 23, 2021
  • Vintage/restored pinball machine sold by host; sold for $2,500 at Pinball Expo 2023; had minor technical issues

    Episode 141: Pinball Expo 2023 RecapOct 28, 2023
  • Machine in Scott Ian's collection; has Hyper Beam lighting

    Episode 65: History Lesson, Hot Wheels, and More!!!Jul 29, 2020
  • Vintage pinball machine being extensively restored by hosts; nearing completion with main ramp installation and other major work

    Episode 51: Stern Bracket ChallengeApr 15, 2020
  • Pinball machine in Drew's collection; currently functional; listed for sale due to strong market conditions; requires minor repairs (Gilligan's Island right side out, stripped playfield screw).

    Episode 99: I am sorry I was late to post this... but Glenn's song should be heard by all!!!!May 16, 2021
  • Arcade restoration project completed by host; Scott Ian notes restored games don't have high resale value

    Episode 74: Deeproot Themes and a whole lotta other stuff!Oct 1, 2020
  • Classic Data East pinball table that serves as the base/inspiration for mechanics in Iron Maiden VPX

    Iron Maiden Virtual Time VPXNov 18, 2020
  • Data East 1987 pinball machine; first game designed by Joe Kamikawa; subject of difficult restoration project discussed by Dennis

    Episode 57 - Games Games GamesMar 11, 2018
  • First Data East pinball machine Thiel did audio for (1987-89)

    Five Minutes to Tilt #4 – David Thiel on Sound Design & the Group That Shaped PinballFeb 22, 2026
  • Stern Pinball's first game, released March 1987, featured color-coded eject targets

    Turkey TWIPNov 28, 2025
  • Game in Gary Stern's office collection; first Laser War machine mentioned

    Stern Pinball Virtual Experience w. Jack Danger - 2020 Factory Tour!Oct 20, 2020
  • Game in Drew's collection; purchased for Ian years ago; fixed with excessive spending; awaiting basement installation.

    The Pinball Show Ep 79: The Middle Class Man‘s Pinball PodcastOct 18, 2021
  • First Data East game; hinged backbox; involved in relocation project; required door removal to fit downstairs

    The Pinball Show Ep 132: Venom Revisited & Presidential ToppersJul 18, 2023