The Munsters is a pinball game based on the classic 1960s sitcom IP, released by Stern Pinball around 2019. Designed by Dwight Sullivan, the game features simplified rules, dual playfields, and a Zap button mechanic, with artwork by Christopher Franchi. The machine was released in both standard and premium versions with color comic book theming, and saw strong collector interest with Limited Edition runs selling out.
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The Munsters was released in 2018 or 2019
The lower playfield with mini-flippers is exclusive to Premium and LE versions of The Munsters
The Munsters has no ball save by default
Kitty target multipler can reach 6x in The Munsters
Stern pinball game; available in LE and Pro versions; was at Allentown with LE having 'Grandpa Dungeon' feature.
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Pinball machine by Stern based on 1960s TV sitcom; features dual playfields, four flippers, simplified ruleset, feature-based gameplay, and voice-based rules; released in 2019 with Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition versions.
Stern Pinball's current release; Pro and Premium versions available; VIP Monsters package offered at TPF
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The Munsters is fast and can be brutally difficult, especially when draining
The Munsters has been underestimated due to initial perception of shallow rules but reveals strategic depth through extended play
Monster Madness wizard mode has multiple difficulty levels that increase after initial completion
The Munsters has the most perfect fun layout in pinball but has poor ruleset design
The Munsters came out with mixed reception due to overly repetitive callouts and rule set that feels derivative of Monster Bash
The Munsters code is not deep enough for long-term play appeal compared to similar designs
The Munsters has 23+ secondary market listings as of January 21, down from retail within weeks of release
The Munsters was designed by John Borg, with art by Christopher Franchi and code by Dwight Sullivan
Unlike recent Stern releases, The Munsters has significant playfield differences between Pro and Premium/LE models.
The Munsters LE is limited to 500 units globally.
The Premium and LE models feature Grandpa's Laboratory mini-playfield with independent flipper buttons and two mini balls.
The Munsters features a two-flipper, two-ramp layout with six-ball multiball.
The Munsters was known about for many months before its CES 2019 announcement.
The Premium model uses a black-and-white artwork package in homage to the original black-and-white TV series.
The Munsters LE includes a shaker motor, anti-reflection glass, mirrored backglass, and laser-cut spider web metal cabinet armor.
Stern Pinball Limited Edition machine being revealed and streamed; based on classic TV series IP
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Referenced for 180 ramp design discussion.
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Licensed IP theme for new pinball machine
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Ranked #1 best art package; praised for beautiful color palette, character integration, and thematic authenticity
Stern Premium title at Round One; light rules, good on-location game, artwork by Christopher Franchi
Stern pinball machine, Premium/Limited Edition, 23+ secondary market listings, fire sale price ~$4,200-$4,800 (off $5,000 retail)
Classic pinball machine that Tim acquired by trading his Taxi machine; has good theme integration
Pinball machine owned by Christopher Franchi; listed in game collection
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John Borg design; discussed as example of game with great shots but weaker code
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Stern Pinball title; referenced for design discussion and context around Dwight Sullivan's prior work
Referenced for 180-degree ramp innovation; John Borg designer; comparison point for Elwin's ramp philosophy
Stern Pinball 2019 release; mixed critical reception despite strong team (Borg, Sullivan, Franchi); features beautiful artwork but simplistic rule set
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Stern game designed by John Borg; referenced in budget constraints debate; lower playfield criticized for slowing gameplay
Stern Pinball game released in 2018 based on The Munsters TV series, reviewed in Pro variant
Pinball game used for tournament competition; featured 3x multiplier objective on kitty shot and Raven Multiball
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Referenced as example of game requiring owned copies for beta tester recruitment; mentioned by Sullivan regarding testing logistics
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2019 Stern Pinball machine based on 1960s TV series, designed by John Borg, featuring three tiers and mini-playfield in Premium/LE models
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Stern Pinball title (relatively new at time of MGC 2019); displayed at show; Butch Patrick observed playing
Stern Pinball Premium model available at Free Play Arlington
Stern Pinball title exhibited in Pro and Premium versions at EAG; Premium features lower playfield
Stern pinball machine from 2019; newest machine at Button Mash during visit
Stern game designed by John Borg; Limited Edition demand led to production increase from 500 to 600 units
Last Universal Studios property Stern designed; art by Christopher Franchi
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Historic Franchi art work (2019); constantly cited as his best; Franchi considers Elton John as potential or achieved new peak to stop hearing 'you'll never top Munsters'
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Stern 2019 release revealed at CES Las Vegas; available in Pro/Premium/LE tiers; features mini playfield and lower playfield; well-coordinated launch event; LE sold out with expansion to 600 units
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Upcoming release; described as 'new toy' likely to feature heavily at TPF; cited as potential driver of machine sales/trading in Australian market
2019 pinball release designed by John Borg; art by Christopher Franchi; controversial rule design with playfield multiplier carry-over; 55-year-old IP; performs well on location; praised for simplicity; some debate whether Superman theme would have been superior.
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Premium version with color comic book theme showcased
New Stern Pinball machine based on 1960s sitcom IP
Latest Stern Pinball game designed by Sullivan; features simplified rules, no ball save, dual playfields, Zap button mechanic; being released in 2019
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