The Walking Dead is a pinball machine manufactured by Stern Pinball, originally designed by John Borg with code by Lyman F. Sheats Jr. and released in 2014. It is licensed from the popular TV series of the same name and is known for its brutal difficulty, complex playfield layout with three-multiball system, and zombie-themed gameplay. In 2025, Stern announced a remastered version of the game, which has been criticized by the community for poor art package choices, screen utilization issues, art recycling, and overall value proposition at the $13,000 LE price point, though it remains in competitive tournament rotation.
The Walking Dead pinball may not be fully licensed/approved yet despite shipping
The Walking Dead Premium Edition was Stern's first use of action button mechanics
The original Walking Dead pinball machine has no main characters from the TV show represented on the playfield
A player once had a ball in the pop bumpers for approximately 30 seconds during The Walking Dead practice
Stern pinball game owned by Hilton Savage; mentioned as having significant chipping damage that persisted for months.
Referenced in discussion of multiball modes
Later Stern pinball game that allegedly borrowed mechanical innovations from Austin Powers (e.g., laser/ramp mechanics)
Borg-designed Stern game noted as a reference point for approachable playfield layout design
Stern Pinball game based on the Walking Dead IP; known for difficult layout and challenging gameplay
Stern pinball game; programmer Lyman Sheets copied Time Fantasy's 'time shot' mechanic with 'bloodbath targets' on this game
Expert: merged definition Expert: merged definition
No linked glossary terms
The Walking Dead remake pinball has been announced by Stern
Stern's The Walking Dead reveal is expected October 29th
The Walking Dead will likely be unveiled at Expo in approximately one month
The Walking Dead remaster will receive the new Spike 3 cabinet with expression lighting system
The Walking Dead is host's favorite pinball machine of all time
The Horde wizard mode in The Walking Dead is one of the furthest away wizard modes to achieve
The Walking Dead theme has aged poorly but the rule set and shot design overcome this weakness
Walking Dead held secondary market value poorly compared to Metallica; LE/Premium/Pro models available at reasonable prices
The Walking Dead was designed by John Borg, Lyman Sheets, Kevin O'Connor, and Greg Freres (art direction)
The Gilligan's Island playfield lighting is the most significant trim differentiator between Standard and Premium editions
Premium Edition features red/green/white Gilligan's Island lighting while Standard features all-white
Many people modify the Standard Edition lighting despite it being a significant visual differentiator
The bicycle ramp lift varies in smoothness from machine to machine within the Premium trim
The impact of Gilligan's Island playfield code on game quality is comparable to the importance of music
The Walking Dead Pro version has noticeably smoother ramps than the Premium version, though difference is exaggerated in online discourse
The Walking Dead (John Borg design) has cheap drains and out-of-pops that make it anger-inducing
The Walking Dead machine in women's division played much better than men's division version
The Walking Dead's Horde Mode is one of the best coded wizard modes ever created
Walking Dead Horde Mode's new code includes risk-reward cash-out mechanics; old code lacked this feature
The Walking Dead qualifies as a Halloween theme because it premiered on Halloween and features zombies
The Walking Dead is the greatest coded game in pinball history
The Walking Dead is more endurance-based and strategy-based compared to Aerosmith
The Walking Dead pinball was poor quality at launch but is now top-5 tier
The Walking Dead received new code update in late August 2015
The Walking Dead (Pro) significantly improved with new code update
Someone posted a billion and a half point score on Walking Dead to Facebook
The Walking Dead pinball has a physical abnormality with ball output from bumpers
Walking Dead received a code update on July 3-4, 2015
The new Walking Dead code is well-executed and represents fine-tuning rather than major changes
The Walking Dead has high ball drain frequency making it very difficult
Horde mode is the wizard mode requiring completion of Woodberry shots
The Walking Dead (Pro) generates 30% of Eastside Pinball location revenue
Walking Dead machine drains frequently from jet bumper area between well and ramp
Horde mode is a new feature on The Walking Dead machine in latest code
The Walking Dead pinball has a machine in the tournament lineup at Pinball Expo in addition to a launch party
The Walking Dead has multiball modes with mechanical registration issues on the zombie head target
Stern premium pinball machine released 2019, designed by John Borg, difficult and deep ruleset, features crossbow mechanism, multiball modes (Prison, Bloodbath, Walker), difficult drop targets and ball control challenges
Modern pinball machine at Southern Fried; features zombie target and unique magnet mechanics that impressed Brent
2014 Stern game; ranked #2 on the list; praised for creepiness theme, noted as divisive among players
Stern pinball praised for unique layout and Lyman's code quality; liked by Dennis Kriesel
Pinball machine being analyzed in tournament; features prison multiball, Well Walker multiball, crossbow shots, bunny targets, and zombie killing mechanics; code appears to have issues with scoring logic and magnet behavior
Stern pinball machine; #5 on Dennis's Stern list; features Lyman Sheets rule set; holds back by layout and shooter design despite strong rules
Pinball machine owned by insomniac; George mentions wanting to own one but had concerns about the art package; was expected to arrive late that evening
Stern pinball machine designed by John Borg; rumored to be getting a remaster announcement; potentially Mike's second choice if artwork is improved
Stern pinball machine featured as required tournament game; recently received code updates
Stern two-flipper machine; Martin recently streamed with Ryan; hosts note Walker Bombs mechanic and deep gameplay; Jeff expresses desire to own one
Stern Pinball game whose gameplay was 'resurrected' through Lyman Sheets' code improvements, transforming it from poorly received to masterpiece
Modern pinball game mentioned by Tommy as an example of a fun but non-compulsive 'one more game' experience compared to Nick's designs
Stern pinball machine announced 2014; initially received negatively by Jack but transformed through code updates into a top-tier game; features blood bath multiball, well walker mode, 2x multipliers
John Borg design; rated 'one of the best games ever' by Jason; favorite game for 20-minute play sessions
Pinball machine compared as home ownership option
Pinball game referenced for innovative left flipper geometry shots (Well Walker into Riot), used as example of clever deflection mechanics
Licensed pinball machine; features Well Walker and Bicycle Girl references; discussed as example of minimal but recognizable IP elements
Stern pinball title; example of manufacturer saying no Premium would be released, then releasing one to boost LE sales
Upcoming remaster by John Borg; expected late September/early October release; will feature new cabinet with expression lighting system; follows Metallica remaster strategy for re-engagement
Stern remaster predicted for October/November 2025 as follow-up to Star Wars; based on X-Men/Metallica release pattern precedent
Stern pinball machine; remastered version revealing November 4th; subject of episode prediction
Referenced as comparison for crossbow firing mechanism; Kaneda questions why Jaws couldn't have harpoon firing
Stern game that was first to be revealed live on the internet via Jack's streaming
2014 Stern Pinball game by John Borg et al., subject of this deep dive episode with multiple trim level variants
Stern pinball machine, referenced as example of Pro edition lacking spinners feature
Example of mediocre shooter saved by exceptional code/software; illustrates importance of software to game quality regardless of design quality
Pinball machine featured in tournament, includes drop targets and prison door mechanics with mode-stacking complexity
Stern pinball game cited as one of the best coded modern Stern games
Stern pinball machine featured in bracket challenge; selected by both hosts over Family Guy in opening round
Stern zombie-themed pinball game; referenced as successful zombie theme example
Stern pinball machine being used for B Finals tournament competition
Pinball machine in Free Play Florida 2018 tournament with documented mechanical issues (drop targets, opto)
Stern Pinball machine; subject of instructional demonstration focusing on two contrasting play strategies and ball control techniques
Pinball machine featuring Horde survival-based wizard mode
John Borg design recently acquired by Jeff, features brutal layout but exceptional code, replaced TMNT in his collection
Stern Pinball machine discussed in stream; praised for depth of gameplay, criticized for difficult layout and pop bumper fade being obnoxious
Pinball machine; viewer installed DMD extender for this game
Stern pinball title designed by John Borg; referenced for deeper rule set than TMNT
Licensed pinball machine being played; features Horde wizard mode, multiple standard modes, multiball mechanics, and themed playfield elements
Modern pinball machine observed by Zach at Zanzibar, influenced his decision to enter the hobby
Referenced multiple times for comparison with Johnny Mnemonic regarding ball feed mechanisms and gameplay feel
Referenced as another high-rated game with complex rules; mentioned alongside Dialed In and Ghostbusters
Pinball machine in George's collection; George describes as 'brutal'
Referenced as comparison point for game design philosophy; described as more endurance/strategy-based than Aerosmith
Pinball reference point; John Borg mentioned as original designer in broader industry discussion
Stern pinball machine mentioned in chat; E-Mac achieved 20 billion point shot; discussed as desired teaching machine
Ranked #5; features aquarium topper with governor's heads that light up during gameplay and shine differently in track mode
Coded by Lyman Sheets; Greg considers it the greatest coded game in pinball history
Recent Stern release; acquired by Greg via trade; temporarily swapped to honor friend's commitment
Stern Pinball machine; primary subject of stream; features well, prison, bloodbath multiballs; CDC ramp; arena ramp; tight shots; modes including weapons, food, riot; deep multiball stacking mechanics
Stern pinball game; coded by Lyman Sheets; example of game with poor playfield design transformed by Sheets' code
#3 wizard mode (Horde Mode); walker-shooting mechanic; new code adds risk-reward; described as 'best coded'
Previous pinball title used as design inspiration; Houdini Master of Mystery mimics its wizard mode progression mechanic (completing tasks to earn letters)
Game being played on this stream; Stern-produced machine
Rumored remake by John Borg - CONFIRMED FALSE by Kaneda as official denial of industry rumor.
Stern pinball machine being reviewed; licensed from AMC TV series; features zombie theme and complex multiball mechanics
Stern Pinball machine ranked #9, justified as Halloween-relevant due to zombie theme
Stern Pinball machine being played; subject of SDTM recent review; features Last Man Standing challenge on 10-ball mode
Mentioned alongside Metallica as game host hasn't overplayed yet; alternative Thanksgiving theme consideration
Stern Pinball remaster mentioned in code and design comparisons; hosts indicate Guardians 0.88.0 has superior code complexity
#8 ranked; features right ramp with 3D effects and 'Kevin Hill' bobble; smooth and fluid design praised
Referenced for comparison to Lethal Weapon 3's ruleset frustration level
Referenced as comparison point for magnet design improvements and protective mechanisms
Raw Thrills arcade game referenced as Zach Sharp's favorite with crossbow shooting mechanics
Pinball machine referenced as example of challenging/difficult game that host prefers
#10 on anger-inducing list; John Borg design with cheap drains and out-of-pops issues
Modern Stern machine; characterized as quick-hitter tournament game
Referenced as difficult/challenging pinball game for competitive players
Upcoming update/upgrade available for Big Buck Hunter Reloaded cabinet
Pinball game referenced by Jack as requiring ball save feature, similar to KISS; viewer mentions ordering the game.
Stern pinball machine designed by John Borg with code by Sheets; received significant update that transformed game reception from negative to legendary status
Stern pinball machine with launch party at Pinball Expo; tournament machine also in lineup; Crystal reports some mechanical issues
Pinball machine being streamed and discussed at the expo; described as 'legit'
New Stern Pinball machine in development/early production; found at Brixie's in Brookfield; described as work-in-progress with incomplete graphics and developing rules; launch party scheduled for Friday at 8 p.m.; compared to Metallica's early launch state
Stern pinball machine, tournament/launch party scheduled Friday in Wheeling area, hosts seeking local Chicago playable machine
Pinball machine available for sale at DeadFlip venue for approximately $3,000; Zach Sharpe dominated tournament on this game
New Stern Pinball game being launched/demonstrated at Chicago Pinball Expo; features zombie-themed mechanics including jail multiball, prison targets, and zombie multiplier system
Pinball machine receiving detailed mechanical/design analysis; discussed for drain vulnerability and ramp design
Stern pinball machine receiving official software update; Deadflip staff attending release party
Stern pinball machine at Brixie's; Nick George Campbell knocked out first round at IFPA tournament by machine owner
Stern pinball machine with newly updated code mentioned as recently installed
Stern Pinball 2014 machine, code version 1.25, subject of stream gameplay and tournament preparation
Pinball game featured in previous Dead Flip stream at Pinball Expo release party where John Borg was interviewed
2014 Stern pinball machine based on AMC TV series, featuring Horde mode and multiball mechanics
Previous Stern release Hardy criticized for color palette not matching theme
Existing Stern title; Hardy mentions loss of interest in franchise and notes it not a compelling remaster candidate unlike Tron.
Referenced for sharing tilt warning sound (public domain missile siren) with Total Annihilation
Pinball machine that will be the focus of streaming in the upcoming week; recently donated to Jack Danger
Pinball machine played during stream; rotated in for one hour during four-hour intervals
Stern 2014 pro model being played; recently received code update that Jack claims significantly improved gameplay quality
Stern pinball; initially poor reputation at release; now considered top-5 quality after code updates
Stern Pinball machine from 2014, being played with newly released code update; Pro model featured in this stream
Stern pinball game; Jack initially skeptical but now rates highly; has challenging bumper feed geometry and ball control requirements
Stern pinball mentioned; discussion of modification with pop-off mechanic that affects difficulty and play style
Stern pinball machine from 2014 being played on stream; recently received code updates; featured for 'Larry Day' themed programming
Stern Pinball game featured at DeadFlip's studio, provided via Stern partnership
Stern pinball machine released 2014, subject of this gameplay stream; features Horde mode, multi-kill mechanics, and improved code updates
Stern pinball machine from 2014 being played and discussed; recently received two code updates
Rumored Stern Pinball remaster by John Borg; speculated to be based on comics rather than TV show
AMC television series; basis for Stern's Walking Dead pinball machines (2014 original and 2025 Remastered); hosts criticized remaster for lack of show character representation
Stern release; referenced for ball lock mechanism (Bicycle Girl ramp) as design precedent for Iron Maiden's motorized sarcophagus lock.
Stern pinball machine; referenced in context of Ultimate Stern Fan Contest creative photo submissions with zombie costumes
Stern Pinball game originally considered poor; Lyman's code revitalization transformed it into a masterpiece through improved player communication
Stern Pinball machine used as reference for tier feature differences (Pro lacks walker bombs and crossbow); Tony bought new in-box
Stern pinball criticized for not featuring TV show actors, using voice actors instead
AMC/Stern pinball machine; subject of detailed review in this episode; features complex geometry requiring precise leveling; available in Pro/Premium/LE variants; gameplay praised as both smooth and challenging
Stern Pinball game; Jason references its roaming mode mechanic as design inspiration for Foo Fighters van leveling system
Pinball machine with code by Lyman Sheets, referenced as example of excellent coding work
Pinball machine with remaster version; used in Amazing Race tournament format; features The Well Walker multiball objective
Stern machine that Dennis would trade for; priced ~$4,500 at Pro model; combined value of Tony's two games insufficient to reach this without cash supplement
Stern pinball game mentioned; licensing/approval status unclear per Joel's speculation
Stern Pinball title referenced as having poor artwork on Pro model; mentioned alongside Ghostbusters as skill-building game
Data East pinball game; played at Satellite Pinball Lounge; host scored multiple replays; considered difficult but rewarding
Stern pinball machine (LE, 2014) located at The Highlander
Stern pinball at exhibition
One of 18 supported pinball titles
Stern Pinball title available for play in exhibition
Stern Pro pinball machine at NickelRama #1
Stern pinball machine at Moonwalker Arcade
Stern pinball machine at Brauer House
Stern pinball game for which Sheats designed an updated ruleset
Stern pinball machine in fourth machine bank at Fort Worth location
Pinball game; screens visible at Churchill factory during tour
Stern LE machine featured in Team Tournament and Youth Tournament
Stern Pinball Pro model exhibited at Amusement Expo 2016
#4 earning game at Rock Fantasy March 2022
Stern Pinball, 2014; Lyman Sheets code work
Stern pinball game; mentioned for crossbow upper playfield mechanism comparison
Stern Pro pinball machine, top revenue earner (30%) at Eastside Pinball location
Pinball machine extensively modded with toppers and auxiliary power supplies in high-end collector's house (Dr. John's collection)
Pin Golf goal required starting Bloodbath multiball, noted as very difficult by all participants
Licensed Stern title (A&E); blocked from Farsight due to Zen licensing same property
Pinball FX 2 table confirmed unavailable for FX 3 due to failed licensing renewal with Telltale Games
#3 on ranking; host's favorite game; rule set by Bowen Kerins; features Horde wizard mode and Bloodbath mode; teaches nudging skills
Referenced for crossbow shot mechanics and values; hosts play on this machine; crossbow shot record ~500 million
Game owned by Kevin Manning that he is selling to fund Bond Premium purchase; one of his favorite games that he no longer plays
Stern remaster rumor (via Nap Arcade); designed by John Borg and Lyman Sheets; low secondary market value; rules improved by Lyman; criticized for relevance (TV show/comic finished)
Rumored Stern remake; John Borg designing; Ray Day potentially returning to code design/refinement; release expected within Oct 2025 window
Stern pinball game designed by Lyman Sheets; frequently cited favorite by Josh and Zach Sharp; known for challenging risk-reward mechanics
Premium version owned by Morten; in his home, hasn't reached wizard mode despite ownership
Stern pinball whose multi-mode selection mechanic inspired design element in Ghostbusters
Pinball game mentioned as alternative tournament selection but not available for this round
Original 2014 Stern Pinball machine; subject of remaster discussion
Stern remaster announced; full Spike 3 treatment expected; revealed November 4; lower community hype compared to Beetlejuice; refreshed art and larger screen expected
Spooky Pinball game; rumored for release before Halloween per unconfirmed sources; subject of community FOMO anticipation
Stern game; Don dodged purchase FOMO; describes as 'not a terrible game' but happy to avoid; price declined on secondary market
Rumored third John Borg design coming to Stern in 2025; part of discussion about designer workload
Pinball game; mentioned in context of code design discussions; referenced for gameplay mechanics.
Stern Spike 3 machine; used in pin golf; experienced HDMI black screen streaming issues
Confirmed as next Stern release after Star Wars (Kaneda claims 100% confirmation); may feature show clips
Upcoming Stern remake; Kaneda predicts it will 'not take off' and that Stern raising prices will be a 'catastrophe'
Recent Stern LE release ($13,000); positioned as overpriced competitor to Beetlejuice; Stern cancelled planned stream reveal
Original title; remaster in development by Stern
Referenced in context of potential Stern remaster; example of Stern's perceived overproduction destroying collectibility
Original pinball machine being remastered by Stern
Stern Pinball game with new topper announced; older versions incompatible with new topper
Stern pinball; previously considered unfair/unenjoyable by community; code updates transformed perception; now remembered fondly; serves as precedent for Ghostbusters potential redemption
Stern game whose rule structure Keith explicitly modeled Iron Maiden's rule set after verbatim
Referenced as inspiration for Iron Maiden's ruleset structure and power features design philosophy
Stern game noted for best wizard mode; difficult game that divides player opinions based on skill level
Referenced by Greg Bone as comparison point for Ninja Turtles; used to illustrate similarity in learning curve and shot mechanics.
Modern Stern Pinball licensed title illustrating massive commercial advantage of major IP over original themes; cited as example of generating bulk orders ($200k-$400k) versus original-theme games.
Stern pinball title; referenced for action button feature (emergency button mechanic) as positive example
Stern pinball game used in women's finals; features Barn and Prison modes, walker multipliers, Woodbury mode, horde mode; non-tournament version allows mode starts during multiball; notable rule debate about multiplier collection timing
Game Paul references in context of play style and rule complexity; plays more controlled on this game
Pinball game mentioned as example of theme translation—praised gameplay but criticized artwork
Modern pinball game played in Pinberg tournament
Pinball machine rented by Orbital Albert from Mike Dimas; located in his home during sale listing; Albert mentions it might deter some potential buyers.
Stern pinball game that Jack streamed at early factory access roughly two years prior, leading to ongoing relationship with Stern. Origin point of Jack's Dead Flip/Stern partnership.
Modern pinball game; Davidson studied extensively for IFPA 14 competition
Zen Pinball table mentioned as potential return; Mel indicated licensing conversations 'have accelerated'
Stern Pinball machine released 2014, designed by John Borg with code by Lyman F. Sheats Jr., known for brutal difficult layout and three-multiball system
Prior Borg design referenced as last game with similarly interesting/approachable playfield layout to Fall of the Empire
Secondary game mentioned as visitor attraction at booth
Stern Pinball game featured in tournament play; subject of remaster announcement; has tuning issues with doors, head pop-up, and apron design variations
Game mentioned in Lawrence's anecdote about practice experience and plunge mechanics
Stern Pinball game being played in Concord Champ '25 qualifying; has limbs modification in this location
Referenced comparison for character selection mission structure mechanic
Stern remaster coming to Gonzo's collection; driving space constraints
Referenced as overly colorful in contrast to Beetlejuice's appropriate vibrant design; location-focused vs. collector focus
Stern pinball; referenced as brutally difficult game (games lasting ~2 minutes); comparison point for Labyrinth difficulty
Stern's next release; reportedly scheduled for October 29th reveal according to Kaneda's sources; Hardy expresses curiosity about community response
Stern title where art copy-paste issues previously occurred (zombie imagery); cited as precedent for current X-Men art blade concerns
2025 remaster by Stern (John Borg design); establishes pattern for remaster series selection criteria
First full Spike 3 game; cabinet construction photos reveal potential quality concerns; at IO Arcade Madison
Referenced as mechanical comparison for instrument targets on Rush
Stern remaster awaiting release; context mentions as alternative option during Beetlejuice pre-order window
Stern pinball machine at Punk Rock Pinball HQ; used in 3+ hour streaming attempt; hosts struggled with technical setup (HDMI output issues)
Stern Pinball title; priced at $13,000; used as pricing comparison/threshold example
Stern Pinball game revealed with inadequate code footage at IAAPA before final approval. Criticized for screen utilization, art recycling, and overall value proposition at $13,000 LE price.
Stern Pinball remaster planned for internet reveal (not show announcement); revealed before Halloween, positioning criticized as poor timing strategy
TV series that is the source material for the pinball machine. Borg references 4 seasons of content for rules design.
Stern title with animation quality concerns related to hardware limitations
Stern game; underperforming in orders; remastered version announced; original LE expected to depreciate in secondary market
John Borg design mentioned in context of playfield complexity
Stern pinball game by Lyman, referenced as design inspiration for Iron Maiden's 'never out of it' strategy philosophy
Stern's game launching same day as Beetlejuice reveal with AI graphics; criticized as outdated and tonally mismanaged
Recent Stern release characterized as a 'flop' that Stern is attempting to sell through
Stern remaster/remake; stream happening Friday the 14th; community critical of art package; Wyson reportedly leading project
Original game criticized for poor layout, barn toy scale issues, and limited appeal; rumored for remake
IP/license that Walking Dead Pro pinball is based on
Stern Pinball remaster/remake releasing same day as Beetlejuice; 500 LE units produced; reported poor sales at major distributors; expected to depreciate from $13K to $10K
Stern pinball game announced at Chicago Pinball Expo; provided opportunity for Jack to stream its tournament premiere, launching his relationship with Stern
TV series intellectual property that is licensed for the pinball game