HomeGAMESSTERN REVEALS NEW TRANSFORMERS GAME Date: May 21st, 2026 Stern Pinball today announced their second cornerstone game of the year, Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye! This isn’t Stern’s first Transformers game. Back in 2011 they released a George Gomez design which was notable for introducing the use of QR codes to direct players to Stern’s microsite dedicated to the Transformers game for game rules, in-game music and behind-the-scenes information about the game’s development. That microsite was discontinued several years ago. That 2011 model came in Pro and Limited Edition variants, with the Limited Edition split into three versions. One featured an Autobot-themed crimson paint package and backglass art, the second was Decepticon-themed in violet, while the third had a split with Decepticons on the left and Autobots on the right, with a split paint job on the lock bar. Fifteen years later, the Autobots and Decepticons are back to battle in this new More Than Meets The Eye! model which celebrates the 40th anniversary of the first Transformers movie. This design is by Elliot Eismin with Elizabeth Gieske in charge of game software, and follows the traditional cornerstone model of having Pro, Premium and Limited Edition versions. Thankfully, this time there is only the one Limited Edition variant, although it repeats the split crimson/violet paint package of the 2011 model, albeit with the colours reversed. Let’s take a look at the exterior of all three versions, starting with the Pro. Pro Model !The left side of the Pro model The left side of the Pro model !The front view of the Pro model The front view of the Pro model !Backbox side artwork on the Pro model Backbox side artwork on the Pro model !Part of the Pro model's cabinet artwork Part of the Pro model’s cabinet artwork !The Pro model's translite artwork The Pro model’s translite artwork !The Pro model's plaque The Pro model’s plaque !The left of the Pro model's bottom arch The left of the Pro model’s bottom arch !The right of the Pro model's bottom arch The right of the Pro model’s bottom arch Premium Model !The left side of the Premium model The left side of the Premium model !The front view of the Premium model The front view of the Premium model !The right side of the Premium model The right side of the Premium model !Backbox side artwork on the Premium model Backbox side artwork on the Premium model !Part of the Premium model's cabinet artwork Part of the Premium model’s cabinet artwork !The Premium model's translite artwork The Premium model’s translite artwork !The Premium model's plaque The Premium model’s plaque !The left of the Premium model's bottom arch The left of the Premium model’s bottom arch !The right of the Premium model's bottom arch The right of the Premium model’s bottom arch Limited Edition Model !The left side of the Limited Edition model The left side of the Limited Edition model !The front view of the Limited Edition model The front view of the Limited Edition model !The right side of the Limited Edition model The right side of the Limited Edition model !Backbox side artwork on the Limited Edition model Backbox side artwork on the Limited Edition model !Part of the Limited Edition model's cabinet artwork Part of the Limited Edition model’s cabinet artwork !The mirrored backglass in the Limited Edition model The mirrored backglass in the Limited Edition model !The Limited Edition model's numbered plaque The Limited Edition model’s numbered plaque !The left of the Limited Edition model's bottom arch The left of the Limited Edition model’s bottom arch !The right right of the Limited Edition model’s bottom arch Interestingly, and perhaps with a nod to the increased proportion of sales to new home buyers, all three backbox art designs now include warning text above the display panel’s keyhole warning of the presence of high voltages and advising how service should only be performed by service personnel. !The three models: Pro, Premium and Limited Edition The three models: Pro, Premium and Limited Edition And so we come to the playfield designs. As usual, all three models have the same playfield shots and artwork, with only the mechanisms and decals installed varying. The Premium and Limited Edition have all the same playfield mechanisms, while the Pro removes some functionality or loses certain mechanisms entirely. We’ll begin with the Limited Edition model as that contains the most, before seeing what gets removed as we pass through the Premium to the base Pro model. Limited Edition model !The Limited Edition model's playfield The Limited Edition model’s playfield Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye! is a three-flippered six-ball game. The two regular flippers are enhanced by a third flipper half-way up on the right side. The playfield is split with the Autobots on the left side and the Decepticons on the right, matching the cabinet paintwork colour scheme. !The lower flippers area The lower flippers area The Limited Edition model has Expression dual-sided cabinet and speaker lighting pre-installed. Interior lighting and speaker lights are also available for the other models as add-ons, but only the Limited Edition has the laser-cut side rails needed for the exterior cabinet lighting. !The Limited Edition model has exterior side rail lighting as well as interior The !Interior art complements the Expression cabinet lighting Interior art complements the Expression cabinet lighting There are four custom sculpts on the Limited Edition and Premium playfields. The leaders of the Autobots and Decepticons, Optimus Prime and Megatron respectively, are present and correct at the top of the playfield. On the right side is Soundwave, while the Grimlock Dinobot toy occupies an equivalent position on the left side. !The Megatron model The Megatron model The top part of Megaton can rotate left and right, while his right arm can move up and down. The arm carries a cannon through which a locked ball can be fired, allowing you to aim and shoot it at your desired shot. !Shoot the cannon onto the wireform Shoot the cannon onto the wireform In front of Megatron is a scoop which is fed by a short jump ramp, and has a three-bank of drop targets in front which need to be knocked down to access the scoop and the two standups either side. !The drop target bank in front of Megatron The drop target bank in front of Megatron To the left of Megatron is Optimus Prime which is a static bash toy. Hits are detected on his legs. On the right side is the Soundwave ball lock. !Soundwave on the right side of the playfield Soundwave on the right side of the playfield A ball can be diverted from the ramp return into Soundwave and then released after enough hits on the wide controls standup target at the base of the toy. !Soundwave's cassette compartment opens to release the locked ball Soundwave’s !The central playfield area The central playfield area Premium model !The Premium model's playfield The Premium model’s playfield The Premium model doesn’t come with playfield or cabinet Expression lighting, nor does it have the interior cabinet art blades. Otherwise though, the playfield is functionally the same as the Limited Edition with the same artwork package and the same toys. !Optimus Prime and Megatron Optimus Prime and Megatron !The drop targets in front of Megatron The drop targets in front of Megatron !The static Grimlock model The static Grimlock model Finally, we come to the Pro variant’s playfield and see what’s missing from the cheapest model in the range. Pro Model !The Pro model's playfield The Pro model’s playfield The most immediate differences are the missing Grimlock and Soundwave models, both of which have been replace by flat artworked plastics. The two character’s respective targets remain, so they continue to feature in the rules. !The Pro (left) versus the Premium playfields The Pro (left) versus the Premium (right) playfields To see what else has changed, let’s look at our Difference Map, which turns identical areas black so we can see what is different between the playfield images of the Pro and Premium models as provided by Stern. !The differences between the Pro and Premium playfield images The bottom aprons obviously have different artwork, so they appear highlighted, but the Grimock and Soundwave toys are missing in the Pro model, so they are highlighted too. At the very top of the playfield you can see a ball guide coming out of the back panel which is highlighted along with a solenoid behind Megatron. That’s because the Megatron model in the Pro model is static, so it doesn’t turn and doesn’t have the moveable ball-shooting cannon. So, the feed to it isn’t installed, and the wireform ramp in the centre-left we showed earlier is missing too. You can also see that the Insider Connected scanner is in a slightly different position on the Pro. !Megatron is a static, not functioning toy on the Pro model Megatron !The drop target bank and scoop are still there though The !Optimus Prime still registers hits too Optimus Prime still registers hits too !Optimus Prime and Megatron on the Pro model Optimus Prime and Megatron on the Pro model !The Soundwave toy is a flat plastic on the Pro model The !The Grimlock flat plastic The Grimlock flat plastic !All models have last-cut ramps All models have last-cut ramps !Autobot logo on the left ramp, Decepticon logo on the right Autobot Now you’ve seen the toys and features, here are the outline game rules from the instruction card: !How to play How to play Here’s the feature matrix comparing the features in each of the three Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye! models: !The feature matrix The feature matrix (Click to enlarge) It has become a regular part of each new game’s launch for Stern to hold a Media Day, and they did this on Wednesday 20th May, the same day as the game reveal. The introduction was not allowed to be recorded but in the introduction they were keen to stress how themes such as Transformers and Pokémon appeal to 40-something adults who weren’t previously pinball fans but want all the themed merchandise. They also said that the game is based on the 70+ episodes of the Transformers TV series but also includes a special mode related to the 1986 feature film, including the song The Touch from the movie. You can see the trailer video Stern Pinball produced and which was shown at Media Day here: TRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye Presented by Stern Pinball - YouTube Tap to unmute Stern Pinball Stern Pinball Attendees were then invited to play the machines. Our correspondent, M. G. Brown recorded this gameplay video from Media Day. Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye - Gameplay1 - Pinball News - YouTube Tap to unmute Pinball News Pinball News Here’s how Stern announced their new game release: | | | --- | | The TRANSFORMERS franchise has captivated generations of people worldwide across toys, comics, television, film and merchandise. Now, fans can experience the legendary battle between Autobots and Decepticons like never before through immersive, action-packed pinball. TRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye by Stern Pinball is available now in Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition (LE) models.<br>In Stern Pinball’s TRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye, players join Optimus Prime and the Autobots in their mission to stop Megatron and the Decepticons from stealing Earth’s energy, conquering Cybertron, and dominating the universe. TRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye pushes mechanical innovation to new heights with a fully animatronic Megatron robot toy with an articulated fusion cannon that rotates and fires pinballs back at players. Soundwave’s cassette deck locks pinballs before launching them into high-intensity action while a custom sculpted Optimus Prime robot bash toy stands ready for battle, adding depth and spectacle to this world under glass that’s …MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE.<br>Players will experience the ultimate battle between Autobots and Deceptions, and can store Energon Cubes to power up, team up with the Dinobots, collect Transformers Tech Spec cards, and prepare for a climactic battle against Megatron. Players embark on missions inspired by major story arcs from the original 1984 TRANSFORMERS animated television series, and the machine integrates authentic video clips and story-driven missions that bring the brand’s legacy to life.<br>To celebrate the 40th anniversary of THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE, the game includes a special mode featuring the iconic song “The Touch” by Stan Bush, custom call-outs from legendary voice actors including Peter Cullen (Optimus Prime) and Frank Welker (Megatron and Soundwave), and original music from Knights of Unicron.<br>Loaded with Stern Pinball’s cutting-edge technology, TRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye seamlessly blends physical and digital gameplay. Utilizing Stern’s award-winning Insider Connected platform, the machine introduces a brand-new Cyber Coin wallet system, where players can earn Cyber Coins to unlock exclusive challenge modes. The machine also features a special challenge mode, “Prime Training,” where Autobots guide players through the art of pinball mastery, and for the first time, includes a head-to-head experience that allows two players to compete simultaneously in real time.<br>Limited to 750 games globally, the highly collectible Limited Edition model includes the updated Expression Lighting System™ and Speaker Expression Lighting System with TRANSFORMERS-themed game effects, a full-color mirrored backglass, full-color high-definition cabinet decals, exclusive custom pinball armor, a custom designer-autographed bottom arch, upgraded audio system, anti-reflection pinball playfield glass, shaker motor, a sequentially numbered plaque, a signed Certificate of Authenticity, and a digital Insider Connected LE owner’s badge on registration.<br>“The TRANSFORMERS franchise has inspired generations with its timeless battle between good and evil,” said Seth Davis, President & CEO of Stern Pinball. “With TRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye pinball, we’ve created a machine that dynamically changes before your eyes, delivers groundbreaking gameplay, legendary music, and the ultimate showdown fans have been waiting for.”<br>TRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye pinball is available through authorized Stern Pinball distributors and dealers around the world. Find out more and contact us for availability in your location on the game information page here. <br>Stay up to date by following Stern Pinball on YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.<br>MSRP $6,999 (RRP – €6,699.00; £5,799.00) | | | Finally, flyers are available for all three models. Here they are: !The front of the Pro model's flyer The front of the Pro model’s flyer !The back of the Pro model's flyer The back of the Pro model’s flyer !The front of the Premium model's flyer The front of the Premium model’s flyer !The back of the Premium model's flyer The back of the Premium model’s flyer !The front of the Limited Edition model's flyer The front of the Limited Edition model’s flyer !The back of the Limited Edition model's flyer The back of the Limited Edition model’s flyer We’ll be back with more updates to our coverage of Stern Pinball’s new Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye! game, right here at Pinball News. - Related Articles - More By Pinball News - More In GAMES - !April 2026 PINcast APRIL 2026 PINCAST After all the excitement of new game launches last month, things were a little more sedate… 2 weeks ago - !Pinspotting April 2026 PINSPOTTING APRIL 2026 During our Key West (FL) 10 day vacation we visited a few sites with pinball. 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