Machine Guides

Game History

Stern's Ghostbusters pinball machine was released in 2016 as part of their "Stern Vault" archive series. Designed by the renowned pinball designer Steve Ritchie, the game was based on the classic 1984 film and its 2016 reboot, incorporating elements from both movies.

The machine incorporated technological innovations not seen in earlier pinball machines, most notably an interactive Ghostbusters target that appears to float in the air using magnetic levitation technology. Additional features included a custom "Ecto Goggle" feature for viewing the playfield, a "psychomagnet" that could trap balls, and a "Crossing the Streams" multiball mode where players could combine proton streams to capture ghosts.

Gameplay centered around trapping ghosts and battling the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, with the ultimate objective of reaching the "Spook Central" wizard mode. The game also featured an interactive bookcase that could reveal a hidden ball lock and a "PKE Meter" that would detect paranormal activity on the playfield.

The machine was well-received and remains popular among pinball collectors and is considered one of Stern's more successful licensed titles, successfully blending nostalgia for the original film with modern pinball technology and gameplay innovations.

How to Play

Objective

The main goal of Stern's Ghostbusters pinball is to trap ghosts and battle supernatural entities throughout New York City. You must progress through various modes based on scenes from the Ghostbusters films, ultimately facing the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. The game emphasizes capturing ghosts and completing film-inspired sequences to achieve the highest score possible.

Controls

• Flippers: Use the left and right flippers to hit the ball and keep it in play
• Launch Button: Press to launch the ball into play
• Start Button: Press to begin a new game
• Plunger: Use to launch the ball into play (if present on the machine)

Gameplay

• Starting the Game: Press the Start Button to begin your ghostbusting career.

• Ball Launch: Launch the ball into play using the plunger or launch button.

• Ghost Trapping: Complete specific shots to trap ghosts and earn points, simulating the ghostbusting experience from the films.

• Film Modes: Activate modes based on scenes from the Ghostbusters movies by hitting specific targets and completing sequences.

• Floating Target: Interact with the magnetic levitation Ghostbusters target that appears to float in the air.

• Multiball Modes: Activate various multiball modes including "Crossing the Streams" where you combine proton streams to capture ghosts.

• Stay Puft Battle: Face the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man by completing certain shots and objectives throughout the game.

• Spook Central: Progress through all modes to unlock the "Spook Central" wizard mode for maximum points.

• Ecto Goggle Feature: Use the special viewing feature to examine the playfield and identify hidden targets and opportunities.