The Godzilla pinball machine by Stern Pinball is a modern marvel that brings the iconic kaiju to life on the playfield. Released in September of 2021, this game quickly became a must-have for enthusiasts, boasting innovative features and a theme that resonates with fans. Designed by Keith Elwin, with artwork by Zombie Yeti, Godzilla is available in four editions: Pro, Premium, Limited Edition (LE), and a 70th Anniversary Premium edition, each offering a unique experience.

History and Background

Godzilla’s journey to pinball started with the licensing of the Toho franchise, a move that excited fans worldwide. The design team, led by Keith Elwin, developed a game that captures the scale and destructive power of the Godzilla universe. The distinctive artwork by Zombie Yeti features a vibrant, comic-book-style depiction of Godzilla and other iconic monsters, enhancing the game’s visual appeal. Jerry Thompson provided the sound design and Rick Zieff provided callouts, rounding out a talented team that brought this pinball to life. Notably, Godzilla was the first Stern pinball machine to include the Insider Connected system, allowing players to track their scores and achievements.

The Pro model was the first released, followed by the Premium and LE, all released in 2021. The 70th Anniversary Premium followed in 2024 to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the first Godzilla film. Each edition was produced in different quantities, with the Limited Edition being the most exclusive, with only 1,000 units.

Signature Features and Design

The most notable distinction between the editions is in the interactive toys and features. The Pro model offers a simplified experience, with a static skyscraper and a single magnet to control the captive ball. The translite of the Pro model uniquely features the game's name in both English and Japanese katakana script, a design choice not included on other models.

The Premium edition introduces a motorized collapsing skyscraper that diverts balls to intersecting ramps based on its position. It also includes a Mechagodzilla figure with a rotating 3-bank of stand-up targets, revealing a spinning target and jump ramp. These features create a dynamic and immersive experience.

The Limited Edition expands on the Premium, adding a shaker motor, mirrored backglass, exclusive art blades, and high gloss metallic powder-coated armor. It includes a certificate of authenticity signed by Gary Stern, and a playfield apron signed by designer Keith Elwin, further solidifying its status as a collectible.

The 70th Anniversary Premium edition presents an all new aesthetic. The side art features a grayscale, comic-book style art. The side armor, hinges, and legs feature a black powder coated finish.

Playfield and Mechanics

The playfield across all editions features a similar layout, with three flippers, two ramps, a captive ball, and a variety of stand-up and spinning targets. The flow of the game is designed to emulate the chaos of a monster battle. The primary goal is to activate various city-themed modes by completing specific shots. A unique feature is the "Magna Grab," a Newton ball magnet that catches balls from several paths to set up shots to the upper left flipper.

The Pro’s playfield features a static skyscraper and the single magnet, while the Premium and LE versions feature the aforementioned interactive elements that enhance the gameplay. The artwork on all editions is vibrant, incorporating RGB lighting to highlight different modes and play elements.

Gameplay Dynamics

Gameplay in Godzilla is fast-paced and multi-layered, with several different modes and objectives. Players must navigate through various city missions, each related to a different monster or aspect of the Godzilla universe. Multiball modes are central to the gameplay, often achieved by hitting the captive ball or completing specific shots.

The Pro model offers a simplified version of the gameplay experience with a more basic set of modes, while the Premium and Limited editions introduce additional depth and complexity. The gameplay across all the models is designed to be both accessible to casual players and challenging for experienced players, with deep rules and strategic shot-making.

Reception and Legacy

The Godzilla pinball machine has been met with largely positive feedback from the pinball community, receiving acclaim for its theme integration, gameplay, and unique features. Many pinball players see it as a modern classic, praising the shot flow and challenging rules. However, some have noted that certain shots on the Pro model can feel overly difficult, and that it lacks the dynamic toys of the Premium and LE editions.

The Premium and LE versions are often lauded for their interactive features, such as the motorized skyscraper and Mechagodzilla, which substantially enhance the player experience. The 70th Anniversary Premium has been praised for its beautiful black and white artwork.

Despite a few minor criticisms, the game has had a considerable impact on the pinball world. Its innovative features, detailed artwork, and deep gameplay have cemented its place as a significant title in pinball history. Godzilla is a game that will remain a prized machine in many collections for years to come.