For pinball enthusiasts and rock ‘n’ roll fans alike, the KISS pinball machine is the perfect combination of high-energy gameplay and iconic music. Released by Stern Pinball in 2015, this machine has quickly become a must-have for collectors and a favorite among players. Based on the legendary rock band KISS, the machine brings together the thrilling excitement of pinball with the electrifying atmosphere of one of the greatest rock bands in history. If you’ve ever dreamed of feeling the rush of KISS music while hitting ramps and targets, now is your chance—KISS Pinball is for sale!
Let’s dive into what makes this pinball machine such a thrilling ride and why it could be the next crown jewel of your collection.
The Legacy of KISS and the Pinball Connection
The KISS band is synonymous with rock ‘n’ roll, thanks to their legendary performances, explosive stage presence, and iconic hits like “Rock and Roll All Nite,” “Detroit Rock City,” and “Shout It Out Loud.” With their trademark face paint, larger-than-life personas, and unforgettable music, KISS has carved a permanent place in the history of rock music.
In 2015, Stern Pinball—a company well-known for producing high-quality pinball machines—partnered with the band to create a machine that would capture the essence of KISS and its unparalleled rock energy. The KISS pinball machine became an instant hit with both collectors and players, thanks to its exciting gameplay, dynamic sound design, and electrifying theme.
This machine stands as a testament to both KISS’s legacy in music and Stern’s mastery of pinball design. For those lucky enough to own one, it’s not just a game—it’s a celebration of rock and roll.
The Design: A Rocking Pinball Experience
The KISS pinball machine captures the essence of the band’s theatrical performances, from the lights to the music to the artwork. The design features imagery of the band members, their iconic makeup, and vibrant colors that are all associated with KISS’s rock persona.
- The Playfield: The playfield is loaded with exciting features and targets, all themed around the band’s greatest hits and album artwork. From the ramp that leads to the band’s signature “KISS” logo to the targets that represent KISS songs, each part of the playfield keeps the player engaged with rock-related challenges.
- The KISS Logo: At the heart of the machine, the glowing KISS logo serves as a tribute to the band and becomes the focal point of the game. Players must hit the targets and ramps surrounding the logo to score points and trigger special modes.
- The LED Lights and Art: The entire machine is illuminated with brilliant LED lights that flash in sync with the music, creating an immersive atmosphere. The artwork features colorful depictions of the band members in their iconic costumes, from Gene Simmons’s fire-breathing demon persona to Paul Stanley’s star-child look, bringing the visual identity of KISS to life.
- The Features: One of the coolest features of the KISS pinball machine is its “Shout It Out Loud” ramp. Players aim for this ramp to trigger a multiball mode, which is a thrilling aspect of the gameplay. Additionally, the game includes a “KISS Coin” feature, which unlocks even more challenges and bonuses. The machine also includes a spinning disc that adds an extra layer of unpredictability and fun.
The Soundtrack: Rocking with KISS Hits
One of the standout features of the KISS pinball machine is its incredible soundtrack. The machine plays a number of the band’s greatest hits, including classic songs like “Rock and Roll All Nite,” “Detroit Rock City,” “Shout It Out Loud,” and more. The integration of KISS music into the game creates a high-energy atmosphere, as the sounds and songs directly affect gameplay.
When you launch the ball or activate a special mode, the iconic guitar riffs and anthems fill the room, pushing you to perform better and soak up the electric atmosphere. The dynamic sound effects aren’t just background noise—they play a crucial role in immersing players in the full KISS experience, turning every pinball hit into a rock show moment.
Moreover, the machine includes voiceovers from the band members themselves, adding a personal touch for fans of the group. Hearing Gene Simmons or Paul Stanley make a comment during a gameplay session further immerses players in the world of KISS.
Gameplay: Pinball Meets Rock ‘N’ Roll
The gameplay of the KISS pinball machine is designed to capture the chaotic energy and excitement of a KISS concert. It’s not just about hitting ramps and targets; it’s about performing tricks and unlocking rock ‘n’ roll-themed challenges that make you feel like a part of the band’s iconic performances.
Here are a few of the game modes and features that make the KISS pinball machine stand out:
- Shout It Out Loud Multiball: This is the signature multiball mode that is triggered by hitting the “Shout It Out Loud” ramp. Once activated, the player has to juggle multiple balls in play, adding an exciting challenge to the game.
- KISS Coin Feature: Players can activate this feature by completing specific targets. The KISS Coin adds bonus points, jackpots, and sometimes even a special mode that can unlock more opportunities for big rewards.
- Concert Modes: As you progress through the game, you can unlock “concert” modes. These modes simulate the thrill of a live KISS show, with the lights, sounds, and energy all mirroring the intensity of a real concert. You’ll need to complete different objectives to earn high scores and advance through the “show” stages.
- Special Wizard Modes: Once you’ve completed the main objectives of the game, you’ll enter special wizard modes, which are the ultimate challenges of the machine. These modes involve complex tasks that test your pinball skills to the maximum and offer huge point rewards.
Why KISS Pinball is a Collector’s Dream
The KISS pinball machine isn’t just a fun game—it’s a collector’s dream. As one of the most sought-after machines by pinball collectors, it has a unique place in both the world of pinball and music memorabilia.
Here are a few reasons why KISS pinball is worth considering for your collection:
- Iconic Band Theme: With its strong ties to one of the most famous rock bands in history, the KISS pinball machine is a fantastic tribute to the band’s legacy. The fusion of pinball and music makes it a one-of-a-kind experience.
- Great for Players and Collectors: The machine is designed for both casual players and seasoned pinball enthusiasts. It’s easy enough for newcomers to enjoy but challenging enough for veterans to keep coming back for more.
- Increasing Value: Like many other popular pinball machines, KISS pinball has seen an increase in value over time. As fewer machines become available and the demand rises, owning one becomes an even more attractive investment.
- Limited Availability: Since Stern only produced a limited number of these machines, they are not easy to come by. Finding a KISS pinball machine for sale is a rare opportunity, and when one becomes available, it tends to sell quickly.
Conclusion
If you’re a fan of KISS or pinball (or both), the KISS pinball machine is an electrifying way to experience the thrill of rock and roll while indulging in a classic game. With its dynamic artwork, engaging gameplay, iconic soundtrack, and collectible value, this machine is more than just a piece of gaming history—it’s a rock ‘n’ roll journey.