Pinball enthusiasts and those who are passionate about Dungeons & Dragons might find themselves quite intrigued by this stunning—and rather costly—new pinball machine.
I’ve always had a soft spot for pinball machines. They have a certain nostalgic charm, standing the test of time while becoming increasingly lavish with each passing year. Honestly, owning one is a dream of mine, mainly to save on the frequent visits to arcades just to indulge in some pinball action. However, the investment to actually buy a machine, especially one like the latest official Dungeons & Dragons-themed unit, is substantial. Crafted by Stern Pinball, renowned as the largest pinball game manufacturer globally, this machine is nothing short of impressive, as you can see for yourself in the video below.
This creation is an official collaboration with Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast to celebrate the tabletop role-playing game’s 50th anniversary. It takes players on a captivating journey through the forgotten realms, confronting famous foes like a red dragon, a gelatinous cube, a mimic, Sammaster the lich, Xanathar the beholder, and an owlbear. Iconic locations from Faerûn, such as Arabel and Westgate, also make an appearance. Adding to the allure, the game features voices from notable D&D figures, including Critical Role’s Matthew Mercer, Laura Bailey, and Marisha Ray, alongside Luke Gygax, son of the legendary Gary Gygax, who co-created the game.
But perhaps the most unexpected member of the voice cast is Gerard Way. Yes, that Gerard Way, of My Chemical Romance fame. The reason for his involvement? It’s anyone’s guess, but it would certainly make for an interesting conversation starter at any pinball gathering. However, if you’re considering purchasing this machine, be forewarned—it comes with a hefty price tag.
The Pro edition starts at a cool $7,000, but if you’re eyeing the Premium version, you’ll need to shell out $9,700. The ultimate splurge, however, is the Limited Edition, with only 740 units available, priced at an eye-watering $13,000. Although it’s undeniably a fantastic piece of machinery, I think I’ll admire it from afar and keep my wallet closed for this one.