Walking Dead Pinball Overhauls Zombie Classic After 11 Years
Stern Pinball resurrects the classic zombie-slaying machine with cutting-edge technology and enhanced gameplay. The Walking Dead pinball remaster features SPIKE 3 platform upgrades and exclusive lighting and audio.
The Walking Dead pinball machine is getting a spectacular remastered revival from Stern Pinball, bringing the zombie-slaying classic back to life with cutting-edge technology.
This isn't just a simple refresh – it's a complete overhaul that maintains the soul of the original while introducing modern features that will delight both veteran players and newcomers to the silver ball.
Credit: SternPinball
Designed by the legendary John Borg and Lyman F. Sheats, Jr., who also worked on this new iteration, The Walking Dead Remastered leverages Stern's latest SPIKE 3 technology platform. Consequently, players can expect a significantly enhanced experience compared to the 2013 original. The machine faithfully follows the AMC television series rather than Robert Kirkman's comic books, capturing the gritty atmosphere that made the show a cultural phenomenon when it premiered fifteen years ago.
Stern President & CEO Seth Davis expressed genuine enthusiasm about the project: 'The Walking Dead is one of the most memorable and influential pinball games in our time, and we're proud of the entire Stern team for elevating this iconic game onto our new platform.' Furthermore, he emphasised their commitment to 'creating new immersive and thrilling gameplay experiences in pinball' for a new generation of zombie enthusiasts.
The attention to detail is genuinely impressive. John Borg has enhanced classic features including Cell Block C Prison, the bicycle girl ramp, and an interactive Well Walker toy. Meanwhile, the fan-favourite crossbow device that actually shoots pinballs has been re-engineered for better precision. Additionally, players will recognise updated voice work from Michael Rooker (Merle) and Danai Gurira (Michonne), alongside new RGB lighting and illuminated zombie heads on slingshots.
Technologically, the SPIKE 3 platform represents a substantial leap forward. It features an 18.5" full HD display, more powerful processing, high-fidelity audio, and completely overhauled 3D-rendered graphics that pay homage to the original's dot matrix display. Moreover, the system includes improved WiFi support, wireless headphone capabilities, and Stern's Insider Connected system for real-time engagement features.
Two editions are available for collectors and enthusiasts. The Premium Edition retails at $9,699 (approx. £7,800 / €9,100, based on current exchange rates; check local retailers for exact pricing), while the strictly limited 500-unit global Limited Edition costs $12,999 (approx. £10,400 / €12,200). The latter includes exclusive features such as Expression Lighting Systems, custom designer-autographed elements, upgraded audio, and sequentially numbered plaques.
Clayton Neuman, Head of Games & Franchise at AMC, perfectly captured the sentiment: 'The Walking Dead pinball was best-in-class when it debuted ten years ago, and its enduring appeal is a testament both to the game, and the strength of the franchise. This remaster exceeds the original in every conceivable way.' Ultimately, this meticulous remastering demonstrates how classic pinball machines can be respectfully updated for modern audiences while preserving everything that made them special in the first place.
