Stern Pinball has revealed JAWS, a licensed pinball machine inspired by the legendary 1975 film. The game also draws on material from all of the JAWS films, with custom speech from Richard Dreyfuss, John Williams’ iconic score and a range of film assets built into play.
The second video offers a more detailed tour of the rules, toys and playfield features.
Hunting the great white shark
Designed by Keith Elwin, JAWS challenges players to lure the shark into battle while taking the roles of Quint, Hooper and Brody. The Pro model includes a fixed, sculpted JAWS toy. On the Premium and LE models, the shark rises from beneath the playfield.
Players defend Amity Island’s residents and its Fourth of July celebrations while facing some of the ocean’s most dangerous creatures. Animated lighting creates the appearance of “blood in the water”, while a motorised Shark Fin target moves across the playfield.
The upper Orca Boat playfield includes a Lookout Tower ramp, a horizontal ship’s-wheel spinner and a Radio stand-up target. A motorised, custom-sculpted great white shark can then smash through the bottom of a fishing boat as part of the game’s action.
The machine combines licensed film footage and sound with Richard Dreyfuss’ custom speech and John Williams’ JAWS theme.
Modes, video and lighting effects
New quests are connected to Stern’s Insider Connected platform, and one mode lets players take control of the shark. The machine also includes a 3D video, a nod to a 3D JAWS film.
Stern has introduced new LED treatments, including the moving “chum line” drop target. A thinner playfield allows the LEDs to create a more diffused appearance than standard insert lighting.
Three models and launch pricing
JAWS is offered in Pro, Premium and LE versions. The LE shown mainly in the videos includes a sculpted shooter rod and art inserts. At the time of announcement, Stern All-Access members could pre-order the LE, which is limited to 1,000 units.
The full features matrix is available here. MSRP starts at $7,000 for the Pro and reaches $13,000 for the LE. For Australian collectors comparing a pinball purchase with other home entertainment options, RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide provides useful planning advice, while the virtual pinball machines range offers another way to explore digital tables.
For more coverage of new releases and the wider arcade industry, visit the RETROCADE Arcade Blog. Readers planning a broader games room can also browse arcade machines and arcade repair services.
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