Stern’s Guardians of the Galaxy (Premium) is John Borg’s 2017 pinball adaptation of the beloved Marvel cinematic universe, brought to life with vibrant art by Christopher Franchi. As a premium edition, it elevates the action with enhanced features, most notably the iconic Groot bash toy, whose motorized jaw not only acts as a menacing obstacle but also serves as the primary mechanism for locking balls into a thrilling multiball sequence. The playfield, a swirling cosmic tableau, is further punctuated by three RGB LED pop bumpers, seven standup targets, and a trio of diverter magnets that keep the ball’s trajectory unpredictable and exciting, reflecting the chaotic charm of the Guardians crew.
The gameplay loop centers around embarking on various modes, typically initiated by shooting the right scoop, and building towards powerful multiballs. Two spinning targets and a drop target bank add to the shot variety, while a unique bar target challenges players’ precision. Lonnie D.’s software design, paired with Zac Stark’s engaging dots and animation, pulls players deeper into the narrative, underscored by Ken Hale’s fitting music and sound design. A crucial feature for strategic players is the action button on the lockdown bar, which can be leveraged to spot missing shots within modes or multiballs, a tactical advantage for completing objectives under pressure.
Tournament strategy often begins with a calculated first plunge: choosing “Quill’s Quest” from the start can immediately ignite a two-ball multiball, offering a valuable opportunity to learn the shots and gather “Hadrons,” the game’s collectible currency. Mastering the Groot multiball is paramount; skilled players aim to lock balls back into Groot to multiply playfield scoring, reaching up to 3X playfield, which can be further amplified with other scoring multipliers. Integrating modes into multiball play is a high-scoring tactic, with modes like “Escape Kyln” requiring a rapid seven shots, ideally completed during the chaos of multiple balls. Reaching the “Cherry Bomb Multiball” after completing four modes, and ultimately the “Save Xandar” wizard mode—lit after clearing all modes and achieving super-jackpots in both Groot and Orb multiballs—demands a comprehensive understanding of the table and consistent execution, making Guardians of the Galaxy a deeply rewarding experience for dedicated players.