Iron Man

The Iron Man pinball machine, released by Stern Electronics in 2014, represents one of the most successful modern licensed pinball adaptations, capitalizing on the massive popularity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The machine was released following the success of Iron Man 3 in theaters and features artwork, sound clips, and gameplay elements from all three Iron Man films.

Designed by John Borg, the machine features a sophisticated layout including an Iron Monger lifting target, custom-molded Iron Man figures, and an intricate wire form ramp system representing flight paths. The game's main feature is the Mark 42 armor multi-ball mode, where players can assemble Iron Man's signature suit piece by piece through skilled shooting. The LCD display shows dynamic movie clips and custom animations, while the original voice work from the films adds authenticity to the experience.

The machine's release coincided with a renaissance in pinball manufacturing, as Stern was establishing itself as the primary producer of modern pinball machines. The Iron Man table helped demonstrate that licensed properties could succeed in the modern era when properly executed with attention to both fan service and solid gameplay mechanics. Production numbers were strong, with both Pro and Limited Edition models finding homes in both commercial and private collections.

The game's enduring popularity in the pinball community stems from its blend of accessibility for casual players while offering deep rule sets for tournament play. It has become a regular fixture in competitive events and is considered one of the stronger licensed themes of the modern era, helping pave the way for future Marvel-themed pinball machines.