Pirates of the Caribbean

Pirates of the Caribbean pinball, released by Stern Electronics in 2006, represents one of the most successful movie-licensed pinball machines of the modern era. The machine was designed to coincide with the popularity of Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise, particularly capitalizing on the success of 'Dead Man's Chest,' which was released the same year.

The game's design, led by Dennis Nordman with art by Margaret Hudson, features rich Caribbean-themed playfield elements including a custom-molded Kraken toy, multiple ship models, and a unique 'Pirate Ship' mini-playfield that rocks back and forth. The gameplay incorporates numerous elements from the films, including multiball modes themed around the Black Pearl, Davy Jones' Locker, and the Dead Man's Chest. The machine's audio package includes authentic music from the films and voice clips from key characters including Jack Sparrow.

Technically, the machine represents the pinnacle of Stern's DMD-era engineering, featuring a complex ruleset that caters to both casual players and tournament competitors. It includes innovative features like the 'Kraken Attack' mechanical device and a unique 'Compass' mechanic that tracks player progress through various missions. The game became known for its deep scoring system and multiple wizard modes.

In terms of commercial success, Pirates of the Caribbean proved to be one of Stern's better-performing licensed titles of the 2000s, with approximately 5,500 units produced. The machine continues to be sought after by collectors and can be found in many high-profile arcade locations. Its enduring popularity has helped it maintain significant resale value, and it's considered one of the last great DMD games before the industry's transition to LCD displays.