Stampede

Stampede, released by Stern Electronics in 1986, emerged during a challenging period for the pinball industry when manufacturers were competing with the rising popularity of video games. This western-themed pinball machine captured the excitement and adventure of the American frontier, featuring artwork and gameplay elements centered around cattle drives and rodeo action.

The machine's design incorporated classic solid-state electronics technology, typical of its mid-1980s era. Players were treated to an array of cow-themed targets, western-styled ramps, and authentic sound effects that brought the Wild West theme to life. The playfield likely featured traditional elements like drop targets, bumpers, and multiball capability, all wrapped in the engaging theme of a cattle stampede.

While not one of the most widely produced or remembered machines of its era, Stampede represented a solid entry in Stern's lineup during a period when the company was working to maintain its market position in the increasingly competitive amusement industry. The game's western theme was a popular choice for the era, as it appealed to both American and international audiences fascinated with cowboy culture.