The New "Star Trek" Pinball Game

Stern Pinball Announces STAR TREK™ Game

The World’s Leading Maker of Arcade Quality Pinball Set to Launch Star Trek Pinball Machine

MELROSE PARK, IL – September 12, 2013 – Stern Pinball, Inc., the world’s leading maker of real pinball games and the American Amusement Machine Association (“AAMA”) Manufacturer of the Year, proudly announced today the availability of Star Trek pinball. Inspired by Star Trek and Star Trek Into Darkness films, the newest Stern machine puts players in Captain James Kirk’s chair of the U.S.S. Enterprise, embarking on a journey to protect and defend the planets of the Federation.

Stern’s Star Trek pinball machine features all the bells and whistles a Star Trek fan would desire. With adrenalin-filled battles, high-definition artwork, cosmic LED lighting and classic musical scores, the Star Trek game will evoke the sensation of flying through space at Warp Speed to rescue Spock and defeat the U.S.S. Vengeance.  The newest game from Stern includes an animated battleship, three lightning fast ramps, three flippers, resettable memory drop targets and much more.

“The Star Trek pinball machine celebrates the much loved sci-fi franchise by bringing fans a whole new adventure right at their fingertips,” said Gary Stern, Chairman and CEO of Stern Pinball, Inc.

Star Trek is Stern’s first all-LED Pro Model. The playfield features eight multicolored LED paths that lead gamers on easy-to-understand color-coded routes. There are six missions for casual players matched by 18 complex treks to immerse enthusiastic players deeper in the game. As players attack an oncoming threat with three action-centered flippers, the all-LED playfield will captivate onlookers and enhance the player experience with features like phaser flashes and photon torpedoes.

Players will instinctively know exactly what to do when they approach Star Trek pinball – destroy the U.S.S. Vengeance, a key action-packed feature on the playing field. From the very start, players will have the chance to unlock special opportunities, collect tantalizing bonus features and win a series of accolades called The Captain’s Chair. Star Trek aficionados can expect the classic battle between the heroic Enterprise team and the villainous Khan as well as run-ins with Nero, Klingons and the Narada.

The Star Trek game, under license by CBS Consumer Products, continues both the Stern Pinball and the Stern family tradition of producing quality pinball machines for young and old. The company traces its lineage to Philadelphia in the 1930s when Sam Stern entered the business of operating pinball games. Sam Stern subsequently became part owner and president of Williams Manufacturing, a pioneer in the pinball industry, and passed his lifelong enthusiasm for the game and the business of pinball to his son Gary Stern who founded Stern Pinball. Today pinball remains one of America’s favorite pastimes.

To learn more about the Star Trek pinball machine and Stern Pinball, visit www.sternpinball.com.

™  CBS Studios Inc. © 2013 Paramount Pictures Corporation. STAR TREK and related marks and logos are trademarks of CBS Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved.

"Star Trek FAQ 2.0: Everything Left To Know About The Next Generation, The Movies and Beyond" by Mark Clark

Author Mark Clark may want to consider an ongoing series of Star Trek FAQ books. Even after two efforts loaded with information about the Star Trek franchise, he could easily fill a third volume just by focusing on the television series Deep Space Nine, Voyager and Enterprise. A fourth volume could tackle the numerous comic book series that have been inspired by the various television shows and, of course, there is a new feature film franchise from J.J. Abrams to examine. I am not sure the author is considering such projects and it appears that he may be done compiling Star Trek books, at least that is the impression I was given while reading Star Trek FAQ 2.0.

The major focus of Star Trek FAQ 2.0 is The Next Generation television series, which ran for seven years and became the most popular program of its time in syndication. Sadly, I was one of those diehard "original series" types who generally refused to watch The Next Generation during its original run, from 1987-1994, but I did start watching reruns in the late 1990s and came to appreciate the considerable effort that was put forth. Mark Clark examines all 178 episodes of The Next Generation in various chapters and also singles out the performances by Patrick Stewart (Jean-Luc Picard), Brent Spiner (Data) and Michael Dorn (Worf), in others. The Next Generation feature films are also examined, as are the ones starring the original cast. While Deep Space Nine, Voyager and Enterprise are all mentioned, they do not receive nearly as much attention. That is not a criticism, just an observation.

The continuity within the Star Trek universe is explored in detail throughout the 400 page book and is one of my favorite aspects of Star Trek FAQ 2.0. I did not realize that so many connections existed between the original Star Trek and The Next Generation, including the frequent guest appearances by Majel Barrett-Roddenberry as Lwaxana Troi in The Next Generation and Michael Dorn's role in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. I also learned that Jonathan Del Arco, from The Closer and Major Crimes, portrayed Hugh, a Borg, in The Next Generation. I was also pleasantly surprised to learn about the numerous Emmy awards that The Next Generation acquired during its run, despite being overlooked in the Drama Series and various acting categories. One of the most interesting aspects of this effort is the behind the scenes trouble that transpired during the first few seasons of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Creator Gene Roddenberry was at the center of most of those issues and readers come away with the idea that he may have either been very difficult to work with and/or very protective of the Star Trek legacy.

I read with interest about the continuing inclusion of social issues in various Star Trek series and the quest for peace and harmony between different populations throughout the Federation. However, I think Gene Roddenberry may have oversimplified the notion that there should not be any interpersonal conflict between members of the crew on The Next Generation. While it is admirable to suggest that people may be able to coexist more harmoniously in the future, I suspect there will always be at least some internal strife. In addition to the analysis of the films and each episode of The Next Generation, Mark Clark includes a chapter of quotes and another centered around food and beverages that Trekkies will surely enjoy. Overall, Star Trek FAQ 2.0: Everything Left To Know About The Next Generation, The Movies and Beyond (Applause Books) is a fascinating and thoroughly interesting read, as well as a superb follow-up to its predecessor.

Giveaway! Win A Copy of "Star Trek FAQ 2.0" by Mark Clark

Updated 06/24/2013 - The giveaway has ended. Congratulations to Dayna P. from Central, SC and Nancy R. from Wake Forest, NC

PopCultureGuy, in conjunction with Hal Leonard Books and Applause Books, would like to give two lucky readers an opportunity to win the new book Star Trek FAQ 2.0: Everything Left to Know About the Next Generation, the Movies, and Beyond by Mark Clark.

Description: As J.J. Abrams’ sequel Star Trek film launches into the cinema this spring, Mark Clark sets off to create the final frontier of Trek scholarship in the follow-up to his highly praised book, Star Trek FAQ.

Star Trek FAQ 2.0 (Applause Books) picks up where Star Trek FAQ left off, chronicling the historic comeback of the “failed” series and its emergence as a pop culture touchstone. While the first book covered only the 79 episodes of the classic Trek program, this volume covers all eleven feature films, 176 episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation, and overviews of the spin-off series, Deep Space Nine, Voyager, and Enterprise. It also offers profiles of the actors, directors, writers, producers, and technicians whose excellence fueled the franchise’s success. This book explores often-overlooked aspects of the Star Trek phenomenon, such as unofficial, fan-made productions. And what FAQ would be complete without quirky chapters like “The Foods and Beverages of Star Trek,” “Patrick Stewart’s Finest Moments,” and “The Quotable Next Generation”?

Star Trek FAQ 2.0 is an enjoyable voyage through the franchise that once struggled to survive from one season to the next but has become immortal.

To enter the giveaway, send an e-mail to don.sauer@gmail.com, place "Star Trek" in the subject line and tell me the name of your favorite Star Trek television series. The contest begins June 12, 2013 and runs through June 19, 2013. Two winners will then be drawn at random and notified shortly thereafter and will need to provide a shipping address at that time.

Open to residents of the U.S., 18 years of age or older.

Good luck and thank you for reading PopCultureGuy!

Visit Hal Leonard Books here.

Movie Recommendation: "Star Trek Into Darkness" Moves at Warp Speed

J.J. Abrams' 2009 Star Trek endeavor is my favorite film of the franchise and his follow-up, the just released Star Trek Into Darkness, is probably my third favorite, with Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan firmly positioned in second place. Abrams has once again constructed a fast paced and extremely entertaining film that pays proper homage to the Star Trek legacy, while allowing every one of the principal cast members to play an important role in the outcome of the exciting adventure. Yes, Kirk (Chris Pine) and Spock (Zachary Quinto) receive more screen time than the others, but this is truly a team effort.

Star Trek Into Darkness begins with Kirk once again breaking the rules, but with the intention of saving his first officer, so that makes it OK. Right? Starfleet does not quite see it that way, so Kirk is relegated to first officer under the command of the newly reinstated Admiral Pike (Bruce Greenwood) on the Enterprise, while Spock is assigned to another ship. However, after a secret installation is attacked, key members of Starfleet are gathered to determine how to proceed, since the person responsible for the heinous act is one of their own, John Harrison (Benedict Cumberbatch), who also goes by the name of....well...just go see the movie. Harrison planned the explosion, in part, to gather many high ranking officers together so he could attack them, but is not entirely successful in his mission and is thwarted by Kirk, at least temporarily.

Following the attack, Kirk asks Admiral Marcus (Peter Weller) for permission to reassume his position as captain of the Enterprise, and is soon back in the saddle with most of his crew intact. Their mission is to find Harrison, who used advanced technology to transport himself to Kronos, a deserted planet within the Klingon Empire. Kirk is ordered to travel to the edge of the Neutral Zone and then fire numerous photon torpedoes at Kronos, thus dispatching Harrison. However, Kirk just cannot bring himself to do as he is told, which results in the Enterprise breaching the Klingon Empire and, perhaps, starting a war that appears to be ready to erupt anyway. Kirk's personal mission is to find Harrison and bring him back to Earth to answer for his crimes, but things do not go smoothly. Kirk and his crew not only face significant danger from Harrison, but also from members of Starfleet, making their mission even more difficult.

In addition to the principal story, Spock and Uhura (Zoe Saldana) are experiencing problems in their relationship, which results in much needed comic relief, while McCoy (Karl Urban) experiments on a Tribble and assists the newly arrived Carol Marcus (Alice Eve) with gathering information about the numerous torpedoes, which Scotty (Simon Pegg) refused to house on board the Enterprise and brought about his resignation. However, Scotty is not off screen for long, thanks to his curiosity following a call from Kirk. With the chief engineer away, Kirk assigns Chekov (Anton Yelchin) to that position, while Sulu (John Cho) is assigned the Conn for the first time while Kirk is away. Indeed, everyone has a important role to play in this space opera.

Abrams, along with writers Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman and Damon Lidelof, clearly understand the Star Trek legacy and incorporate many references from the original series, including Carol's mention of Christine Chapel/Nurse Chapel, as well as the aforementioned Tribbles, Klingons and the reintroduction of Carol Marcus, who was Kirk's love interest in early Star Trek films. Did I mention one of the original cast members makes an appearance, too? In addition, the interpersonal relationships among the crew members are familiar and appreciated, including the bickering between McCoy and Spock. Kirk's legendary libido is acknowledged on more than one occasion, too.

The performances are generally solid, as the actors are becoming more comfortable in their respective roles. Simon Pegg is especially good as Scotty, and Benedict Cumberbatch delivers a chilling performance as John Harrison/the villain. Peter Weller is also well cast as the complicated Admiral Marcus. The two plus hour run time flies by with Abrams' deft direction of the talented cast, who put their own spin on the legendary characters created by the late Gene Roddenberry. Overall, Star Trek Into Darkness is an outstanding effort. More, please!

"Stuck on Star Trek" - A Retro Treat for Trekkies

Image copyright Joe Corroney, Stuck on Star Trek, Universe, 2013

Love the original Star Trek? Remember Colorforms? Enjoy reliving your childhood? If you answered yes to all three questions then you will definitely want to get your hands on the upcoming Stuck on Star Trek from Universe Publishing. The spiral bound book features ten different settings from the original series, from the Bridge to Sickbay to a scene from Vulcan, as well as more than 70 "Kling-on" stickers depicting the original characters, along with a "Red Shirt" (if someone has to die), villains, phasers and an endless supply of those horny little Tribbles. Users can create new memories or relive old ones by using the vinyl "Kling-on" stickers in various scenes from the original and beloved Star Trek series. The book also comes with a fold-out stand for display purposes. 

Image copyright Joe Corroney, Stuck on Star Trek, Universe, 2013

Stuck on Star Trek is illustrated by Joe Corroney, who also serves as illustrator for the Star Trek comic books that are currently published by IDW Comics (and they are quite good, too). The illustrations are outstanding and perfectly capture the look of the original series. In addition, the "Kling-on" stickers offer a few unexpected surprises and four stickers can be used as disguises for the various characters and were featured in the original series. For instance, the coat and tossle cap that Mr. Spock wore in "The City on the Edge of Forever" can be inserted over his blue Starfleet uniform. I should mention that I had some trouble removing a few stickers from the pages and will likely keep them attached to various scenes, instead of trying to reattach them to their original pages. However, that is just one small issue with an otherwise outstanding product. Finally, I have been a Star Trek fan since the 1970s when I used to watch reruns of the original series every weekday afternoon and, as a long time fan, I highly recommend Stuck on Star Trek. 

Stuck on Star Trek will be available February 26 from Universe Publishing.

Holiday Gift Ideas from Hal Leonard Books: Star Trek, The Doors, Film Noir and Hearts of Darkness

The books featured below are some of my favorites from 2012. Click on the titles to read my reviews.

For the Star Trek, Gene Roddenberry and sci-fi fans on your list, Star Trek FAQ is a terrific read. (Applause Books)

For the classic rock and music fans on your list, The Doors FAQ is a fascinating read. (Backbeat Books)

Take a trip back to Old Hollywood with Film Noir: The Directors (Limelight Editions)

For the singer/songwriter fan, Hearts of Darkness provides insight into some of the greats, including James Taylor, Cat Stevens and Jackson Browne. (Backbeat Books)