The Rush (LE) Pinball Machine

Is a limited edition release from Stern Pinball, based on the legendary Canadian rock band Rush. It was introduced in 2022 and is designed by Steve Ritchie, a renowned pinball designer. The game is a tribute to Rush’s incredible music catalog, featuring fan-favorite songs, imagery, and the band’s iconic stage presence. This LE version is a premium offering, packed with exclusive features that make it a collector’s item for both Rush fans and pinball enthusiasts.

Key Features:

• Manufacturer: Stern Pinball

• Year Released: 2022

• Designer: Steve Ritchie

• Software Developer: Lyman Sheats (Stern’s go-to programmer)

• Art Package: Jeremy Packer (Zombie Yeti)

• Production Numbers: 500 units (Limited Edition)

• Theme: Rush, featuring the band’s iconic songs, albums, and imagery from their 50+ years in the rock music scene.

1. Playfield Design:

   • Band-Based Song Modes: The game is structured around a number of Rush’s classic songs, each of which has its own mode with specific objectives. Some of the key songs include “Tom Sawyer,” “Spirit of Radio,” “YYZ,” “Limelight,” and more. Each song mode has unique rules, specific shots, and visual and audio effects tied to the song’s mood and tone.

   • Moving Playfield Elements: One of the central features of the Rush (LE) is the moving playfield elements that include ramps, targets, and interactive toys that bring the band’s music and imagery to life.

2. Cabinet Art:

   • The LE version features exclusive, high-quality artwork from Zombie Yeti (Jeremy Packer), who is known for creating stunning pinball art. The cabinet and backglass feature vivid depictions of the band members, album art, and iconic imagery from their vast music catalog.

   • The artwork incorporates some of Rush’s most famous albums (like “2112,” “Moving Pictures,” and “Permanent Waves”) and integrates these themes with the overall pinball design.

3. Lighting and Sound:

   • Dynamic RGB LED Lighting: The game features a comprehensive LED lighting system that changes with the music, modes, and objectives. The lighting enhances the atmosphere of each song, syncing to the beat of the music and making the game feel like an interactive rock concert.

   • Rush Soundtrack: The game includes high-quality recordings of classic Rush songs like “Tom Sawyer,” “Limelight,” “The Spirit of Radio,” and many others. The soundtracks play dynamically during the game, with custom sound effects that match the action on the playfield.

   • Voiceovers and Effects: Expect voiceovers from the band members (where possible) and audio effects that create an immersive experience. There are also nods to the band’s iconic live performances and quirky moments from their history.

4. Gameplay:

   • Band Modes: Rush’s pinball machine revolves around song-based modes, where completing specific shots and objectives for each song leads to special in-game rewards and scoring multipliers. For example, “Tom Sawyer” might involve hitting ramps and targets to trigger the “Rush Hour” multiball, while “YYZ” could be a mode where players target the special ramps in rhythm with the song.

   • Rush Multiball: A signature feature where players collect balls for a multiball experience and attempt to score as many points as possible while the ball count increases.

   • High-Score Ramps: Scoring ramps that contribute to combos, high scores, and skill shots, rewarding players for hitting challenging targets in quick succession.

   • Story Mode: The game may have a story progression mode, where players complete challenges and objectives in a storyline that takes them through Rush’s history, from their early days to their most recent albums. This is accompanied by audio and video clips from the band’s legendary performances and albums.

5. Limited Edition (LE) Features:

   • Numbered Plaque: Each LE version comes with a unique numbered plaque as part of its limited production run, making it a collector’s item.

   • Shaker Motor: The LE model includes a shaker motor, adding tactile feedback to gameplay. The shaker motor intensifies the experience during multiballs and other high-action modes, vibrating the machine to give players a more immersive feel.

   • Upgraded Sound System: The LE model comes with higher-end speakers and subwoofers, ensuring that the soundtrack and sound effects are rich and clear, perfectly replicating the live concert experience.

   • Mirror Backglass: The LE version features a mirror backglass, offering a more polished and luxurious aesthetic compared to the Standard or Premium models.

   • Exclusive Art and Finish: The LE includes exclusive premium art for the backglass, as well as a chrome trim finish, creating a more luxurious, high-end appearance.

   • Additional Collectibles: Some LE editions come with exclusive collectibles, such as signed posters, art prints, and Rush-themed memorabilia, adding more value to the limited edition package.

6. Pinball Modes & Objectives:

   • Song Completion: Completing all objectives tied to a specific song mode rewards the player with big points and often leads to the activation of special multiballs or extra features.

   • Final Frontier Mode: A mode where players must defeat an “alien” or “enemy” in the final frontier of Rush’s catalog. It’s tied to the band’s space-themed songs and albums.

   • Rush Tour Multiball: A multiball mode where players rack up massive points by hitting special targets while also completing song-based tasks.

   • Combo Shots & Skill Modes: Special combo shots reward players with high multipliers, and skill modes give opportunities to hit specific targets for significant scoring bonuses.

7. Collectibles and Accessories (LE Exclusive):

   • Art Prints and Posters: Some LE models come with exclusive Rush-themed collectibles, such as art prints, posters, or other memorabilia related to the band’s history.

   • Band-Specific Accessories: Depending on the package, there may be limited edition accessories, including special Rush guitar picks, custom decals, or signed items from the band.