Stern Pinball Unleashes King Kong: Myth of Terror Island

Stern Pinball is back with another blockbuster table, this time pulling from one of the most legendary movie monsters of all time. King Kong: Myth of Terror Island brings giant-sized action, detailed craftsmanship, and fresh gameplay to arcades and collectors alike. With three unique editions, this release is packed with exciting features that bring the King of Skull Island to life.

A Monster of a Theme

The story behind Myth of Terror Island follows a new take on the King Kong legend. Players team up with classic characters from the original film like Ann Darrow, Jack Driscoll, and Karl Denham as they explore the mysterious island and, eventually, bring Kong back to New York City. This isn’t just about the storytelling however—it’s about action. Stern has designed the game to blend narrative with fast-paced, challenging gameplay.

Expect high stakes and big moments right from the first plunge.

Three Editions, Three Experiences

Each version of the table delivers something different:

• Pro Edition: The most accessible model that is made more for commercial locations, priced at around $7,000. It includes the core features without some of the extra toys or visual polish.
• Premium Edition: At roughly $9,700, this one steps things up with more animations, detailed sculpted toys, and refined design elements. Best for collectors or locations where pinball outperforms the norm.
• Limited Edition: The top-tier version costs about $13,000 and comes with exclusive artwork, a signed plaque, and advanced lighting effects.

Each edition plays the same core game but offers different visual and mechanical upgrades to fit a range of budgets and preferences.

Mechanical Magic and Animatronics

Stern pulled out all the stops with this one, creating an experience both feels and plays like a top-shelf product. The cabinet includes many different elements like:

• Sculpted King Kong animatronic with torso and arm movement
• Interactive Gong bash toy
• NYC train car lock with destruction animation for multiball
• The Pit area with magnet-guarded spider
• Helix-shaped Biplane ramp and secret river path

The centerpiece is the massive King Kong figure, custom-sculpted and fully animatronic. As players interact with key targets, Kong doesn’t just light up—he moves. His arms and torso swing to signal his mood, reacting to shots and events across the playfield. This adds a physical presence that’s hard to ignore and makes the table feel like it’s watching you.

Hit the special Gong toy to call Kong, which will activate animations that make the story more immersive. One of the most jaw-dropping moments happens when you lock balls into the New York City train car. Once the condition is met, Kong will flip the car—literally—and launch you into multiball with force. It’s a satisfying way to bridge story and gameplay in a single event.

Another signature feature is The Pit, a brutal hazard on the island that’s guarded by a magnet-equipped giant spider. This area can snag the ball, shake it around, and create a sense of danger even before you lose control. It forces players to stay alert.

Shot design is equally clever. The Biplane ramp features a unique helix layout with a detailed sculpted biplane toy guiding the ball. It’s a smart nod to the classic Kong vs. plane scene while also giving players an exciting vertical shot. Add in a hidden river ball path and a log diverter, and the game keeps delivering surprises as you explore deeper into the island.

Packed With Challenges

King Kong: Myth of Terror island is chock full of different elements and mechanics that players can interact with during gameplay:

1. Unlock hidden stand-up targets behind drop banks
2. Hit the Kong Cave scoop for mystery and progress
3. Survive the punch-back kicking target
4. Launch the ball with the vertical up kicker into upper lanes

The layout includes four flippers, which means there’s more control—but also more pressure. Stern designed this table to challenge players across every area of the board. At the front is the Lost Temple, a four-bank drop target set hiding a stand-up target. Reaching it takes accuracy and timing, rewarding skilled players with key progression.

Further back is the Kong Cave, a scoop that serves as a mystery shot and often leads to stacked scoring or mode progression. But it’s not an easy hit, and the surrounding lanes can deflect careless shots.

One particularly aggressive feature is the punch-back target. When hit, it launches the ball straight back at the player with speed—making it a test of reflexes. It’s not just about aim here; defense matters too.

The vertical up kicker adds another dimension to the gameplay, sending balls up and around to the upper lanes, helping players hit hard-to-reach objectives and setting up combos that can swing the match.

Each challenge contributes to the table’s sense of danger and excitement. Nothing feels like filler—every shot has purpose, and each missed opportunity can cost you.

Sights and Sounds You Won’t Forget

The art and audio for Myth of Terror Island deserve a spotlight of their own. Pinball legends Kevin O’Connor, Greg Freres, and Zombie Yeti brought the visual side to life with stunning original work. Add to that a voice cast led by Brian “Q” Quinn from Impractical Jokers, and you’ve got a table that sounds just as big as it looks.

The original music and custom callouts add energy to every moment, whether you’re racking up jackpots or hanging on for dear life during multiball madness.

King Kong: Myth of Terror Island is a bold, cinematic addition to Stern’s already impressive lineup. Whether you’re running a public arcade or curating a private collection, this machine stands tall—literally and figuratively. It’s creative, intense, and packed with nods to classic pinball design while still feeling fresh.

If you are interested in ordering, then we do have this game available! Find out more on our Pro listing or if interested in the Premium model, click here.

Thanks for reading! Here at PrimeTime Amusements, we like to keep ahead of the curve in arcade game rental and sales and pride ourselves in providing the best service in the country. If you’re looking for a game in particular, or have a few questions about the industry, feel free to give us a call at 1.800.550.0090 or to swing by at 5300 Powerline Rd. Suite 210, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, 33309.