George Gomez Ranked: Ranking the Pinball Machines That Defined a Career

Some pinball designers become famous for a single legendary machine.

George Gomez built an entire career around creating games that remain enjoyable years—even decades—after their release. His layouts are usually easy to understand, rewarding to improve on and packed with memorable moments. Whether you're a casual player or a serious collector, chances are you've already enjoyed one of his designs without even realising it.

Here's our ranking of the George Gomez machines that have left the biggest mark on modern pinball.

1. Monster Bash Remake

If one machine represents George Gomez at his very best, it's Monster Bash.

The layout is almost impossible to get tired of. Every monster has its own objectives, the progression feels natural and every game encourages you to try "just one more ball." The remake preserves everything that made the original legendary while adding modern manufacturing quality and stunning presentation.

It's no surprise that Monster Bash continues to rank among the greatest pinball machines ever made.

Our Monster Bash Remake WizPanels are also one of our most popular products, extending the cabinet artwork beautifully while respecting the original design. If you enjoy classic remakes, don't miss our Top 5 Pinball Remakes ranking.

2. The Lord of the Rings

Many collectors still consider The Lord of the Rings the finest licensed pinball machine ever produced.

The rule set is enormous, every mode feels meaningful and the journey through Middle-earth remains one of the most satisfying experiences in pinball. The Balrog, the Ring and the Fellowship mechanics all work together to create a machine that keeps revealing new strategies year after year.

Few games reward long-term ownership as much as this one.

3. Deadpool

Deadpool proved that George Gomez could still surprise everyone.

The layout is wonderfully fast, Zombie Yeti's artwork gives the machine huge personality and the humour never gets in the way of excellent gameplay. It manages to be approachable for new players while offering plenty of depth for experienced owners.

If you're lucky enough to own one, our collection of Deadpool Pinball Mods is designed to complement its colourful artwork without losing the playful spirit of the original machine.

4. James Bond 007

James Bond 007 has become one of those machines that has improved dramatically as players have spent more time with it.

The layout is fast, the flow is unmistakably George Gomez and the Premium and Limited Edition mechanisms add some spectacular moments, particularly the famous jetpack sequence travelling across the playfield.

Artwork also deserves special mention, with each edition celebrating a different era of Bond history.

If you're deciding which version to buy, our James Bond 007 Pro vs Premium vs Limited Edition guide compares every model. You can also explore our complete collection of James Bond 007 Pinball Mods.

5. Batman '66

Batman '66 might be George Gomez's most charming machine.

Christopher Franchi's artwork perfectly captures the colourful spirit of the television series, while the gameplay constantly rewards exploration. Every villain, gadget and TV reference feels lovingly integrated into the game.

It's one of those rare machines that makes collectors smile before the first ball has even been launched.

6. Scared Stiff

Although Scared Stiff wasn't designed by George Gomez, it deserves an honourable mention whenever people discuss the golden era of 1990s pinball. Dennis Nordman's horror-comedy masterpiece remains one of the most visually distinctive machines ever made, combining unforgettable artwork with Elvira's trademark humour and wonderfully creative gameplay.

Collectors who own the original machine can also upgrade its appearance with our Scared Stiff WizPanels, designed to continue the cabinet artwork and give this 90s classic an even more striking presentation.

An Underrated Classic: The Sopranos

Although it rarely appears near the very top of modern rankings, The Sopranos deserves far more attention than it usually receives.

Its fast gameplay, excellent flow and entertaining licence make it a genuinely enjoyable machine that still has a loyal following today.

We've also created The Sopranos Pinball Mods, including custom accessories that complement the original cabinet artwork while preserving the machine's distinctive style.

Transformers (2011) Deserves More Credit

Transformers (2011) has never climbed particularly high in community rankings, but that doesn't mean it isn't a great George Gomez design.

The layout remains fast and satisfying, Megatron's cannon is still one of the coolest mechanical moments Stern has produced, and the game captures the energy of the Michael Bay films remarkably well.

Sometimes a machine's ranking says more about the strength of its competition than the quality of the game itself.

If you'd like to personalise yours, you'll find our complete range of Transformers Pinball Mods, including upgrades for every edition.

Pokémon Pinball Is Still Finding Its Place

It's simply too early to know where Pokémon Pinball will eventually rank.

Community rankings are only beginning to stabilise, and like many modern machines, opinions will almost certainly evolve as software updates continue and more owners spend time with the game.

What already stands out is that George Gomez chose not to repeat himself. Pokémon introduces a completely different visual identity, a fresh layout and a licence unlike anything else in his portfolio.

We're looking forward to seeing where it eventually settles.

Until then, you can explore our complete collection of Pokémon Pinball Mods, including our EL Cut WizBlades, Full Cut WizBlades, Premium WizPanels and other upgrades designed specifically for every edition.

A Career Built on Timeless Gameplay

One thing becomes obvious when looking back at George Gomez's career.

His machines age incredibly well.

Rather than relying on gimmicks, they focus on layouts that remain enjoyable after hundreds—or even thousands—of games. That's why so many of his designs continue to appear in collections decades after their original release.

Very few designers can claim such a consistently strong catalogue.

George Gomez is unquestionably one of them.