Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye Pinball Review

Some pinball machines need months before the community begins to appreciate them.

Others make a strong first impression and only get better the longer people play them.

Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye feels very much like the second type. Even though it's still far too early to know exactly where it will settle in the long-term rankings, one thing already stands out: Stern has delivered a machine that keeps players coming back for "just one more game." Early owners consistently praise its flow, theme integration and surprisingly complete software right from launch.

Gameplay That Rewards Accuracy

The first thing that stands out is the layout.

Elliot Eismin has delivered a design that combines speed with precision, creating a machine where every successful combo feels satisfying. The upper flipper is constantly involved, the shots flow naturally into one another and there are very few moments where the action slows down.

One detail we particularly enjoy is that the centre action button becomes part of the gameplay rather than simply sitting there unused. Since your hand is constantly returning to that area, it's also a great place to personalise the machine with our WizEmblems, adding a subtle artistic touch exactly where players interact with the game the most.

If you'd like to learn more about the designer himself, don't miss our Designer Series: Elliot Eismin article.

A Ruleset That Already Feels Complete

One pleasant surprise is the software.

Many modern machines launch with code that still feels unfinished, but Transformers arrives with a ruleset that already offers meaningful progression, varied modes and clear objectives. The combo system rewards precision, while the different missions encourage players to explore every corner of the playfield.

There's still room for future updates—as there always is—but the foundation already feels remarkably polished for a brand-new release.

The Theme Is Integrated Beautifully

Whether you grew up watching the original 1984 cartoon or discovered Transformers later, it's difficult not to appreciate how much care went into the presentation.

The animations, voice work, soundtrack and visual style all stay faithful to Generation One. Rather than simply using Transformers as decoration, the machine genuinely feels like you're playing inside the animated series.

That's one of the strongest aspects of the game and one of the reasons early owners have responded so positively.

Premium and LE Add Spectacular Moments

The Pro already plays exceptionally well, but the Premium and Limited Edition introduce several memorable mechanical features.

Megatron's cannon firing the ball across the playfield and Soundwave's physical ball lock create exactly the kind of cinematic pinball moments collectors love. Importantly, however, the core layout remains excellent across all three editions, so choosing the Pro doesn't mean sacrificing the fundamental gameplay experience.

It's refreshing to see a modern Stern where every version remains genuinely enjoyable.

Artwork That Deserves to Be Extended

Zombie Yeti's artwork immediately became one of the machine's biggest highlights.

The bold colours, classic Generation One character designs and comic-book style make Transformers one of the most visually striking Stern releases in recent years.

That's exactly why we designed our EL Cut WizBlades specifically for machines equipped with Expression Lighting, allowing the lighting effects to remain fully visible while naturally extending the artwork deeper into the cabinet. Owners without Expression Lighting can instead choose our Full Cut WizBlades, creating one uninterrupted wall of Transformers artwork inside the cabinet.

One of our favourite upgrades is also the Premium WizPanels, which continue the artwork between the backbox and cabinet, making the entire front of the machine feel like one continuous illustration rather than separate pieces. It's a surprisingly dramatic change that immediately makes the machine feel more complete.

If you'd like to explore every available upgrade, you'll find our complete collection in Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye Pinball Mods.

A Few Minor Criticisms

No machine is perfect.

Some players have reported occasional airballs around the Megatron drop targets, although early discussions suggest Stern is already addressing the issue. Others hoped Optimus Prime would feature a transforming mechanical toy rather than remaining static.

Fortunately, neither criticism changes what really matters: this machine is simply tremendous fun to play.

Will It Become a Modern Classic?

It's still too early to know.

Transformers hasn't yet accumulated enough ratings to establish its long-term position, and like every modern Stern release, opinions will continue evolving as software updates arrive and more machines reach collectors' homes.

What already seems clear, however, is that Stern has another serious contender.

Excellent flow.

Strong rules.

Outstanding theme integration.

Beautiful artwork.

Those are exactly the ingredients that tend to age extremely well.

We certainly wouldn't be surprised if, a few years from now, Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye is remembered as one of the standout machines of this generation.

If you'd like to compare it with the original game, don't miss our Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye vs Transformers (2011) comparison. You can also explore our Best Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye Pinball Mods guide for a complete overview of the accessories designed specifically for every edition.