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Alien (Pinball Brothers, 2021)

Alien is a modern widebody pinball machine based on the first two films in the Alien franchise: Alien (1979) and Aliens (1986). Originally developed by Heighway Pinball in 2017 and later redesigned and released by Pinball Brothers in 2021, the game captures the dark, claustrophobic atmosphere of the films with immersive lighting, authentic audio, and original movie assets. The updated version significantly improved on the reliability and production quality of the original while retaining the layout, ruleset, and cinematic integration that made the concept stand out.

The playfield features four flippers and is designed around a widebody layout that emphasizes immersive storytelling and strategic shot selection. Central to the playfield is a sculpted Xenomorph head equipped with a magnetized tongue mechanism that can physically grab the ball. Players can choose between two distinct story paths—Alien and Aliens—each comprising a series of missions based on key moments from the films. Completing these missions leads to corresponding wizard modes: "Self-Destruct" for Alien and "Loader Battle" for Aliens. The playfield also incorporates a physical Hypersleep chamber lock, color-changing 3D molded egg pop bumpers, jumping slingshot facehuggers, and a 5-inch LCD screen embedded in the airlock area that displays real-time film footage and mission objectives. Additional elements include two playfield magnets, three steel entrance ramps, APC drop targets, and RGB-lit weapon stand-up targets, all contributing to a gameplay experience that faithfully captures the tension and atmosphere of the Alien franchise.

The artwork blends custom illustrations with officially licensed stills and visual elements from both films, using a palette dominated by cold blues, industrial greys, and atmospheric shadows. Cabinet art and playfield graphics are designed to evoke the interiors of the Nostromo and Hadley’s Hope, while the backbox and display integrate seamlessly with the game's cinematic presentation. Sound design features voice clips, sound effects, and musical cues lifted directly from the original films, amplifying the sense of immersion.

Though the original Heighway Pinball release faced significant production issues and company instability, Pinball Brothers successfully relaunched the game with a refined design and more consistent build quality. It has since gained strong support from collectors and operators alike, with continued updates and support further enhancing its longevity.

Today, Alien is regarded as a standout example of modern licensed pinball. With its intense theme integration, story-driven gameplay, and innovative mechanical features, it offers a deep and atmospheric experience that appeals to both film fans and serious pinball players.