First Look at JJP’s Avatar: Battle for Pandora

Let’s give a big Kineticist welcome to Mark Seiden! Designer of a brilliant homebrew Metroid pinball machine, Seiden was hired by Jersey Jack Pinball at the end of 2021, and we’re about to get the first fruits of his labor in a lead role (he previously assisted with Elton John).

Avatar: The Battle for Pandora is JJP’s 2024 release, featuring a heavily experimental, ramp-focused layout and the company’s signature theme immersion. Players join the ranks of the Na’vi and are challenged to defend the alien planet of Pandora from the RDA fleets bent on exploiting it, across battles on land, sea, and air.

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Read on for an overview of everything we know about the game so far, including rules, notable features, notable release storylines, pricing, and photos galore! 

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Avatar: The Battle for Pandora Design Team

• Design: Mark Seiden
• Code: Keith Johnson, Taylor Snyder, Jason Allen
• Art: Lea Faske
• Displays: Jean-Paul de Win, Mark Molitor, Olaf Gremie
• Music: Stemage
• Mechanical Engineering: Rachael Freriks, Dan Molter, Nick Jensen, Ernesto Velazquez, Dan Lachcik
• Electrical Engineering: Tony Tumminaro, Luna Silverfang, Eric Miller

Hype & Rumors for Avatar Pinball

Avatar has been rumored as a potential theme for Jersey Jack for some time now and last ranked at spot #43 in our Hype Index, which tracks the themes the pinball community is most hyped for. 

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Site visitors were generally not very hyped for the theme itself, giving it a Hype Level of 43/100. 

Notable Storylines for the Release of Avatar

The release of a new game is typically enough of a story on its own, but sometimes we get releases where there are other points worth noting.

• Mark Seiden’s first game as lead designer.
• Lea Faske’s first game as lead artist. 
• The first game for musical artist Stemage (known for work on shows like Steven Universe and the Metroid Metal album, which feels appropriate for the designer who built the custom game Metroid). 

Pricing and Availability

Avatar: The Battle for Pandora will be available in the two price points established with JJP’s prior release: the standard Limited Edition model and a Collector’s Edition ($12,000 and $15,000 respectively). We hear rumblings that the game is already on the line and shipping to distributors and locations soon, but as of publishing that has yet to be officially confirmed.

Collectors Edition Details

Collectors Edition games will be limited to a run of 1,000 units with an MSRP of $15,000. The Collectors Edition features a number of extras including:

• Orbital Shuttlecraft Hologram Topper (designed after the RDA’s monitors)
• A unique “Jake & Neytiri” cabinet art package
• Bioluminescent art using 3 UV responsive inks (red, green and blue) on the playfield, inner art blades, plastics and back panel
• UV reactive silicone flipper bands
• Tri-Tone illuminated backglass
• Neytiri’s Arrow Shooter Rod
• Na’vi patterend cabinet armor

Additional Avatar CE Pictures

Avatar CE Pinball Flyers

Limited Edition Details

The planned production run for Limited Edition games will be 5,000 units with an MSRP of $12,000. 

Compared to the Collectors Edition, the Limited Edition features a few key (mostly cosmetic) differences:

• A Na’vi vs. RDA Dual layer Illuminated topper 
• A different art package, called the “Tulkun” package
• One color Bioluminescent Art (blue) on the playfield, plastics & back panel art
• Blue colored armor instead of Na’vi patterned 
• Solid color purple silicon flipper bands (instead of UV reactive) 

Additional Avatar LE Pictures

Avatar LE Product Flyers

Notable Features in Avatar: The Battle for Pandora

All JJP models ship with unique features like RadCals (a thicker, glossier type of cabinet decal), RGB LED Hotrails, inner art blades, 27” backbox LCD display, shaker motor, interactive camera, invisiglass, WI-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth audio, an audio equalizer and enhanced backglass illumination. 

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What’s a “Scramp”?

Avatar: The Battle for Pandora includes a hybrid scoop / ramp shot called a “Scramp.” From what we have seen so far, the Scramp shot contains multiple positions. The neutral position where it feeds the right mini-loop. The up position where it functions as a scoop to access the lower playfields, as well as a jump ramp to send the ball into the wireform below the Banshee, which feeds the right inlane. Additionally, it looks like the Scramp has a kicker which can launch balls into the Banshee wireform, presumably to start a multiball mode.

Or a “Stageable Kickback”?

Another interesting feature present in Avatar: The Battle for Pandora is a mech, or perhaps just an area of the playfield that’s being marketed as a Stageable Kickback. Perhaps this is a mechanism where you can bank your qualified kickback shots or use them more effectively for other gameplay moments. 

Lower Playfields Galore!

When the Dive ramp is raised, the shot acts as a scoop to feed balls to the lower playfields. One features a single pop bumper surrounded by targets, while the other one is significantly larger and can be controlled with two of the game’s 6 flippers. Use the flippers to defeat the RDA’s crab suit in a multistage battle!

The Infinity Mirror Ball Lock

Hit the center arrow standup targets to light lock, then lock balls in the Mirror from the upper right flipper. The held balls are prominently displayed and released for multiball via the left scoop.

Aerial Adventures

Six ramps are featured on this table, many of which weave across the playfield’s many floating rock sculpts. The ramps can be accessed by the table’s four main playfield flippers and exit in a wide variety of ways, including the right ramp which has a spinner built in for the game's Eclipse mode.

UV Lighting

When the lighting dims on this table, hidden UV lighting is revealed on the playfield to further immerse the player and activate the bioluminescent art features.

Stephen Lang Callouts

All editions of the game will feature custom speech by Stephen Lang, who played big bad Col. Quaritch in the movies. 

Avatar: The Battle for Pandora Rules

• The lit shots around the playfield collect tokens and build up the songcord (songcords are essentially necklaces that contain core memories of the Na’vi). After collecting enough, the scoop can be shot to start a songcord mode based on the tokens that have been earned. Complete songcord modes to earn PANDORA letters and milestones.
• Hit any shot three times to start Sivako modes. Completing a Sivako mode lights Meuia (honor) at the high camp shot to qualify further awards at the home tree VUK.
• Center standup targets (Jake / Neytiri) light the left orbit for lock. Lock 3 balls to start the battle of the Hallelujah mountains multiball.
• Shots to the “scramp” (dive shot) will eventually raise it and allow the player to enter the lower playfields. First, complete the targets above the Pandora reef by moving them with the flippers. Then defeat the RDA’s crab suit using the mini-flippers to start the battle of Awa’Atlu multiball.
• Eclipse starts after collecting enough switch hits. Shoot the “eclipsed” shots and targets to build up the eclipse jackpot that can be scored at the right ramp’s spinner.
• Completing all four standup targets lights the inlanes and outlanes for bonus awards / modes.
• Collect lit bond shots in succession for bond combos. Collect all 8 unique combos to light the scoop for bond jackpot.
• Collect PANDORA letters and milestones by completing game objectives. Spelling PANDORA lights the scoop for Eywa’Eveng (Pandora) wizard mode. A “super wizard mode” called Oel Ngati Kameie (I See You) awaits players who complete all 10 milestones.

Avatar: The Battle for Pandora Launch Media

Teaser Trailers

Deep Dive Video

Press Release

JERSEY JACK PINBALL ANNOUNCES THE OFFICIALLY LICENSED DISNEY AND LIGHTSTORM’S AVATAR: THE BATTLE FOR PANDORA PINBALL MACHINE

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Cinematic adventure meets pinball mastery.

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CHICAGO, IL (September 12th, 2024) – Jersey Jack Pinball (JJP) is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated release of Avatar: The Battle for Pandora Limited Edition and Collector’s Edition pinball machines.  Play as one of the Na’vi, joining Jake Sully and Neytiri, in an epic battle for Pandora.

“Avatar is a groundbreaking and beloved cinematic experience. We’re excited to bring the Avatar franchise to pinball with an incredible game that will captivate players of all generations,” says company founder “Jersey” Jack Guarnieri. “This collaboration allows us to create a unique, modern pinball machine for players of all ages and skill levels.”

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Experience the magic of Avatar: The Battle for Pandora

Avatar: The Battle for Pandora pinball, features voice-over work by actor Stephen Lang, reprising his iconic role as Colonel Quaritch. Throughout the game, Quaritch guides you with custom narration, intensifying the gameplay experience. The adventure is enriched by memorable scenes from both films and an original soundtrack that blends the harmonious sounds of Pandora with the powerful themes of the Avatar series.

The Avatar Films
The Avatar phenomenon, driven by James Cameron's groundbreaking vision and Lightstorm Entertainment's innovative technology, made an unprecedented impact on the film industry and global culture. Released in 2009, Avatar became the highest-grossing film of all time, setting new records and revolutionizing the use of 3D technology and visual effects. Its blockbuster success demonstrated the power of cutting-edge filmmaking and solidified its place in cinematic history, leading to a resurgence in interest in 3D cinema and inspiring a highly anticipated franchise. The sequel, Avatar: The Way of Water, released in 2022, continues the epic saga by exploring new frontiers within Pandora’s oceans and introducing fresh cultures and characters. Building on the groundbreaking success of its predecessor, Avatar 2 combines stunning visual effects with a compelling narrative, further developing the story of Jake Sully and Neytiri while pushing the boundaries of technological innovation and reaffirming the franchise’s status as a major force in global entertainment.

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“We’re thrilled to see the world of Avatar come to life in an entirely new way through this incredible game. It’s exciting to watch the magic of Pandora reach fans in such an interactive and immersive format,” said Joshua Izzo, Executive Vice President, Franchise Development at Lightstorm Entertainment.

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Award-Winning designs

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Experience the brilliance and intensity of this dynamic, combo-driven playfield, crafted by JJP’s acclaimed design team, led by Mark Seiden.

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Jersey Jack’s cutting-edge, industry-leading platform features proprietary technology that captivates players, delivering an immersive experience with stunning light shows, animations, and scenes from the Avatar films.

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Collector’s and Limited Editions

The Limited Edition features blue powder-coated armor, exclusive RadCal™ cabinet artwork, UV-reactive (bioluminescent) playfield, back panel, and plastics, a dual acrylic LED-lit topper, an interactive shaker motor for haptic feedback, Invisiglass™, and individually numbered edition plaques. Priced at $12,000, it is limited to 5,000 units.

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The highly sought-after Collector’s Edition includes an exclusive hologram topper, arrow shooter knob, industry-first hydro-dipped armor, UV-reactive (bioluminescent) inks, RadCal cabinet art package, Tri-Tone illuminated backglass art, external lighting, and signatures from Mark Seiden and Jersey Jack himself. This model is priced at $15,000 and is limited to 1,000 units worldwide.

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Both editions feature 2 lower playfields, 6 flippers (3 full sized and 3 mini), 27” LCD backbox display showing iconic movie scenes from the film, 2 McFarlane sculpts (including 1 of 6 different Banshees), infinity mirror ball lock, animated AMP Suit sculpture, Crab Suit, Ilu & Hallelujah Mountain sculptures, RGB+UV lighting, High definition insert lighting, scoop/jump ramp (Scramp), heavy duty playfield magnet, hand-drawn artwork, and more.

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Avatar: The Battle for Pandora pinball machine is available for purchase through authorized distributors and JerseyJackPinball.com.

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About Jersey Jack Pinball

From its founding in 2011, Jersey Jack Pinball (JJP) has earned its reputation as the industry leader in collectable pinball machines, creating the most desirable titles in the modern pinball era. Designed and manufactured in the USA at its Chicago headquarters, JJP is led by an award-winning design team. Easy to play, difficult to master—JJP's games both honor the rich history of pinball and lead it into the future, with uncompromising standards of design and engineering that are certain to entertain players both old and new.

Industry-Leading Innovation

JJP introduced several industry firsts, including the use of LCD screens, RGB LED lighting, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, camera integration, and other innovative technology. From its first offering, The Wizard of Oz, JJP has continued to revolutionize the pinball experience with groundbreaking releases, including: The Hobbit, Dialed In!, Pirates of the Caribbean, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Guns N’ Roses: Not In This Lifetime, Toy Story 4, The Godfather 50th Anniversary, Elton John, and now, Avatar: The Battle for Pandora.

Learn more about Jersey Jack Pinball:

jerseyjackpinball.com.

Watch the official pinball trailer:

https://youtu.be/yipo7JxmRcc

Experience the official pinball “Deep Dive”:

https://youtu.be/NsvthxSRQ7E

SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook: @JerseyJackPinball

Instagram: @jerseyjackpinball

X: @JJPinball

YouTube: @JerseyJackPinball

Contact(s):

Media: Ken Cromwell, Jersey Jack Pinball, kcromwell@jerseyjackpinball.com 630-423-6556

Sales: sales@jerseyjackpinball.com