We're added another brand-new Stern to the Skillshot line-up with TRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye Premium. Released in 2026, this is a completely new Transformers machine rather than the earlier 2011 Stern game, and this time the theme goes right back to the classic battle between the Autobots and Decepticons. Players join Optimus Prime and the Autobots in their attempt to stop Megatron from stealing Earth's energy and conquering Cybertron. The game draws heavily on the original 1984 animated television series, making it instantly familiar to anyone who grew up with Transformers.

We decided to go for the Premium version, and there are some very good reasons for that. One of the biggest features is the fully animatronic Megatron, complete with an articulated fusion cannon that can rotate and actually fire pinballs back at the player. There is also Soundwave with a physical cassette-tape ball lock and ejection mechanism, plus a sculpted Grimlock Dinobot. These extra mechanical toys give the Premium a lot more going on physically around the playfield and were a big part of the attraction for us.

There is plenty to work towards once you start playing too. You can collect and store Energon Cubes, team up with the Dinobots, collect Transformers Tech Spec cards and work your way towards the eventual showdown with Megatron. Missions are inspired by stories from the original Transformers cartoon, with video clips helping bring those stories into the game. Stern has also brought back some of the voices that made Transformers so memorable, including Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime and Frank Welker as Megatron and Soundwave. There is even a special mode featuring *The Touch* by Stan Bush, which feels absolutely right for a Transformers machine.

As one of Stern's latest generation machines, there is a lot here for competitive players to explore as well. Insider Connected lets players earn Cyber Coins, unlock challenge modes and track their progress, while the Prime Training mode is designed to help players develop their pinball skills. Particularly interesting for us at Skillshot is a new head-to-head experience that allows two players to compete simultaneously in real time. With our leagues, tournaments and regular competitive players, we suspect that feature is going to get plenty of use.

Most importantly, Transformers Premium is here to be played. We love having a collection that mixes machines from completely different generations of pinball, and this gives us another example of what modern Stern can do when it combines software, mechanical toys, animation, music and a great licence. Whether you remember racing home to watch the original Transformers cartoon, collect the toys, or simply want to take on one of Stern's newest pinball machines, come and give it a go at Skillshot. Optimus Prime and Megatron are ready for battle and, as always, the machine will be on free play.