The Neverending Story
WantedFans keep asking for it. No machine has been announced.
#96on the Hype Index, our daily ranking of themes fans want as machines
65/100 reader hype · 5 ratings
Peak #14, May 2026 · Rank updated Oct 29.
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The Neverending Story has 5 ratings.
Ride Falkor through Fantasia's crumbling landscapes while battling The Nothing in this imaginative adventure.
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About This Theme
The Neverending Story pinball machine has emerged as a topic of interest within the pinball community, with the 1984 fantasy film franchise being discussed as a potential theme for future releases. The original film, directed by Wolfgang Petersen and based on Michael Ende's 1979 novel, tells the story of a young boy named Bastian who discovers a magical book that draws him into the fantasy world of Fantasia, where he must help the young warrior Atreyu save the realm from a destructive force called The Nothing. The film became a cultural touchstone of 1980s cinema, remembered for its practical effects, the iconic luck dragon Falkor, memorable characters like the Childlike Empress and the villain Gmork, and its beloved theme song performed by Limahl. The franchise spawned two sequels and a television series, though the original film remains the most culturally significant entry.
Within pinball communities, The Neverending Story has been mentioned as part of wish lists for potential future machines, particularly in discussions about 1980s fantasy properties following the success of similar themed games. Enthusiasts have noted the franchise holds nostalgic appeal for players who grew up during the era, with several community members citing childhood memories of watching the film. The property is sometimes mentioned alongside other 1980s fantasy films like Labyrinth and Willow as comparable themes that could translate well to pinball format. With moderate interest across pinball forums, The Neverending Story represents a niche but passionate segment of potential buyers who value nostalgia-driven themes.
The Neverending Story would offer substantial creative opportunities as a pinball machine theme. The visual design could incorporate the film's diverse fantasy environments, from the Swamps of Sadness and the Southern Oracle to the Ivory Tower and the caverns where Atreyu confronts Gmork, providing varied playfield aesthetics and potential for elaborate topper designs featuring Falkor. Gameplay mechanics could center around Bastian's journey through the book and Atreyu's quest to save Fantasia, with missions based on key scenes like racing against The Nothing, retrieving AURYN, and giving the Childlike Empress a new name. The iconic theme song and Giorgio Moroder's synthesizer-driven score would provide excellent audio opportunities, while character callouts from Bastian, Atreyu, and other memorable figures could enhance the playing experience. Physical features might include a Falkor ramp, a Nothing multiball mode that progressively eliminates playfield elements, and interactive elements representing the Sphinx Gate and other iconic locations from the film.
