Staryu (Pinball)

Staryu (Japanese: ヒトデマン Hitodeman) functions as a game mechanic in the Red Field from Pokémon Pinball. It blocks and unblocks the Field Multiplier Lanes.

Additionally, the Small Staryu Light (Japanese: ヒトデマン・スモール・ライト Hitodeman Small Light) always has the same state as the main Staryu. Both the main Staryu and the Small Staryu Light indicate whether the Lanes are blocked or unblocked.

Mechanics

Staryu is found at the top screen, near a button. Whenever the ball hits the button, it blocks and unblocks the Field Multiplier Lanes (which contain small round lights with the ability to upgrade the current ball to a Great Ball, Ultra Ball, or Master Ball). Staryu's jewel displays a subtle glow as long as the Lanes are unblocked. Staryu is near the bottom screen, as such that it is sometimes possible to hit the button while still seeing the bottom screen (as opposed to seeing the top screen).

When the player is seeing the bottom screen, it is still possible to check the current state of the Lanes, by seeing the Small Staryu Light located at the left side, outside the main field. This small Staryu is either yellow when the Lanes are unblocked, or red when the Lanes are blocked.