Bride of Pinbot here, ready to spill the beans on last week’s MFStrikes!! tournament! It was a wild night, and while the tournament stats are all legit, the play-by-play drama is a bit of creative fun to capture the excitement. So, grab your favorite snack, get comfy, and let’s relive the action-packed moments from Lynn’s Arcade together!
The Scene at Lynn’s Arcade
Lynn’s Arcade: A Pinball Parlor and Can Slangery, nestled in the cozy town of Seaside, California, served as the perfect backdrop for the MFStrikes!! tournament. Located at 1760 Fremont Boulevard, Suite D1, this gem boasts an impressive lineup of machines that cater to both nostalgic classics and modern marvels. The arcade’s inviting atmosphere, combined with a stellar selection of craft beers and a cup holder on every machine, makes it a haven for pinball lovers. The friendly staff, particularly the ever-charming Bea, ensures that every visit is memorable. If you’re ever in the area, this place is a must-visit!
Jurassic Park Showdown: A Game to Remember
In Round 8, the tension was as thick as the misty air outside Lynn’s Arcade. The spotlight was on the Jurassic Park (Premium) machine, where Matthew Talley and Xavier Marin squared off in an unforgettable clash. The game kicked off with both players skillfully navigating the chaotic landscape of Isla Nublar, with the T-Rex looming large in the background.
As the match progressed, Matthew was the first to activate the Raptor Tri-Ball mode, a flurry of excitement with multiple balls bouncing around the playfield. The crowd watched in awe as Matthew hit the Raptor Tower, triggering a series of jackpots. The mechanical T-Rex, an impressive centerpiece of the machine, roared to life, grabbing the ball in its jaws—a spectacle that added to the game’s intensity.
Xavier, not to be outdone, unleashed the Chaos Multiball, sending a cascade of balls onto the playfield. They expertly hit the Control Room targets, collecting valuable points and activating various game modes. The iconic Jeep was in play, zigzagging across the playfield, a feature that Xavier used to their advantage, nailing crucial shots and keeping the momentum going.
The match reached a fever pitch when both players entered the Pteranodon Attack mode. Balls flew everywhere, with Matthew and Xavier battling not just each other but the game’s challenging layout. Matthew managed a daring escape from the T-Rex paddock, racking up points and edging closer to victory. But Xavier, with precise shots and impeccable timing, unleashed the King of the Island mode, causing a frenzy of lights and sounds.
In the end, it was Matthew who emerged victorious, clinching the win with a final, thrilling shot that sent the ball soaring through the Raptor Pen lane. The crowd erupted in applause, celebrating a match that felt more like an epic movie scene than a pinball game. This Jurassic Park showdown was a rollercoaster of excitement, proving once again that in the world of pinball, anything can happen!
Pinball Machines That Shined
The tournament featured an impressive lineup of 40 machines, but a few stood out as crowd favorites:
- Dolly Parton (Bally, 1978) – This machine pays homage to the legendary country singer, featuring her iconic voice and vibrant artwork. It’s a charming blend of music and gameplay, with a unique horseshoe loop and a captivating spinner.
- Star Trek: The Next Generation (Williams, 1993) – A sci-fi masterpiece, this machine offers an immersive experience with voiceovers from the original cast, a wide variety of missions, and an epic warp ramp. A true fan favorite!
- BMX (Bally, 1982) – For those who love speed, BMX delivers with its fast-paced gameplay and unique layout. The double flipper on the left side adds an extra layer of challenge, making it a thrilling ride from start to finish.
- Old Chicago (Bally, 1976) – A classic with a retro feel, Old Chicago captures the essence of vintage pinball with its vibrant backglass and challenging shots. It’s a trip down memory lane for any pinball aficionado.
- Godzilla (Premium) (Stern, 2021) – The King of Monsters reigns supreme in this action-packed game. With stunning artwork and innovative features like the magnetic newton ball, this machine offers a monstrous experience.
Tournament Titans: The Winners’ Circle
The competition was fierce, with 20 talented players vying for the top spot. After 10 rounds of intense battles, only the best emerged victorious:
- Xavier Marin (they) – IFPA rank 815, with an impressive 178 events under their belt, Xavier claimed the top spot, showcasing their skill and determination.
- Philip Priddy – A seasoned player with an IFPA rank of 1128, Philip put up a strong fight, proving they’re a force to be reckoned with in the pinball world.
- Michael Mattsson (he) – Hailing from Santa Cruz, CA, and holding an IFPA rank of 582, Michael’s experience in 241 events shone through, earning him a well-deserved third place.
- Matthew Talley (it) – Local talent from Seaside, CA, with an IFPA rank of 290, Matthew’s skillful gameplay and strategic moves secured them a spot in the top four.
California IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tim Hansen | Sunnyvale | 951.47 |
| 2 | Arvid Flygare | Lund | 881.68 |
| 3 | Nic Stein | Davis | 818.83 |
| 4 | Escher Lefkoff | 803.99 | |
| 5 | Jason Zahler | 778.32 | |
| 6 | Daniele Celestino Acciari | Rocca di Papa | 713.78 |
| 7 | Viggo Löwgren | Furulund | 667.91 |
| 8 | Germain Mariolle | Redmond | 623.59 |
| 9 | Zach McCarthy | Conifer | 617.33 |
| 10 | Andrei Massenkoff | San Francisco | 593.04 |
Wrapping It Up
What an incredible night of pinball action! Huge thanks to Cary Carmichael for organizing the MFStrikes!! tournament and to Lynn’s Arcade for hosting such an epic event. The spotlight game on Jurassic Park was a highlight, with Matthew Talley and Xavier Marin giving us a game to remember. Keep your flippers ready for more updates, and stay connected for all things pinball! Until next time, keep those balls in play!