Pinball Magic at The Ice Box: Tournament Highlights and Machine Spotlights

Hey pinball enthusiasts! This weekend, we find ourselves surrounded by the gleaming lights and the nostalgic hum of The Ice Box Arcade in Seattle, WA, for the Ice Box Mixed Matchplay. For those of you who haven’t had the chance to visit, let me tell you, you’re missing out on a slice of pinball heaven. This place isn’t just an arcade; it’s a shrine to all things pinball, nestled comfortably on NW Bright St. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted with an expansive, open space that just oozes good vibes. The Ice Box Arcade offers a perfect blend of family-friendly fun and nostalgic charm, complete with a selection of both classic pinball machines and a few hidden arcade gems. Plus, they’ve got drink options for everyone—whether you’re craving a cold brew or a soda pop. And let’s not forget the staff, who are as cool as the games they oversee, making sure every visit is a good time.

The Ice Box Mixed Matchplay Recap

Sunday, August 4th, was a day of serious flipper action as 59 players gathered for five rounds of intense gameplay, each battling it out on two games per round. The stakes were high with only the top 16 advancing to the finals. The atmosphere was electric as players faced off, and after three hours and 48 minutes of nail-biting competition, it was time to see who would come out on top.

Epic Showdown on Alien Star

The quarterfinal match on Alien Star was nothing short of legendary, clocking in at a staggering 105 minutes—the longest game of the tournament. The game’s distinct sci-fi theme, combined with its vibrant space and alien motifs, added to the intensity as players battled it out. At the heart of the game’s strategy is the “ALIEN” target sequence, where completing the targets not only increases your score multiplier but also enhances your end-of-ball bonus. Mastery over this feature can make or break a game, and in this match, it was the key to victory.

Sagel Frazier, ranked 39th in the state, demonstrated incredible control and precision, focusing on the key objectives that Alien Star demands. With every flick of the flipper, Sagel skillfully aimed for the spinner—a crucial shot that racks up points while advancing the “ALIEN” targets. By consistently hitting the spinner and carefully completing the “ALIEN” targets, Sagel steadily increased the bonus multiplier, edging closer to victory with every shot.

Despite the intense pressure from Armand Go, Germain Mariolle, and Jarrett Gaddy, Sagel maintained a calm and focused approach, prioritizing accuracy over chaos—a necessity on this single-level playfield. The absence of a multiball feature meant there was no room for error; ball control was everything. Sagel’s disciplined play paid off, as they maximized the bonus multiplier, racking up an impressive score that secured the top spot in this marathon match.

In the end, it was a masterclass in classic pinball strategy. Sagel’s victory on Alien Star wasn’t just about hitting targets; it was about understanding the game’s intricacies, controlling the ball with finesse, and executing a well-thought-out plan under immense pressure. It’s no wonder this match became the talk of the tournament, leaving everyone in awe of what can be achieved when skill meets strategy on a classic pinball machine.

A Pinball Machine Showcase

Before we dive into the tournament results, let’s take a moment to spotlight some of the standout pinball machines that made this event unforgettable. Each of these machines offers a unique blend of themes, challenges, and gameplay mechanics that kept players on their toes. Whether you’re a fan of epic superhero battles, cinematic moments, or high-speed chases, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s explore what makes these machines so special:

• Avengers: Infinity Quest (Pro) by Stern (September 2020)

• • In this action-packed machine, you’ll be assembling the Avengers and collecting the Infinity Stones. Focus on key shots like the Gauntlet ramp and the Sanctum target to complete character missions. As you progress, you’ll light up Super Modes, and with the right combos and portal locks, you’ll be on your way to epic battles like the Battle Royale and the ultimate showdown with Thanos.

• Pulp Fiction (SE) by Chicago Gaming (March 2023)

• • Step into the world of Pulp Fiction and relive iconic scenes from the movie. The game’s all about completing tasks like the “Big Kahuna Burger” mode and the “Dance Contest” multiball. Precision is key here, so aim your shots carefully to advance through the story. And if you do it right, you’ll unlock the “Bad Mother Flipper” wizard mode—just like in the movie!

• Congo by Williams (November 1995)

• • Get ready for an adventure in the Congo! Your mission is to complete the map grid, collect diamonds, and trigger exciting multiballs like Amy, Volcano, and MYST. You’ll need to master the challenging shots to the upper playfield and the satellite ramp. Don’t forget to use those smart missiles strategically—they’re your ticket to high scores and a thrilling journey.

• Jurassic Park (Pro) by Stern (July 2019)

• • It’s time to contain the dinosaurs and rescue the staff in this thrilling Jurassic Park adventure. Capturing dinosaurs through precise shots is key, as is completing paddock sequences and triggering the T-Rex Rampage. The Control Room modes add extra challenges, while the Raptor Pen and T-Rex Tower are critical for reaching the ultimate Escape Nublar wizard mode.

• Indianapolis 500 by Bally (June 1995)

• • Feel the need for speed as you race your way to victory! Completing laps, earning turbo boosts, and making those pit stops will keep you ahead. The turbocharger speeds up the ball, adding excitement to every shot. Keep your focus on the ramps and targets to directly impact your race progress and boost your score.

• Mousin’ Around! by Bally (January 1989)

• • Help the mice outsmart the cat in this fun and fast-paced game. Your main goal is to complete the “Mouse Trap” by hitting the key shots and getting the multiball going. Center ramps and the “Cheese” target banks are where you’ll want to focus your attention. And keep an eye on the “Sneaky Mouse” feature—it might just surprise you with some extra points.

• Nine Ball by Stern Electronics (December 1980)

• • Rack up those nine ball targets and complete the sequence to get that score multiplier soaring. This classic game is all about precision. Focus on completing the drop targets and timing your spinner shots just right to maximize your points. It’s a straightforward but challenging game that rewards accuracy.

• Genesis by Gottlieb (January 1986)

• • Your goal here is to bring a humanoid robot to life by assembling its body parts. You’ll hit specific drop targets to light up parts like the head, arms, and legs. Once you’ve got them all, the “Rebirth” feature kicks in, giving you a shot at bonus points and progression. It’s a unique game that combines strategic shots with a cool, sci-fi theme.

These quick guides should give you a good feel for each machine and help you get into the groove of their unique gameplay styles. Enjoy your pinball adventures!

Celebrating the Champions

The final rounds were nothing short of thrilling, with the last battle fought on Star Gazer by Stern Electronics. In the end, Gene X Hwang from San Francisco, CA, emerged victorious, showcasing his skill and determination throughout the tournament. With a state rank of 70th and an IFPA rank of 284, Gene’s performance was a testament to his pinball prowess. Not far behind was Seattle’s own Jarrett Gaddy, ranked 6th in the state, who put up a fierce fight to secure the second spot. Jon Salzman, with a state rank of 12th, took third place, rounding out a highly competitive top three. Hats off to all the players for their incredible performances!

Washington IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

To keep you all updated on the latest standings, here’s how the top players in Washington are shaping up:

Wrapping Up the Ice Box Mixed Matchplay

And just like that, another exciting pinball tournament is in the books! A big shoutout to the new unranked players who joined in on the fun—your presence brought fresh energy to the competition. A huge thank you to Germain Mariolle for organizing this fantastic event and to The Ice Box Arcade for hosting us in such a welcoming and vibrant space. Stay tuned for more updates from the pinball world, and until next time, keep those flippers flipping!