Hey pinball pal-y I’m, well, not Ali– I’m Bride of Pinbot! The Ball Busters Pinball League just wrapped up another wild and unforgettable night at the Pinball Gallery in Malvern, PA. If you missed it, don’t worry—I’ve got all the juicy details for you. This week’s event, the 2024 Season 3 Division B Week 8 showdown, saw seven talented players battling it out over five intense rounds, each lasting just under two hours. With 70 pinball machines at their disposal, the competition was fierce, and the fun was off the charts!
Pinball Gallery: A Haven for Pinball Lovers
The tournament took place at none other than the Pinball Gallery, a place that’s practically bursting at the seams with pinball machines—70, to be exact! Tucked away in a cozy spot on Lancaster Avenue, this arcade is the go-to destination for anyone who loves the classic “ping-ping” of pinball action. Whether you’re a seasoned wizard or just dipping your toes into the world of flippers and bumpers, this place has something for everyone. The mix of old and new machines, along with some classic video games, makes it a must-visit. Plus, the prices are reasonable enough to keep you coming back for more—just $18 for two hours of play. Sure, it gets a bit noisy, but hey, that’s part of the charm, right?
Mastering Space Station: Tips for Tournament Success
Round 3 of the Ball Busters Pinball League saw some thrilling action on Space Station by Williams, a machine that’s as challenging as it is rewarding. If you’re aiming to up your game on this classic, here are some strategies that could help you climb the leaderboard next time you’re up against Space Station in a tournament.
One of the biggest keys to success on Space Station is mastering the Space Shuttle Docking multiball. To kick off this mode, you need to lock three balls—two on the sides of the Space Station and the third to trigger the multiball. Once you’re in multiball, the Shuttle ramp becomes your go-to shot. Hitting this ramp lights up the jackpot, which can be a game-changer, especially if you’re looking to edge out your competition.
Another critical feature to keep an eye on is the Shields. These shields can be your lifeline, protecting you from those dreaded outlane drains. To keep them active, focus on hitting the 1-2-3 standup targets on the left side of the playfield. It’s worth making these targets a regular part of your strategy, as having those shields up lets you play more aggressively without the constant worry of losing your ball.
Don’t overlook the bonus multiplier, either. The X standup targets on the upper left side are essential for cranking up that multiplier early in the game. A higher multiplier can significantly boost your end-of-ball bonus, giving you that extra edge, particularly in close matches.
The Shuttle ramp isn’t just vital during multiball—it’s also a solid points earner in regular play. Additionally, pay attention to the drop targets on the right side of the playfield. Clearing these targets moves you closer to lighting the jackpot during multiball, adding another layer to your scoring strategy.
Finally, one of the most important aspects of Space Station is maintaining control. The flipper layout on this machine is a bit different, which can throw off even seasoned players. Practice techniques like post passes, dead bounces, and flipper cradling to keep the ball in check. The more you can avoid random flipper hits, the better positioned you’ll be to execute your strategy.
In short, if you want to dominate on Space Station, focus on getting into multiball as often as possible, keep those shields active, build up your bonus multiplier early, and get comfortable with the Shuttle ramp shot. Most importantly, stay in control of the ball—precision is your best friend on this machine. It’s no surprise that Deanne Ross took the top spot with these tactics in her arsenal!
Tournament Guide: Top Machines to Watch
The tournament featured some of the best pinball machines out there, and I’ve picked five that really stood out:
- Stranger Things (Pro) by Stern (2019): A relatively new addition, this machine pulls you right into the Upside Down with its eerie soundtrack and Demogorgon bash toy. The game’s projector feature is a showstopper, making each play feel like you’re right in the middle of Hawkins, Indiana.
- The Getaway: High Speed II by Williams (1992): This one’s a rush! With its iconic red light and addictive soundtrack, it’s all about speed. Players feel the adrenaline as they shift gears and race to hit that super jackpot.
- Aztec by Williams (1976): A classic from the ’70s, Aztec brings a different kind of challenge with its simple yet strategic gameplay. The artwork is a nod to ancient civilizations, making it a nostalgic trip back in time for pinball veterans.
- Centaur II by Bally (1983): Known for its unique black-and-white art and creepy robotic voice, Centaur II is a machine that’s as much about atmosphere as it is about skill. The “release the orbs” multiball feature is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Genesis by Gottlieb (1986): If you love a bit of sci-fi with your pinball, Genesis is your game. The goal of creating a robot by hitting specific targets adds a layer of narrative to the gameplay, making each round feel like you’re building something epic.
Celebrating the Champions of the Night
The night wrapped up with some nail-biting action on Cyclone, where Ruth Parks, an unranked but unstoppable force, claimed the top spot. Ruth’s victory was clinched with an expert spin on the Ferris Wheel, a feature that adds an extra twist to this carnival-themed machine. Abby Tague, ranked 23771, put up a fierce fight to take second place, while Lisa Kavanagh, ranked 38973, showed off her skills from East Norriton to secure third. Katherine Salazar rounded out the top four, proving that the competition was tough all around.
Pennsylvania IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
Check out the latest IFPA standings in Pennsylvania:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cryss Stephens | 458.02 | |
| 2 | Aleksander Kaczmarczyk | Pittsburgh | 269.48 |
| 3 | Lewis Bevans | Pittsburgh | 231.68 |
| 4 | Jared Schmidt | Pittsburgh | 228.58 |
| 5 | Gary Hartz | Pittsburgh | 208.22 |
| 6 | Dave Lancaster | Pittsburgh | 194.58 |
| 7 | David Riel | Pittsburgh | 161.47 |
| 8 | Elliott Keith | Catonsville | 154.91 |
| 9 | John Delzoppo | Cleveland | 143.61 |
| 10 | Bill Mason | Huntersville | 134.45 |
Wrapping Up the Night
All in all, it was another fantastic event, and a big shoutout to Bill Disney for organizing such a smooth and exciting tournament. The Pinball Gallery proved once again why it’s a top destination for players of all levels. If you haven’t been there yet, you’re missing out! Whether you’re a local or just passing through, make sure to stop by and experience the magic for yourself.
And hey, while you’re exploring Malvern, why not take a stroll through the nearby Valley Creek Park? It’s the perfect spot to relax after an intense pinball session. Until next time, keep those flippers ready, and don’t miss out on future pinball tournament news and highlights!