Knights, Jokers, and Rock Stars: Pinball Gallery Tournament Highlights

The Pinball Gallery Monthly Tournament on September 10, 2024, gave players the perfect chance to battle it out on some of the most iconic machines ever made. With 25 competitors playing through 10 intense head-to-head games, only the top 8 moved on to the finals. It was a night filled with flashing lights, skillful flips, and a few surprises! Under clear skies and a comfortable 74°F, the energy at the Pinball Gallery was as vibrant as ever.

The showdown lasted 3 hours and 15 minutes, a steady test of endurance and skill for all involved. Bill Disney did an amazing job organizing the event, keeping things running smoothly while players darted from machine to machine, racking up points and making those critical moves.

Game Guide: Tackling the Black Knight

When it comes to endurance, nothing in this tournament stood out like Black Knight. Designed by the legendary Steve Ritchie, this 1980 classic delivered the longest game of the night, with a jaw-dropping 72 minutes of nonstop action. Not many games can test your skill and patience like Black Knight can.

In a tournament setting, Black Knight requires a controlled, strategic approach, especially when dealing with the upper playfield. The key to success is focusing on the drop targets up top, which help increase your bonus multiplier up to 5x. Locking balls in the lock lane is also crucial to starting multiball. While multiball isn’t as rewarding for points as it is in more modern games, it offers a great opportunity to hit key targets and build your score.

One of the coolest features of Black Knight is the magna-save—a magnet that prevents the ball from draining down the outlanes. It’s a limited resource, so use it only when absolutely necessary. Keeping an eye on your magna-save meter and refreshing it by hitting the appropriate targets is essential to staying in the game.

On the lower playfield, your attention should shift to hitting the center drop targets and collecting your bonus. The bonus collect scoop on the right is a great way to bank points after building up a strong bonus, especially if the ball looks like it’s heading toward danger.

To sum it up, focus on the upper playfield to build your bonus, use magna-save wisely, and cash in your bonus when you can. This controlled approach is the key to mastering Black Knight and racking up a solid score, especially in the heat of tournament play!

Spotlight on the Pinball Lineup

The Pinball Gallery offered a treasure trove of machines to choose from—70 in total. Among them were some true gems, each with its own flair and design story, making the lineup as diverse as it was thrilling.

Joker Poker (Gottlieb, 1978) is a classic drop target game that blends skill and a bit of luck. Designed by the iconic Ed Krynski, with vibrant artwork from Gordon Morison, this machine’s straightforward layout still offers a great challenge. The drop target banks are the key feature here, rewarding players who can clear them strategically. Add to that the gambling theme, and you’ve got a game that keeps you on your toes, trying to collect the best hands while avoiding the dreaded drain.

Aztec (Williams, 1976) stands out for its unique playfield and fast-paced gameplay. Designed by the legendary Steve Kordek, the layout encourages both precise shooting and quick reflexes, making it a true player’s game. The art on the machine transports you to the world of ancient Aztec warriors and temples, with an interesting mix of scoring opportunities both in the upper and lower parts of the playfield. If you’re into fast, classic pinball, Aztec will certainly draw you in.

The Addams Family (Bally, 1992) is perhaps one of the most iconic pinball machines of all time. Designed by Pat Lawlor and Larry DeMar, it became the best-selling pinball machine ever for a reason. It’s filled with unique features, like Thing Flips, where the machine itself controls the flipper for a perfectly timed shot. The theme, based on the hit film, is seamlessly integrated into the gameplay, from the mansion’s creepy atmosphere to the hilarious callouts. This machine is a must-play for any pinball enthusiast, and it’s no wonder it continues to captivate new generations of players.

AC/DC (Luci Vault Edition) (Stern, 2018) brings a rock concert to life in pinball form. This machine’s high-energy gameplay is perfectly paired with a killer soundtrack from the band AC/DC. Players can select their favorite song to play along with, affecting the modes and scoring as they go. Designed by Steve Ritchie, it features a great combination of ramps, targets, and fast play, making it a go-to for those who enjoy action-packed pinball. The Luci Vault Edition adds a cheeky, fan-favorite art package that amps up the experience even more.

Funhouse (Remake CE) (Pedretti Gaming, 2024) revives the 1990s classic with a modern twist. The creepy, ever-watching Rudy is back, and he’s just as unsettling as ever. This remake retains the fun, quirky feel of the original but enhances it with updated graphics, smoother gameplay, and new technology that makes the game even more immersive. The goal is to stop Rudy before midnight, navigating through his funhouse of chaotic ramps and tricky shots. It’s a blast from the past with all the charm and frustration Rudy brings.

A Standout Location: Pinball Gallery

The Pinball Gallery in Malvern, PA, is truly a pinball lover’s paradise. With over 70 machines on the floor, the variety alone is enough to keep players busy for hours. The staff makes you feel right at home, and there’s no need to worry about feeding quarters into the machines—just one flat rate and you’re free to play to your heart’s content. Sure, the noise level rises as the games get going, but that’s part of the fun! The care and maintenance of the machines are top-notch, making sure every flip feels just right. Whether you’re a competitive player or just looking for a nostalgic escape, this is one spot you don’t want to miss.

A Tip of the Hat to Our Tournament Champions

Let’s give it up for the top finishers in this month’s tournament! First place went to Brandon Service, who may be ranked 121st in the state, but his gameplay proved he’s got what it takes to dominate. With over 200 events under his belt, Brandon’s experience shone through in every round.

Tony Makowski snagged second place, and with a state ranking of 86th and plenty of IFPA events to his name, he wasn’t far behind. Tony’s strategic use of skill shots and quick reflexes kept the competition on edge.

Third place went to Michael Reimer, whose state ranking of 85th didn’t quite reflect the tenacity he brought to the tournament. It was a thrilling showdown from start to finish.

And rounding out the top four, Nathaniel Gibson from Royersford brought his A-game, showing why he’s earned a solid reputation in the pinball community.

The rest of the top eight didn’t make it easy either. Players like Adam Saylor, Nick Hislop, Terri Morton, and Don Werth each left their mark on the tournament with memorable moments and fierce competition. From strategic multiball attacks to nail-biting last-second saves, it was a battle through and through.

Pennsylvania’s Pinball Power Players

If you want to know who’s ruling the Pennsylvania pinball scene, here’s a quick peek at the top 10:

The Final Flip

A huge thanks to Bill Disney and the staff at Pinball Gallery for hosting this incredible event. The competition was fierce, the machines were in prime condition, and everyone who came out helped make it a fantastic night of pinball. Whether you were there to compete or just to watch, the excitement never let up. And, of course, how can we not mention Black Knight? With its legendary 72-minute marathon, it’s safe to say the knight earned its reputation once again.

Stay connected for more pinball excitement and tournament highlights—there’s always another game on the horizon!