Walking Dead Finale Seals the Deal at Free Play Dallas

Hey pinball fans, it’s Bride of Pinbot here, bringing you the latest from the world of competitive pinball! This time, we’re heading over to Free Play Dallas, where the September 9th, 2024 edition of Free Play Dallas Pinball Monday served up some intense flipping action. With 15 players battling it out in seven rounds of fast-paced, single-game matchups, the stakes were high as only four would make it to the Finals. The night may have been clear and calm at 83°F, but inside Free Play, the action was anything but mellow. Let’s dive into the highlights of the night!

Free Play Dallas: A Pinball Haven in Trinity Groves

Tucked in the heart of the vibrant Trinity Groves neighborhood, Free Play Dallas is where pinball dreams come alive. For just $12, you get access to a massive lineup of games—from the classics like Pac-Man to the more niche titles like Killer Queen. It’s the kind of place where you can lose track of time and let the nostalgia hit. Whether you’re here for family fun before 9 PM or a 21+ retro arcade night, Free Play has you covered. Just make sure you park a little early, especially on weekends, as this spot gets packed! Oh, and pro tip: fuel up before you come—the pizza might not hit the spot for your appetite.

The Finals Showdown: Walking Among the Dead

The final battle of the night came down to a nail-biting match on The Walking Dead (Pro) by Stern, a game that’s as punishing as it is rewarding. This zombie apocalypse-themed pinball machine features intense multi-balls, gruesome walker battles, and a tough-as-nails prison mode that really separates the casuals from the pros.

Clark McCoy from Denton, TX, didn’t just survive—he thrived. Clark, ranked 5th in the state, showed why he’s such a top contender. His strategic play in triggering Blood Bath and Last Man Standing modes kept the rest of the pack at bay, including Daniel Martin, who finished second despite a valiant effort. It wasn’t an easy win, but Clark’s skill in controlling the chaos of this high-risk, high-reward game gave him the edge.

Daniel, ranked 24th, tried to claw his way up the scoreboard, but between the unforgiving layout and Clark’s consistency, it just wasn’t enough. Meanwhile, Michael Hew and Tom George rounded out the top four, both putting up respectable fights on this challenging machine.

A Closer Look at the Machines

Let’s talk about some of the standout games featured at this tournament.

James Bond 007 (Pro) – Released in September 2022, James Bond 007 by Stern brings the world of espionage and intrigue to life. With gameplay that revolves around completing covert missions, this game challenges players to think strategically. It features iconic Bond gadgets like the Aston Martin DB5 and the Q-Branch’s tech, giving it a cinematic feel. The layout is smooth and fast, with ramps and multi-ball modes keeping the action intense. Whether you’re chasing down a villain or saving the world, every flip feels like you’re in the middle of a Bond film. Its deep rule set and beautiful artwork make it a standout among modern Stern releases.

The Mandalorian (Pro) – This Star Wars spin-off pinball game, released in May 2021, transports players into the outer reaches of the galaxy. The Mandalorian features dynamic missions where players work to collect Beskar (the fictional metal of the Star Wars universe) to upgrade their character, much like Mando does in the show. The Razor Crest multi-ball is one of the game’s highlights, with fast-paced, chaotic action that mimics the intense battles from the series. The playfield offers smooth shots and the Grogu (Baby Yoda) toy on the top left adds a charming touch. Whether you’re in it for the challenge or just the nostalgia, The Mandalorian is sure to keep you flipping.

AC/DC (LUCI Vault Edition) – The AC/DC LUCI Vault Edition, released in 2018, cranks up the rock n’ roll energy to the max. With its explosive sound system pumping out 12 of AC/DC’s greatest hits like “Highway to Hell” and “Thunderstruck,” this machine is all about bringing the concert experience to your fingertips. The layout includes a cannon toy that fires balls across the playfield, ramps that feel buttery smooth, and a Bell feature that triggers in-game effects. The red and black LUCI edition art adds a bold, fiery aesthetic that matches the intensity of the gameplay. You’ll feel like you’re front row at an AC/DC show, with every shot in sync with the rhythm of the music.

Godzilla (Pro) – Stern’s Godzilla (Pro), released in September 2021, puts you in the center of a kaiju brawl. In this game, players control Godzilla, wreaking havoc on Earth as they fight other iconic monsters like King Ghidorah and Megalon. The playfield is packed with exciting features, including a magnetic bridge that throws balls across the playfield, and destructible buildings that can be “smashed” for points. Its theme integration is spot-on, with epic animations and voice-overs that enhance the chaos. With its fast ramps, multi-balls, and a deep rule set, Godzilla is as challenging as it is thrilling, delivering a truly monstrous pinball experience.

Guardians of the Galaxy – Stern’s 2017 release, Guardians of the Galaxy, brings the humor and adventure of Marvel’s ragtag team of space misfits to life. Players battle through major scenes from the film, unlocking modes tied to each character, like Rocket, Groot, and Star-Lord. The game features a dynamic orb multi-ball and a large Groot toy that catches and throws balls across the playfield, adding some fun unpredictability to the gameplay. The ‘80s-inspired soundtrack, with hits like “Hooked on a Feeling,” brings a retro vibe to the action, and the vibrant, comic-book-style artwork pulls you deeper into the game’s space-faring adventure. For those looking for a game with humor, action, and a wide array of play styles, this one is a must-play.

Pulp Fiction (SE) – A newer release from Chicago Gaming in 2023, Pulp Fiction dives into the iconic Quentin Tarantino film universe with its distinct retro aesthetics. The game’s design takes players through various famous movie scenes, all while delivering that classic ’90s vibe. With its interactive playfield and multi-layered gameplay, Pulp Fiction keeps players on their toes. You’ll feel like you’re right in the diner with Vincent and Jules, dealing with the chaos of the moment.

Shout-Out to the Champs

Congratulations to the night’s winners! Clark McCoy snagged first place, and his victory is no surprise given his impressive state rank of 5th and over 144 tournament appearances. Clark has clearly been honing his skills, and his victory on The Walking Dead proves he’s a force to be reckoned with.

Coming in second, Daniel Martin played his heart out. Ranked 24th in Texas with 66 tournaments under his belt, he’s steadily climbing the ranks. His performance shows he’s not far from making his mark in the top tier.

Michael Hew took third place, and considering he’s only played 34 tournaments, his performance was nothing short of impressive. Keep an eye on him as he continues to grow in the pinball scene. Rounding out the top four was Tom George, who brought his solid skills to the table once again, proving why he’s ranked 39th in the state.

Texas IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Hats Off to the Organizer

A big shout-out to Chris Delp for running such a well-organized tournament. Free Play Dallas continues to be a prime spot for pinball enthusiasts, and Chris made sure everything ran smoothly as usual. For more info on upcoming events at Free Play Dallas, be sure to check them out here.

And of course, congrats again to Clark McCoy on his hard-earned win. Stay tuned for more pinball updates and news on the next big tournament!