With overcast clouds rolling in and a crisp 63°F in the air, the Electric Bat Season 14-Part 2 #2 tournament lit up the night on December 31, 2024. Players from across Arizona and beyond flocked to Tempe for this 5-round, fast-paced showdown featuring 88 skilled competitors. Running just over two hours, the tournament was a thrilling way to ring in the new year for pinball enthusiasts.
A Pinball Oasis in the Desert
Located on 29 W. Southern Ave in Tempe, Electric Bat Arcade boasts a vibe that blends retro charm with modern energy. Whether you’re a seasoned pinball wizard or a first-time player, Electric Bat greets you with a diverse lineup of machines that are always in tip-top shape. It’s not just about pinball here; the venue doubles as a hub for great food, drink, and a few unexpected surprises, like unique rhythm games imported from Japan. It’s the kind of place where you can easily lose track of time—and you’ll want to.
Nitro Ground Shaker: Tournament Guide for Bally’s 44th Anniversary
To celebrate the 44th anniversary of Bally’s Nitro Ground Shaker, we’re highlighting this iconic drag racing-themed pinball machine with a special tournament guide. First released in 1980, Nitro Ground Shaker is a fast-paced, high-risk, high-reward game that has stood the test of time. If you’re stepping up to play this classic in a competitive setting, this guide will help you maximize your score and dominate the tournament field.
The centerpiece of your strategy is building and collecting bonus points. The “Drag Strip Bonus Ladder”, tracked in the backglass, is one of the key scoring elements. You can build your bonus by hitting the drop targets and completing lanes. Each completed lane increases your multiplier, which can dramatically boost your score during end-of-ball bonus collection. In tournaments, this feature is often the deciding factor, so keep an eye on your bonus progress throughout the game.
Another critical scoring opportunity comes from the spinner shot on the left side of the playfield. When lit, the spinner can yield massive points with a clean rip. Practice your flipper aim to hit the spinner consistently, especially during the early stages of your game when it’s most valuable. Lighting the spinner requires completing the top rollovers, so make sure you plunge skillfully to complete these lanes. Nudging the ball into the rollovers can also help if you miss during plunges or gameplay.
If your tournament machine has the multiball feature enabled, it’s another opportunity for big points. To start multiball, you’ll need to lock balls in the “Garage” saucer on the right side of the playfield. Once multiball begins, aim for high-value targets like the spinner or lit jackpots. Maintaining control is crucial during multiball—don’t panic, and focus on steady, controlled shots to maximize your scoring potential. However, be aware that not all Nitro Ground Shaker machines include multiball, so check the tournament setup beforehand.
Like many Bally machines from this era, Nitro Ground Shaker has brutal outlanes, so ball control is essential. Practice nudging techniques to save balls heading toward the sides, and work on slap saves to recover from dangerous rebounds. This will be especially important if you’re trying to keep the ball in play while building your bonus. Additionally, avoid risky shots late in your game, especially to drop targets that could result in wild rebounds into the outlanes.
As a tournament player, always prioritize ball control. Use flipper skills like cradling, post passing, or drop catching to maintain precise aim and transfer the ball to the flipper you need. Early in the game, focus on maximizing the spinner value and building your bonus. Once your bonus multiplier is high, shift your focus to safer shots like the spinner to maintain your lead. In tight matches, a maxed-out bonus can make all the difference, so don’t neglect it.
In summary, Nitro Ground Shaker is all about smart risk-taking and controlled shot execution. Build your bonus, rip the spinner, and capitalize on multiball if it’s available. Stay cool under pressure, and don’t forget to nudge when the ball gets near the sides. With these strategies in your back pocket, you’ll be well-prepared to leave your competitors in the dust and celebrate Nitro Ground Shaker’s 44th anniversary with a victory! Good luck, and go get those high scores! 🚗💥
Machines That Stole the Show
The tournament’s 64-pinball lineup included some true standouts. Stern’s The Simpsons Pinball Party packed a punch with its deep rule set and hilarious callouts, while Data East’s Jurassic Park brought the thunder with its iconic T-Rex. Meanwhile, Stern’s Foo Fighters (Pro) introduced fast-paced modern thrills with its kinetic, music-driven gameplay.
On the classic side, Sinbad by Gottlieb challenged players with its unforgiving layout, while Bally’s Nitro Ground Shaker delivered nostalgia with its racing theme. Stern’s limited edition James Bond 007 added elegance and espionage to the mix, a perfect contrast to the heavy metal fury of Stern’s Metallica Remastered. Every machine brought its own flavor to the competition, ensuring no two games felt the same.
A Thrilling Finale on Freefall
The final round culminated on Freefall by Stern Electronics, a machine known for its unique ball lift and diverter system that lets players control the pace. Andy Olson, ranked 1446, soared to victory, navigating the intense vertical gameplay with precision and calm. Andre Gierczynski, ranked 2416, landed in second with a spirited performance that belied his limited tournament experience, having played in just 17 IFPA events. Terri Boyd, ranked 2932, earned third place with strategic consistency, proving once again why she’s a staple on the circuit. Meanwhile, Paul Blanco, ranked 382, rounded out the top four with a strong showing that kept fans on their toes.
Tournament Champions
- Andy Olson
- Andre Gierczynski
- Terri Boyd
- Paul Blanco
Congratulations to all the finalists for their incredible performances on the flippers!
The Road Ahead
As year season at Electric Bat Arcade closes, it’s clear that this location continues to thrive as a cornerstone of Arizona’s pinball scene. Special thanks to Rachel Bess for orchestrating such a well-run event, and to the Electric Bat team for maintaining such a welcoming and exciting space. Congratulations to Andy Olson for an impressive victory, and to all the players who made this tournament unforgettable.
Stay tuned for more pinball updates and tournament highlights as we roll into 2025!
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