The Player 1 Arcade 2025 Series 1 (#6) was the perfect way to cap off 2024, offering a night filled with thrills, flips, and some truly legendary shots. Held on December 30 under broken clouds with a pleasant 62°F temperature, this IFPA-sanctioned tournament brought together 21 passionate players ready to battle it out across five competitive rounds. With a rapid-fire format—one game per round—the action was fast, furious, and unforgettable.
Pinball Paradise in Surprise, AZ
Player 1 Arcade is a gem tucked away in Surprise, Arizona. Located at 17239 North Litchfield Road, this arcade offers a fantastic blend of nostalgia and cutting-edge pinball. The walls come alive with stunning artwork, and the vibe is as friendly as it is energetic. This isn’t just a place to play—it’s an experience. Between a wide selection of pinball machines, retro arcade games like Street Fighter and Donkey Kong, and a bar stocked with everything from IPAs to non-alcoholic beers, there’s something for everyone. Families, casual players, and competitive flippers alike have called this place a must-visit for its welcoming atmosphere and hours of fun. And with its local focus, Player 1 Arcade is a refreshing change from the usual chain spots.
Iron Maiden Brings the Heat in Round 1
Round 1 set the tone for the night with an unforgettable showdown on Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast by Stern. This machine, inspired by the legendary metal band, features a heart-pounding mix of fast loops, clever modes, and a killer soundtrack. Landon Paluc showed up ready to dominate, navigating the Pharaoh’s Tomb and the Flight of Icarus modes with precision. Joel Daniel wasn’t far behind, using his local knowledge of the machine to string together combos during Aces High. Brittany Daniel and Xris Rincon battled it out in the Trooper multi-ball, but in the end, Landon’s mastery of the Power Jackpot sealed his victory. It was a match as intense as the band’s greatest hits.
Spotlight on the Tournament’s Machines
This tournament featured 14 fantastic pinball machines, but a few truly stood out. Here are some highlights:
Tales of the Arabian Nights (Williams, 1996) Step into a world of magic and adventure! As a personal favorite of mine, this machine’s dazzling playfield is adorned with intricate details like a spinning lamp and a flying carpet ramp. I’ve spent countless hours exploring its modes like Rescue the Princess and Collect Jewels, which make every shot feel like part of an epic quest. The mesmerizing sound effects and captivating artwork transport players straight into the tales of Scheherazade. Whether you’re chasing the Genie’s Treasure or dodging the wrath of the evil Sultan, this game offers a blend of strategy and spectacle that’s simply unforgettable. Step into a world of magic and adventure! This machine’s dazzling playfield is adorned with intricate details like a spinning lamp and a flying carpet ramp. The game immerses players in its storyline with modes like Rescue the Princess and Collect Jewels, making every shot feel like part of an epic quest. The mesmerizing sound effects and captivating artwork transport players straight into the tales of Scheherazade.
Rush (Pro) (Stern, 2022) For fans of the legendary rock band, Rush offers a rhythmic journey through their classic hits. The playfield boasts three flippers and a variety of ramps and orbits that create a smooth, satisfying flow. Players can relive iconic tracks like “Tom Sawyer” while tackling intricate combos and modes such as Subdivisions Multiball. The machine’s lighting effects sync perfectly with the music, adding to the immersive experience.
Pulp Fiction (SE) (Chicago Gaming, 2023) This machine brings Quentin Tarantino’s cult classic film to life with a retro-inspired design and cutting-edge features. The playfield captures the film’s quirky charm with callouts from fan-favorite characters, a mini-playfield for Gimp’s Basement, and a suitcase mechanism that conceals surprises. With its bold visuals and unique gameplay elements, Pulp Fiction keeps players engaged and entertained.
Foo Fighters (LE) (Stern, 2023) Fast-paced and full of personality, this game pairs the Foo Fighters’ music with a playful alien invasion theme. The machine features innovative ramps, dynamic targets, and challenging multiball modes like Save the Earth. Players love the vibrant playfield artwork and the kinetic energy that flows through every moment of gameplay. It’s a game that’s as fun as it is fast.
Jurassic Park (Pro) (Stern, 2019) Get ready to rescue staff, collect dinosaurs, and escape the chaos in this action-packed adventure. The T-Rex ramp is a standout feature, offering thrilling moments as the dinosaur snatches and throws the ball. The game’s mission-based structure keeps players engaged, with objectives like Secure the Perimeter and System Boot adding layers of strategy. With its detailed animations and dynamic playfield, Jurassic Park delivers excitement in spades.
Champions Shine on Godzilla
The night’s final battle unfolded on Godzilla (Premium) by Stern, a modern classic known for its explosive multi-balls and city-smashing modes. Jim Smith from Phoenix, AZ, proved why he’s ranked 562nd in the nation, clinching first place with a dominating performance that showcased his experience from 594 prior IFPA events. Jeremy Reiman, a rising star from Peoria, AZ, fought valiantly to secure second, while Alex Kee from Stardust claimed third, demonstrating strategic finesse in their 68th event. Mike McClure’s consistent gameplay earned them fourth, rounding out a stellar showing for this Glendale competitor. It was a finale worthy of the King of the Monsters.
Wrapping Up the Fun
Kudos to Jim Smith for organizing such a fantastic tournament and to Player 1 Arcade for hosting this unforgettable night of pinball action. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the flipper scene, this arcade is a must-visit for its exceptional lineup of games and welcoming vibe. Check out their Facebook page at Player 1 Arcade for updates on future events.
Until next time, keep flipping and chasing those high scores. Here’s hoping 2025 is filled with jackpots and multi-ball mayhem!
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