Crank It Up! Metallica Remastered Ignites Pinball Mayhem in Mesa

A Night of Flippers and Rock ‘n’ Roll

On January 29, 2025, at 7:00 PM, pinball enthusiasts gathered at Level 1 Arcade Bar in Mesa, Arizona, for the “Level One’s Metallica Launch Party.” The event celebrated the release of Stern’s Metallica Remastered (Premium) pinball machine, which debuted in September 2024. The tournament featured 21 players competing over four rounds, each consisting of a single game, and wrapped up in just over two hours.

A Closer Look at Level 1 Arcade Bar

Level 1 Arcade Bar, located at 48 W Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201, is a two-story wonderland for arcade and pinball aficionados. With 40 arcade machines and 15 pinball machines, the venue offers a mix of classic and modern games. Players appreciate the well-maintained machines, many from the ’90s, as well as a selection of newer pins. The bar operates seven days a week, featuring a full kitchen with food available until close each night. With 30 beers on tap and a full-service bar, there’s something to quench everyone’s thirst.

Visit Level 1 Arcade Bar

Game Spotlight: Godzilla Premium Takes the Stage

A highlight of the evening occurred in Round 4 on Stern’s Godzilla (Premium/LE), released in September 2021. This machine boasts an innovative “Magna Grab” magnetic newton ball, capable of catching pinballs from five different shot paths, adding a thrilling twist to the gameplay. To dominate on this machine, players need to master the bridge collapse and building destruction features, which rack up major points while also controlling ball movement effectively.

In this round, Kevin Burns from Arizona, ranked 34th in the state and 1,887th in the IFPA rankings, secured first place. He was followed by Janel Valdez, ranked 183rd in the state and 2,238th in the IFPA rankings, in second place; Pamela Campbell, ranked 95th in the state and 8,142nd in the IFPA rankings, in third; and Carl Sadowski from Phoenix, ranked 131st in the state and 6,181st in the IFPA rankings, in fourth.

Tournament Guide: Standout Pinball Machines

The tournament featured an impressive lineup of 15 pinball machines. Here are a few standouts with key gameplay insights:

• Creature from the Black Lagoon (Bally, December 1992): This machine combines classic pinball with a drive-in movie theme, featuring a holographic “creature” that emerges during gameplay. The key to scoring big is activating the multiball and hitting the Snack Bar shots consistently.
• Fish Tales (Williams, January 1992): Known for its fishing theme, it challenges players to catch fish, tell tall tales, and even features a rotating fishing reel. The key strategy here is maximizing the Monster Fish shot, which can score massive points when timed correctly.
• The Addams Family (Bally, January 1992): Based on the popular movie, it boasts unique features like the “Thing” hand that grabs the ball and a “Mamushka” dance sequence. Success depends on controlling the mansion modes and utilizing Thing Multiball for extended play.
• The Mandalorian (Premium/LE) (Stern, May 2021): Inspired by the hit TV series, this machine includes a dynamic upper playfield and interactive toys representing characters from the show. Players should focus on completing missions and using the upper playfield strategically for bonus points.
• Metallica Remastered (Premium) (Stern, September 2024): The star of the evening, this remastered edition features enhanced artwork, updated soundtracks, and new interactive elements that pay tribute to the legendary band. The key to success lies in stacking Crank It Up modes with multiballs to maximize scoring potential.

Final Showdown: The Top Performers

After battling through a competitive field of 21 participants, the top players emerged victorious:

1. Henry Hanshaw – Ranked 43rd in the state and 1,190th in the IFPA rankings, with 316 total IFPA events under his belt, Henry’s experience shone through as he clinched first place.
2. Elaine Hecht – Hailing from Chandler, AZ, and ranked 68th in the state and 3,766th in the IFPA rankings, Elaine’s consistent performance earned her the runner-up spot.
3. Walter Dony – A Phoenix native, ranked 62nd in the state and 346th in the IFPA rankings, Walter showcased his skills to secure third place.
4. Wiley Bumtail – Also from Phoenix, ranked 20th in the state and 529th in the IFPA rankings, Wiley’s strategic play landed him in fourth place.

Arizona IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Wrapping Up the Night

A huge thank you to Scott Goldsmith for putting together another great event and to Level 1 Arcade Bar for providing the perfect setting for a night of competitive flipper action. With exciting matches, a stacked lineup of machines, and the debut of Metallica Remastered (Premium), this tournament had everything a pinball fan could want. Whether you’re a veteran player looking to fine-tune your skills or a newcomer wanting to learn the ropes, events like these are the best place to level up your game. Keep those flippers up, and we’ll see you at the next tournament!