A Cosmic Clash of Pinball Wizards: Space City at Einstein’s Pub

The Space City Pinball: PhysXXX Study Group on February 25th launched under clear skies and comfortable temperatures at Einstein’s Pub in Katy, TX. Known for its spacious venue capable of hosting over 100 patrons, Einstein’s Pub offered pinball enthusiasts a casual and lively setting filled with pool tables, arcade games, and even virtual beer pong, embodying a perfect space for pinball competitions.

Einstein’s Pub: Perfectly Flipped Vibes

Einstein’s Pub, located at 873 South Mason Rd, Ste. 360 in Katy, TX, set the stage for an epic pinball showdown. Known locally for its welcoming atmosphere, this spacious venue comfortably hosts over 100 patrons and offers a wide variety of entertainment options. From pool tables and arcade games to virtual beer pong, there’s something for everyone. Coupled with reasonably-priced drinks and tasty bar snacks, Einstein’s Pub provided the ideal environment for players and spectators alike to enjoy a night filled with pinball excitement.

Spotlight Game: Rush Pro – A Rock-and-Roll Ride

One thrilling highlight was the intense match on Stern’s Rush (Pro), released in January 2022. This pinball machine pays homage to the legendary Canadian rock trio Rush, renowned for their complex rhythms and storytelling lyrics. Stern Pinball, founded in the 1980s by Gary Stern, revived modern pinball’s popularity, bringing iconic bands and pop culture themes to life with stunning artwork and complex, multi-level playfields. Darrin Schonefeld took first place, skillfully maneuvering through ramps and orbits set to the band’s hits. Matt Quantz secured second with a solid performance, while Russ Kalinowski and Chris Low put up admirable efforts.

Pinball Machine Highlights: Nostalgia, Innovation, and Adventure

• James Bond nostalgia was alive in Stern’s retro-style James Bond 007, which cleverly stripped down its design for purists who appreciate sharp accuracy over flashy gimmicks. Released in October 2022, it stands out with classic targets and simpler yet satisfying gameplay.
• Stern’s Godzilla (Pro), created by legendary designer Keith Elwin, dazzled players with its intricate city model and innovative magnetic features, faithfully capturing the chaos and excitement of monster movies from Japan’s iconic Toho studio. Godzilla quickly became a tournament favorite for its blend of fast-paced action and strategic play.
• Spooky Pinball’s Total Nuclear Annihilation captured players’ attention with its unique throwback to the early solid-state pinball era, utilizing an original electronic soundtrack and a minimalist but deceptively challenging design. Spooky Pinball, a smaller boutique company founded by Scott Danesi, gained a dedicated fanbase by embracing innovation and creativity, breathing fresh life into the industry.
• Deadpool (Premium) by Stern offered players comic-book-inspired mayhem, blending humor and action. Designed by George Gomez, this vibrant machine featured dazzling artwork by Zombie Yeti and quirky game mechanics, including interactive battles and engaging mini-modes.
• Foo Fighters (Pro) marked another success for Stern, merging the world-famous band’s energy with creative gameplay. Players joined the Foo Fighters battling intergalactic aliens, driven by pulsating tunes and an immersive story. The game highlighted Stern’s ongoing effort to merge music themes seamlessly with gameplay.

Dimension-Jumping Final Battle: Rick and Morty (SE)

The championship battle unfolded on Spooky Pinball’s Rick and Morty (SE), a machine renowned for its creative integration of the animated show’s irreverent humor and science fiction themes. With hilarious voiceovers from the show’s creators and multidimensional gameplay, players navigated bizarre portals and encountered quirky challenges reflective of Rick and Morty’s unpredictable world.

1. Jim Mueller – Took home the victory with precision shots and expertly timed multiball plays, showcasing why he’s ranked among Texas’ top competitors.
2. Darrin Schonefeld – Finished strongly in second place, consistently demonstrating strategic and composed gameplay throughout the event.
3. Joshua Mitchell – Earned third place, reflecting his seasoned skills and ability to handle high-pressure situations.
4. Dani Wade – Secured a commendable fourth place, impressing with determination and strategic adaptability against tough competition.

Texas IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Til Next Time, Keep Flipping!

Huge congratulations to Jim Mueller for his impressive victory, and a big thank-you to Space City Pinball and Einstein’s Pub for hosting another fantastic tournament. Make sure to check back regularly for more thrilling pinball action, and don’t forget to share your thoughts on this event below!