Arcade Action in Mesa: A Night of Competitive Pinball at Level 1

On February 19, 2025, at 7:00 PM, 13 dedicated pinball players gathered at Level 1 Mesa for the latest round of competitive play. The format was straightforward—four rounds, one game per round—but the action was anything but simple. Over the course of 90 minutes, players battled through classic and modern machines alike, hoping to claim victory in one of Arizona’s best pinball venues.

The weather? A comfortable 68°F under broken clouds—not that anyone inside was worried about the forecast. Their only concern? Hitting jackpots and avoiding untimely tilts.

Level 1 Arcade Bar: A Retro Gaming Wonderland

Located at 48 W Main St, Mesa, AZ, Level 1 Arcade Bar is the kind of place that makes pinball players feel right at home. A perfect mix of nostalgia and modern flair, it offers a rotating lineup of arcade and pinball machines, along with a well-stocked bar featuring craft beer and cocktails.

The venue caters to everyone—from casual players to tournament regulars. Whether you’re reliving your youth on an original Addams Family or checking out the latest Stern releases, there’s always something new (or old!) to flip on. Plus, the community vibe here is strong, with a staff that goes above and beyond to make sure everyone has a great experience.

Godzilla Stomps the Competition

Round 3 saw an epic showdown on Godzilla (Premium/LE), Stern’s critically acclaimed 2021 release. Designed by Keith Elwin, this game has been a tournament favorite since it launched, thanks to its deep ruleset, innovative use of magnets, and adrenaline-pumping destruction sequences.

One of the game’s signature features is the “Magna Grab,” which lets players control the ball using electromagnets—perfect for setting up high-scoring shots. Another highlight? The destruction jackpots, which make it feel like you’re toppling a city with every flip.

Shawn Barnett, ranked 149th in Arizona, dominated this round, navigating the game’s Kaiju Battle modes with precision. Kevin Burns AZ, ranked 86th, made a strong push but couldn’t quite knock Shawn off the top spot. Meanwhile, Colin Taylor and Alex Phillips fought valiantly, but when Godzilla is in charge, sometimes all you can do is watch the destruction unfold.

Pinball Machines That Stole the Show

The tournament featured 13 pinball machines, each offering a unique challenge. Here’s a deep dive into five of the highlights:

Metallica Remastered (Premium) – Stern (2024)

Brand new and already a fan favorite, Metallica Remastered is a refined take on Stern’s original 2013 hit. This version amps up the audio-visual experience with enhanced lighting, improved callouts, and upgraded animations. Gameplay is as brutal as ever, with Fuel lane hurry-ups, Snake Multiball, and the explosive Seek & Destroy wizard mode keeping players on their toes.

No Fear: Dangerous Sports – Williams (1995)

A relic of the ’90s extreme sports era, No Fear is a fast-flowing Steve Ritchie design that practically begs you to shoot ramps at high speed. There’s no plodding around in this game—it’s built for combos and aggression. The talking skull on the playfield eggs you on, and the jump ramp sends balls soaring in a way that makes every shot feel rewarding.

The Mandalorian (Premium/LE) – Stern (2021)

With the success of The Mandalorian TV series, Stern brought the galaxy far, far away to the pinball world with this action-packed game featuring Grogu, bounty hunting, and intense multiball battles. One of the standout features is the Razor Crest ship, which players bash to start missions, and the dynamic playfield changes that immerse you in the world of Din Djarin.

Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure – Williams (1993)

This legendary widebody pin has stood the test of time, combining callouts from the films, unforgettable music, and thrilling modes like “Path of Adventure” and “Well of Souls.” The gun plunger, moving mini-playfield, and stacked multiball options make it one of the most immersive games ever created.

Whirlwind – Williams (1990)

If you like your pinball with a little meteorology, Whirlwind is the game for you. Designed by Pat Lawlor, this classic introduces a unique challenge—spinning disks on the playfield alter the ball’s trajectory unpredictably. And if that’s not enough, there’s an actual fan on top of the backbox that blows air at the player when the storm picks up. A truly atmospheric (pun intended) experience!

The Champions of the Night

After four rounds of intense competition, the final results were in:

🏆 1st Place: Shawn Barnett – With 183 IFPA events under his belt, Shawn’s strategic play paid off, earning him the top spot for the night.

🥈 2nd Place: Pamela Campbell – Ranked 212th in Arizona, Pamela played a consistent game across all four rounds to claim second place.

🥉 3rd Place: Colin Taylor – A solid performance on classic machines earned Colin a spot on the podium.

🎖 4th Place: Jeff Janoski – Representing Gilbert, Arizona, Jeff’s efforts landed him in the top four, adding another IFPA event to his growing resume.

Arizona’s IFPA Pinball Power Players

Here’s where Arizona’s best stand in the latest state rankings:

The Last Drain

The Level One-February 19th-Week 3 tournament proved once again that pinball is alive and thriving in Arizona. With a stellar lineup of machines and a group of skilled competitors, it was a night to remember.

A huge shout-out to tournament organizer Scott Goldsmith for running another smooth event and to Level 1 Arcade Bar for hosting an incredible night of pinball action. And of course—congratulations to Shawn Barnett, who walked away the night’s biggest winner!

Until next time, keep your flippers strong and your tilts under control!