Flippers, Strikes, and a Day-Long Game? Recapping SCPL NASA Tuesday

The skies were gray, but the action inside The Game Preserve NASA was anything but dull. On February 11, 14 competitors gathered for a grueling group knockout tournament hosted by Space City Pinball. With a format that rewarded high placement and punished lower ranks with strikes, every round was a battle to survive. The software claims this event lasted 24 hours—perhaps an unintended homage to the dedication of competitive pinballers, but more likely just an admin oversight. Regardless, the night (or “day,” if you believe the MatchPlay records) delivered drama, upsets, and a whole lot of flipping.

Where Pinball and Nostalgia Collide

Located in Webster, TX, The Game Preserve NASA is a treasure trove of arcade and pinball goodness. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, hosting a birthday party, or just indulging your inner child, this spot delivers on all fronts. Guests consistently rave about the variety of games and the laid-back atmosphere, making it a prime destination for casual players and hardcore competitors alike. The venue’s all-day gaming option means you can settle in for an extended session without the pressure of hourly limits—a dream scenario for any pinball enthusiast.

The Marathon Match That Never Was

Round 11 saw an “epic” showdown on Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy, Bally’s 1975 tribute to Elton John. The game supposedly lasted 1,230 minutes (that’s over 20 hours), which is almost certainly a software glitch unless these players discovered some kind of time-dilating flipper technique.

For those unfamiliar with Captain Fantastic, it’s a wide-body game designed by Greg Kmiec, featuring a striking backglass of Elton John in full rockstar mode, a design that actually got Bally into some legal trouble for its unauthorized use of the singer’s likeness. The game itself is a brutal but rewarding single-ball experience, with a classic symmetrical layout that makes every missed shot feel like an unforgivable mistake.

Despite the software’s claim of a day-long game, the actual results had James Fremont taking the win, with Spence Gaskin following close behind. Maybe next time they’ll break the “two-day game” barrier.

Exploring Some of the Tournament’s Most Iconic Machines

With 31 pinball machines in rotation, competitors had plenty of variety, from electro-mechanical classics to modern Stern heavy-hitters. Let’s take a closer look at a few standout games from the lineup:

Blackout (Williams, 1980) – Designed by Claude Fernandez, Blackout was one of the first games to use synchronized light and sound effects to create an immersive moment for the player. The objective is simple: complete three different sequences to trigger a full playfield “blackout.” While modern games use elaborate animations and displays, Blackout proved that a clever ruleset and well-timed effects could make a lasting impact in pinball history.

Space Odyssey (Williams, 1976) – Designed by Steve Kordek, this electro-mechanical classic brings a true retro sci-fi feel to the table. The symmetrical layout focuses on hitting drop targets to rack up bonus multipliers, with classic chime sounds that feel straight out of the golden age of pinball. A great pick for a tournament since skilled players can maximize points without feeling at the mercy of random drains.

White Water (Williams, 1993) – Dennis Nordman’s White Water is one of the most recognizable pinball machines from the 1990s, featuring a unique non-standard playfield layout with ramps that create a true “rollercoaster” effect. The game’s big draw is the Vacation Jackpot, a rare and difficult-to-achieve objective that only the best players can reach. Given its fast gameplay and precise shot-making, it’s no surprise that White Water has remained a tournament staple.

Beat Time (Williams, 1967) – If this machine looks suspiciously familiar to Beatles fans, that’s because it was an unlicensed knockoff of the Fab Four. Instead of The Beatles, the game features “The Bootles,” a legally safe stand-in band. This electro-mechanical game offers classic bumper action and straightforward scoring, making it a throwback to the simpler days of pinball.

Torch (Gottlieb, 1980) – A lesser-known solid-state game, Torch was themed around the 1980 Moscow Olympics—a bit ironic since the U.S. ended up boycotting that event. It features a classic bonus-multiplier system and a wide array of drop targets, rewarding controlled shots rather than wild flailing.

Deadpool (Pro) (Stern, 2018) – A modern masterpiece from George Gomez, Deadpool brings humor, fourth-wall-breaking animations, and fast, kinetic gameplay. With unique battle modes that let players “fight” different enemies in a comic-book-style progression, it’s one of the most personality-packed games in Stern’s lineup.

Rising Above the Overcast Skies

Spence Gaskin claimed first place, proving that rankings don’t always dictate results. Coming in at 110th in Texas, Spence bested higher-ranked competitors with a strong performance throughout the night. James Fremont, the 66th-ranked player in the state, took second, while Marc Gammons, a seasoned competitor with over 300 IFPA events under his belt, secured third. Andy Marshall rounded out the top four, pulling off an impressive run despite being ranked 255th in Texas.

Texas IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Wrapping Up Another Battle at The Game Preserve

Despite the cloudy skies outside, the competition inside was anything but dreary. Spence Gaskin’s victory shows that rankings aren’t everything—sometimes, a strong performance in the moment is all that matters. With machines spanning multiple eras of pinball history, The Game Preserve NASA provided the perfect battleground for a night of unforgettable competition. Whether it was battling the brutal shots of Blackout, racing down the ramps of White Water, or laughing along with Deadpool, every player had a chance to experience a slice of pinball history.

Stay tuned for more tournament recaps and pinball news—because if there’s one thing the flipper community knows, it’s that the action never stops.