Pinball Warriors Battle the Elements at Next Level

The drizzle might have dampened the streets, but it didn’t put a damper on the competition at Next Level Pinball Museum. Twenty-five players braved the light rain and chilly 40-degree air to battle it out in three rounds of Matchplay. Over the course of nearly three hours, flippers flew, jackpots were claimed, and a single victor emerged from the chaos.

More Than Just a Pinball Arcade

Next Level Pinball Museum in Hillsboro, Oregon, is exactly what it claims to be—next level. With a collection so vast it borders on overwhelming, players not only get unlimited access to a jaw-dropping selection of 228 pinball machines but also an immersive pop culture experience. Vintage lunch boxes, action figures, comic books, and all manner of nostalgic treasures line the walls. It’s easy to get lost in the sensory overload, but competitors had their eyes locked on the games as they battled through the rounds.

When a Pinball Game Becomes an Endurance Test

Round 2 saw a marathon of a match on Avatar: The Battle for Pandora (CE) by Jersey Jack Pinball, which stretched on for an exhausting 66 minutes. Designed with immersive visuals and deep gameplay mechanics, this machine allows players to interact with key moments from James Cameron’s blockbuster franchise. With an array of multi-ball modes, a deep ruleset, and a feature-packed playfield, the game can feel more like an expedition than a match. Derek Jennings, ranked 15th in the state, outlasted the competition with impressive control and strategy, taking first place. Billy Brown III, despite his lower state ranking at 30th, put up a strong fight to secure second place. Bill Volckening and Jeff Ferris followed behind, no doubt leaving the game wondering where the time went. It was less of a pinball match and more of a battle of attrition.

A Few Standout Machines from the Lineup

With over 200 pinball machines in play, it’s hard to pick highlights, but here are a few standouts:

• Night Rider (Bally, 1976) – Designed by Greg Kmiec, this early solid-state game was available in both an electromechanical and solid-state version. With classic chime sounds and a straightforward ruleset, it’s a nostalgic favorite among classic pinball fans.
• Black Knight: Sword of Rage (Premium) (Stern, 2019) – A Steve Ritchie masterpiece, this game continues the legacy of the Black Knight series, first introduced in 1980. Known for its signature Magna-Save feature and brutal upper playfield, it challenges even the most seasoned players.
• Batman 66 (Premium) (Stern, 2016) – Designed by George Gomez, this game is packed with fun callouts and clips from the classic TV series. The game features dynamic modes centered around Gotham’s greatest villains, making it a fan-favorite for both Batman lovers and pinball players alike.
• Seawitch (Stern Electronics, 1980) – Designed by Joe Joos Jr., this machine is known for its challenging playfield layout, featuring four flippers and loop-heavy shots. It later served as the design inspiration for Foo Fighters Pinball by Stern.
• Hot Hand (Stern Electronics, 1979) – An underrated gem, this game features a unique spinning card hand in the center of the playfield. Players must complete poker hands with skillful shots to rack up big scores.
• Time Machine (Data East, 1988) – This machine combines a sci-fi theme with a time travel gimmick, featuring a lower playfield with chimes reminiscent of older electromechanical machines as players “travel” back in time.
• Dialed In! (Jersey Jack Pinball, 2017) – Designed by the legendary Pat Lawlor, this game blends pinball with smartphone-style technology, introducing a dynamic gameplay experience with a city-wide disaster theme.
• Big Guns (Williams, 1987) – With a medieval sci-fi hybrid theme, this game features oversized cannons that launch the ball across the playfield, making it one of the most unique designs of the late ’80s.
• Galactic Tank Force (LE) (American Pinball, 2023) – A more recent release, this game takes players on a retro-futuristic space adventure, combining vibrant artwork with interactive video modes.

The Champions Who Braved the Storm (and the Competition)

Twenty-five players entered, but only a handful made it to the top. Evan Amano demonstrated why he is one of Oregon’s top-ranked players, playing with precision and control throughout the tournament to seize first place. David Krueger, despite having played in over 230 IFPA events, proved that persistence pays off, as he fought his way into second place with consistent high scores. Joe Patridge, ranked outside the state’s top 40, defied expectations with a strong showing, claiming third place and proving that rankings aren’t always predictive of performance. Derek Jennings, fresh off his marathon victory on Avatar: The Battle for Pandora (CE), carried his momentum into the later rounds to secure fourth place, rounding out the top four finishers.

Oregon’s Current IFPA Top 10 Standings

Wrapping Up the Night

Despite the chilly drizzle outside, the competition at Next Level Pinball Museum was hot. A massive shoutout to Next Level Pinball and their team for hosting yet another incredible event. And let’s not forget the players who braved the elements and the endurance test that was Avatar: The Battle for Pandora (CE). Whether you walked away with a trophy or just a sore wrist from too much flipper action, every competitor made this event a great one.

Stay tuned for more tournament recaps and pinball coverage. Until next time—keep those flippers warm and your tilts in check!