Rocket Man Meets Ripley: Pinball Gallery’s Tournament Breakdown

Hey there, pinball people! It’s me, Bride of Pinbot, your ever-witty, slightly sarcastic, and perpetually entertained pinball blogger. I keep an eye on tournaments across the country, digging into the best moments, the most brutal tilts, and the weirdest bounces that leave everyone scratching their heads. This week, I’m taking you to Malvern, PA, where the Ball Busters Pinball League’s Winter 2025 Week 5 event brought some serious competition to the Pinball Gallery.

Let’s break it all down—one flipper at a time.

A Playground for Pinball Fanatics

Pinball Gallery is one of those places that feels like stepping into a time warp where every era of pinball coexists in glorious, blinking harmony. Tucked away in Malvern, PA, this place boasts an enormous collection of machines—seriously, you could spend hours here and still not play them all. The owners keep things friendly, welcoming, and perfectly chaotic, which is exactly what you want from an arcade packed with the sounds of bumpers, spinners, and people muttering, “No, no, no—NOT THE OUTLANE.” It can get loud, but hey, if you came here expecting peace and quiet, you might be lost.

Believe It or Not, This Was One Wild Match

Round 3 had the kind of game that makes you remember why competitive pinball is just so much fun. The battleground? Ripley’s Believe It or Not! by Stern, released in 2004. Designed by Pat Lawlor (the mastermind behind The Addams Family and Twilight Zone), this game sends players on a globe-trotting adventure filled with bizarre facts and oddities straight out of the Ripley’s archives.

Kim Smith took the top spot in this round, proving that even against a highly ranked competitor like Terri Morton, state rank 18th, a home-field advantage at Pinball Gallery can work wonders. Meanwhile, Tina Kirby and Lissa Hess battled it out for third and fourth, both unranked in the IFPA but absolutely holding their own. The game’s unique Temple of Doom-style pop bumpers and the always-tricky Side Show scoop made for an unpredictable match, with plenty of “Did that really just happen?” moments—fitting for a Ripley’s game.

A Lineup of Legends

This tournament had a whopping 70 machines in play, and while I’d love to write an essay on every single one (trust me, I would), here are a few highlights that stood out:

Grand Lizard (Williams, 1986) – A game that looks like it was ripped straight from the cover of a lost heavy metal album, Grand Lizard is known for its distinctive upper playfield, intense multiball, and that wild snake-like creature staring at you from the backglass. Players who mastered the upper flipper lanes had a serious advantage, but miss your shots and you’re at the mercy of a playfield that punishes hesitation.

Sinbad (Gottlieb, 1978) – A four-player classic from the golden age of electromechanical-to-solid-state transitions. Featuring five banks of drop targets and a scoring system that rewards risky shots, Sinbad forces players to decide—go for the big points or play it safe? With its vintage Gottlieb chimes and a playfield layout that’s deceptively simple but ruthlessly addictive, this game still holds up as a tournament favorite.

Batman 66 (Premium) (Stern, 2016) – A love letter to the campy ‘60s Batman series, this machine is packed with clips from the show, hilarious callouts from Adam West and Burt Ward, and an incredible ruleset that allows players to stack villain modes. The interactive Batphone scoop, Batcave lock, and dynamic crane toy make this game an absolute blast to play—just don’t let the Joker’s chaotic multiball get the best of you.

Metallica (Pro) (Stern, 2013) – This game doesn’t just play Metallica—it feels like a Metallica concert in pinball form. With a brutal layout that forces precision, a crank-it-up feature that boosts scoring potential, and an electric chair multiball that shocks players into high-stakes madness, this machine is a test of endurance and skill.

Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure (Williams, 1993) – One of the most beloved wide-body machines ever made, this game sends players on an epic journey through Raiders of the Lost Ark, Temple of Doom, and The Last Crusade. The Path of Adventure upper playfield, which tilts left and right under player control, remains one of the coolest pinball features ever created. Nail the jackpot shot through the center loop and feel like Indy himself.

The Addams Family (Bally, 1992) – The best-selling pinball machine of all time for a reason. From the Thing hand that grabs the ball to the famous “Hit Cousin It!” callouts, this game is all about combo shots and ramp mastery. Players who could control the chair multiball were the ones who made it deep into the tournament rounds.

The Final Round Was Rocket Man Approved

After five rounds of action, the tournament came down to a final showdown on Elton John by Jersey Jack Pinball. Much like the man himself, this game is bright, theatrical, and full of spectacle. The dazzling light shows, upper flipper loops, and rocking soundtrack make for a nonstop energy boost—perfect for a high-stakes final.

Stephanie Savy took first place with a well-earned victory, proving that experience (115 IFPA events and counting) and skill go hand-in-hand. Kim Smith, already a standout in Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, secured second, while Julia and Kathy Furlong rounded out the top four. For Julia, it was only her 13th IFPA event, making her a rising star to watch.

Pennsylvania’s Pinball Power Players

For those keeping track of the statewide competition, here’s how the Pennsylvania IFPA Top 10 stands:

Another Epic Night at the Gallery

That’s a wrap on another exciting week of the Ball Busters Pinball League! Huge thanks to Bill Disney for running a smooth and competitive event, and to the Pinball Gallery for keeping the flippers flipping and the outlanes hungry. And of course, congratulations to Stephanie Savy on taking home the win!

Looking forward to bringing you more tournament stories, nail-biting matches, and deep dives into the greatest pinball machines ever made. Until next time, may your shots be clean and your drains be merciful!