From Flash Gordon to Eight Ball Deluxe: Pinball Action at Starfighters

On March 8, 2025, the Starfighters Monthly tournament brought together 55 pinball enthusiasts for a Group Knockout showdown at the beloved Starfighters Arcade in Mesa, Arizona. Under clear skies and a comfortable 61°F, players battled through 13 intense rounds, each aiming to avoid the dreaded three strikes that would end their run.

Starfighters Arcade: A Retro Gamer’s Paradise

Found at 4840 E Jasmine St #102, Starfighters Arcade is a treasure trove for both pinball wizards and retro gaming aficionados. Visitors often find themselves immersed in nostalgia, surrounded by meticulously maintained machines and vintage decor that transport them back to the golden age of arcades. The arcade’s dedication to keeping games in top-notch condition ensures that every flip, tilt, and multiball moment is as exhilarating as it was decades ago. Whether you’re reliving childhood favorites or discovering classics for the first time, Starfighters offers an experience that’s both authentic and unforgettable.

Heavy Metal Showdown: Round 3’s Unexpected Twist

Round 3 of the tournament featured a memorable match on Stern’s Heavy Metal, released in June 2020. This game, inspired by the iconic science fiction and fantasy magazine, challenges players with its “Orb of Power” mode, where precision and strategy are paramount. As one of Stern’s more niche releases, Heavy Metal delivers fast, punishing gameplay paired with intense visuals that appeal to fans of classic fantasy themes. In a surprising turn, Alex Cardwell delivered an outstanding performance, outmaneuvering some of his higher-ranked opponents with a clutch multiball sequence that secured him the top spot. John Finnegan, a seasoned competitor from Tucson, fought hard for second, using his deep tournament experience to stay in the mix. Meanwhile, Kevin Burns AZ and Dave Halley, both solid competitors, couldn’t quite keep pace with the blistering gameplay, proving that in pinball, rankings only tell part of the story.

Spotlight on Iconic Machines

The tournament featured an impressive lineup of 87 pinball machines. Here are five standout titles that had players buzzing:

Fathom (Mermaid Edition) by Haggis Pinball (May 2022)

A modern revival of the 1981 classic, Fathom Mermaid Edition enchants players with its mesmerizing underwater theme. The original Fathom was considered one of the most beautiful and challenging games of its time, featuring deep rule sets and a two-ball multiball—rare for early ’80s machines. The Mermaid Edition enhances these elements while preserving the brutal yet rewarding gameplay that has kept players coming back for decades.

Doctor Who by Bally (January 1992)

Travel through time and space with this machine that captures the essence of the beloved British TV series. Released during the early ’90s pinball resurgence, this machine stood out for its unique mini-playfield, which raised and lowered depending on which Doctor was selected. The game’s challenge, coupled with the deep strategy involved in choosing the right Doctor for each mode, makes it one of Bally’s more enduring designs from the DMD era.

Flash Gordon by Bally (May 1980)

This machine’s challenging design, inspired by the cult sci-fi hero, demands precision and skill. Arriving at the dawn of the solid-state pinball era, Flash Gordon was one of the earliest games to implement split-level playfields, a feature that would become more common in later Bally and Williams machines. With no inlanes and a brutal outlane setup, Flash Gordon remains one of the hardest games from the early ’80s, rewarding only the most disciplined players.

Batman 66 (Premium) by Stern (January 2016)

Holy flippers, Batman! Relive the campy charm of the 1966 TV series with this feature-rich machine. Designed by legendary pinball creator George Gomez, Batman 66 was one of Stern’s first machines to use their LCD display system, replacing the traditional dot matrix display. Featuring callouts from Adam West and Burt Ward, as well as numerous multiball modes, this game brings nostalgia and modern pinball innovation together seamlessly.

Monster Bash by Williams (July 1998)

Join Dracula, Frankenstein, and other classic monsters as they form the ultimate rock band. Released during Williams’ final golden years of pinball production, Monster Bash is considered one of the best late-’90s Bally/Williams games thanks to its balanced scoring, incredible sound package, and humorous animations. With easy-to-understand objectives and rewarding wizard modes, it’s a go-to game for both beginners and competitive players alike.

Celebrating the Champions

After nearly five hours of fierce competition, the final game on Bally’s Eight Ball Deluxe determined the tournament’s top players. Released in 1981, Eight Ball Deluxe is an iconic solid-state pinball machine that built on the success of its predecessor, Eight Ball, while adding more advanced gameplay features. Known for its skill-based shot-making, drop target banks, and the ever-popular “Deluxe” callouts, this machine rewards precise nudging and accurate flipper control—perfect for a high-stakes final match.

Greg Mohs proved once again that he’s a force to be reckoned with in the Arizona pinball scene, using Eight Ball Deluxe’s challenging rule set to his advantage. With sharp accuracy and a knack for controlling the ball in the upper playfield, he secured victory with a strong combination of bonus multipliers and well-aimed bank shots. Mark Lindbergh, representing Chandler, AZ, played a solid game, carefully working through the drop targets but falling just short of catching Greg’s lead in the final moments. Jeffrey Goad adapted well to the classic machine’s fast, unforgiving play, showing great flipper skills to earn his third-place finish. Meanwhile, tournament organizer Kevin Curtis managed to juggle event duties and competitive play, making it to the final four while executing some impressive billiard-style shots on the playfield.

Arizona’s IFPA Top 10 Standings

The current top 10 players in Arizona’s IFPA rankings are:

Wrapping Up the Action

The Starfighters Monthly tournament not only highlighted the depth of talent in Arizona’s pinball community but also underscored the timeless appeal of the game. Congratulations to all participants, especially our champion, Greg Mohs, for their stellar performances. A special shoutout to Starfighters Arcade for hosting yet another memorable event in their nostalgic venue. For those eager to dive into the world of pinball or relive the classics, this arcade remains a beacon of retro gaming excellence.

Stay tuned for more pinball news and upcoming events!