Head-to-Head and No Time to Spare at I/O Arcade’s March Pinball Clash

Hey, it’s Bride of Pinbot again—resident voice of reason, ramps, and ruthless ball drains. I’m here to bring you the real story behind Wisconsin’s latest pinball showdown. The flippers were fast, the competition was fierce, and yes, we saw some pins that deserve their own standing ovation.

Twenty Games, Thirty-One Players, Zero Downtime

The I/O Arcade Heads-Up March fired up on March 12, 2025, at 7 PM sharp. In just 2.5 hours, 31 players went head-to-head across 20 machines, each person playing eight games in a kind of free-roaming, self-regulating round robin. There was no software to keep you moving—just instincts, match slips, and the communal hustle of a room full of people trying not to get stuck on The Shadow. It was pinball chaos at its best, and tournament organizer Michael Williams kept it rolling without a hitch.

And yes, the weather held up. Broken clouds, a mild 51 degrees. Spring’s version of multiball: a little messy but totally manageable.

A Barcade That Knows How to Multiball and Mix a Drink

The tournament went down at I/O Arcade Bar in Madison, WI—a place that nails the balance between relaxed hangout and legit game room. The space sprawls across multiple rooms, giving each game bank enough breathing room to avoid shoulder bumping mid-flip (you know the struggle). You’ll find classics like Burger Time, Dig Dug, and even skee-ball tucked between well-maintained pins from the ’70s all the way up to today.

But let’s not skip the hospitality. If you didn’t get a drink from Molly, did you even go to I/O? Bartender MVP, with drink suggestions that go down smoother than a Gottlieb spinner rip.

Who You Gonna Call? A Guide to Surviving Ghostbusters (Pro)

Ghostbusters (Pro) by Stern was released in January 2016, and it’s a polarizing gem in the pinball world. Designed by John Trudeau—yes, the Trudeau behind The Machine: Bride of Pinbot, Creature from the Black Lagoon, and other icons—it marked one of his final designs before leaving Stern. It’s also one of the last Stern pins with a hand-drawn art package, thanks to the one and only Jeremy Packer (aka Zombie Yeti), who has since become Stern’s go-to for distinctive comic-style graphics.

Gameplay-wise, Ghostbusters doesn’t play nice. The layout is wide-open and fast, with shots that are tight and dangerous, especially that center ramp (a real drain magnet). It includes a few unique features like the negative flipper reversal (where left becomes right for a few chaotic seconds) and a two-ball captive area with physical animations of Slimer and the Scoleri Brothers. When modes stack, things get wild in a hurry, and with a bit of luck you’ll trigger We Came, We Saw, We Kicked Its… well, you know.

If you’ve never been personally victimized by the Scoleri Brothers, you’re probably due. They pop up mid-playfield at the worst possible times, usually when you’re juggling two balls and hoping one doesn’t ricochet off their smug little faces straight down the middle. Add in a few tight ramps, some ghost-snagging chaos, and a center drain that’s always hungry, and you’ve got yourself a machine that doesn’t hand out high scores for free. Still, if you can keep control and time your shots, it’s a blast. The left scoop builds your gear, which eventually leads to multiball. Stack that with a running mode—maybe “Spooked Librarian” or “We Got One”—and suddenly you’re swimming in ghosts and jackpots. Just… trap up often. Don’t play this one fast and loose unless you enjoy yelling at the outlanes. And if you ever get to Stay Puft? Congrats, you’re braver than me. That wizard mode is no joke.

Pins That Turned Heads (and Took Quarters)

Let’s spotlight five standout machines from the night that brought their own flavor—and a little history—into the mix.

Pulp Fiction (SE) – Released by Chicago Gaming in 2023, this was the company’s first original-themed pin after several remakes. Designed by Mark Ritchie (Taxi, Fish Tales), it mimics the simple, brutal layouts of the 1980s, down to the alphanumeric display and physical drop targets. No LCD, no training wheels—just pure, unforgiving, high-speed pinball. The build quality is exceptional, with a custom Bally-style cabinet and a stunning retro art package that screams grindhouse.

The Shadow – Ah yes, Bally’s 1994 dark horse. This is a game that punishes the unprepared and rewards repeat players. Designed by Brian Eddy, who would later go on to create Attack from Mars and Medieval Madness, The Shadow features a surprisingly deep ruleset and unique toys, like the player-controlled magnetic diverters and the “Battlefield” upper playfield (basically a sideways breakout game with a flipper). It may have bombed at launch due to the forgettable Alec Baldwin movie, but pinheads know: this one’s a keeper.

Godzilla (Premium) – Stern’s 2021 juggernaut, designed by Keith Elwin, is already considered a modern great. Elwin is known for his deep understanding of geometry and shot flow, and Godzilla is his magnum opus. The game features a city-destroying playfield with collapsible buildings, a moving bridge ramp, and a heat ray multiball that makes you feel like you’re melting rubber. Lyman Sheats would be proud—this game’s got soul, challenge, and style all in one.

Elton John (CE) – Jersey Jack’s glitzy 2023 release is a tribute to a career that needs no introduction. Designed by Steve Ritchie (his first at JJP after decades at Williams and Stern), it features a dazzling mix of sound, light, and motion. The Elton John piano centerpiece is an actual mechanical toy that interacts with gameplay, and the game’s lighting system rivals most small stage shows. If you ever wanted your bonus countdown to feel like a concert encore, this is it.

Jim Henson’s Labyrinth – Barrels of Fun, a new player on the scene, absolutely stunned the pinball world with their 2023 debut. Labyrinth is a hand-crafted homage to the 1986 fantasy film, loaded with intricate wireforms, custom sculpts, and story-driven mode progression. The game puts you inside the world of the movie in a way few pins can manage. For a first release? This is sorcery-level craftsmanship. Remember the name—Barrels of Fun is just getting started.

Hats Off to the Heroes

Keith Waz took first place with confidence and consistency, showing why his years of experience (122 IFPA events!) translate into tournament dominance. Ranked 33rd in the state and sitting just outside the top 200 globally, Keith is one of those players who sees three moves ahead—on any machine.

Dori Zielinski from Milwaukee snagged second place, proving once again that high-volume tournament reps pay off. With over 325 events under her belt, Dori’s performance was as sharp as ever—steady hands, smart play, and a coolness under pressure that would make Slimer jealous.

Third and fourth went to the Spindler brothers, Gareth and Ryan. Gareth’s podium finish was impressive given his lower state ranking, while Ryan—a consistent top 30 presence in Wisconsin—showed why he’s a perennial contender. Always nice to see family flipping side-by-side.

Wisconsin’s IFPA Top 10: March 2025 Edition

Wrapping It All Up Like a Bonus Multiball

The I/O Arcade Heads-Up March was a whirlwind of fast flips, smart shots, and a killer lineup of machines spanning nearly five decades of pinball history. Huge thanks to Michael Williams for keeping things smooth and to the crew at I/O Arcade Bar—and yes, that includes Molly—for making everyone feel welcome, hydrated, and slightly over-caffeinated.

And can we just give one more round of applause to Ghostbusters (Pro)? From hand-drawn art to ghost-catching chaos, it held its own as the most-played pin of the night. If you haven’t tried it lately, give it another shot. Just don’t blame me when the ball sneaks past the flippers.

Until next time—keep flipping, keep learning, and keep chasing that next jackpot. Stay connected for more pinball excitement and tournament highlights!