Max Match Play Madness: March Pinball Gallery Tournament

On March 11, 2025, the Pinball Gallery in Malvern, PA, buzzed with excitement as 32 players gathered for the monthly Max Match Play tournament. Under clear skies and a comfortable 63°F, participants engaged in ten head-to-head games over a span of approximately two and a half hours.

The Ultimate Pinball Destination

Located at 81 Lancaster Ave #20, Malvern, PA 19355, the Pinball Gallery is a must-visit for pinball enthusiasts. This arcade boasts an impressive collection that spans from classic machines of the 1970s to the latest releases. The relaxed atmosphere and friendly community make it an ideal spot for both seasoned players and newcomers eager to learn the ropes. Whether you’re aiming for a high score or just soaking in the nostalgic vibes, the Pinball Gallery offers an unparalleled experience. With 75 machines to explore, there’s something for everyone, from electromechanical classics to modern, fast-paced pinball epics.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Your Way to High Scores

If you love your pinball loud, fast, and filled with face-melting guitar solos, then Aerosmith (Premium) is your kind of game. Released by Stern in April 2017, this machine was designed by John Borg, who’s no stranger to music-themed pins (he also brought us Metallica and Kiss). The goal? Rack up points while blasting through some of Aerosmith’s biggest hits. And trust me, with this machine’s killer animations, vibrant artwork, and a sound package that will have you bobbing your head while flipping, it’s one of Stern’s most engaging modern music pins.

Now, if you’re stepping up to this rock-and-roll thrill ride and want to put up a score that’ll make the crowd go wild, here’s what you need to know:

• The Toy Box Multiball is where it’s at. This game’s most iconic feature is the giant mechanical toy box. It’s not just for show—hit it enough times, and it starts swallowing balls for multiball mayhem. Once you’ve locked enough, the box SLAMS open and spits them all back at you, triggering chaos on the playfield. If you’re going for big points, this is where the magic happens.

• Ramp up your scoring with Elevator Multiball. The left ramp leads to the elevator—keep shooting it to lock balls, and soon enough, you’ll be in another high-scoring multiball mode. The combination of Toy Box and Elevator multiball will have your score climbing faster than a Steven Tyler scream.

• Love in an Elevator Mode is more than just a great song. Completing the elevator shots lets you cycle through song modes, each with different scoring advantages. Choosing the right mode for the situation can make a huge difference—experiment to find what works best for your playstyle.

• Jacky’s Jackpot is where the big money is. The Jacky target (named after the band’s mischievous mascot) lets you light up jackpots across the playfield. Keep an eye on it—it could be the difference between a solid game and a legendary one.

So, next time you step up to Aerosmith, channel your inner rock star, crank up the volume, and flip like you’re on a world tour. The high scores are out there, waiting to be claimed. Just don’t tilt out while headbanging to the music.

A Stroll Through Pinball History

The tournament showcased an eclectic mix of pinball machines, representing multiple eras and manufacturers. Let’s take a closer look at a few of the most intriguing ones:

The Shadow by Bally (November 1994)

This hidden gem was designed by Brian Eddy, who would later go on to create some of the greatest pinball machines of all time, including Medieval Madness and Attack from Mars. The Shadow is based on the 1994 movie starring Alec Baldwin, which itself was inspired by the classic pulp radio character from the 1930s. The game’s unique features include player-controlled upper playfield diverters, a magnetic ball lock, and fast-paced ramps that keep players engaged. Despite the movie’s lackluster reception, the pinball machine remains a fan favorite due to its deep ruleset and smooth flow.

Jurassic Park (Premium) by Stern (October 2019)

Keith Elwin’s first-ever design for Stern Pinball, this game quickly became one of the most acclaimed modern machines. Jurassic Park (Premium) features the unforgettable T-Rex head, which physically eats and throws the ball—a callback to Williams’ iconic Data East Jurassic Park from 1993. The game also features a unique Raptor Pen that traps and releases balls, creating dynamic gameplay moments. Stern’s 2019 take on Jurassic Park strips away direct movie references but immerses players in a thrilling rescue mission filled with chaos and unpredictable ball paths.

Taxi by Williams (January 1988)

Taxi, designed by Mark Ritchie, is one of the best examples of 1980s pinball. Players take on the role of a taxi driver, picking up five famous passengers—Pin*Bot, Dracula, Santa Claus, Marilyn (later changed to Lola due to licensing issues), and Gorbie (a cheeky reference to Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev). The jackpot system, where collecting all five characters lights the Taxi Jackpot, is one of the most satisfying objectives in all of pinball. The game is also known for its catchy sound effects and fast-paced play, making it a staple in competitive events.

JAWS (Premium) by Stern (January 2024)

One of Stern’s latest hits, JAWS brings the terror of the 1975 classic film to pinball. The game features a stunning mechanical shark, dynamic wave effects, and an adrenaline-pumping ruleset that mimics the suspense of the movie. Players navigate through shark attacks, boat escapes, and beach rescues, with dramatic moments punctuated by John Williams’ legendary score. Designed by Keith Elwin, JAWS continues his streak of designing modern classics.

Jim Henson’s Labyrinth by Barrels of Fun (October 2023)

Barrels of Fun made a big splash in the pinball world with their debut machine, Labyrinth. This beautifully crafted pin pays homage to the 1986 fantasy film starring David Bowie as Jareth, the Goblin King. The hand-drawn artwork, intricate maze-like playfield, and numerous hidden secrets make it a love letter to fans of the movie. The game also includes a goblin battle multiball and skill-based challenges that bring the world of Labyrinth to life in an entirely new way.

Celebrating the Champions

A hearty congratulations to the top performers of the tournament:

• 1st Place: Matt Strzelecki – Hailing from Seattle, Matt holds the 3rd spot in the Pennsylvania state rankings and is positioned at 350th in the IFPA global rankings, with participation in 152 events.

• 2nd Place: Nick Hislop – With a state rank of 188th and an IFPA rank of 4,458, Nick has showcased his dedication across 120 events.

• 3rd Place: Tony Makowski – Representing Lansdale, Tony stands 4th in the state rankings and 1,135th globally, with 230 events under his belt.

• 4th Place: Brandon Service – Holding the 39th position in Pennsylvania and 2,233rd in the IFPA rankings, Brandon has competed in 230 events.

Your passion and prowess continue to elevate the pinball community!

Pennsylvania’s Pinball Powerhouses

Wrapping Up a Flippin’ Good Time

The March 11th tournament at Pinball Gallery was a testament to the thriving pinball community. Kudos to organizer Bill Disney for orchestrating such a seamless event and to the Pinball Gallery for providing an exceptional venue. As the sun set over Malvern, players departed with memories of fierce competition and camaraderie. Stay tuned for more pinball adventures and updates!