The Tyrant’s Eye Sees All: D&D Launch Party at Sparks 2.0

On March 7, 2025, the pinball community gathered at Sparks Pinball Museum & Arcade in Troy, Michigan, for the Stern D&D Launch Party at Sparks 2.0. Despite the light rain and a chilly 35°F evening, 33 dedicated players braved the elements to participate in this head-to-head showdown. Each contestant faced off in 10 games over approximately two and a half hours, culminating in a night filled with excitement and camaraderie.

Sparks Pinball Museum & Arcade: A Place to Flip and Learn

Nestled in Troy, Michigan, Sparks Pinball Museum & Arcade offers one of the best collections of pinball machines around. With over 100 machines on free play, there’s plenty of room to roam and battle silverballs without worrying about quarters. What sets Sparks apart? Informative cards next to each game let players dive into the history of these legendary machines while they play. It’s a great mix of education and entertainment—and yes, they even have a rare Joust pinball machine! The friendly atmosphere and classic arcade vibes make it a go-to for pinball lovers of all skill levels.

The Quest Begins: Dungeons & Dragons – The Tyrant’s Eye (Pro)

The star of the evening was Dungeons & Dragons: The Tyrant’s Eye (Pro) by Stern, released in January 2025. This machine plunges players into a realm of magic, monsters, and high-stakes battles. The playfield is packed with intricate ramps, fast orbits, and interactive elements that mirror a true D&D campaign. With a mode-based structure that allows players to choose their quests, every game plays out differently. The art? A masterpiece featuring fantasy landscapes and mythical creatures. The sound package? Fully immersive with custom voice work and an epic orchestral soundtrack. For many, it was their first taste of this machine, and it did not disappoint—expect to see this one in tournaments for years to come.

A Tour Through Pinball History: Spotlight on Tournament Machines

With 55 machines in play, there was no shortage of variety. Here’s a look at some of the classics that made an impact:

Fireball (Bally, 1972)

Designed by Ted Zale, Fireball is a whirlwind of innovation with its spinning disc, zipper flippers, and multiball features. The playfield chaos makes it a true test of skill—perfect for tournament play. Bally was one of the leading pinball manufacturers of the 1970s, known for pushing boundaries in playfield mechanics. Fireball’s fire-breathing Viking theme and its unique play elements made it a standout in an era dominated by electromechanical machines.

Taxi (Williams, 1988)

A Mark Ritchie design, Taxi challenges players to pick up quirky passengers like Dracula, Santa Claus, Marilyn, Pinbot, and Lola. Fast-paced with one of the most satisfying jackpot shots in pinball, it’s a true ‘80s classic. Williams Electronics, founded in the 1940s, became a dominant force in pinball during the 1980s and 1990s, pioneering solid-state technology and deep rule sets. Taxi remains a fan favorite, embodying the golden age of pinball with its catchy callouts and smooth ramps.

Rush (Pro) (Stern, 2022)

Rock and roll meets pinball! With deep rules and an incredible soundtrack, this John Borg design is a dream for Rush fans and a serious test for competitive players. The machine includes footage from live performances, making it an immersive experience. Stern Pinball, the last remaining major manufacturer of pinball machines, has perfected the formula of merging music and pinball, with other titles including Metallica, AC/DC, and Led Zeppelin.

Fish Tales (Williams, 1992)

If you love combo shots and quirky themes, Mark Ritchie’s fishing-themed masterpiece delivers. The boat ramp and rocking reel are as fun as ever. Williams was at the peak of its creativity in the early ‘90s, and Fish Tales exemplifies the era’s emphasis on humor, mechanical toys, and engaging shot flow.

Foo Fighters (Pro) (Stern, 2023)

Stern’s rock-themed hit is fast, fluid, and packed with unique flow. Jack Danger’s first full game design is already a favorite in competitive pinball. Foo Fighters was one of the most anticipated releases of 2023, combining the band’s energetic aesthetic with pinball storytelling—players battle against an alien invasion while jamming to their favorite tracks.

Gorgar (Williams, 1979)

The first talking pinball machine! With its eerie voice and challenging gameplay, Gorgar remains a landmark in pinball history. It featured a vocabulary of seven words, an impressive feat for the time. The demonic theme and pulsing heart sound effect created a suspenseful experience that stood out among the more lighthearted pins of the era.

Happy Clown (Gottlieb, 1964)

A throwback to the electromechanical days, Happy Clown proves that even older machines can hold their own in tournament play. Gottlieb, known as the “Cadillac of pinball,” ruled the 1960s with their simple yet elegant layouts and reliable mechanics.

Cactus Canyon (Bally, 1998)

Gunslinging fun with interactive cowboy shootouts—this machine is a blast. The original release was cut short, making it a sought-after title. Bally had merged with Williams by this point, and this game was one of the last traditional Bally-branded releases before pinball manufacturing ceased in 1999.

Twilight Zone (Bally, 1993)

Pat Lawlor went all-in on this design. Packed with deep rules, an insane number of shots, and that legendary Powerball, TZ remains a crown jewel of pinball. Featuring one of the most complex rule sets of the early ‘90s, it continues to challenge even the most seasoned players.

Celebrating the Champions

The competition was fierce, but these four players rose to the top:

1st Place: Jeff Catenacci (Roseville, MI)
With a state rank of 22nd and an IFPA rank of 1022, Jeff’s experience across 325 IFPA events paid off as he claimed the top spot.

2nd Place: Andy Raisanen
Ranked 37th in the state and 3168th in the IFPA, Andy’s solid gameplay secured him the runner-up position after 101 IFPA tournaments.

3rd Place: Terry Oles (Leonard, MI)
Terry’s state rank of 157th and IFPA rank of 4903 prove that experience isn’t everything—consistent, smart play earned them a podium finish.

4th Place: Matt Marlow (South Lyon, MI)
A relative newcomer with only 15 IFPA events, Matt’s 94th state rank and 13031st IFPA rank didn’t stop him from making a strong showing in the finals.

Michigan IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Flipping the Final Page

A big shoutout to Joe Wade for organizing such a well-run event and to Sparks Pinball Museum & Arcade for providing a stellar venue. Congratulations to Jeff Catenacci for his first-place finish and to all the players who battled it out on the silverball battlefield.

Look forward to more exciting pinball updates and stories! Until next time—keep flipping!