On a balmy evening in Tempe, Arizona, with broken clouds and the mercury nudging 93°F, pinball enthusiasts flocked to the Electric Bat Arcade, an unsuspecting gem amidst the city’s hustle and bustle. It was time for the Electric Bat Season 8 – Series 2 #6 pinball tournament, a monumental clash of flippers, balls, and lights.
Dive Into the Arcade Vibe!
For many, Electric Bat Arcade might seem a tad bit confusing at first. It doesn’t scream ‘arcade’ from the entrance, and yet when you dive in, it’s a veritable oasis of nostalgia and excitement. With amazing bartenders, delectable food and drink, and a pinball collection to die for (literally every game in working condition!), the venue is a haven for aficionados and newbies alike. Those Japanese rhythm games though? A hilarious challenge after a few drinks!
From Meteor to Godzilla – Pinball Machines that Steal the Show
With a staggering 57 pinball machines, selecting a few favorites is a Herculean task. Yet, some stand out due to their legacy and charm:
- Demolition Man: Taking us back to 1994, it’s Williams at its best.
- Terminator 2: Judgment Day: A plunge into 1991 with action-packed sequences.
- Diner: A 1990 classic that makes you yearn for simpler times.
- Godzilla (Premium): The youngest of the lot from 2021, it’s monstrous fun!
- Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast: With its 2018 release, it’s as legendary as the band itself.
The Godzilla Showdown
Speaking of Godzilla, the Round 4 face-off on this machine was nothing short of epic. Up-and-comer Cody Winant defied expectations by beating seasoned player Adam Horton, leaving the crowd in awe. Krisha Shufran and Cale Bess Hernandez gave commendable performances, but it was Cody who roared that round!
Pinball Wizards of the Tournament
At the end of the electrifying showdown, Mark Lindbergh clinched the top spot with Mark Pearson not far behind. Roland Nadeau and Greg Drewes rounded off the top four with their stunning gameplay.
The Best in Arizona
Arizona’s love for pinball isn’t new. Check out the IFPA Arizona Pinball Top 10 Standings:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roland Nadeau | 605.88 | |
| 2 | John Shopple | Mesa | 546.74 |
| 3 | Mark Pearson | Phoenix | 535.9 |
| 4 | John Magyar | Gilbert | 337.66 |
| 5 | Paul Blanco | Chandler | 304.33 |
| 6 | Jason Barre | Mesa | 300.35 |
| 7 | kevan carter | Tempe | 295.89 |
| 8 | Joey Rio | Surprise | 282 |
| 9 | Adam Horton | Phoenix | 276.99 |
| 10 | Andrew Roesch | 255.2 |
Pinball, for many, isn’t just a game. It’s a passion, an obsession, a dance of fingers and flippers. The Electric Bat Season 8 was not just a tournament, but a celebration of this love. Stay tuned, pinball wizards, for there’s much more to come from the luminous realm of pinball!