On January 13, 2024, the Starfighters Kids Monthly pinball tournament unfolded at Starfighters Arcade in Mesa, Arizona. This event, organized by Kevin Curtis, brought together 24 up and coming players for a spirited competition that lasted just over an hour. It was a perfect blend of skill, strategy, and community spirit.
Star Trek Pro: Galactic Battles in Round 2
Round 2 of the tournament was a galactic adventure on Stern’s Star Trek (Pro) machine, released in October 2013. This round turned into an epic space battle where Jason, Kenny, Graham, and Miles navigated the cosmos as Captain Kirk. The Star Trek machine was an immersive journey with high-definition artwork, cosmic LED lighting, and adrenaline-filled battles against the U.S.S. Vengeance. Jason led the pack in this round, followed closely by Kenny, with Graham and Miles trailing behind.
Tournament Champions: Celebrating Skill and Precision
The tournament concluded with Zac clinching the top spot, showcasing exceptional skill and precision. Kenny, consistent and sharp, secured second place, while Blake took third with tactical gameplay. Jason, despite a strong showing in the Star Trek round, finished fourth overall.
The Machines That Made History
The tournament featured a lineup of 11 pinball machines, each offering a unique gaming experience. Highlights included:
- Godzilla by Sega (1998): A monster-themed adventure that brought thrilling challenges.
- Creature from the Black Lagoon by Bally (1992): This machine offered a dive into a classic horror theme.
- The Addams Family by Bally (1992): A family favorite that combined humor and skill.
- Jurassic Park (Premium) by Stern (2019): A prehistoric journey that was as wild as it was entertaining.
- Foo Fighters (Premium) by Stern (2023): The latest addition to the lineup, combining modern technology with engaging gameplay.
- Batman 66 (Premium) by Stern (2016): A superhero-themed machine that brought comic book excitement to life.
- Avengers: Infinity Quest (Premium) by Stern (2020): Offering a Marvel-ous escapade filled with challenges and excitement.
- Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure by Williams (1993): This game took players on an adventurous quest, reminiscent of the beloved movie series.
Starfighters Arcade: A Portal to Pinball Nostalgia
Starfighters Arcade, the venue for this event, is more than just a gaming space. It’s a vibrant celebration of arcade culture, filled with a rich variety of pinball and cabinet video games, retro art, and even modern favorites like Guitar Hero and DDR. This genuine arcade atmosphere, combined with the staff’s passion for gaming culture, made the tournament an unforgettable experience.
As we continue to explore the exciting world of pinball, we invite you to stay tuned for more updates. Whether it’s a dramatic showdown of top talent or a place to introduce your kids to a fun game, the pinball universe is always brimming with thrilling stories. Keep flipping those flippers, and we’ll see you at the next tournament!