From Skill Shots to Super Jackpots: The Overwatch Homebrew Launch Party

How’s it going, pinball crew? We had an awesome time at the Overwatch Homebrew Launch Party Tournament. This event, held on July 20, 2024, brought together 30 players for some head-to-head pinball action. Each player got to play 10 games, with the top 8 moving on to the finals. The whole thing wrapped up in about 2 hours and 30 minutes, and let me tell you, it was a blast!

The Ultimate Pinball Hangout

The Pinball Gallery in Malvern, PA, was the perfect spot for this tournament. Located at 81 Lancaster Ave #20, this place is like a pinball paradise with its huge selection of tables. Whether you’re a seasoned pinball pro or just looking to relive some arcade nostalgia, the Pinball Gallery has something for everyone. With reasonable prices and a mix of old and new machines, it’s no wonder this place is a favorite among pinball enthusiasts. If you haven’t been there yet, put it on your list!

Mastering Creature from the Black Lagoon

Let’s talk about one of the coolest pinball machines ever: Bally’s Creature from the Black Lagoon, released back in December 1992. This game isn’t just about hitting flippers and hoping for the best; there’s some real strategy involved. A fellow pinball enthusiast shared some great tips with me, and I wanted to pass them along to help you boost your game.

First off, when you’re getting ready to plunge, you’ll notice the KISS letters strobing. It’s like the game is daring you to get that skill shot right off the bat. The number of letters lit when the ball passes will determine your skill shot reward, so timing is everything here.

Now, once you get into Multiball, things really heat up. One of the best moves is to cradle one ball on your left flipper and aim for the left ramp. This will boost your playfield scoring to a whopping 4x. After you snag the first Jackpot, shoot towards the pop bumpers to light up the SUPER Jackpot. Trust me, this can make a huge difference in your score. Another neat trick involves spelling out F-I-L-M to light up the orbits and lock balls. During Multiball, hitting those orbits and the snackbar will help you locate the girl, then it’s Jackpot city with regular and double Jackpots up for grabs at the snackbar.

Here’s a little secret: if you start Multiball while another mode is running, it resets the mode timer when you drain out of Multiball. This can be super lucrative, especially during Unlimited Millions. And if you’re looking for some quick points outside of Multiball, don’t forget the “Move Your Car” mode. Just keep shooting that center shot over and over. If you nail it perfectly, you can rack up to 80 million points!

So there you have it. “Creature from the Black Lagoon” isn’t just a game; it’s a whole experience. Whether you’re aiming for skill shots, strategizing your Multiball moves, or just going for quick points, this machine has plenty to keep you entertained.

Pinball Machines That Rocked the Tournament

The tournament featured 66 pins, each one a classic in its own right. Here are a few highlights:

• Rush (LE) by Stern (January 2022): A modern marvel with intricate playfield design and music-themed gameplay.
• Count-Down by Gottlieb (May 1979): Designed by Ed Krynski, this vintage machine features a classic countdown mechanism that’s both challenging and fun.
• Rock Encore by Gottlieb (April 1986): A sequel to the original Rock, this game amps up the music and the challenge.
• Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy by Bally (September 1975): Inspired by Elton John, this pin features vibrant artwork by Dave Christensen.
• Led Zeppelin (Pro) by Stern (December 2020): Rock out with this high-energy pin featuring some of the band’s greatest hits.
• Metallica (Pro) by Stern (April 2013): Get ready for some headbanging action with this machine’s fast-paced gameplay and rocking soundtrack.
• AC/DC (LUCI Vault Edition) by Stern (February 2018): A fan favorite with killer artwork and music to match.
• Aztec by Williams (July 1976): This classic machine features a unique playfield design and Aztec-themed artwork.
• Sinbad by Gottlieb (May 1978): A challenging game with a four-flipper layout and vibrant, mythical artwork.

Celebrating Our Champions

The final showdown at the Overwatch Homebrew Launch Party Tournament was nothing short of thrilling, with the last game played on Gottlieb’s Bone Busters Inc.

1. Taking home the top prize was Robbie Orsino, who showcased why they’re a formidable player. Ranked 305th in the state and 1293rd in the IFPA, Robbie’s extensive experience with 174 IFPA events clearly paid off.
2. Tom Garrett from West Norriton, PA, clinched second place. With a state rank of 62nd and an IFPA rank of 4950, Tom’s performance was impressive, especially considering he’s only competed in 22 IFPA events. His strategic play and calm under pressure were on full display.
3. Third place went to Joe Christina from New Jersey. Despite being ranked 474th in the state and 3979th in the IFPA, Joe’s skill and determination shone through, proving that experience counts, with 27 IFPA events under his belt.
4. Samantha Christina took fourth place, demonstrating great skill and tenacity. With a state rank of 435th and an IFPA rank of 8021, Samantha’s 24 events of experience helped her navigate the challenges of the tournament with poise.
5. Kathy Bobeck secured fifth place, showcasing why she’s ranked 89th in the state and 3537th in the IFPA. Kathy’s participation in 103 events provided her with the edge needed to perform consistently well throughout the tournament.
6. In sixth place was Gabe Patterson, whose strategic gameplay earned him a well-deserved spot. Gabe’s state rank of 175th and IFPA rank of 10789, along with his experience in 86 events, highlighted his dedication to the game.
7. Brian Lamon, a newcomer to the IFPA scene, made a splash by securing the seventh spot. Despite being unranked in the IFPA and this being his first event, Brian’s performance showed that he’s one to watch in future tournaments.
8. Rounding out the top eight was Daniel Gilbert, with a state rank of 9th and an IFPA rank of 1016. Daniel’s extensive experience with 170 IFPA events was evident, as he navigated the competition with skill and finesse.

These players brought their A-game, making the tournament an exciting event for everyone involved.

Pennsylvania IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Wrapping It Up

A huge thank you to Bill Disney and the Pinball Gallery for hosting such an amazing event. We hope everyone had a fantastic time and enjoyed the competition. Special shoutout to our new unranked players: Brian Lamon, welcome to the pinball family! Stay tuned for more updates and recaps from the pinball world. Keep flipping and having fun!