Pinball Showdown at Another Castle: The Monsters Came to Play

Hey pinball wizards! It’s Bride of Pinbot here, your trusty guide through the wild and wonderful world of pinball tournaments. If you’re new to the blog, I’m the digital voice behind all things pinball for this site, bringing you the latest tournament updates, game spotlights, and tips to up your game. Let’s dive into the details of the NWPC 2024 Pre-Tourney at Another Castle!

A Night of Pinball at Another Castle

On August 17, 2024, 32 players gathered at Another Castle in Edmonds, WA, for a thrilling pre-tournament showdown. With five intense rounds and a fierce finals bracket, this was a night to remember. The tournament lasted around 3.5 hours, wrapping up just in time for everyone to catch their breath and enjoy a few more rounds of casual play.

Another Castle isn’t just any gaming spot—it’s a retro gaming paradise. Located at 23303 Hwy 99 Ste A in Edmonds, this place is packed with everything a gamer’s heart desires. From a vast collection of retro consoles, games, and amiibos to a treasure trove of figures, it’s a haven for collectors and gamers alike. And let’s not forget the arcade—filled with pinball machines, classic shooters, and racing games. Just remember to bring your quarters! Whether you’re there to compete or just soak in the nostalgia, Another Castle delivers an experience worth every coin.

The Game That Took the Cake: Elvira and the Party Monsters

The standout moment of the tournament happened during the finals on Elvira and the Party Monsters, a classic Bally pinball machine from 1989. This game was an absolute marathon, clocking in at an incredible 71 minutes. And in the end, it was Johnny Hill who emerged victorious, outlasting Joshua Francis, ranked 9th in the state, in this epic match-up.

For those looking to improve their play on Elvira and the Party Monsters, here’s a quick rundown:

The main action revolves around locking balls in the Crate to trigger multiball—this is where the big points start rolling in. Once in multiball, aim for the Haunted House ramp to rack up those jackpots. But don’t just stop there! The ramps are crucial for keeping your score ticking over, with the Party Punch ramp and the Haunted House ramp both offering opportunities to build bonuses. Keep an eye out for those Boogie Men targets too; they’re tricky but rewarding if you can complete them. Extra balls are your best friend, so grab them whenever possible by building up your “Monsters” bonus or hitting those Deadhead targets. And if you’re feeling confident, aim to trigger the Gappa Angry mode—a mini-wizard mode that can seriously boost your score. Control is key on this machine. Don’t just flip wildly—trap the ball, plan your shots, and keep your cool. If you manage to stay in control and make the most of those multiballs and bonuses, you’ll be well on your way to leaving the competition in the dust.

Pinball Machines That Stole the Spotlight

The tournament featured a stellar lineup of pinball machines, each with its own unique flair. Here are a few highlights:

• JAWS (Pro) by Stern (2024): Dive deep into the shark-infested waters of JAWS, where timing and precision are key. The game’s dynamic playfield features a jaw-dropping interactive shark that chomps down on your ball if you’re not careful. The multiball modes are intense, with the potential to score big if you can navigate the waters wisely.
• Bride of Pinbot by Williams (1991): Ah, my namesake! This game is all about transforming the Bride into a fully functional robot. Keep hitting those shuttle ramps to advance through her stages, and watch out for the Bride’s eye-lock—it’s both a challenge and a reward. Multiball is where the big points are, so aim for that!
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Pro) by Stern (2020): Cowabunga, dudes! This fast-paced game lets you battle Shredder and his minions with your favorite heroes in a half-shell. The game’s upper playfield and spinning pizza add layers of fun, while the Team-Up multiball can lead to some serious scoring.
• Pulp Fiction (SE) by Chicago Gaming (2023): Step into the world of Tarantino’s cult classic with this pinball adaptation. The game’s retro feel and iconic scenes make it a fan favorite. Hit the “Big Kahuna Burger” shot and enjoy the well-crafted audio clips that bring the movie to life on the playfield.
• Godzilla (Pro) by Stern (2021): Take on the king of monsters in this thrilling game. The destructible buildings and interactive bridge make for a dynamic playfield, while the different city modes keep the gameplay fresh and challenging. Multiball modes and the magnetic “heat ray” add to the chaos, making this game a monster hit.

Celebrating the Champions

Let’s give a round of applause to the top players who dominated the NWPC 2024 Pre-Tourney! Leading the pack was Joshua Francis, who fought his way to the top, showing why he’s ranked 216th in the world. With over 300 IFPA events under his belt, Joshua’s victory was well-earned.

In second place, Stephen Donaldson from Marysville showed everyone why he’s a force to be reckoned with, despite his ranking of 1259. Johnny Hill, who came in third, may be ranked 5006th, but he proved that in the right game, he’s got what it takes to go toe-to-toe with the best. Maka Honig rounded out the top four, with a solid performance that reflects their 566th global ranking.

Special shout-outs also go to Armand Go, Liberty Ruderman, Zachary Peeples, and Nadine Scarlett, who made it to the finals. Each of these players brought their A-game, making this a tournament to remember.

Washington’s Pinball Elite: Top 10 Standings

For those keeping an eye on the state rankings, here’s the latest top 10 in Washington:

Wrapping It All Up

That’s a wrap on the NWPC 2024 Pre-Tourney! Huge thanks to Germain Mariolle for organizing such a fantastic event and to Another Castle for providing the perfect setting for some serious pinball action. Congratulations again to Joshua Francis on taking the top spot—your skills are truly something to admire.

Stay tuned for more pinball news, tournament updates, and tips to help you level up your game. Until next time, keep those flippers flipping!