Young Pinball Wizards Take Center Stage at Starfighters Arcade

Hey, pinball enthusiasts! Bride of Pinbot here, your go-to source for all the latest and greatest in pinball tournaments. If you’re new here, I cover pinball tournaments happening across the country, breaking down gameplay, spotlighting the best matches, and throwing in a few tips along the way. Today, we’re diving into the recent Starfighters Kids Monthly event. This was a fun-filled, fast-paced tournament, and with clear skies and 93-degree heat, it was a scorcher outside—but the action was even hotter inside Starfighters Arcade! Let’s get into it.

Kicking Off the Action at Starfighters Arcade

Starfighters Arcade, located at 4840 E Jasmine St #102 in Mesa, AZ, is a true pinball haven. Don’t let the unassuming exterior fool you—this place is packed with old-school arcade charm. The walls are covered in retro décor, and there’s a huge selection of classic games alongside an impressive pinball lineup. For just $11, you can enjoy three hours of gaming, but you might want to bring some earplugs—things can get pretty lively! Jacob and the staff are always on hand to help out, making it a fun, family-friendly spot to dive deep into nostalgia.

Flying High in Round 1: The Battle on Airborne

Round 1 saw some intense action on Capcom’s Airborne, a pinball machine released in March 1996 that perfectly captures the thrill and danger of aerial combat. Airborne isn’t just any pinball game—it’s a mission-based adventure where players take on the role of fighter pilots completing high-stakes missions. The playfield features a variety of ramps and targets designed to simulate the excitement of flight, with each ramp representing a different type of attack, from bombing runs to dogfights.

In this match, Nixon F., Levi F., and Sterling S. soared into the skies, but only one could come out on top. The game’s unique dual-level ramps gave Nixon an edge as he nailed precision shots, triggering multiball mode and racking up jackpots. Levi was hot on his heels, expertly navigating the mission objectives like a seasoned pilot, launching bombs and targeting the enemy aircraft with perfect timing. Sterling, meanwhile, wasn’t far behind, pulling off some tricky loop shots, but a few missed opportunities cost him.

What makes Airborne stand out is its incredibly immersive theme. The machine’s built-in aircraft models and stunning sound effects make you feel like you’re right there in the cockpit, dodging missiles and outmaneuvering enemies. The multiball mode is triggered when players hit the runway ramp and prepare for takeoff—a tense moment that tests even the most skilled players. In the end, Nixon’s focus and consistent play paid off, securing him first place, while Levi and Sterling battled it out for the remaining spots.

Airborne was the perfect choice for this high-energy round, challenging the players with its fast pace, creative mission structure, and the ultimate test of skill and strategy. If you haven’t taken a spin on this one, it’s a must-play for anyone who loves the rush of high-speed pinball action!

Machines That Stole the Show

A tournament with this many great pinball machines makes it hard to pick just a few, but here’s a breakdown of some of the standouts:

• Terminator 2: Judgment Day – Released by Williams in July 1991, Terminator 2 is a must-play for fans of both the movie and high-action pinball. Designed by Steve Ritchie, the game is fast, aggressive, and packed with memorable features. One of the most iconic is the RPG (Rocket-Propelled Grenade) cannon that players can control to target specific shots. The machine integrates voiceovers from Arnold Schwarzenegger himself, heightening the experience. With its smooth ramps and loop shots, plus the multiball mode triggered by collecting three balls, it’s a pure adrenaline rush that keeps players coming back for more.
• Fish Tales – From Williams, Fish Tales is a January 1992 release that brings fishing humor and pinball together in a perfect blend. The game is themed around catching big fish and boasts a unique fishing rod-shaped plunger for an immersive start. The central boat mechanism allows players to rack up points by snagging fish, and the “feeding frenzy” mode challenges them to reel in rapid-fire jackpots. The animated topper, a fish that flops back and forth, adds to the quirky charm, while the game’s fast loops and ramps make it a tough but rewarding experience for all.
• Cirqus Voltaire – Bally’s Cirqus Voltaire from January 1997 is a visual and gameplay masterpiece. Set in a circus, the game features vibrant neon colors, flashy light shows, and a whimsical theme that draws players into its magical world. The standout feature is the Ringmaster, a pop-up target who taunts players throughout the game and becomes a key component in unlocking multiball modes. There’s also a disappearing pop bumper and a cool animated backbox feature with a cannon that players can fire. It’s a game full of surprises and unique elements, making every play session exciting.
• Pinball Magic – Released in January 1995 by Capcom, Pinball Magic is an underrated gem centered around a magic show theme. The game features a magical levitating ball, complete with a unique magnet trick that seems to defy gravity. Players are challenged to perform tricks like vanishing balls and unlocking the “Great Escape.” It’s a game packed with ramps, loops, and intricate shots that require precision. The magician-themed voiceovers and spellbinding light shows enhance the magic, making players feel like they’re part of the act.
• Lord of the Rings – Stern’s Lord of the Rings, released in November 2003, is an epic journey through Middle-earth, offering players a chance to experience scenes from the beloved movie trilogy. It’s a deep game with multiple multiball modes, each tied to key battles from the films like Two Towers and Return of the King. Players can collect “rings” by shooting the ring shot, and ultimately aim to destroy the One Ring in a dramatic wizard mode. The music, voiceovers, and visual effects combine to create a truly immersive experience that feels just as grand as the films themselves.

Young Pinball Wizards Shine

Big congrats to the winners of the Starfighters Kids Monthly! Sterling S. took home the top spot with some seriously sharp gameplay, showing that they’re one to watch in the Arizona pinball scene. Jaxon F. was right behind, showing real determination, while Nixon F. rounded out the top three with solid play across all rounds. Shoutout to Scarlett F. for making it to fourth place—these kids are the future of competitive pinball, and it’s awesome to see them honing their skills.

Arizona IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Curious about how the top players in Arizona are stacking up? Here are the latest IFPA standings for the state:

Wrapping Up an Amazing Tournament Day

It was a fun and fast-paced event at Starfighters Arcade, with the whole tournament wrapping up in just about an hour and a half. Big thanks to Kevin Curtis for organizing such a smooth and enjoyable event for all the kids. If you haven’t been to Starfighters Arcade yet, it’s well worth the visit—check them out at Starfighters Arcade.

That’s all for now, folks! Keep following for more updates from the pinball world, and I’ll catch you at the next tournament!