From Shark Attacks to Zombie Multiballs: Sterm Army Thrills at Taproom-120

Hey there, pinball enthusiasts! Let’s dive into the action-packed Stern Army tournament at Taproom-120 in Gilbert, Arizona, on September 13, 2024. With a solid turnout of 28 players and an intense format of five rounds with one game per round, this tournament brought some serious competition. The 3.5-hour showdown had us all on the edge of our seats—or should I say flippers?

Tapping Into the Vibes at Taproom-120

Taproom-120 isn’t just a stop on the pinball circuit; it’s a total experience. Picture this: retro 80s decor, open spaces perfect for mingling, and comfy sofas scattered around for those who need a break between rounds. The arcade area is the real highlight for us pinball players, with its token-operated machines ready to swallow up our quarters as fast as we can play. Convenient parking made getting there a breeze, which is a win in my book. It’s got the right mix of atmosphere, nostalgia, and fun that makes it a must-visit for tournaments like this. Plus, the arcade’s selection always impresses! If you haven’t checked out Taproom-120 yet, get over there—just maybe wait until it’s a little cooler out.

Game Spotlight: JAWS (LE) Brings the Thrill of the Deep

In Round 3, the tension was as thick as the water in Amity Island as players faced off on JAWS (LE) by Stern, one of the most talked-about machines of 2024. Designed by Keith Elwin, the machine captures the suspense and danger of the classic 1975 movie, Jaws. Players are tasked with hunting down the Great White shark, all while navigating iconic scenes and moments from the film. The machine features fast-paced play with interactive toys, like the motorized shark head that can “chomp” the ball, adding to the thrill. There’s also a dynamic upper playfield, where players attempt to complete Hooper’s underwater missions and launch into the “Shark Hunt Multiball,” an intense mode that has balls flying all over the playfield, mimicking the chaos of a shark attack.

The game between Jeff Wegener, Mike Fishell, Gregg Hopwood, and Rachel Buck unfolded like an underwater thriller. Jeff, ranked 15th in the state, played with precision, keeping his shots tight and methodical, securing control of the multiball modes. He managed to sink the shark during the climactic “Rescue the Crew” sequence, pulling ahead of the others. Mike Fishell kept up with Jeff for much of the game, activating the “Hooper’s Tank” mode but ultimately falling short when his ball drained during a key moment in “Orca Multiball.” Meanwhile, Gregg Hopwood and Rachel Buck found themselves struggling to complete the necessary modes to keep up with the pace, but the tension remained high until the very end.

With its intricate rule set and nods to the movie’s most intense scenes, JAWS (LE) quickly became a favorite of the night, challenging players to balance strategy and risk as they tried to avoid becoming shark bait themselves.

Pinball Machines: A Tour Through Pinball History

This tournament featured some of the best and most diverse machines out there, making each round feel fresh and exciting. Here are a few standouts:

• Venom (LE) by Stern (2023): If you’re a Marvel fan, you’ve probably already felt the allure of Stern’s Venom (LE). Designed by Brian Eddy, the mastermind behind fan-favorites like Medieval Madness and Attack from Mars, this machine brings the dark, symbiote-fueled world of Venom to life with fast-paced, adrenaline-packed gameplay. The game’s unique “Host” system allows you to take control of different Marvel characters like Eddie Brock, Flash Thompson, and even Gwen Stacy, each providing their own playstyle and special abilities. The design team didn’t hold back when it came to integrating the comic book’s edginess, with dark, brooding art and animations that intensify the immersive experience. It’s also got a cool Carnage multiball mode, which adds layers of chaos and challenge. Players at the tournament found this game thrilling, with its flowing ramps and quick ball returns keeping them on their toes.
• Elvira’s House of Horrors (Blood Red Kiss) by Stern (2023): Elvira is back in action, and this machine has all the campy, spooky charm you’d expect. Created by Dennis Nordman, this third installment in the Elvira pinball series is packed with creepy features and campfire-style storytelling. Players work to unlock haunted mansion secrets, and it’s full of surprises like the interactive Deadhead Family Crypt and the unique ball lock in the garage. With stunning art by Greg Freres and the voice of Elvira herself guiding players through the game, this one is a fan favorite for those who enjoy both humor and horror in their pinball.
• Medusa by Bally (1981): A blast from the past, Medusa is a beloved classic from the early 80s, designed by Claude Fernandez. It’s known for its dual-level playfield, stunning hand-drawn art featuring the mythological Gorgon herself, and a challenging gameplay style that keeps even the best players guessing. Medusa’s standout feature is its in-line drop targets and the “Olympus Shot,” which requires precise aim to hit. The game also has unique “zipper flippers” that can close together for certain shots, adding an extra layer of difficulty and strategy. Players found the vintage machine both tricky and rewarding, with its old-school mechanics contrasting nicely with the newer pins in the tournament.
• Jim Henson’s Labyrinth by Barrels of Fun (2023): This Barrels of Fun release is a standout in its own right, bringing the world of Jim Henson’s iconic 1986 film, Labyrinth, to life on the playfield. Designed by Michael Oswald and featuring hand-drawn art, the game captures the magic and mystery of the movie with immersive gameplay and complex shots. Players navigate through the Labyrinth, interacting with characters like Hoggle, Ludo, and Jareth the Goblin King. It’s a visually stunning machine, with its intricate playfield design and modes that mirror the movie’s narrative. “Battle the Goblin King” and “Rescue Sarah” are just a couple of the standout modes. Players at the tournament appreciated the challenge of balancing skill shots with storytelling, making this machine one of the most popular of the night.

Tournament Winners: Walking Dead Showdown Finale

The final showdown of the tournament took place on Stern’s The Walking Dead (Pro), a machine that immerses players in the gritty, post-apocalyptic world of the hit TV show. Designed by John Borg, this game is all about survival in a world overrun by walkers (zombies), and it doesn’t hold back on the intensity. The gameplay is packed with high-pressure objectives like “Prison Multiball” and “CDC,” where players must strategically shoot ramps, spinners, and drop targets to survive waves of walkers. The Pro version lacks the more elaborate toys of the Premium model, but it still offers plenty of fast, brutal action with the crossbow feature and intense modes like “Well Walker Multiball.”

The final four players faced off in an all-out battle for survival, with Dave Halley coming out on top. Ranked 40th in the state, Dave’s experience in over 470 IFPA events was on full display as he expertly handled the walker-infested playfield. His ability to control the multiballs and stack modes like “Blood Bath” with “Prison Multiball” gave him the edge in the final moments, securing him 1st place.

Tournament organizer Olivia Helm put up a strong fight, using her familiarity with the game to advance quickly through the objectives. Olivia, ranked 168th in the state, consistently activated high-scoring modes like “Horde” and “CDC” but ultimately couldn’t match Dave’s precise shot-making. She finished in 2nd place, a fantastic achievement given her experience in over 230 IFPA events.

Nate Tornero, ranked 13th in Arizona, claimed 3rd place with a solid performance. Known for his competitive edge, Nate expertly navigated the chaotic moments of multiball but fell short when it came to capitalizing on the game’s tougher objectives like “Escape Terminus.” His ability to stay calm in such a high-pressure game still earned him a place on the podium.

Mike Fishell rounded out the top four, continuing his strong showing from earlier rounds. Ranked 98th in the state, Mike fought hard to stay in the game, using the crossbow feature to pick off key shots. However, the relentless walkers eventually got the better of him, and he settled for 4th place.

The Walking Dead (Pro) was the perfect battleground for this final matchup, with its punishing difficulty and fast-paced gameplay providing a fitting end to an intense tournament.

Arizona IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings:

Wrapping Up the Fun at Taproom-120

Big kudos to Olivia Helm for organizing such a fantastic event. The Taproom-120 provided the perfect backdrop for a night filled with excitement, close matches, and plenty of pinball action. With its cool retro vibe and convenient arcade setup, this location will definitely see me again at the next tournament. You don’t want to miss out on future pinball tournament news and highlights, so keep an eye on Taproom-120’s events over on their Facebook page.