106 Players, 57 Machines, and One Epic Metallica Launch at Electric Bat Arcade

The Electric Bat Metallica Launch Party was one for the record books, with 106 players battling it out over 12 rounds of head-to-head action. Hosted on January 12, 2025, at the Electric Bat Arcade in Tempe, AZ, this event drew some of the best pinball players in the state. With the clear skies and a temperature of 56°F, the competition inside was sizzling as the tournament went on for over 4 hours. The event was organized by the ever-dedicated Rachel Bess, and the excitement in the air was palpable as participants got ready to test their skills on 57 different machines.

Electric Bat Arcade – The Heart of Tempe’s Pinball Scene

Located in the heart of Tempe at 29 W. Southern Ave, Electric Bat Arcade is widely considered one of the best pinball destinations in Arizona. Known for its well-maintained machines and fantastic variety, Electric Bat offers something for everyone. Whether you’re into the classics or newer releases, you’ll find top-tier options here. The arcade operates on old-school tokens, making for a nostalgic experience, and is connected to the Yucca Tap Room, where you can grab a drink between rounds. Players often rave about the arcade’s friendly vibe and its involvement in the local community, ensuring there’s always a fun competition brewing.

Metallica Remastered (Premium) by Stern – The Rock and Roll of Pinball

The Metallica Remastered (Premium), which debuted at the Electric Bat Arcade during this launch party, is a true testament to Stern’s mastery of both technology and theme integration. Released in September 2024, this pinball machine takes everything fans love about Metallica and amps it up with stunning new visuals, an enhanced gameplay experience, and some rocking soundtracks that keep the energy high. The design and coding team behind this remaster is a who’s who in pinball, with legendary names like George Gomez, a design veteran with decades of experience in pinball, leading the project. Known for his work on iconic machines such as Star Wars and Jurassic Park, Gomez’s expertise shines through in the layout and flow of this game, making it both challenging and exciting for all levels of players.

The rules and programming of Metallica Remastered were handled by Lyman Sheats, one of the most respected names in pinball coding. Sheats has been behind the programming of some of Stern’s most successful titles, including The Simpsons Pinball Party and Creature from the Black Lagoon. His deep understanding of game flow, risk-reward balance, and player engagement is on full display here, with complex modes and multiball sequences that push players to think strategically while still delivering the fast-paced action pinball fans crave.

The music, of course, is a huge part of the Metallica experience. With contributions from the band themselves, players are immersed in the band’s iconic hits, including Enter Sandman, Master of Puppets, and One. The integration of these tracks into the game’s modes is seamless, adding a layer of authenticity that enhances the gameplay. The art and design team, led by Danielle O’Connor, created a visually striking machine that reflects the dark, gritty vibe of the band’s legacy. From the cabinet artwork to the backglass and playfield, every detail feels true to the Metallica brand, making the Metallica Remastered a must-play for both pinball enthusiasts and fans of the band.

With this remastered edition, Stern has taken a beloved machine and given it new life, pushing the boundaries of what pinball can do while staying true to its roots. Whether you’re a Metallica fan or just a pinball player looking for a challenging, rock-infused experience, Metallica Remastered delivers on all fronts, and the team at Stern continues to prove why they are at the top of the pinball world.

57 Pinball Machines, One Epic Battle

With 57 pinball machines to choose from, players had plenty of options to show off their skills. A few standout titles from the event included:

• Black Knight: Sword of Rage (Pro) (Stern, 2019): A fierce modern take on the Black Knight series, offering challenging gameplay with dynamic modes and a killer soundtrack.
• Strikes and Spares (Bally, 1978): A throwback to classic bowling-themed fun with a unique mix of flipper-controlled challenges.
• Johnny Mnemonic (Williams, 1995): Cyberpunk vibes meet pinball in this fast-paced game full of ramps, multiballs, and memorable voice lines.
• John Wick (Pro) (Stern, 2024): A sleek and action-packed machine themed after the famous movie, packed with cool features like a moving target and intense modes.
• The Mandalorian (Pro) (Stern, 2021): A game that transports players straight into the world of Star Wars, complete with epic modes based on the popular series.
• World Cup Soccer (Bally, 1994): A fast-paced game full of goals, ramps, and opportunities to shoot for victory.
• Freefall (Stern Electronics, 1981): A unique layout that emphasizes drop targets and skill shots for a challenge that’s not often seen today.
• Diner (Williams, 1990): Offering a retro diner theme with fast-moving gameplay and multiple ways to score big.

The Champions Rise: A Shoutout to the Top Competitors

A huge congratulations to the champions of the Electric Bat Metallica Launch Party! With 106 players battling through 12 rounds each, the competition was intense, and the top spots were well-earned. Here’s how the final rankings shaped up:

• 1st Place: Brad Vogus (Phoenix)
  Brad’s victory came after a series of tough matches, earning him the top spot in this jam-packed tournament. Ranked 21st in the state and 649th in the IFPA, Brad demonstrated impressive skill and consistency over 196 events, securing a well-deserved win.
• 2nd Place: Ben Clement (Marana, AZ)
  Ben, ranked 8th in Arizona and 168th in the IFPA, came in strong with 399 events under his belt. His journey to second place was no small feat, as he navigated through some of the best pinball players around to claim his podium spot.
• 3rd Place: Fae Ashley (Chandler, AZ)
  Fae’s solid performance throughout the day earned her a third-place finish. Ranked 20th in the state and 849th in the IFPA, Fae showed that with just 84 events played, she could hold her own against some of the top contenders.
• 4th Place: John Finnegan (Tucson)
  John, ranked 3rd in Arizona and 544th in the IFPA, came close to clinching the win but fell just short. With an astounding 579 events under his belt, his experience and strategy kept him in the mix all the way through, finishing in a strong fourth place.

These players faced off against a packed field, and each of them should be proud of their hard-fought victories!

Arizona IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

A Tournament for the Ages

The Electric Bat Metallica Launch Party proved to be a day to remember, where 106 fierce competitors gathered for an exciting and action-packed pinball tournament. With 57 machines on hand, the players faced off on a variety of classic and new games, including the highly anticipated Metallica Remastered (Premium). Hosted by the incredible Rachel Bess and taking place at the legendary Electric Bat Arcade, this event captured the true spirit of friendly competition and pinball camaraderie.

Kudos to Brad Vogus for his impressive victory, overcoming a massive field to take home the crown. A big shout-out to all the participants who made this tournament so memorable. Whether you walked away with a trophy or just a new appreciation for pinball, this event showcased the best that Arizona’s pinball scene has to offer.

Stay tuned for more pinball news and be sure to follow along for future tournament updates. Until next time, keep flipping and keep playing!