Tag-Team Thrills and Pinball Chills at Next Level

It was a chilly evening at the Next Level Pinball Museum, with a temperature of 43°F and a few clouds dotting the sky. But inside, the action was anything but cold. The tournament started promptly at 7:00 PM on January 10, 2025, and the buzz was palpable as 20 players battled it out in the 3-round, 2-game format. With the tournament stretching out to just under three hours, there was no time for any frosty attitudes. It was all about intense competition and great pinball action in a unique location.

The Next Level Pinball Museum: A Place Like No Other

The Next Level Pinball Museum in Hillsboro, Oregon, is an absolute treasure trove for pinball enthusiasts. Players and visitors can enjoy hours of fun, and the sheer number of pinball machines is mind-blowing. From classic games to more modern machines, the space is packed to the brim with all kinds of machines and even some other cool memorabilia like action figures and lunchboxes. As one reviewer put it, “This place really is NEXT LEVEL.” While the price of the wristband might seem steep at first, the all-day access with in-and-out privileges makes it a steal for those who love pinball. It’s a spot that will have you coming back again and again.

Tag-Team Pinball Spotlight

Round 2 of the tournament featured a game that truly showcased the spirit of teamwork and competition—Tag-Team Pinball by Gottlieb, released in January 1985. This unique machine was designed by Ed Krynski and stands out for its focus on cooperative gameplay, a rarity in the world of pinball at the time. The game’s wrestling theme taps into the popularity of 80s tag-team wrestling matches, where teams of two fight to claim victory in the ring. But there’s a catch: while players are working as a team, there’s still plenty of individual competition as they race to hit ramps and targets to rack up points.

One of the most iconic features of Tag-Team Pinball is the ability for players to choose their own team of wrestlers, each with unique strengths and weaknesses that influence the gameplay. This adds an extra layer of strategy to the game, as players decide who they want to partner with and how to maximize their team’s potential. The Tag-Team Multiball mode is the real highlight here. If players can successfully switch partners and hit their targets in the correct sequence, they unlock the multiball, leading to massive point-scoring opportunities and an exciting rush of action.

The competitive balance of the game, mixed with the collaborative element, made it the perfect choice for this round of the tournament. Players had to think not only about their own game but also about how their teammates’ decisions would impact their score. This combination of strategy, skill, and cooperation made it a thrilling experience for everyone involved.

Pinball Machines Galore

The tournament featured an incredible selection of 187 pinball machines, making it an exciting challenge for every participant. Here’s a deeper look at some of the standout machines:

• The Incredible Hulk (Gottlieb, 1979)
  This machine is a classic from the late 70s, designed by the legendary Ed Krynski and featuring artwork by Gordon Morison. The Hulk’s strong theme is reflected in its bright green colors, depicting the transformation of Bruce Banner into the Hulk with dramatic effect. The gameplay revolves around building up Hulk’s rage and unlocking the Hulk Multiball, a thrilling feature that offers great scoring opportunities. The artwork and audio evoke the era’s comic book aesthetic, making it a nostalgic gem for fans of both pinball and Marvel.
• The Flintstones (Williams, 1994)
  Designed by Mark Ritchie and featuring the familiar characters from the animated series, The Flintstones pinball machine is a playful, family-friendly game filled with quirky elements. The artwork by Greg Freres captures the fun and eccentricity of the beloved show, with a bright, cartoonish feel. Gameplay is centered around several “adventures,” such as Fred’s drive to work and Dino’s interactions. The game offers unique modes like the “Bedrock Slam,” which provides big bonuses when activated. It’s a machine that’s accessible for beginners yet still offers depth for experienced players.
• Star Trek (LE) (Stern, 2013)
  Released as part of Stern’s Modern Era lineup, the Star Trek (LE) machine combines incredible artwork by artist Dave Christensen and a thrilling soundtrack based on the 2009 Star Trek reboot film. The game was designed by Steve Ritchie and includes several unique features, such as the “Klingon Multiball” and the “USS Enterprise” spinner, which awards points based on the speed of the ball. The custom speech and sound effects from the film’s cast, including Captain Kirk and Spock, immerse players in the Star Trek universe. The “Final Frontier” wizard mode is especially challenging and rewards players with major scoring opportunities.
• Batman 66 (Premium) (Stern, 2016)
  Designed by the brilliant John Borg, the Batman 66 (Premium) pinball machine brings the campy and colorful 1960s Batman TV series to life with vibrant visuals and lots of playful features. The machine boasts an array of characters, including Batman, Robin, and the series’ iconic villains. The game incorporates several interactive toys, such as a rotating Bat-Signal and a fun “Batmobile” ramp that brings the Dark Knight’s famous car into the gameplay. The multiball modes and timed challenges, such as the “Penguin’s Hideout” and “Joker’s Lair,” make this an action-packed experience that always keeps players on their toes.
• Star Wars (Home Edition) (Stern, 2019)
  This Star Wars pinball machine offers a more accessible and affordable option for fans of the franchise, while still capturing the spirit of the Star Wars universe. The Home Edition comes with some changes from its commercial counterpart, focusing on a more relaxed gameplay experience. The game features an attractive, brightly colored design with a fantastic blend of Star Wars characters and scenes. Players can engage in battles with the Empire, use the force to unlock modes, and activate features like the “Death Star” multiball. It’s a great option for Star Wars fans looking for something fun yet not overly complicated.

The Best of the Best

Congratulations to the incredible players who took the top spots at the Match Play at Next Level tournament! In 1st place, Ben Massey showed why he’s a force to be reckoned with, securing the win with a wealth of experience across 329 IFPA events. His State Rank of 52nd and an impressive IFPA rank of 1398 speak to his dedication and skill on the pinball machine.

In 2nd place, Sean Goller brought his A-game, finishing strong with his State Rank of 34th and IFPA rank of 4822. With only 148 IFPA events under his belt, Sean continues to prove that he’s climbing the ranks quickly and making a serious impact on the tournament scene.

Noah Sicard, who took 3rd place, has been steadily rising in the pinball world. His State Rank of 27th and IFPA rank of 1552 show his strong presence in the competitive scene. With 67 events under his belt, Noah’s performance was nothing short of impressive, securing his spot at the top.

Finally, Sahara Scott, finishing in 4th, showed off her skill and perseverance. With a State Rank of 38th and IFPA rank of 7934, Sahara proved she’s a serious contender in the Oregon pinball community, securing her place in the upper ranks of the tournament.

These players displayed incredible talent, and their performances were a highlight of the night!

Oregon IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Closing Thoughts: What a Night!

Another amazing night of pinball action wrapped up with some stellar performances, and the Next Level Pinball Museum once again proved to be an excellent location for this type of event. Whether you’re looking to test your skills against the best or just enjoy a fun evening surrounded by pinball machines, this spot is unbeatable. Congrats to all the players, especially Ben Massey for claiming victory! Make sure to stay tuned for more pinball news and tournament updates, and keep flipping those flippers!