Laser War Leads the Charge in Tik Tok’s Classic Pinball Action

On January 20, 2025, pinball enthusiasts gathered at Tik Tok’s Workshop in Bremerton, WA, for the “Tik Tok’s Fair Strikes 1/20 Classics” tournament. The event kicked off at 6:55 PM and wrapped up in just over three hours. Players faced off in an 8-round Group Knockout format, where accumulating seven strikes meant game over. The Fair Strikes system kept everyone on their toes: in four-player groups, 2nd and 3rd places earned 1 strike each, while 4th place got 2 strikes; in three-player groups, 2nd place received 1 strike, and 3rd place took 2.

Tik Tok’s Workshop: A Pinball Arcade

Nestled at 1216 Sylvan Way, Tik Tok’s Workshop isn’t your average arcade. Beyond its impressive lineup of rare pinball machines, the venue boasts a unique bowling lane game that’s reportedly more fun than the real thing. With a popcorn machine adding to the nostalgic vibe and events like burlesque shows and karaoke on weekends, it’s no wonder patrons rave about the friendly staff and hands-on owners. Whether you’re a pinball wizard or a casual gamer, this place offers a welcoming atmosphere for all.

Laser War Showdown: Round 1 Highlights

The tournament’s opening round featured an intense battle on Data East’s 1987 classic, Laser War. Players aimed to hit all the targets of one color to light the corresponding lock, leading to multi-ball mayhem. Conrad Rustad from Bremerton, ranked 8th in the state and 85th globally, showcased his skills by securing 1st place. Donovan Haga, also from Bremerton, claimed 2nd, while Andrew McCann from Washington took 3rd. Tournament organizer Richard Godwin rounded out the group in 4th.

If you’re stepping up to Laser War, you’d better be ready for fast action, quick flips, and some serious multi-ball mayhem. This was Data East’s first pinball machine, and while it doesn’t have the deepest ruleset, it makes up for it with brutal speed and high-stakes scoring opportunities.

Multi-ball is the Key to Big Points

The name of the game is multi-ball, and the first step is locking balls by completing one of the three color-coded target banks (red, blue, or yellow). Once you’ve hit all the targets for a single color, the lock lights up. Get two balls locked, and you’re ready for multi-ball—where the real points start rolling in.

Prioritize the Left Ramp for Jackpot Shots

During multi-ball, your main focus should be the left ramp. It’s the main jackpot shot, and since the game has a fairly open playfield, you can aim for it consistently if you keep control. The key is to trap up on the right flipper and take a clean, calculated shot at the ramp. Brick the shot? Be ready for a quick return and keep the ball alive.

Use the Upper Playfield for Control

Laser War has a small upper playfield, and while it might seem like a novelty, it can be useful for slowing the game down and collecting small but reliable points. If you’re dealing with chaotic rebounds, sending the ball up there can give you a second to breathe while you plan your next move.

Bonus Multipliers Add Up

It’s easy to get caught up in the speed of Laser War and forget about your end-of-ball bonus. Completing in-line drop targets increases your bonus multiplier, which can make a big difference in a tight match. If you’re struggling to nail the big shots, focusing on bonus multipliers can still keep you in the game.

Be Ready for Fast Returns

This game does not have forgiving side lanes, so be prepared to nudge aggressively to avoid cheap drains. The ball moves fast, especially when it’s coming off targets at odd angles, so keeping light control over the flippers instead of panic flipping will help extend your play.

Final Strategy: Lock, Control, Cash In

The best Laser War players know that everything revolves around multi-ball control. Step one: Lock balls. Step two: Control the chaos. Step three: Cash in on jackpots. If you can stay ahead of your opponents in multi-ball efficiency, you’ll rack up points while they’re struggling to regain control.

Whether you’re a high-speed risk-taker or a precision shooter, Laser War rewards players who can balance aggression with control. Keep your shots clean, trap up whenever possible, and always, always go for the left ramp when multi-ball is active. Do that, and you’ll be well on your way to victory.

Spotlight on Classic Machines

This tournament was all about the classics, and Tik Tok’s Workshop didn’t disappoint with its lineup. Players got to battle across seven machines, each with its own quirks and challenges.

Whoa Nellie! Big Juicy Melons (Stern, 2015)
At first glance, Whoa Nellie! looks like a blast from the past, but don’t be fooled—Stern packed this one with modern mechanics hidden under its vintage-style playfield. With oversized fruit crates as bumpers and a classic EM-style layout, this game forces players to rely on precise nudging and ball control rather than deep rulesets. The scoring is straightforward, but those who can master controlled shots rack up points fast.

Spooksville (Allied Leisure, 1973)
A rare machine that doesn’t get nearly enough love, Spooksville brings that eerie ‘70s charm with spooky artwork and unpredictable ball movement. The flipper gap is unforgiving, and the game’s straightforward rules make for an old-school battle where accuracy matters more than stacking features. A few unlucky drains here could cost even the best players a round.

Devil’s Dare (Gottlieb, 1982)
This game is infamous for its brutal outlanes and a playfield layout that forces players to take risks. The theme alone—an infernal beast staring down players as they try to conquer the board—sets the tone for a challenging experience. With its unique bonus multipliers and multiple ways to set up high-scoring opportunities, it rewards strategic thinking, but one wrong shot can send the ball screaming down the drain.

Eight Ball (Bally, 1977)
A staple in the Bally lineup, Eight Ball is a deceptively simple but highly competitive game that demands tight flipper control. The pool-themed targets, drop banks, and rollovers mean players have to be strategic in their shot selection. With its satisfying backglass animation and crisp sound effects, it remains one of the best ‘70s-era tables for head-to-head battles.

Rollergames (Williams, 1990)
A wild mix of rock music, futuristic roller derby, and fast-flowing ramps, Rollergames is a true adrenaline rush. The game features an upper flipper that lets skilled players send the ball flying through tight loops for big points. With multi-ball chaos and high-speed orbit shots, it’s a game that rewards aggressive play and quick reactions.

Truck Stop (Bally, 1988)
A pinball road trip like no other, Truck Stop captures the rough-and-tumble vibe of long-haul trucking with a wide-open playfield that offers plenty of fast-paced action. The game is all about shooting lanes and stacking up bonuses while dodging tricky rebounds. It’s got that late-’80s Bally charm—flashy lights, booming sounds, and a theme that makes you want to blast down the highway with a trucker hat and a can of soda.

With a mix of EM, early solid-state, and late ‘80s speedsters, this lineup tested every kind of player—whether they favored controlled shots, full-speed attack, or strategic play.

Celebrating the Champions

After intense competition, the final standings were:

1. Donovan Haga: Despite being ranked 93rd in the state and 1620th globally, Donovan’s consistent performance led him to victory.
2. Andrew McCann: Holding the 67th state rank and 572nd globally, Andrew showcased experience from 635 IFPA events to secure 2nd place.
3. Conrad Rustad: As the highest-ranked player in the tournament (8th in the state, 85th globally), Conrad’s skills earned him a respectable 3rd place.
4. Richard Godwin: The event’s organizer, ranked 298th in the state and 4318th globally, demonstrated passion and dedication both on and off the playfield.

Washington’s Pinball Elite

Here’s a look at the top 10 players in Washington:

Wrapping Up

The “Tik Tok’s Fair Strikes 1/20 Classics” tournament was a thrilling evening of flippers and fun. A big shout-out to organizer Richard Godwin and the fantastic venue, Tik Tok’s Workshop, for hosting such a memorable event. Congratulations to all participants, especially our champion, Donovan Haga. Stay tuned for more pinball news and upcoming events!