Quest Accepted: Pinball Wizards Duel at D&D Pro Launch

On February 21, 2025, the Pinball Gallery in Malvern, PA, transformed into a battleground for pinball wizards during the D&D Pro Launch Party OPEN Tournament. With 23 players each engaging in 10 head-to-head games, the competition was fierce. After a series of intense matchups, the top 8 advanced to the finals, culminating in a thrilling showdown. The entire event, orchestrated by the ever-enthusiastic Bill Disney, wrapped up in just about two hours.

The Heart of Malvern’s Pinball Scene

For those unfamiliar, the Pinball Gallery isn’t just another arcade; it’s a staple of the Pennsylvania pinball scene. Located at 81 Lancaster Ave #20, Malvern, PA, this venue boasts an impressive collection of machines and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps both newcomers and seasoned players returning. Regulars often praise the friendly owners and the vibrant community, making it a go-to spot for competitive and casual pinball alike. Whether you’re looking for a tournament challenge or just a fun night out, the Pinball Gallery delivers.

Slay Dragons, Score Points: Inside the New D&D Pin

The star of the evening was undoubtedly Stern’s latest release, Dungeons & Dragons: The Tyrant’s Eye (Pro), launched in January 2025. This machine plunges players into the mystical world of Faerûn, where they take on the role of a Dragonshield Guild member trying to thwart the dragon queen Tiamat’s nefarious plans.

Players can choose from multiple character classes, each offering unique perks that affect gameplay. Wizards provide increased spell bonuses, while Rogues excel at skill shots. Prioritizing quest objectives early can build up multipliers that will pay off in the long run. The machine features dynamic battles, dungeon crawls, and multiball modes like the Dragon Multiball, where defeating a formidable dragon leads to massive scoring potential. Lighting the Dungeon Crawl mode by hitting the side targets and completing the dragon slayer loop quickly will give access to high-scoring opportunities. Consistently hitting the dice roll shot can grant powerful bonuses, such as extended ball saves or instant spell activations.

One of the game’s standout features is its illuminated dice roll skill shot, which determines a player’s fate upon launching the ball—mimicking the randomness of a real Dungeons & Dragons campaign. A strong endgame approach involves activating the final wizard mode, Tiamat’s Wrath, which provides an all-or-nothing scoring frenzy that can turn the tide of any game. Strategic use of shot multipliers and controlled flipper skills will separate the casual adventurers from the true champions of the pin!

Tournament Machines in Action

Beyond the new D&D pin, the tournament showcased a stellar lineup of machines, each bringing its own flair to the competition. Here’s a look at a few standouts:

Black Knight: Sword of Rage (Pro)

This 2019 release by Stern resurrects the legendary Black Knight series with all the intensity you’d expect. Featuring a motorized flail and bi-directional spinning shield, it forces players to master precise shots while battling the Knight himself. One of the most unique aspects of this machine is its interactive upper playfield (available on the Premium and LE versions) and its brutal speed, making it a true test of reflexes. The machine also features an original heavy metal soundtrack composed by Scott Ian of Anthrax, amplifying the chaos as players attempt to defeat the Knight.

Space Station

Williams’ Space Station (1987) is an often-overlooked classic that ditches traditional inlanes for a unique “rescue” system. The three-ball multiball setup and space-themed soundtrack keep the action engaging, and its distinctive layout rewards players who can adapt to its quirks. This machine was notable for being the first to use a separate “jackpot” insert, highlighting when a player was eligible for a big score. The art package, featuring a futuristic control panel aesthetic, only adds to the machine’s charm.

Sinbad

Gottlieb’s Sinbad (1978) brings the golden age of pinball to the forefront with its four flippers and strategic drop target gameplay. This electro-mechanical gem demands sharp reflexes and well-planned shots, proving that classics never go out of style. Inspired by the Arabian Nights, the playfield is adorned with vibrant illustrations of Sinbad’s adventures, while its scoring system encourages players to complete target banks for progressive rewards. Its simplistic yet deep gameplay ensures that players must remain focused to rack up high scores.

Elvira’s House of Horrors (Premium)

Spooky and fun, Stern’s Elvira’s House of Horrors (2019) is a campy horror-themed pin loaded with interactive toys. The mansion’s moving crypt, talking gargoyles, and multiple multiball opportunities make it as entertaining as it is challenging. The machine is a spiritual successor to Elvira and the Party Monsters and Scared Stiff, bringing back the legendary horror host with a new batch of haunted house antics. Players will love the hilarious movie clips incorporated into gameplay, featuring B-movie monsters and jump scares that keep the action lively.

Spider-Man

Stern’s Spider-Man (2007) brings the web-slinger to life with a fast, balanced playfield and exciting villain battles. Featuring ramps, fast loops, and great callouts from the movie cast, it remains a favorite among competitive players for its fair yet challenging rule set. The game’s layout, designed by Steve Ritchie, is similar to the beloved Attack From Mars and Medieval Madness, making it one of Stern’s most successful pins of its era. Players must battle the Sinister Six to reach the Wizard Mode, making every game a race against some of Spidey’s most notorious foes.

A Battle to the End

As the tournament progressed, the final game on Bally’s Star Trek machine proved to be a true test of skill and endurance. This 1978 solid-state classic, designed by Greg Kmiec, is known for its bright, colorful backglass and rewarding bonus multiplier system. The game features a satisfying spinner shot and a unique drop target layout that demands precision. Players must light up the “Star Trek” letters to advance their scores, making it a great test of both strategic planning and reflexes.

Emerging victorious was Don Werth, who expertly navigated the tricky playfield and capitalized on bonus multipliers to secure the win. Erin Young gave a phenomenal performance, using well-timed nudges and skillful shot selection to finish in second place. Mark R. Lariviere showed consistent play throughout the night, leveraging smart ball control to take third. Special mention to Kim Smith from the Pinball Gallery, who demonstrated an impressive command of the classic machine, using controlled flipping techniques to maintain precise ball movement

Pennsylvania IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Game Over… For Now!

The D&D Pro Launch Party OPEN Tournament was a resounding success, bringing together fierce competition and a shared love for pinball. A huge thank you to Bill Disney for organizing another fantastic event and to the Pinball Gallery for providing a top-tier venue. Congratulations to Don Werth on a well-earned victory! Looking forward to more exciting pinball battles ahead—until next time, keep flipping!