Dungeon Crawlers and Pinball Wizards at PBJ in Fort Collins

On February 19, 2025, pinball enthusiasts braved the overcast skies and a brisk 10°F evening to converge at Pinball Jones in Fort Collins, Colorado, for the PBJ League Season 12 Week 5 tournament. The event commenced at 7:00 PM, featuring 34 players competing across five games in a single round, wrapping up in approximately two and a half hours.

Pinball Jones: A Pinball spot for Aficionados

Located at 107 Linden Street in the heart of Old Town Square, Pinball Jones offers a nostalgic arcade ambiance complemented by a full-service bar. Established in 2011, this underground venue boasts an impressive collection of 38 pinball machines, ranging from vintage classics to the latest releases. Regulars and newcomers alike appreciate the lively atmosphere, especially during the popular $5 Free Play Mondays, where the arcade buzzes with activity on every machine. Whether you’re a seasoned pinball wizard or a casual player, Pinball Jones provides an engaging and welcoming environment for all.

Marathon Match: ‘Dungeons & Dragons: The Tyrant’s Eye’

The highlight of the evening was an epic 122-minute duel on Stern’s Dungeons & Dragons: The Tyrant’s Eye (Pro), a machine that made its debut just last month. Designed by the renowned Brian Eddy, this pinball experience immerses players in a quest to thwart the dragon queen Tiamat’s nefarious plans. Central to the game is Rath the Relentless, an advanced animatronic red dragon voiced by Michael Dorn, which interacts dynamically with players by tracking movements, blocking pathways, and even “breathing” pinballs to intensify the challenge. Players navigate through intricate dungeons, confronting 45 classic D&D monsters, including beholders, liches, and the notorious gelatinous cube that can ensnare the pinball mid-play. In this marathon session, Dave Mercer from Colorado, ranked 29th in the state, showcased exceptional skill and strategy to emerge victorious over formidable opponents Erika Stonebay, Alex Yohe, and Savannah Brown.

Spotlight on Tournament Machines: Five Standouts

The tournament featured an array of remarkable pinball machines. Here are five that stood out:

• The Addams Family (Bally, 1992): This iconic machine, designed by Pat Lawlor and Larry DeMar, is celebrated as the best-selling pinball machine since the 1930s, with over 20,000 units sold. Players are invited to “Explore the strange world of the Addams Family,” navigating the mansion’s 12 rooms, each offering unique challenges and rewards. Notable features include the ‘Thing’ hand that mysteriously captures the ball and an electric chair that serves as a central game element. The machine also boasts custom speech from the film’s stars, Raul Julia and Anjelica Huston, enhancing its authentic charm.

• Banzai Run (Williams, 1988): A groundbreaking design by Pat Lawlor, ‘Banzai Run’ is distinguished by its vertical playfield, simulating a thrilling motorcycle hill climb. Players engage in a race against a rival, aiming to ascend the backbox-mounted playfield by hitting specific targets and ramps. This innovative layout offers a unique challenge, diverging from traditional horizontal playfields and providing a fresh experience for players.

• Scared Stiff (Bally, 1996): Starring the iconic Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, this machine combines horror themes with campy humor. Players aim to complete the ‘Frightmare’ modes, each presenting spooky challenges, to ultimately unlock the ‘Scared Stiff’ multiball. The game is renowned for its engaging commentary, vibrant artwork, and interactive features like the spinning spider on the backbox, which adds an extra layer of gameplay.

• The Mandalorian (Pro) (Stern, 2021): Based on the acclaimed Star Wars series, this machine transports players into the role of the Mandalorian, embarking on missions to protect ‘The Child’ (Grogu) and battle iconic adversaries. Designed by Brian Eddy, the game features dynamic playfield elements, including a rotating encounter with a mini-playfield and custom sculptures. The immersive experience is heightened by assets from the show, including music and voiceovers, captivating both pinball enthusiasts and Star Wars fans.

• Pulp Fiction (Chicago Gaming Company, 2023): This machine pays homage to Quentin Tarantino’s cinematic masterpiece, capturing the film’s essence with a retro-inspired design. Players navigate through iconic scenes, engaging with features like the ‘Jack Rabbit Slim’s’ dance contest and ‘Pawn Shop Panic’ multiball modes. The game incorporates over 250 lines of dialogue from the movie, five licensed songs from the original soundtrack, and meticulously crafted artwork, delivering an experience that resonates with fans of the film and pinball aficionados alike.

Celebrating the Champions

A hearty congratulations to the tournament’s top performers:

• 1st Place: Nick Corcoran from Fort Collins, CO, with an IFPA rank of 16,849, secured the championship title. Despite participating in only three IFPA events, Nick’s impressive performance underscores his burgeoning talent in the pinball community.

• 2nd Place: David Klausa, also from Fort Collins, holds a state rank of 139th and an IFPA rank of 5,092. With 50 events to their credit, David’s experience and skill were evident throughout the tournament.

• 3rd Place: Paul Kardell, representing Pinball Jones, boasts a state rank of 108th and an IFPA rank of 2,559. Having competed in 134 events, Paul’s dedication and consistent performance continue to make him a formidable contender.

• 4th Place: Jackson Fry, ranked 10th in Colorado and 1,391st in the IFPA, demonstrated exceptional prowess, reflecting his extensive experience from 195 events.

Colorado’s Pinball Elite: Top 10 Standings

The competitive spirit in Colorado’s pinball scene is as fierce as ever. Here’s how the state’s best stack up:

It’s worth noting that tournament finalist Jackson Fry holds onto that 10th spot, proving once again that Fort Collins is producing some serious pinball talent.

Until The Next Flip

With another tournament in the books, PBJ League Season 12 Week 5 brought high-energy competition, legendary pinball machines, and an unforgettable endurance test on Dungeons & Dragons: The Tyrant’s Eye. Congratulations once again to Nick Corcoran, who turned just his third IFPA event into a championship run!

Pinball Jones continues to be a prime destination for Colorado pinball, drawing players with its well-maintained machines, retro vibes, and passionate community. If you haven’t made the trip yet, you’re missing out on one of the state’s best collections. And with league nights keeping the action alive, there’s always another opportunity to test your flipper skills.

Follow along for more pinball news, tournament recaps, and deep dives into the world of competitive play. Until next time—keep flipping!