Roll for Multiball: The D&D Launch Party at Slingshot Pinball

When Slingshot Pinball hosted the D&D Launch Party tournament on March 28th, it wasn’t just a casual evening of flippers—it was a celebratory blast into Stern’s fantasy realm via their latest release, Dungeons & Dragons: The Tyrant’s Eye. But this wasn’t a one-game party. With 23 machines ranging from recent blockbusters to cult favorites, the night delivered a full buffet of modern pinball engineering.

Thirty-four players competed across four single-game rounds, all crammed into a breezy three and a half hours. Blame It On The Drain Pinball ran the show with their usual smooth efficiency, keeping the games flowing and the matchups spicy. The weather outside was classic San Jose spring—cloudy but comfy at 56°F—setting the tone for a night of fantasy battles, kaiju destruction, heavy metal shredding, and one surprisingly long espionage mission.

Where Pinball Lives in the South Bay

Slingshot Pinball isn’t just another pinball venue. It’s the only dedicated spot for silverball in the South Bay, and it wears that badge with pride. Tucked into a converted warehouse bay next to a brewery, it offers a curated lineup of pristine machines, most with tasteful mods and tuned flippers. If you’ve ever grumbled about a slingshot that’s too strong or a scoop that rejects like it owes you money—Slingshot is your place. And the rotation? Legit. You’re just as likely to stumble into a brand-new Stern as you are a modern remake or a hidden gem from a few years back. Operators here are collectors, players, and, maybe most importantly, fans of the game. https://gameonpinball.com

The Epic Saga of Round 4: James Bond and the 63-Minute Grind

If there was one game that truly tested the mettle of the players at Slingshot Pinball, it was the 63-minute showdown on James Bond 007 (Premium/LE) in Round 4. That’s not a typo. One. Full. Hour. And then some. The game was practically a feature-length Bond film in itself—minus the Aston Martin, plus a few multiballs.

Released in September 2022, James Bond 007 marked an ambitious chapter for Stern, with design led by George Gomez and deep integration of the original Sean Connery-era films. While Stern has done plenty of licensed themes before, this one stood out—thanks in part to the classic footage, vintage-style animations, and a sleek, era-authentic playfield aesthetic. The game uses real clips and audio from six Bond films, including Dr. No, Goldfinger, and You Only Live Twice. It’s a nostalgia-fueled journey, but make no mistake—it plays fast and punishes indecision.

The Premium/LE version includes a jetpack-equipped Bond figure that literally lifts the ball across the playfield—one of Stern’s more unique mechs in recent years. Add in a classic drop target bank, multiballs like “Moonraker” and “Bird One,” and an unforgiving scoop or two, and you’ve got a machine that demands both shot accuracy and long-game focus.

And that’s exactly what we saw. Corey Peterson emerged victorious in this round, outlasting higher-ranked opponents despite coming in with a more modest California state rank of 481st. His consistent play and patience paid off in a match that asked more of players than most finals do.

Peach Ruiz, ranked 195th, wasn’t far behind and looked sharp throughout, but sometimes even Bond can’t escape the outlane. Randy Barrick and Zack Stephens rounded out the match with solid efforts of their own, each enduring the full duration of what became a slow-burning war of attrition. This wasn’t just a game—it was a test of pinball endurance.

Machines That Shined (and Bit Back)

Now let’s dig into the lineup, because Slingshot brought some firepower.

Pulp Fiction (Chicago Gaming, 2023) – A love letter to early solid-state pinball, this Quentin Tarantino-themed game has a retro Bally-style layout, complete with chunky inline drop targets, saucer scoops, and a steep learning curve. It was designed by Mark Ritchie—yes, Steve’s brother—and the art and presentation evoke that 1979-1981 era perfectly. The game’s audio and callouts push boundaries (like the movie), and it plays fast and unforgiving. A blast for purists and film fans alike.

Godzilla (Stern, 2021) – Designed by Keith Elwin and widely considered one of the greatest modern machines, Godzilla was a creative explosion that reminded everyone why Elwin is basically the Einstein of flow. With mechs like a collapsing bridge, a magnet-grabbing Mechagodzilla, and towering wireforms, it’s both visually stunning and mechanically brilliant. Oh—and it won the 2022 TWIPY for Game of the Year. No big deal.

The Mandalorian (Stern, 2021) – Another Dwight Sullivan ruleset packed with branching missions and multiball madness. This one’s got a unique mini-playfield with rotating targets and a central magnet that loves to surprise you. The theme integration is strong—Grogu’s right there with you the whole time—and the upper playfield adds just enough chaos without feeling gimmicky.

Led Zeppelin (Stern, 2020) – A polarizing release, sure—but it’s hard to deny the kinetic satisfaction of a good game on Zep. Keith Elwin again brings the flow, and although the playfield seems minimalist, the ramps are smooth and satisfying. It also holds the title as Stern’s last release before the 2021 parts shortage hit hard, slowing down production across the industry.

Batman 66 (Stern, 2016) – A George Gomez and Lyman Sheats collaboration, this machine is loaded with deep code and campy charm. It’s a spiritual reboot of the Batman ’66 series with Adam West and Burt Ward, packed with episodes, villain modes, and the kind of code depth that Lyman was known for. The game helped establish Stern’s modern LCD era, and it still holds up beautifully.

Dungeons & Dragons: The Tyrant’s Eye (Stern, 2025) – The guest of honor. Released just months ago, The Tyrant’s Eye features a wide-body design and fully interactive Eye mech that watches your every move. Designed by Steve Ritchie—his first machine since returning to Stern—the game’s got fantasy themes baked into every shot, with modes tied to campaign-style objectives and a ruleset that encourages party-style risk/reward decision making. It’s already being compared to Lord of the Rings in terms of adventure feel. Plus, it looks epic under lights.

John Wick (Stern, 2024) – Brutal, fast, and merciless—just like the character. This Pro version sports a slick, symmetrical layout, lots of standup targets, and fast, dangerous returns. It’s designed to punish hesitation. Not for the faint of heart.

Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast (Stern, 2018) – Elwin’s first game, and the one that made everyone realize he wasn’t just a top player—he was a design savant. With unique geometry, combo-heavy ramps, and the Eddie-themed multiballs, it feels more like a rhythm game than a traditional shooter. Still a mainstay in competitive circuits for a reason.

JAWS (Stern, 2024) – Another recent release that had players buzzing. The magnetic shark fin grab, the underwater inserts, and the callouts from the film combine for a beautifully integrated machine. And yes, the infamous “Quint multiball” delivers just as much chaos as you’d expect.

A Toast to the Final Four

A huge shoutout goes to David Lee, who flipped his way to first place with steady hands and smart shot selection. While his state rank sits at 627th, his 119-event résumé shows that experience—and probably a little calm under pressure—can go a long way when the stakes are high.

Cole Maston followed closely in second. With just 40 events under his belt, he showed the kind of precision play that could vault him even higher in future competitions. Tim Hansen, one of the state’s elite at 16th, took third. He’s competed in 237 IFPA events, and his consistency continues to impress on just about every machine he touches. Amy Martin landed in fourth, adding to her solid track record with a smooth run through a tricky lineup. She’s clearly a player to watch, especially with over 100 events to her name.

California IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings:

Wrapping Up the Adventure

A big thanks to Blame It On The Drain Pinball for organizing this fantasy-meets-fury launch party and to Slingshot Pinball for curating one of the most enjoyable machine lineups we’ve seen this year. Everything played clean, the energy was high, and that 63-minute Bond game? Legendary.

Whether you came for The Tyrant’s Eye, to finally tame Godzilla, or to chase your wizard dreams on Iron Maiden, this event was a great reminder why pinball is alive and well in California. Catch the next tournament details and more at https://fb.me/e/1J0POWIHl. Stay connected for more pinball excitement and tournament coverage—because in this game, there’s always another ball waiting to plunge.