Thursday, May 26, 2011

Report from the Road: Columbus, Ohio

My mom had a new robo-hip installed last week, and I volunteered to escort her to Columbus for the procedure. Fortunately, the clinic was right downtown, and only a few miles from the Short North. And having done some prior research, it seemed like there was a smattering of places to play pinball in Cowtown.
Well, maybe not even smattering. I found only two solid leads, both which produced machines though. First was the Tip Top Kitchen, only a quick jaunt from the hospital. I got pretty excited about this place, as a YouTube video shows an owner playing a Bally Future Spa, which might be the most ridiculous theme/backglass ever to grace a machine.
 I was pumped to put some quarters into one in the wild, but alas, it seems that it has long since been removed, with a well-playing (but lackluster in comparison) Monopoly in its place. It should be noted that the Tip Top has a fantastic draft selection, and the machine is crammed into the darkest spot in the place, which would be great except for the adjacent staff service door which blasts you with sunlight every so often, reminding you that there is an outside world waiting for you once your last ball drains.

The next day found me at Suzi Cue on N. 4th, very close to my brother's old apt. from way back when. Upon entering, an Attack From Mars could be seen in the very back, being hammered away on by one of the 2 other patrons in this cavernous pool hall. When she finally left, I was impressed with her last score (something in the 11,000,000,000 range!). I think my best has been 9,000,000,000, and needless to say I didn't even get close to that on this day. Also, the display on this particular AFM was missing close to 20 vertical lines, and the sound was turned completely off. Kinda killed it for me. Good thing the $1.50 PBRs made the experience sting a bit less.

So that's what I uncovered in good ol' Cols. I'm sure there are more pins lurking, but mom's cyborg-leg took priority on this trip. I'll be back, and I'm coming after you, Future Spa, wherever you are.




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