MY STORY
The Great Lakes Mall in Mentor, Ohio was a common summer “shopping” spot for my family. Rather tired of our local mall, it seemed like my mom was driving me down there a half-dozen times a year. Luckily, the arcade inside (mixed with a small one in the plaza adjoining) always had an excellent selection of games. Their pinballs were lined up and always in great shape.
Banzai Run was part of this original line-up. I can still remember playing the game as it sat between a Bone Busters and Back to the Future. The wide-open playfield was very inviting and, at first glance, seemed to appear “simple.” However, once that ball was carried up to the top backbox, the game changed completely.
The ball physics of that upper playfield need to be tried to be believed. The ball just flops around with no real direction. You need to master the flipper hold and backhand technique. Obviously, I was not very good at BR during my early plays with it. And, truthfully……by the time I started getting good.......they removed it from the arcade.
I never saw another Banzai Run until Dr. Scott’s pinball store grand-opening where Pat Lawlor was signing autographs (and they had a Lawlor lineup to celebrate). After pressing start, I was hooked all over again. I remembered that upper playfield. I remembered that “let’s try to get the jackpot with the captive ball” technique. I remembered the stacking of the extra-ball shot at the top and the long flowing ramp. Wow…..I had to have this machine!!!!
Unfortunately, Banzai Run was produced in small numbers and are somewhat difficult to find. They are also gaining in popularity recently driving the prices up considerably.
My story continues with information and pictures from my
Banzai Run game HERE
