How Often Do You (or Would You) Go To the Classic Arcade?

[VectorGamer]

If you have a classic arcade in your area, how often do you go? If you currently don't have a classic arcade in your area, how often would you go if there was?

 

The closest classic arcade is an hour away and it costs $25 for all day play. With that, I only go 2 or 3 times a year. For that price, there's not a lot of classic 70s and 80s arcade games currently on the floor that could get me there more often.

 

But, if I lived close to Funspot, I would be there every week!

 

Time's yours...

[Cynicaster]

Interesting topic for a thread.

 

I got into the retro gaming hobby in 2010 or so, and I think any time between then and now I'd be very interested in having convenient access to a classic arcade.

 

If there were a nice arcade right in my city, I guarantee I'd be there at least a few times a month, sometimes more.

 

The problem has been, very few options. If there is a single place in my city to play an actual classic game (shitty Chinese xx-in-one cabinets do not count), then I don't know where it is.

 

A few years ago, I stumbled upon Pinball Pete's in Ann Arbor, Michigan (you featured this place in your mag), but I found the selection of games that I actually cared to play rather thin, and definitely not worth the 1.5 hour drive from my house.

 

At the end of 2013, I learned of a new place called The Arcade in Brighton, Michigan. It has a decent collection of arcade games--all 80's era--including the likes of DK, Burger Time, Galaga, Asteroids/Deluxe, Centipede, Moon Patrol, Xevious, Gravitar, Vanguard, Crazy Climber, Food Fight, Missile Command, Space Invaders, Bubbles, Gyruss, Crystal Castles, and several more. Unfortunately (for me, anyway) the emphasis seems to be on pinballs, as they have a shit ton of them there, to the point where the vids almost seem like an afterthought. I live in Ontario, Canada, so this place is over an hour from my home (with no traffic), but it is only about 25 minutes from my workplace, so I've gone there after work. Of course, it's 25 minutes in the direction opposite from home, but nonetheless I've gone out there three times already. I'd go much more if it weren't so out of the way. Coincidentally, I had plans to go there tonight, but there was a pretty bad storm and I just wanted to get home after work.

[Omega-TI]

I guess I'm becoming and old fart, because the idea of going to an arcade and dumping quarters or dollars into someone else's machines has no interest to me. I'd much rather use that money to buy hardware for my own classic computer and play all the games I want at home.

[+wongojack]

I guess I'm becoming and old fart, because the idea of going to an arcade and dumping quarters or dollars into someone else's machines has no interest to me. I'd much rather use that money to buy hardware for my own classic computer and play all the games I want at home.

 

I kind of agree. I own so much of my own classic gaming stuff that this is becoming a "once a year" thing for me. I even have a few mediocre options within 10 miles of my house, but I don't really go to those anymore.

[Rex Dart]

I'm at Pinballz at least once a week. Hundred-plus pinball and arcade games there, about 10 minutes from where I live. My current favorites there are Black Knight 2000, Dr Who, Black Rose, Tempest, Robotron & Star Trek (cockpit).

[20ohm20]

I go to the Strong National Museum of Play once or twice a month.

 

I've been going to Golf N' Stuff once or twice a year, but the amount of "classic" arcade games there has dramatically decreased over the last 3-4 years. Not sure if I will be going back, especially since I no longer have family in the immediate area.

 

If there was a "barcade" type place within 30-40 minutes of me that wasn't seedy and had a decent collection of late 70's to late 80's video games that were adequately maintained, I'd go once a week. I go to happy hour once a week anyway, so it wouldn't be much of a stretch.

[Keatah]

I guess I'm becoming and old fart, because the idea of going to an arcade and dumping quarters or dollars into someone else's machines has no interest to me. I'd much rather use that money to buy hardware for my own classic computer and play all the games I want at home.

 

I totally absolutely agree. Because I don't do that stuff - excessive collecting, partying, going to bars on weekends (or weeknights) I have money to build my own at home. Or rather a gaming and media entertainment center.

 

But about the arcades:

There are 3 or 4 arcades within 10 miles or so. One looks to be a real classic game room. I haven't even been in there yet. I've passed by several times with the wife, but she never seemed interested and we got distracted doing other things. I don't know what the costs are or how the price structure is set up. Eventually I'll get around to spending an hour or two there for nostalgic sake.

 

There is another one a little closer, but all they seem to have is racers and fighters. Perhaps a few pinball machines and other non-video games. Not a whole lot to interest me there other than the hot women that prowl around. It is near an active night spot and just full of them.

 

And a third establishment seems focused on non-video games along with a separate section full of Chinese beat'em ups. I can assure you this is something I have zero interest in. In fact, the non-video games are more interesting than the fighters and racers that seem endlessly popular these days. This place seemes geared toward give you coupons and prizes more than any place I've ever been in before.

 

In all truth be told I have a much more exciting time playing the classics in my Chillout room. It's got a state-of-the-art display, sound system, and several PCs (some with lesser a/v peripherals). Emulation provides for a limitless selection of games. The environment is right and customizable. I can get 80's music going, have a burger and beer. I'm not confined to standing rigid in one spot. I can get fresh night air full of autumn aroma, or cozy up with sub-zero storms raging outside.

 

When I'm done gaming I turn off all the lights and put on some Jonn Serrie space music or nccAmbientEngine. With a starscape background on the forward screen and the planetarium projector going it's all to easy imagining you're onboard a spacecraft. Really fantastic experience. One that no drive-to arcade can even come close to.

 

Chastise me for "ruining" the "authentic arcade" experience. Whatever. Once you enjoy the classics in this fashion you'll never wanna do them any other way.

[ledzep]

None around me that I know of except EightyTwo which is Downtown and doesn't have quite the amount of favorite classic games for me to go to a lot. Been there once, will go again. But Downtown ain't really near me. It is a cool place but it's half pinball games (glad they exist, not a real fan of them) and half hangout bar.

 

If there were a legitimate old-school games arcade near me I'd probably go once or twice a month. Just for the atmosphere, along with playing the games. But what few of these places exist all seem to believe (and they're kind of right) that they have to go with the greatest hits - Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Galaxian, Gauntlet, etc. - and I'm more of a Tempest, Missile Command, Star Trek person. Vectors, mostly, but I'm a big fan of Xevious, Wizard Of Wor, Rally-X, Qix, Space Firebird, Astro Blaster, etc. The less known games. An arcade with those games would get my attention.

[racerx]

I usually make it once every month or two to Galloping Ghost, Underground Retrocade, or Logan Arcade. Literally hundreds and hundreds of classics to play.

[Cynicaster]

I can still vividly recall what it was like to be a 12-13 year-old kid at the local arcade, walking up and down the aisles of games with only 3 quarters to my name, just wishing I had more money. I'd take breaks of several minutes between plays, so I could savor the experience, but the money never seemed to last long enough.

 

Walking around an arcade now as an adult with a recreational budget to spend as I please, there is this liberating feeling that comes with knowing I can go in there and spend all the money I need, without thinking twice about it. All these years later, as dumb as it sounds, there is a novelty to this.

 

Ultimately, though, it's about playing the games in a true arcade environment and supporting retro-gaming-based businesses.

 

I usually make it once every month or two to Galloping Ghost, Underground Retrocade, or Logan Arcade. Literally hundreds and hundreds of classics to play.

My girlfriend and I have been talking about making a trip out to Chicago, and I told her I must visit one of these arcades. She'll play along, but unfortunately, I'm probably only going to have the time to hit one of them. If I can only hit one, which one would you recommend? I like all kinds of games from the early 80's to early 90's, plus mid-late 90's shoot-em-ups. Not interested in pinball, SF2-style fighters, gun games, dancing gaymes (har har), or sit-down racing games.

[Rex Dart]

Two things I didn't mention above.

 

 

One, their BYOB rule.

Two, they have Getaway again! Easily one of my top 5, maybe even #1.

[racerx]

If I can only hit one, which one would you recommend? I like all kinds of games from the early 80's to early 90's, plus mid-late 90's shoot-em-ups. Not interested in pinball, SF2-style fighters, gun games, dancing gaymes (har har), or sit-down racing games.

 

Their games lists are on their web sites, but Underground is my personal favorite. Over 100 mostly classic games for a $15 all-day cover. Galloping Ghost has more games for the same $15, but a lot are fighters and conversions. Logan is cool, and still 25 cents per play, with the addition of being a bar. It's also the closest by far to downtown. Scott at Underground, Doc at GG, and Zespy at Logan are all great guys.

 

The only problem with Underground for me is it's quite a drive.

[Dan Iacovelli]

I usally go down to ghost at least once a month unless midwest gmaing claasic or cge is on that month.

VGS I usally head there after the show (I have a life time pass for donating to thier expansion)

[Mxyzptlk]

I am very spoiled, I have an awesome retro arcade within 25 miles from my house in Warren. I am sure most Oregonians here at A.A. make at least a monthly trip to Ground Kontrol. I, personally go at least 3 times a month to play games that I am trying to marathon and do not own. When I was a kid I would hit the MANY arcades that were in my area every single day. A few years ago Ground Kontrol bought my Baby Pac-Man that I did a ground up restoration on and had it on the floor for a year+.

[Dauber]

I'm lucky to live in Chicago -- I have plenty of arcade action within a 30-mile radius! I tend to go to Underground Retrocade on a monthly basis, although I took a summer hiatus this year. Went there on Saturday for the first time since June. Haven't been to the Ghost in over a year (and the last time I went was only because Underground was closed and in limbo at the time)...I tend to avoid it (even though it's much closer than Underground) primarily because I don't like their selection....way too many beat-'em-ups for my taste....but i do want to go back; I've heard from many sources that Doc made some excellent changes...

 

I try to go to Logan Hardware when I can. What I love about that place: it's a record store with a (tiny) arcade. (And they sell some Atari home stuff too.) Sadly I haven't had a chance to go in quite a while.

Edited September 18, 2014 by Dauber

[Rhomaios]

I go when friends want to join with me, otherwise I can just play their 8 and 16 bit ports at home.

[Nebulon]

If there was a proper retro arcade near me (i.e. darkness illuminated by neon and coin-op screens) with a selection of games that I liked, I'd be there once or twice a week.

 

That is... if they'd let me pay by the coin, rather than a day-rate.

 

It would also help if they played rock from 1978 to 1984. I'm thinking along the line of Journey here.

[Dauber]

Heh...I lived in New Jersey for a while, and during my stay there I worked in Red Bank for about a year. I often joke that if YesterCades were there when I worked in Red Bank, my wife would probably rarely ever see me. Thing is...I often think that, yet one gaming session at one of these places -- anywhere from, say, three to twelve hours -- burns me out, and I pretty much NEED to stay away for a month.

[VectorGamer]

I'll be headed to Timeline Arcade in a few weeks. They added Tapper, Berzerk, Ice Cold Beer and Dragon's Lair since I was last there in the winter time. Since it's an hour away I pay for an all day pass. And since I pay for an all day pass I plan on staying there for about 6 hours like I did last time. I'll do a walkthrough video when I'm back up and post it to my YouTube channel.

[bkrownd]

There seems to be an arcade at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park about 30 miles away, but from what I've heard it has modern games and I'm not sure if there are many classics. There's also an "arcade" in a nearby neighborhood but it seems like a "kids party place" with things like skeeball and toy cranes. Never been to either.

 

If there was a classic-style arcade in a convenient part of town I'd go every week or two IF it was busy. It's kind of like going to the coffee shop - I'm not there for the coffee, I'm there for the atmosphere and the community space and to get out of the house. I can play video games at home, but it would be more fun to play them in a busy place where the game sounds were blasting. Also, real pinball is infinitely better than video pinball.

Edited September 19, 2014 by bkrownd

[racerx]

I try to go to Logan Hardware when I can. What I love about that place: it's a record store with a (tiny) arcade. (And they sell some Atari home stuff too.) Sadly I haven't had a chance to go in quite a while.

 

Bear in mind that Zespy opened Logan Arcade this year, a barcade with a big selection of games.

[Dauber]

Oh, I know that, I just don't do the barcade thing, really...especially not Emporium.

[Syzygy1]

I went to Funspot 2 years ago in August. First time seeing a Mappy arcade machine. I LOVED IT.

[Dan Iacovelli]

I'm lucky to live in Chicago -- I have plenty of arcade action within a 30-mile radius! I tend to go to Underground Retrocade on a monthly basis, although I took a summer hiatus this year. Went there on Saturday for the first time since June. Haven't been to the Ghost in over a year (and the last time I went was only because Underground was closed and in limbo at the time)...I tend to avoid it (even though it's much closer than Underground) primarily because I don't like their selection....way too many beat-'em-ups for my taste....but i do want to go back; I've heard from many sources that Doc made some excellent changes...

 

I try to go to Logan Hardware when I can. What I love about that place: it's a record store with a (tiny) arcade. (And they sell some Atari home stuff too.) Sadly I haven't had a chance to go in quite a while.

docs been busy adding a lot more classic stuff and still planning to expand

[Opry99er]

Used to hit Funplex in Littleton, CO as a kid about once a month with the fam.

 

Puzzle's Fun Dome in Middletpwn, KY as a teenager about once every two weeks. Local area laundromat in Aurora CO as an adult (had Ms. PacMan/Galaga combo) about once a week.

 

Always seek arcades when I travel.

 

Found a kid-friendly pizza barcade here in Cookeville, TN that I am going to try for the first time with my son next week... They have Asteroids on free-play and TMNT plus a bunch others, according to reports.