Merry Christmas, everyone! I hope this video comes as a pleasant surprise for everyone. It's my gift to all of you for being such amazing fans of the channel! 😁 I meant to upload this a lot sooner, but life happened when my grandma passed away earlier this month and threw me off completely in terms of what I wanted to do with my channel over winter break. Things are better now, but my mom is still grieving a lot. I'm glad I found the time to post this video. though. Have a very Merry Christmas and God bless! 🎄✝❤
I was curious, tell us more about yourself. I love this topic, wanted to pick your brain a bit. Also, I think if I could open one up, I'd charge a dime to a quarter for each game!! Make it worthwhile!!
Yeah, Galloping Ghost is the GOAT! They add one new game a week and are currently at 1,020 games now. They have some of the rarest of the rare you'll ever see, including a 1 of 1 version of NARC that has the fully playable helicopter scene that was cut from the original game. Funspot in New Hampshire is another great arcade. They used to be the largest arcade, and still claim to be on their web site, but I think Galloping Ghost has eclipsed them for a while now.
I would say Arcades are kind of coming back with the help of Round1 and people who got tons of machines from auction sale. They are usually private arcade collector (DIY style) or wanting to open a bar. It's difficult to run an arcade on it own without selling food and drinks.
I collect retro arcade machines myself, and have about 30 of them in my house, including Street Fighter II, Darkstalkers, UMK3, Donkey Kong, Spy Hunter, TRON, Pac-man, Ms. Pac-man, and a handful of less well-known ones. From what I've learned finding, buying, and repairing them, in the early 2000s the machines were thrown out en masse by the larger arcade companies and many were sent directly to the landfills or even burned. Most of the ones that are still around were either bought out from smaller arcades that shut down in the following years or rescued by employees taking their favorites home when the others were destroyed. It can be rough work getting them all back up to working condition, but very rewarding.
That’s incredible! You’ve essentially created your own personal arcade museum! With those classics, it sounds like an amazing collection. It’s heartbreaking to think about how many machines were lost during the early 2000s, especially knowing they were sent to landfills or even destroyed... So much gaming history was almost erased. But it’s people like you, who rescue and restore these machines, that are keeping that legacy alive. I can only imagine the work that goes into fixing them, but I bet it’s so worth it when you hear that first startup sound or see the screen come to life again. :) Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment!
There's a nice arcade on Ledo beach here in Florida. It has a bunch of old school arcade games, pinball machines and even has a bunch of Japanese games to play. It's only $20 and you can play unlimited games for as long as you want. They have pretty good food and there's a hangout spot upstairs.
Though, few and far between, it’s nice to see some dedicated retro arcades still out there doing well. I think modern arcades could capture a comparable charm to their retro counterparts if they had more present originals. I’m sure there’s original arcade games out there, but the common thing seen in arcade spaces these days are, like you mentioned, adapted mobile games or licensed titles that just don’t feel the same. Arcades back in the day had original IPs that leaned into the strengths of the medium; cause, after all, what works in the arcade doesn’t always work on the home console and Vice versa. That could be the route to arcades somewhat returning to the main social event they used to be. But that’s just my thoughts on the matter 😂😂
You’re definitely right! Those are some good thoughts on the matter. :D It’s a shame the focus has been on adapting mobile games and licensed titles when there’s so much potential in original IPs that could really bring back the magic of arcade games! I'm just so glad and thankful that I discovered that little hole-in-the-wall arcade that reinvigorated my love for retro arcade gaming. :)
What a wonderful video! I haven't seen a classic arcade in many many years. My first experience with an arcade game was Space Invaders at a local swimming pool and later at a grocery store. At the time, I couldn't imagine a room full of different games! A year or two later later, I remember being so excited when I was given quarters to play a few games at the arcade. There was even a local arcade that would give tokens to use instead of quarters... and would give 5 or 6 tokens for $1. They would also give kids tokens when they would bring report cards. 2 tokens for every A and 1 token for every B. I would always bring my report card! LOL That arcade had lots of games over the years. I remember seeing classics like Galaga, Pacman, Dig Dug, Asteroids, Donkey Kong, etc... and eventually even getting Super Mario Bros. just before they closed down. The thing that amazes me about them getting that game... is that I remember seeing it there before seeing any commercials for the NES at all. I've been telling people that I've seen SMB in the arcade before the NES, and nobody believes me. I don't blame them... because official release dates state that SMB was released on the NES first. I think my mother is the only one who believes me because she remembers seeing the game at the arcade there as well. LOL
It’s amazing to hear about your experiences with arcades, especially how they were a big part of growing up! :) I love the idea of earning tokens for report cards-such a great motivator to keep those grades up while also enjoying some fun! XD It’s incredible how arcades were hubs for so many memories. And wow, the Super Mario Bros. arcade sighting before the NES release is such a unique memory! :O It must have been a big surprise to see it in the arcade before the NES, especially since SMB became such a cornerstone of gaming history. I can totally understand why your mom remembers it, too. it’s a fun piece of gaming history that many might not know about. Thanks for sharing and for taking the time to watch my video. I'll never get tired of saying how much it means to me. :)
@Dutchess5 Thanks! I love your videos! I'm always happy to see when you have a new one! 🙂 After this post, I did a search on the arcade and NES release dates of SMB... and discovered on Reddit and other sites that there are some other people who shared my experience as well. I saw posts from people claiming they saw SMB in the arcade a year or two before the NES was announced... and was an incentive for them to get an NES. The same was true for me. My mother bought the NES for me when it was released as a Christmas gift for that year. She was worried that SMB was going to be very different from the arcade... in the same way the Atari 2600 versions of games were unlike the arcade. She was shocked at how faithful it was to the arcade version. 😄 Glad to know I'm not crazy! Well... at least not when it comes to that! LOL! 😆 I've been thinking the official release dates on the wiki and various other sites seemed off for years!
Arcades were pretty interesting places back in the '80s, and especially the '90s; I remember a dusty old basement in a place called Zern's Market in Gilbertsville, PA that shut down just a few years ago; back then, they had stuff like Circus Charilie, Rampage and a bunch of Donkey Kong machines, one of which had a somewhat burned-out display, so everything was reddish; my dad and I used to play Altered Beast there all the time. I do also remember seeing Pac-Mania at the local mall just once, and wondering for almost 20 years if it was even real, because I never saw it again; good thing we have MAME now. In the '90s, the scene thrived with all kinds of really cool titles from all different genres; far too many to name, and they were EVERYWHERE. We went to Disney in '94, and I hopped from Samurai Shodown cabinet to Samurai Shodown cabinet, played the 6-player X-Men cabinet with a full host, and even bonded with a young man over a game of The Punisher. Even if you weren't into the competitive thing, there were so many great co-op experiences to be had. From what I can tell, the decline began around the late '90s; the one at the local mall got in a bunch of subpar machines, and the best one they had was an old Raiden 2 cabinet, because there is NOTHING like that toothpaste laser! It wasn't long before arcades were just a Rail Shooter (usually Terminator), a Racer, and DDR... and seeing DDR in an all-you-can-eat pizza buffet like Cici's always seemed... ill-advised. One day, pretty close to our anniversary, my lady and I went out to eat at Friendly's (one of our old haunts), and she showed me the website for this arcade on her tablet. She said, "You know arcade games better than I do; do you think there's enough for us to do all day?" I couldn't even believe some of the stuff they had: Rampage, X-Men, Marvel vs. Capcom, Altered Beast, the Nick Arcade alpha build of Sonic 2; the list went on and on, so for our anniversary that year, we hopped in the car, drove out to the middle of nowhere, and we were there from 2pm when we rolled out of our hotel bed until 2am when they kicked us out. Even in 12 hours, we didn't get to play everything we wanted, but we did go to a different one that's part of the same chain: they're called Timeline Arcade. What really surprised me about the second one was the retro console setup in the back (complete with the TACKIEST furniture and carpet this side of the '70s for authenticity), but also some of the cool *new* machines they had; there was this Walking Dead machine that looked like the inside of a van, and had these crossbows set up instead of the usual submachine gun. Very cool place if you find yourself in Eastern Pennsylvania.
Wow, it sounds like you have some amazing memories from those arcade days! :) The variety of games and the atmosphere really made it a special experience. It’s a shame to see those classic arcades decline, but it’s great that some places are keeping the spirit alive!
I do not like the fact that my era of gaming was over 2 decades before the majority of folks here today and label it a relic. In fact we had an arcade showing at my museum because they're old enough to be in one.
Oof!! :O They're already in museums? I totally get where you’re coming from. It’s strange and maybe a little jarring to see something you grew up with being labeled as a relic. But at the same time, it’s a testament to just how impactful arcades were-they’ve earned a place in history, even in museums!
to me, yes classic arcades with fighting game and such are not doing well, I find that I love going to pinball arcades and thing that those are on the rise once again
Pinball arcades are a ton of fun, too! I never used to like pinball but I found myself glued to the pinball machine when I was visiting that retro arcade. :) There's a lot of strategizing to it, that's for sure!
I grew up playing arcade games. So many classics like Turtles in Time, Street Fighter II, Simpsons Arcade Game, Toki, Strikers 1945, Metal Slug and the list goes on. I've noticed modern arcades only have a small selection old-school arcade games. A lot of them are modern arcade games. At least there is MAME. There are a couple of retro arcades in my area.
I know exactly what you mean - it’s a shame those classic arcade titles are getting rarer! But it's always nice to see that there are at least a few places taking the time and money to keep the retro arcade spirit alive. :) Those are the type of businesses we need to support wholeheartedly.
Arcades were also the place to go to see "the future of gaming". Arcades were so far ahead of what consoles at home could do. Pac-Man on the Atari was no where near as good as the arcade version for example. 6th generation consoles surpassed arcades in power and size, arcade's demise 😞.
Absolutely, arcades were the cutting edge of gaming for so long. They were where you went to see what was possible-the graphics, the sound, and the sheer scope of arcade games were so ahead of what you could get at home. Comparing Pac-Man on the Atari to its arcade counterpart is night and day! But you’re right, the 6th-gen consoles like the PS2 and Xbox really turned the tables. Suddenly, you had arcade-quality games in your living room, with no need to pump in quarters. It’s bittersweet-while it’s amazing how far home consoles have come, it came at the cost of those vibrant arcades. Thanks for leaving a comment, friend. :) Means the world to me!
the trend of arcade,s demise already started when sony released the ps 1 and even sega s own saturn with the release of sega rally and vurtua cop for the home and even 2d systems like the snes and sega genenis had good ports of mortal kombat games.
@@athos5359 Yeah, It was getting there with gen 5 (Tekken 3 especially). Technically I think the first console port to surpass the Arcade version was Soul Calibur. It was a port of the arcade only with enhanced lighting, detail and stages.
I first played arcade games back in the late 70's. I enjoy playing Space Invaders, Frogger, Q Bert, Pac Man, Mrs. Pac Man, Donkey Kong, Donkey Kong Jr, Spy Hunter, Star Wars, etc. I love going to the arcades at shopping malls(Fourm 303, Red Bird, Irving, etc), Chucky Cheese's, Show Biz Pizza, and of course movie theaters. What you didn't know that in 1983, the arcade industry crashed, and all arcade places have shut down. Yes, home consoles have destroyed the competition. Now you can buy them and play them at home. People like me(Gen Xer) missed going to the arcades. However, there are Retro Arcades in Addison, TX and other areas in the state where they have old school arcades, Atari, Intellivison, etc where you pay to play all arcades without feeding quarters in the machines. It brings back joyful memories.
Wow, what a fantastic comment! Those classic games like Space Invaders, Pac-Man, and Star Wars really defined an era, and it’s amazing to hear about your experiences visiting arcades back then. The 1983 arcade crash was such a pivotal moment-it’s wild how quickly things changed once home consoles started to dominate. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment, I really appreciate it, especially such detailed ones such as these. :)
My 10 yr old daughter has been bugging me to take her on a daddy date to an arcade forever. Sadly, there’s no genuine arcades left in my area. Just throw away mobile games. I’d love to take her to this place you visited. Now more than any time in the last 20 odd years… a place like this could boom in the right location.
I completely understand, it’s such a bummer when you can’t find those classic arcades anymore... It’s awesome that your daughter is so excited for a daughter-father date at one! :) I really hope that in the right location, a retro arcade could make a big comeback. There’s something so special about the atmosphere of those places. Maybe one day, we’ll see more of them pop up and create lasting memories for the next generation, just like you’re hoping to do with your daughter!
@@Dutchess5 absolutely. I’m really on the look out for a spot, but in the meantime…. Filling out my den area with Arcade 1 Up’s :) Also hoping to build my own cabinet one of these days. Pi goes a long way. Next, lighting…… “The Vibe” she says.
One opened up near me a couple of years ago and my son and I visit several times a year. It does a pretty robust business (20$ all you can play as long as you want). It seems primed for success, because it focuses on the classics and pinball, but also has some modern units, plus the hoops, skeeball, air hockey. And a big party area with tons of different consoles. The smaller arcades or barcades that were just retro tended to go out of business quickly. I would have had no idea about it if my friend hadn't tipped me off. If there's not one hidden somewhere within 45 minutes of you, I bet there will be one soon.
I was a teenager when mortal kombat 2 came out at arcades. I must have spent like 1000 dollars worth of quarters on that machine alone. lol. The competition was very addictive. I was so good at it that at one point I learned every fatality for every character and babalities, and friendships. lol. I learned playing as Shang tsung you can basically be all the characters and can counter other peoples characters to have an advantage over them.
Wow, that’s dedication! Mortal Kombat 2 was such a phenomenon, and I can see how the competitive nature of the arcade scene made it so addictive. Spending that much on quarters just shows how much fun and replay value it had. :)
There are thriving retro-arcades, not bar-cades but actual retro arcades, not as many as I would like, though it's usually a drive to find them. But they are there, when before they were not. Retrovolt is one of my favorites. Pinball is rather popular again too with new games coming out regularly. Fun to see the kids there along with the gray hairs who were playing these games when they were new. Ask me how I know. LOL
That’s awesome to hear! It’s really encouraging to know that retro arcades are making a comeback, even if they’re a bit of a drive to get to. Places like Retrovolt sound like gems, and it’s great that both kids and longtime fans are coming together to enjoy those classic games. :)
I love Funspot, but are they still the largest arcade? If they are, is it by number of games or square footage?? I ask because Galloping Ghost in Illinois is now up to 1,020 games, adding a new one every week. Funspot has between 600-700 games last I checked.
Fun spot does have a separate warehouse full of games in storage Old vintage game They have a small classic section at fun spot They moved a lot of them out for coin and claw. Games
@@davepetro5676 Ah so it is square footage then. Ok. Did they really get rid of many of the old school games for claw/redemption games? Its been about 15 years since I was there.
My childhood favorite game series, the Bemani line of music games from Konami, doesn't seem to release home versions of their games anymore, despite the decline of arcade before the rise of bar-cades and American Round1 locations. DanceDanceRevolution, GitaDora, and beatmania IIDX all seem to get arcade-only entries since 2009. How will the player base play the newest games? Go on road trips? This is going insane. Before a Dave & Buster's location could be established, all of the arcades in my home city (Modesto, CA) got rid of their DDR cabinets and never got to upgrade them to X or a newer game. What a wasted opportunity, as X2 and every game after that had no home versions. (X2 on PS2 and DDR II on Wii don't count.)
Gaming is booming more than music and movies rn. And I don’t think it will end but I think it will always be targeted to the youth.. enjoy your games! :]
There's one barcade by me and a D&B's. I hardly go to either of them. How come hardly nobody talks about consoles as the continuing platform of true arcade gaming? I've been having the time of my life playing the new stuff and the games brought from Japan for over 20 years now.
Captain Crazy's Paradise in Foley Alabama is awesome!! They have new and classic games, neon lights, huge selection of pinball machines, interactive video golf and an awesome selection craft brews!! All set in an 80s theme.
Interesting video. I love all the classic arcade games and am even trying to build a custom arcade cabinet currently. It's a shame that there aren't more traditional arcades out there. Great video and Merry Christmas 🎉
Oooo! That's such an exciting project! You'll have to share with with me and everyone else one of these days. :) It really is a shame, though! Merry Christmas! Thank you for being such a loyal fan of the channel for over a year. ❤️☺️
Pretty sure I commented but TH-cam is doing what TH-cam does best... 😅 Either way, hope you had a Merry Christmas, Dutchess! Arcades were an occasional but still very fun part of my childhood. Wish they'd make a comeback in a way that wasn't just as novelty supplements like in museums or Bar-cades - as cool as both still are. Loved your segment visiting a local spot! I remember distinctly a lot of arcades or other Ma & Pa game shops advertising rental rates for parties. That was a big blast from the past!
Thank you so much! I hope you had a fantastic Christmas as well, Will! 😊 And I totally hear you about how TH-cam can be a little unpredictable with comments sometimes... The censoring system is a little weird in that regard. I've seen a ton of good comments get held back on my own account and I'm just like, why?? XD It’s great that arcades were such a fun part of your childhood too. It would be amazing to see them make a true comeback, more than just a novelty or a side attraction at bars and museums. There’s something special about those standalone arcade spots, where you could just spend hours getting lost in games. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, friend! Always a joy to see a comment from you :)
In Montreal, street fighter games were the beginning of the end. They were so popular that arcade owners got rid of their other machines, and the people who wanted something else stopping coming. All the fun of diversity was lost. Eventually the street fighter audience wasn't large enough to sustain arcades as consoles improved. The bottom fell out practically overnight.
That’s such an interesting perspective, and it makes a lot of sense. Street Fighter was such a massive phenomenon that it became the focal point for arcades in many places. But I can see how that shift hurt the diversity that made arcades special in the first place. When a single game dominates, it risks alienating people who come for a variety of experiences. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment! :D
Nice vid. The culture shifted. We now have thousands of games for free in our pockets, so it doesn't make sense to pay for a single "Try" in a game that can only be reached by going to a special shop. It's like libraries, an avid reader would rather buy stuff from amazon instead of going out. I don't know if you know this, but in Japan and in France the Fighting game community and the SHMUP community were responsible for keeping several arcades alive. Kx Maison, BIG-ONE, A-cho, MIKADO, GameCenter WILL, Fantasista.... many have channels on youtube or twitch where they stream tournaments/record breaking atempts. Some games even have partnerships with those game houses for new versions, like "Raiden IV MIKADO", and "Yatagarasu: enter the eastward" that has a character based on Sistan. But still, all good things will end. Taito Houses are now"house", singular, SEGA arcades slowly became GIGO entertainment and A-cho announced it will close in 2025.
Couldn't agree more! It is a lot easier to keep to yourself in your house and play a game from a console or phone. It's really interesting to see how the gaming landscape has evolved towards that direction, but it's great that those passionate arcade communities are keeping the arcade spirit alive! 🙌 Still sad to hear about those arcades that are closing their doors later next year. :( Thank you for taking the time to watch my video and for leaving a comment! :)
I love arcades and pinball more than console games but i grew up in a time where that stuff was dying. I remember going to an arcade when i was really young but it was a ghost town and this was in the early 2000s from what i can remember, kind of sad. Now a days you see a lot of the newer arcades like Dave and busters and im not hating on those but the old arcades machines the sounds, high scores, pinball i mean those older arcades will always be the best in my opinion. I live in New York and you dont really see much of the older arcades these days. The nearest one for me is Dave and busters but the new games dont appeal as much to me as does the older games. Possibly for me if i wanted to play the old games i have to go to one of those barcades but i dont drink and im not comfortable going to bars. Unfortunately arcades in New York is very limited. Luckily we got emulation like MAME to fill the void and play arcades at home. Even though it doesn't beat going to an actual arcade its better than nothing but i wish we had more older arcades in New York that are not in bars.
I totally get that feeling-there’s something so unique about the experience of those classic arcades that’s hard to replicate. The sights, the sounds, the atmosphere of high scores and pinball machines-it was a vibe that newer places like Dave & Buster’s just can’t capture. It’s unfortunate that in New York, older arcades are often tied to barcades, which don’t always suit everyone’s preferences. It would be amazing to see more family-friendly retro arcades pop up that cater to people who just want to enjoy the games without the bar environment. Maybe one day! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. I really do appreciate it, friend. :)
Problem is todays arcade dwellers do not know about the Street Fighter and Pac Man games of yesterday and they the largest customer base to use these things I suspect. You cater for the nostalgic crew you will probably not get as much coin back. Its a theory but I strongly think its because of this fact.
You make an interesting point! Nostalgia definitely plays a huge role in the arcade experience, and it’s crucial to find a balance that appeals to both new and veteran players.
I think Super Nintendo was the beginning of the end. The first time I really played games that were close to the arcade, especially when you didn't have the internet to do a side by side comparison. To me Street Fighter 2 seemed like a perfect copy of the arcade version.
You bring up a great point-Super Nintendo really did change the game in that sense. For a lot of people, it was the first time they could play something at home that felt close to what you’d find in the arcade. It’s no wonder it marked a shift in gaming habits!
I can’t remember the exact number, but it wasn’t anything impressive since, from what I’ve seen, not many people really use that machine. I did manage to make it up to the third level, though!
Merry Christmas, Dutchess I really missed the day playing Cardillac & Dinosaurs and Warriors of Fate with my brother at a local arcade. Last year I came back to Vietnam only to find newer IP movie tie-in games like Transformers and Walking Dead gun games. Not as fun
Merry Christmas, friend! And aww, that's a shame! I definitely know how you feel though. I couldn't stress it in the video enough how horrible it was to go to my local movie theater and see the arcade completely gutted and made basic. It was an awful feeling, so I'm sorry you had to go through something similar!
Hi, This came up in my arcade feed- we most certainly around, I see near the end you did indeed find some games near you but I didn't recognise the place. Ticket machines dont interest us, I spent the last 10 years getting back into the scene which is there, I do repairs and keep these machines going. The biggest in US is near Chicago, Ghalloping Ghost and there is Fun Spot elsewhere. USA has way more options then UK as I work with about 4 arcades over here. Good Video
Sadly, the coin-op video-game arcades as they were faded away completely kaput in the year 2000. Between a myriad of large changes in technology and associated business, the arcade outside became an obsolete business model, while video-games continued to advance and expand at home between gaming consoles and home computers. Though I've always had a great appreciation for The Great Indoors, I still miss the arcades. R.I.P., video-game arcades 1978 - 2000 FUN FACT: Despite the gargantuan advancement of the Coin-Op Arcade video game, from _Pong_ in 1972 to the demise of the arcades 28 yecompletelyars later, they never could muscle Pinball completely out of the arcades where the bulk of them had been since long before video games came around, all the way until the very end of their shared mainline, even if their only, outlet to exist through. Hey, that's not so fun!
Lol it was dead in 1983, then again in 1999. The only arcades left are Dave and busters. Also young girl, the first arcades were bars. This was all made for adults, way before nintendo marketed them to children.
Merry Christmas, everyone! I hope this video comes as a pleasant surprise for everyone. It's my gift to all of you for being such amazing fans of the channel! 😁 I meant to upload this a lot sooner, but life happened when my grandma passed away earlier this month and threw me off completely in terms of what I wanted to do with my channel over winter break. Things are better now, but my mom is still grieving a lot. I'm glad I found the time to post this video. though. Have a very Merry Christmas and God bless! 🎄✝❤
Merry Christmas!
@@TheGeekPunkGamer Merry Christmas! 🎄
I was curious, tell us more about yourself. I love this topic, wanted to pick your brain a bit.
Also, I think if I could open one up, I'd charge a dime to a quarter for each game!! Make it worthwhile!!
I spent so much time in arcades as a child in the 90s. Fighting Games were the biggest reason I spent so much time there
Galloping Ghost Arcade in Illinois is the largest arcade in the USA! So many classics are there; you definitely have to check them out sometime.
If I'm ever in the area, I definitely will! 😁
Largest in the world now!
Yeah, Galloping Ghost is the GOAT! They add one new game a week and are currently at 1,020 games now. They have some of the rarest of the rare you'll ever see, including a 1 of 1 version of NARC that has the fully playable helicopter scene that was cut from the original game. Funspot in New Hampshire is another great arcade. They used to be the largest arcade, and still claim to be on their web site, but I think Galloping Ghost has eclipsed them for a while now.
I would say Arcades are kind of coming back with the help of Round1 and people who got tons of machines from auction sale. They are usually private arcade collector (DIY style) or wanting to open a bar. It's difficult to run an arcade on it own without selling food and drinks.
That's a really interesting point! I hadn't thought about the rise of private arcades and barcades as a factor.
I collect retro arcade machines myself, and have about 30 of them in my house, including Street Fighter II, Darkstalkers, UMK3, Donkey Kong, Spy Hunter, TRON, Pac-man, Ms. Pac-man, and a handful of less well-known ones. From what I've learned finding, buying, and repairing them, in the early 2000s the machines were thrown out en masse by the larger arcade companies and many were sent directly to the landfills or even burned. Most of the ones that are still around were either bought out from smaller arcades that shut down in the following years or rescued by employees taking their favorites home when the others were destroyed. It can be rough work getting them all back up to working condition, but very rewarding.
That’s incredible! You’ve essentially created your own personal arcade museum! With those classics, it sounds like an amazing collection. It’s heartbreaking to think about how many machines were lost during the early 2000s, especially knowing they were sent to landfills or even destroyed... So much gaming history was almost erased. But it’s people like you, who rescue and restore these machines, that are keeping that legacy alive. I can only imagine the work that goes into fixing them, but I bet it’s so worth it when you hear that first startup sound or see the screen come to life again. :) Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment!
Keep Arcades ALIVE 🥰🤩
Ditto!
There's a nice arcade on Ledo beach here in Florida. It has a bunch of old school arcade games, pinball machines and even has a bunch of Japanese games to play. It's only $20 and you can play unlimited games for as long as you want. They have pretty good food and there's a hangout spot upstairs.
That sounds like a really great place to visit! I bet those Japanese games are a blast.
Though, few and far between, it’s nice to see some dedicated retro arcades still out there doing well.
I think modern arcades could capture a comparable charm to their retro counterparts if they had more present originals. I’m sure there’s original arcade games out there, but the common thing seen in arcade spaces these days are, like you mentioned, adapted mobile games or licensed titles that just don’t feel the same. Arcades back in the day had original IPs that leaned into the strengths of the medium; cause, after all, what works in the arcade doesn’t always work on the home console and Vice versa. That could be the route to arcades somewhat returning to the main social event they used to be. But that’s just my thoughts on the matter 😂😂
You’re definitely right! Those are some good thoughts on the matter. :D It’s a shame the focus has been on adapting mobile games and licensed titles when there’s so much potential in original IPs that could really bring back the magic of arcade games! I'm just so glad and thankful that I discovered that little hole-in-the-wall arcade that reinvigorated my love for retro arcade gaming. :)
@ can’t beat the classics 😄
The retro arcade you went to looks a lot like The Retro Zone Arcade in Fort Myers Florida :)
What a wonderful video! I haven't seen a classic arcade in many many years.
My first experience with an arcade game was Space Invaders at a local swimming pool and later at a grocery store. At the time, I couldn't imagine a room full of different games!
A year or two later later, I remember being so excited when I was given quarters to play a few games at the arcade. There was even a local arcade that would give tokens to use instead of quarters... and would give 5 or 6 tokens for $1. They would also give kids tokens when they would bring report cards. 2 tokens for every A and 1 token for every B. I would always bring my report card! LOL
That arcade had lots of games over the years. I remember seeing classics like Galaga, Pacman, Dig Dug, Asteroids, Donkey Kong, etc... and eventually even getting Super Mario Bros. just before they closed down. The thing that amazes me about them getting that game... is that I remember seeing it there before seeing any commercials for the NES at all. I've been telling people that I've seen SMB in the arcade before the NES, and nobody believes me. I don't blame them... because official release dates state that SMB was released on the NES first. I think my mother is the only one who believes me because she remembers seeing the game at the arcade there as well. LOL
It’s amazing to hear about your experiences with arcades, especially how they were a big part of growing up! :) I love the idea of earning tokens for report cards-such a great motivator to keep those grades up while also enjoying some fun! XD It’s incredible how arcades were hubs for so many memories. And wow, the Super Mario Bros. arcade sighting before the NES release is such a unique memory! :O It must have been a big surprise to see it in the arcade before the NES, especially since SMB became such a cornerstone of gaming history. I can totally understand why your mom remembers it, too. it’s a fun piece of gaming history that many might not know about. Thanks for sharing and for taking the time to watch my video. I'll never get tired of saying how much it means to me. :)
@Dutchess5 Thanks! I love your videos! I'm always happy to see when you have a new one! 🙂
After this post, I did a search on the arcade and NES release dates of SMB... and discovered on Reddit and other sites that there are some other people who shared my experience as well. I saw posts from people claiming they saw SMB in the arcade a year or two before the NES was announced... and was an incentive for them to get an NES. The same was true for me. My mother bought the NES for me when it was released as a Christmas gift for that year. She was worried that SMB was going to be very different from the arcade... in the same way the Atari 2600 versions of games were unlike the arcade. She was shocked at how faithful it was to the arcade version. 😄
Glad to know I'm not crazy! Well... at least not when it comes to that! LOL! 😆 I've been thinking the official release dates on the wiki and various other sites seemed off for years!
Arcades were pretty interesting places back in the '80s, and especially the '90s; I remember a dusty old basement in a place called Zern's Market in Gilbertsville, PA that shut down just a few years ago; back then, they had stuff like Circus Charilie, Rampage and a bunch of Donkey Kong machines, one of which had a somewhat burned-out display, so everything was reddish; my dad and I used to play Altered Beast there all the time. I do also remember seeing Pac-Mania at the local mall just once, and wondering for almost 20 years if it was even real, because I never saw it again; good thing we have MAME now. In the '90s, the scene thrived with all kinds of really cool titles from all different genres; far too many to name, and they were EVERYWHERE. We went to Disney in '94, and I hopped from Samurai Shodown cabinet to Samurai Shodown cabinet, played the 6-player X-Men cabinet with a full host, and even bonded with a young man over a game of The Punisher. Even if you weren't into the competitive thing, there were so many great co-op experiences to be had. From what I can tell, the decline began around the late '90s; the one at the local mall got in a bunch of subpar machines, and the best one they had was an old Raiden 2 cabinet, because there is NOTHING like that toothpaste laser! It wasn't long before arcades were just a Rail Shooter (usually Terminator), a Racer, and DDR... and seeing DDR in an all-you-can-eat pizza buffet like Cici's always seemed... ill-advised.
One day, pretty close to our anniversary, my lady and I went out to eat at Friendly's (one of our old haunts), and she showed me the website for this arcade on her tablet. She said, "You know arcade games better than I do; do you think there's enough for us to do all day?" I couldn't even believe some of the stuff they had: Rampage, X-Men, Marvel vs. Capcom, Altered Beast, the Nick Arcade alpha build of Sonic 2; the list went on and on, so for our anniversary that year, we hopped in the car, drove out to the middle of nowhere, and we were there from 2pm when we rolled out of our hotel bed until 2am when they kicked us out. Even in 12 hours, we didn't get to play everything we wanted, but we did go to a different one that's part of the same chain: they're called Timeline Arcade. What really surprised me about the second one was the retro console setup in the back (complete with the TACKIEST furniture and carpet this side of the '70s for authenticity), but also some of the cool *new* machines they had; there was this Walking Dead machine that looked like the inside of a van, and had these crossbows set up instead of the usual submachine gun. Very cool place if you find yourself in Eastern Pennsylvania.
Wow, it sounds like you have some amazing memories from those arcade days! :) The variety of games and the atmosphere really made it a special experience. It’s a shame to see those classic arcades decline, but it’s great that some places are keeping the spirit alive!
I do not like the fact that my era of gaming was over 2 decades before the majority of folks here today and label it a relic. In fact we had an arcade showing at my museum because they're old enough to be in one.
Oof!! :O They're already in museums? I totally get where you’re coming from. It’s strange and maybe a little jarring to see something you grew up with being labeled as a relic. But at the same time, it’s a testament to just how impactful arcades were-they’ve earned a place in history, even in museums!
to me, yes classic arcades with fighting game and such are not doing well, I find that I love going to pinball arcades and thing that those are on the rise once again
Pinball arcades are a ton of fun, too! I never used to like pinball but I found myself glued to the pinball machine when I was visiting that retro arcade. :) There's a lot of strategizing to it, that's for sure!
I grew up playing arcade games. So many classics like Turtles in Time, Street Fighter II, Simpsons Arcade Game, Toki, Strikers 1945, Metal Slug and the list goes on. I've noticed modern arcades only have a small selection old-school arcade games. A lot of them are modern arcade games. At least there is MAME. There are a couple of retro arcades in my area.
I know exactly what you mean - it’s a shame those classic arcade titles are getting rarer! But it's always nice to see that there are at least a few places taking the time and money to keep the retro arcade spirit alive. :) Those are the type of businesses we need to support wholeheartedly.
Arcades were also the place to go to see "the future of gaming". Arcades were so far ahead of what consoles at home could do. Pac-Man on the Atari was no where near as good as the arcade version for example. 6th generation consoles surpassed arcades in power and size, arcade's demise 😞.
Absolutely, arcades were the cutting edge of gaming for so long. They were where you went to see what was possible-the graphics, the sound, and the sheer scope of arcade games were so ahead of what you could get at home. Comparing Pac-Man on the Atari to its arcade counterpart is night and day! But you’re right, the 6th-gen consoles like the PS2 and Xbox really turned the tables. Suddenly, you had arcade-quality games in your living room, with no need to pump in quarters. It’s bittersweet-while it’s amazing how far home consoles have come, it came at the cost of those vibrant arcades. Thanks for leaving a comment, friend. :) Means the world to me!
the trend of arcade,s demise already started when sony released the ps 1 and even sega s own saturn with the release of sega rally and vurtua cop for the home and even 2d systems like the snes and sega genenis had good ports of mortal kombat games.
@@athos5359 Yeah, It was getting there with gen 5 (Tekken 3 especially). Technically I think the first console port to surpass the Arcade version was Soul Calibur. It was a port of the arcade only with enhanced lighting, detail and stages.
I first played arcade games back in the late 70's. I enjoy playing Space Invaders, Frogger, Q Bert, Pac Man, Mrs. Pac Man, Donkey Kong, Donkey Kong Jr, Spy Hunter, Star Wars, etc. I love going to the arcades at shopping malls(Fourm 303, Red Bird, Irving, etc), Chucky Cheese's, Show Biz Pizza, and of course movie theaters. What you didn't know that in 1983, the arcade industry crashed, and all arcade places have shut down. Yes, home consoles have destroyed the competition. Now you can buy them and play them at home. People like me(Gen Xer) missed going to the arcades. However, there are Retro Arcades in Addison, TX and other areas in the state where they have old school arcades, Atari, Intellivison, etc where you pay to play all arcades without feeding quarters in the machines. It brings back joyful memories.
Wow, what a fantastic comment! Those classic games like Space Invaders, Pac-Man, and Star Wars really defined an era, and it’s amazing to hear about your experiences visiting arcades back then. The 1983 arcade crash was such a pivotal moment-it’s wild how quickly things changed once home consoles started to dominate. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment, I really appreciate it, especially such detailed ones such as these. :)
End of Arcades happened Decades ago
I loved williams robotron back in 82/83. I could play that for hours
competitive games are no longer a thing these days on arcades, just gacha stuff
My 10 yr old daughter has been bugging me to take her on a daddy date to an arcade forever. Sadly, there’s no genuine arcades left in my area. Just throw away mobile games. I’d love to take her to this place you visited. Now more than any time in the last 20 odd years… a place like this could boom in the right location.
I completely understand, it’s such a bummer when you can’t find those classic arcades anymore... It’s awesome that your daughter is so excited for a daughter-father date at one! :) I really hope that in the right location, a retro arcade could make a big comeback. There’s something so special about the atmosphere of those places. Maybe one day, we’ll see more of them pop up and create lasting memories for the next generation, just like you’re hoping to do with your daughter!
@@Dutchess5 absolutely. I’m really on the look out for a spot, but in the meantime…. Filling out my den area with Arcade 1 Up’s :) Also hoping to build my own cabinet one of these days. Pi goes a long way. Next, lighting…… “The Vibe” she says.
One opened up near me a couple of years ago and my son and I visit several times a year. It does a pretty robust business (20$ all you can play as long as you want). It seems primed for success, because it focuses on the classics and pinball, but also has some modern units, plus the hoops, skeeball, air hockey. And a big party area with tons of different consoles. The smaller arcades or barcades that were just retro tended to go out of business quickly. I would have had no idea about it if my friend hadn't tipped me off. If there's not one hidden somewhere within 45 minutes of you, I bet there will be one soon.
I was a teenager when mortal kombat 2 came out at arcades. I must have spent like 1000 dollars worth of quarters on that machine alone. lol. The competition was very addictive. I was so good at it that at one point I learned every fatality for every character and babalities, and friendships. lol. I learned playing as Shang tsung you can basically be all the characters and can counter other peoples characters to have an advantage over them.
Wow, that’s dedication! Mortal Kombat 2 was such a phenomenon, and I can see how the competitive nature of the arcade scene made it so addictive. Spending that much on quarters just shows how much fun and replay value it had. :)
Leeds arcade club in the UK has 3 floors of every arcade game you can think of from pong to daytona. last time i went it was £17.00 for all day.
Oh wow, that's so cool! :D
There are thriving retro-arcades, not bar-cades but actual retro arcades, not as many as I would like, though it's usually a drive to find them. But they are there, when before they were not. Retrovolt is one of my favorites. Pinball is rather popular again too with new games coming out regularly. Fun to see the kids there along with the gray hairs who were playing these games when they were new. Ask me how I know. LOL
That’s awesome to hear! It’s really encouraging to know that retro arcades are making a comeback, even if they’re a bit of a drive to get to. Places like Retrovolt sound like gems, and it’s great that both kids and longtime fans are coming together to enjoy those classic games. :)
FUN SPOT
IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
THE BIGGEST ARCADE IN THE WORLD.
I love Funspot, but are they still the largest arcade? If they are, is it by number of games or square footage?? I ask because Galloping Ghost in Illinois is now up to 1,020 games, adding a new one every week. Funspot has between 600-700 games last I checked.
biggest
Not the most
Fun spot does have a separate warehouse full of games in storage Old vintage game
They have a small classic section at fun spot
They moved a lot of them out for coin and claw. Games
@@davepetro5676 Ah so it is square footage then. Ok. Did they really get rid of many of the old school games for claw/redemption games? Its been about 15 years since I was there.
Merry Christmas, Dutchess 🎄🎄🎄
Merry Christmas, friend! :D
My childhood favorite game series, the Bemani line of music games from Konami, doesn't seem to release home versions of their games anymore, despite the decline of arcade before the rise of bar-cades and American Round1 locations. DanceDanceRevolution, GitaDora, and beatmania IIDX all seem to get arcade-only entries since 2009. How will the player base play the newest games? Go on road trips? This is going insane.
Before a Dave & Buster's location could be established, all of the arcades in my home city (Modesto, CA) got rid of their DDR cabinets and never got to upgrade them to X or a newer game. What a wasted opportunity, as X2 and every game after that had no home versions. (X2 on PS2 and DDR II on Wii don't count.)
Gaming is booming more than music and movies rn. And I don’t think it will end but I think it will always be targeted to the youth.. enjoy your games! :]
There's one barcade by me and a D&B's. I hardly go to either of them.
How come hardly nobody talks about consoles as the continuing platform of true arcade gaming? I've been having the time of my life playing the new stuff and the games brought from Japan for over 20 years now.
Me and my Husband collect the Arcade 1ups and have made a pretty decent arcade here at home . The nearest real arcade is a 6hr drive. 😊
Oh wow! I bet that’s a lot more fun than the drive to a real arcade! You two have great taste! 😊
Captain Crazy's Paradise in Foley Alabama is awesome!! They have new and classic games, neon lights, huge selection of pinball machines, interactive video golf and an awesome selection craft brews!! All set in an 80s theme.
Sounds like an amazing place! I'll definitely have to check it out sometime if I'm ever in the area. 👍
Interesting video. I love all the classic arcade games and am even trying to build a custom arcade cabinet currently. It's a shame that there aren't more traditional arcades out there. Great video and Merry Christmas 🎉
Oooo! That's such an exciting project! You'll have to share with with me and everyone else one of these days. :) It really is a shame, though! Merry Christmas! Thank you for being such a loyal fan of the channel for over a year. ❤️☺️
Pretty sure I commented but TH-cam is doing what TH-cam does best... 😅 Either way, hope you had a Merry Christmas, Dutchess! Arcades were an occasional but still very fun part of my childhood. Wish they'd make a comeback in a way that wasn't just as novelty supplements like in museums or Bar-cades - as cool as both still are. Loved your segment visiting a local spot! I remember distinctly a lot of arcades or other Ma & Pa game shops advertising rental rates for parties. That was a big blast from the past!
Thank you so much! I hope you had a fantastic Christmas as well, Will! 😊 And I totally hear you about how TH-cam can be a little unpredictable with comments sometimes... The censoring system is a little weird in that regard. I've seen a ton of good comments get held back on my own account and I'm just like, why?? XD It’s great that arcades were such a fun part of your childhood too. It would be amazing to see them make a true comeback, more than just a novelty or a side attraction at bars and museums. There’s something special about those standalone arcade spots, where you could just spend hours getting lost in games. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, friend! Always a joy to see a comment from you :)
In Montreal, street fighter games were the beginning of the end. They were so popular that arcade owners got rid of their other machines, and the people who wanted something else stopping coming. All the fun of diversity was lost. Eventually the street fighter audience wasn't large enough to sustain arcades as consoles improved. The bottom fell out practically overnight.
That’s such an interesting perspective, and it makes a lot of sense. Street Fighter was such a massive phenomenon that it became the focal point for arcades in many places. But I can see how that shift hurt the diversity that made arcades special in the first place. When a single game dominates, it risks alienating people who come for a variety of experiences. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment! :D
I have at least 3 in my area [Starcade, Game On, and Funstop Berlin] and they seem to be doing well.
That’s awesome to hear that arcades are thriving in your area! It’s great to see how some places are keeping the arcade culture alive. :)
Nice vid. The culture shifted. We now have thousands of games for free in our pockets, so it doesn't make sense to pay for a single "Try" in a game that can only be reached by going to a special shop. It's like libraries, an avid reader would rather buy stuff from amazon instead of going out. I don't know if you know this, but in Japan and in France the Fighting game community and the SHMUP community were responsible for keeping several arcades alive. Kx Maison, BIG-ONE, A-cho, MIKADO, GameCenter WILL, Fantasista.... many have channels on youtube or twitch where they stream tournaments/record breaking atempts. Some games even have partnerships with those game houses for new versions, like "Raiden IV MIKADO", and "Yatagarasu: enter the eastward" that has a character based on Sistan. But still, all good things will end. Taito Houses are now"house", singular, SEGA arcades slowly became GIGO entertainment and A-cho announced it will close in 2025.
Couldn't agree more! It is a lot easier to keep to yourself in your house and play a game from a console or phone. It's really interesting to see how the gaming landscape has evolved towards that direction, but it's great that those passionate arcade communities are keeping the arcade spirit alive! 🙌 Still sad to hear about those arcades that are closing their doors later next year. :( Thank you for taking the time to watch my video and for leaving a comment! :)
Retro Arcades are dead, but Modern Arcades are still lively.
Arcades are pretty lame now if you grew up in the 90's
I love arcades and pinball more than console games but i grew up in a time where that stuff was dying. I remember going to an arcade when i was really young but it was a ghost town and this was in the early 2000s from what i can remember, kind of sad. Now a days you see a lot of the newer arcades like Dave and busters and im not hating on those but the old arcades machines the sounds, high scores, pinball i mean those older arcades will always be the best in my opinion.
I live in New York and you dont really see much of the older arcades these days. The nearest one for me is Dave and busters but the new games dont appeal as much to me as does the older games. Possibly for me if i wanted to play the old games i have to go to one of those barcades but i dont drink and im not comfortable going to bars. Unfortunately arcades in New York is very limited.
Luckily we got emulation like MAME to fill the void and play arcades at home. Even though it doesn't beat going to an actual arcade its better than nothing but i wish we had more older arcades in New York that are not in bars.
I totally get that feeling-there’s something so unique about the experience of those classic arcades that’s hard to replicate. The sights, the sounds, the atmosphere of high scores and pinball machines-it was a vibe that newer places like Dave & Buster’s just can’t capture. It’s unfortunate that in New York, older arcades are often tied to barcades, which don’t always suit everyone’s preferences. It would be amazing to see more family-friendly retro arcades pop up that cater to people who just want to enjoy the games without the bar environment. Maybe one day! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. I really do appreciate it, friend. :)
Problem is todays arcade dwellers do not know about the Street Fighter and Pac Man games of yesterday and they the largest customer base to use these things I suspect. You cater for the nostalgic crew you will probably not get as much coin back. Its a theory but I strongly think its because of this fact.
You make an interesting point! Nostalgia definitely plays a huge role in the arcade experience, and it’s crucial to find a balance that appeals to both new and veteran players.
I think Super Nintendo was the beginning of the end. The first time I really played games that were close to the arcade, especially when you didn't have the internet to do a side by side comparison. To me Street Fighter 2 seemed like a perfect copy of the arcade version.
You bring up a great point-Super Nintendo really did change the game in that sense. For a lot of people, it was the first time they could play something at home that felt close to what you’d find in the arcade. It’s no wonder it marked a shift in gaming habits!
I hear Final Fantasy VII music, I subscribe
Aww thank you so much!! 💕
Curious as to what your hi score on DK was ?
I can’t remember the exact number, but it wasn’t anything impressive since, from what I’ve seen, not many people really use that machine. I did manage to make it up to the third level, though!
Merry Christmas, Dutchess
I really missed the day playing Cardillac & Dinosaurs and Warriors of Fate with my brother at a local arcade. Last year I came back to Vietnam only to find newer IP movie tie-in games like Transformers and Walking Dead gun games. Not as fun
Merry Christmas, friend! And aww, that's a shame! I definitely know how you feel though. I couldn't stress it in the video enough how horrible it was to go to my local movie theater and see the arcade completely gutted and made basic. It was an awful feeling, so I'm sorry you had to go through something similar!
Hi, This came up in my arcade feed- we most certainly around, I see near the end you did indeed find some games near you but I didn't recognise the place. Ticket machines dont interest us, I spent the last 10 years getting back into the scene which is there, I do repairs and keep these machines going. The biggest in US is near Chicago, Ghalloping Ghost and there is Fun Spot elsewhere. USA has way more options then UK as I work with about 4 arcades over here. Good Video
Thanks for taking the time to watch my video! I really appreciate it! :D
Unfortunately yes, they are dead. Who remembers electromechanical games?
Did you find any f-zero ax machines?
I did not, unfortunately! :(
Sadly, the coin-op video-game arcades as they were faded away completely kaput in the year 2000. Between a myriad of large changes in technology and associated business, the arcade outside became an obsolete business model, while video-games continued to advance and expand at home between gaming consoles and home computers. Though I've always had a great appreciation for The Great Indoors, I still miss the arcades.
R.I.P., video-game arcades 1978 - 2000
FUN FACT: Despite the gargantuan advancement of the Coin-Op Arcade video game, from _Pong_ in 1972 to the demise of the arcades 28 yecompletelyars later, they never could muscle Pinball completely out of the arcades where the bulk of them had been since long before video games came around, all the way until the very end of their shared mainline, even if their only, outlet to exist through. Hey, that's not so fun!
Lol it was dead in 1983, then again in 1999. The only arcades left are Dave and busters. Also young girl, the first arcades were bars. This was all made for adults, way before nintendo marketed them to children.