While most mainstream media outlets have been going through a heyday with the erroneous Reuters report that we commented on recently that was focusing on the “dying arcade industry”, one took the time to find a good
arcade in California and discuss it a little. Called Direct from SF: San Fransisco’s Best Arcade isn’t in San Fransisco”, they take a look at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk which actually encompasses several arcades where one can find any number of great games as well as some real gems. Along with mentioning some great classics they even mention that Blazing Angels was recently brought to arcades and they take a good look at the pinball machines one can fine in the area. If I ever make it to that area of California, I’ll certainly have to drop by and check it out.
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The Boardwalk is one of the last great standbys out here. Although most of the machines they have are the same as they were in 1994, I don’t see that as a bad thing. The pinball selection is the best I’ve seen in person outside of the Pinball Hall of Fame in Vegas. Too bad they took down the GIANT Daytona USA banner that used to adorn the outside of the building…
The arcade is huge and is located in the same area as the Cocoanut Grove http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocoanut_Grove,_Santa_Cruz,_California. I have had the pleasure of playing quite a few great games there over the years such as the original Wangan Midnight, Virtua Cop 3, and Crazy Taxi High Roller. The newer games they have now include House Of The Dead 4, Initial D 4, Lets Go Jungle, Tekken 5 DR, and Mario Kart Arcade GP 2. They even have a shooting gallery. Definitely one of the best arcades around with a nice location at the beach.
Its a great arcade. One of the biggest around. I have had the pleasure of playing some good games there including the original Wangan Midnight, Crazy Taxi High Roller, Monkey Ball, Virtua Striker 4, and Virtua Cop 3. Now they have some newer games such as House of the Dead 4, Initial D 4, Tekken 5 DR, and Mario Kart Arcade GP 2. The place even has a shooting gallery, indoor minitiare golf area, and seperate section for classic older games. Highly recommended.