I’ll keep on saying this until it somehow gets stuck into the public’s consciousness, but the amusement industry is on fire right now. Dozens of locations continue to open their doors out there, and there are new games aplenty to satisfy those venues.
H/T to Replay Magazine for highlighting many of these in their news coverage (Manianc’s Mansion, Quarters Bar+Arcade, Pixels Arcade,). Let’s get to it, as quite a few new locations have opened up to cover here:
Maniac’s Mansion (Witchita Falls, TX)
Having opened two weeks ago on the 29th of March, Maniac’s Mansion follows the standard retro arcade business model (mainly classic titles with everything on free play, just pay the admission fee) with one important exception – it’s also a cereal bar. I suppose that would make it the only “cerealcade” I know of. For their game selection, they have: Centipede, Crisis Zone, DDR Supernova, Mario Bros., Space Invaders, Super Zaxxon and many more, although that’s all I could glean from a few of the photos. You can find them on Facebook, here.
Quarters Bar+Arcade (Longmont, CO)
With a Quarters Arcade Bar having opened up not long ago in Salt Lake City, I thought that this might be the same company at first, but the About page indicates that this is being run by Colorado locals. Bringing a bar/arcade concept to the Longmont area, they opened back in February. While it is called Quarters, you won’t need them as they use a wrist band system, following a similar games-on-free-play model that most bar/arcades use. They currently have 16 games, including: Area 51: Site 4, Big Buck Safari, Centipede, Donkey Kong, Frogger, Mortal Kombat 4, Pac-Man Battle Royale, Pac-Man’s Pixel Bash, Raiden II, Skee Ball and more. Find them on Facebook here.
Apex Entertainment Center (Syracuse, NY)
Located inside of the Destiny “Luxury Shopping Complex” is the second location for Apex, an FEC offering everything from arcades to VR. For their arcade they have a modern line-up of amusement and redemption titles, their games page mentioning “60+ games” and video titles such as Aliens Armageddon, Batman, Super Mario Bros. and Transformers. I don’t know if the SMB is an old Nintendo VS. cab or not, however.
https://twitter.com/TeamICEGame/status/1109157343076499456
Play Money Pinball (Stuart, FL)
H/T to The Arcade Hunters for this one. Opening on February 27th, Play Money Pinball is primarily focused on the silverball, but they have some other amusements to play for a flat rate too. On the pinball side they’ve got: Arena, F-14 Tomcat, Frank Thomas’ Big Hurt, Gorgar, Johnny Mnemonic, Jokerz, Millionaire, NASCAR, NBA Fastbreak, No Fear, Stargate, Star Wars Episode I, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Volcano and more; it’s quite the interesting mix of older games that they have on hand. While their video game selection isn’t quite as extensive (which makes sense, given they have pinball in their store name), they have TMNT (1989), The Simpsons, Trophy Hunter, and a multicade cabinet. Find them on Facebook or check out their main website.
Pixels Arcade & Sports Bar (Oshkosh, WI)
For those looking to get their retro game on in Oshkosh, along with some drinks, then the Pixels Arcade & Sports Bar is for you. They have some dartboards & pool tables among a few retro games that includes: Arkanoid, Crazy Taxi, Dig Dug, Donkey Kong, Double Dragon, Frogger, Hydro Thunder, Madden Football, Ms. Pac-Man, NBA Jam, Pac-Man, Point Blank 2, Punch Out, Soul Calibur, Space Invaders Deluxe, The Simpsons, Vanguard, and more. Find them on Facebook here.
1up Arcade & Pub on Tap (Plattsburgh, NY)
Another via Replay, this is one that I do not believe has opened their doors yet, but they are in the process of getting there soon. By this article, they’ll be filling in the 1500 sq. ft. space with some classic gaming goodness, so stay tuned if you’re in the area.
White Rose at Bridgewater (York, PA)
Here’s a case of a long existing business that is adding an arcade to their entertainment mix – along with a 9-hole golf course. Most of the renovation efforts have focused on the golf course and other amenities, but at least they recognize the value of having arcade machines on hand. They will have “30+ games” on hand, which include new titles like Cruis’n Blast, Halo: Fireteam Raven, Jurassic Park, Mario Kart Arcade GP DX, and more. You can find them on Facebook here.
Dave & Busters Open In Ft. Myers, FL
The latest Dave & Busters to join the market can be found in Ft. Myers, FL, with 40,000 sq. ft. of gaming goodness to be had from them. This marks location #132 for D&B. Read more about it here.
Japan Update
Space Athletic“ Tondemi Kwana – A Bandai Namco owned facility that promises a “next generation” take on the Family Entertainment Center for Japan. IT doesn’t look like it will have much in the way of arcade games though
Asoverna on April 19th – This one also looks more focused on food and attractions than arcades.
Whew! That’s all for now. If you find yourself near any of these locations, be sure to stop by, buy some tokens or game cards and keep them going!
You spelled the town wrong for Maniac’s Mansion. its not in Witchita, TX its in WICHITA FALLS, TX.
No need to get upset, it’s an easy fix and now corrected. Thanks for pointing it out 😉