Wow! Just wow!
The…read moreArcade is amazing. So many machines crammed into one space. Admittedly, I came for the pinball of which there was plenty. But on top of that there are modern international rhythm games, classic arcade cabinets, and even those modern sit down arcade monstrosities that are more like pieces of furniture than games. All of which are included to play for free with your admission.
For some, that is an incredible deal. But if you are pretty good at pinball $20 can last a long long time at a regular arcade. Still, free play offers an opportunity to try out difficult shots and improve one's pinball game without dipping deeper into your wallet.
There are a few downsides. As others have mentioned it's warm inside. Not surprising given the number of machines. On a hot summer day, despite fans circulating overhead, I was literally dripping in sweat wearing just shorts and a t-shirt. Next time, I will wear a lighter shirt and might consider rocking a sweat band around my noggin. Or, I might wait until cooler temperatures roll along.
Being open only three days a week is a bit of a bummer. I'd also love to see a little more space between machines, as it's not uncommon to get bumped into during a game, and that's unfortunate. However, I would also hate to see The Arcade lose any of the machines they've got, so I'll happily suck up the occasional physical contact.
At the moment, The Arcade has pinball machines spanning a wide swath of time including The Big Lebowski, Bonzai Run, Pinbot, Taxi, Toy Story 4, and the brand new John Wick. Their Elton John machine was wrapped up for transit, and it was unclear if it was coming or going.
I do also love that you can have in and out privileges. One of these days, I'm going to have a Saturday pinball marathon, arriving at noon when The Arcade opens and staying until my body fails me. Maybe I can even make it to closing at 11pm, but even if I could log eight hours of pinball, that would be incredible.
My biggest piece of advice is dress appropriately. Maybe consider bringing a portable fan or cooling device to hang around your neck. Ear plugs or headphones might also help you last longer and get more out of your admission fee.