Arcade Moments
Posted: Sat Mar 25, 2006 10:40 pm
Your descriptions of the arcades of the 80s was spot on guys, you really took me back. I also grew up in Oregon so it was nice to hear you reminisce about some of our old stomping grounds. I think a lot of kids today have a general misconception of the what the arcades of yore meant to us who were there. Much more than a place to go and hang out, they were a mini-mecca of social interaction. Girls, boys, men, women of all ages gathering together for the love of the game. The sights, the sounds... thanks for taking me back there. Almost makes me want to break out my Member's Only jacket
However, as you mentioned, the arcade still lingers in some areas. Game Works here in Seattle is a great example, the ESPN Zones are another, but for the 'ol timey feel nothing beats Ground Kontrol, located right in your own backyard: http://groundkontrol.com/news/index.php but I'm afraid that nothing will ever capture the milieu of the those early arcades...
So my "moment"? Hmmm... that's a tough one. There was one of those bowling alley arcades in Tillamook (hey see, bowling AND arcades... its all relative I guess) Anyway, there was this bowling alley arcade in Tillamook that I used to frequent and I was flirting with this girl and she with me (we must've been 12 or 13). It must have really given me the boost I needed because I was totally owning Tempest. Between the rounds I'd give a wink, she a giggle. Well, I guess the flirting got some recognition because during the next round I felt a tap tap on my shoulder, not to be bothered I kept playing. The tap got harder so I turned to see a strapping young lad at least two years my elder with an angry looking frown. "May I help you?" I asked newly polite (he was buff). "Outside" was all he said. Not one to turn down a challenge I complied - I usually could hold my own... whap... whap... whap... crack!!! It was really all over in a matter of seconds: He hit me, I hit him, then followed with a round-house right and bloodied his nose! Then realized that I had also dislocated my pinky finger... Like all fights at that age, we were laughing about it 10 minutes later in the bowling alley bathroom. Ah to be young again eh? btw, my pinky still has a slight crook to it
Anyone else with a good story?
However, as you mentioned, the arcade still lingers in some areas. Game Works here in Seattle is a great example, the ESPN Zones are another, but for the 'ol timey feel nothing beats Ground Kontrol, located right in your own backyard: http://groundkontrol.com/news/index.php but I'm afraid that nothing will ever capture the milieu of the those early arcades...
So my "moment"? Hmmm... that's a tough one. There was one of those bowling alley arcades in Tillamook (hey see, bowling AND arcades... its all relative I guess) Anyway, there was this bowling alley arcade in Tillamook that I used to frequent and I was flirting with this girl and she with me (we must've been 12 or 13). It must have really given me the boost I needed because I was totally owning Tempest. Between the rounds I'd give a wink, she a giggle. Well, I guess the flirting got some recognition because during the next round I felt a tap tap on my shoulder, not to be bothered I kept playing. The tap got harder so I turned to see a strapping young lad at least two years my elder with an angry looking frown. "May I help you?" I asked newly polite (he was buff). "Outside" was all he said. Not one to turn down a challenge I complied - I usually could hold my own... whap... whap... whap... crack!!! It was really all over in a matter of seconds: He hit me, I hit him, then followed with a round-house right and bloodied his nose! Then realized that I had also dislocated my pinky finger... Like all fights at that age, we were laughing about it 10 minutes later in the bowling alley bathroom. Ah to be young again eh? btw, my pinky still has a slight crook to it
Anyone else with a good story?