I went to a temporary arcade museum a few years ago and knew I’d enjoy it as I’ve always loved the golden oldies. But what struck me was how good the vector games, Asteroids and Tempest, looked. Razor sharp lines (no pixels) and very bright graphics. You can emulate most games of this era, but for Asteroids and Tempest, you’ve got to play the real thing at least once.
Robotron surprised me in a different way. It was its sound that blew me away. It thumped though the speakers and rattled my bones.
Those games really do emphasize the strength of the arcade machine. I love vector graphics. A few years ago, I picked up a Vectrex system with plans to get it working, but wasn't able to and eventually gave it up for parts. I regret that.
I feel you! One of my best friends had a Vectrex growing up. One day he decided to do a big purge of his clutter and threw it out. Most of my retro computer / console collection is a result of friends gifting me their old stuff, knowing I’m into that stuff. Unfortunately I hadn’t made it clear I had dibs if he ever wanted to get rid of it and that perfectly working Vectrex is no more.
I played sooooo much Centipede at Funspot, the trackball on their machine had great action. And as I think they reset the top scores daily, and because I was one of the first players of the day, I nabbed a full screen of initials, despite my mediocre skills. It was a joyful experience and I hope to return someday.
Being that I live in NH, I have been there many times. It is a mecca for anyone that loves arcade (or pinball) machines. I really wish that someone rich that could just donate a few million to allow them to breathe a little. They do an excellent job keeping things running with the resources they have. I hope it continues for a very long time.
This was the first “big” arcade I went to, and as awesome as it was, I encountered the same problems I do at all the larger arcades I’ve been to. The games are kinda beat up, and some stuff is either not working or malfunctioning. However, a lot of the stuff I was looking forward to playing was functional, so it was still awesome, especially a few of the vector games that are often troublesome were working fine. I’ve really just got Galloping Ghost left, as I’ve hit Funspot and the two major ones in the west.
I was hoping to spend more time in the city, but the only time I could go was during the Bike Rally and it was a challenge getting around. So I prioritized the arcade. When I go back, I will go during a quieter time and spend some time wandering around.
Everyone was very relaxed and seemed to be enjoying themselves. It just took forever to get anywhere. So when I got from the hotel to the arcade, I just stayed there.
I went to a temporary arcade museum a few years ago and knew I’d enjoy it as I’ve always loved the golden oldies. But what struck me was how good the vector games, Asteroids and Tempest, looked. Razor sharp lines (no pixels) and very bright graphics. You can emulate most games of this era, but for Asteroids and Tempest, you’ve got to play the real thing at least once.
Robotron surprised me in a different way. It was its sound that blew me away. It thumped though the speakers and rattled my bones.
Those games really do emphasize the strength of the arcade machine. I love vector graphics. A few years ago, I picked up a Vectrex system with plans to get it working, but wasn't able to and eventually gave it up for parts. I regret that.
I feel you! One of my best friends had a Vectrex growing up. One day he decided to do a big purge of his clutter and threw it out. Most of my retro computer / console collection is a result of friends gifting me their old stuff, knowing I’m into that stuff. Unfortunately I hadn’t made it clear I had dibs if he ever wanted to get rid of it and that perfectly working Vectrex is no more.
Wow, that hurts to hear. Hopefully someone walked by and scooped it up. I hate the idea that something so beautiful was just destroyed.
I played sooooo much Centipede at Funspot, the trackball on their machine had great action. And as I think they reset the top scores daily, and because I was one of the first players of the day, I nabbed a full screen of initials, despite my mediocre skills. It was a joyful experience and I hope to return someday.
It is a lot of fun to be the early bird in the arcade for just that reason. For a brief time, no matter what the game, you are the best in the place.
Being that I live in NH, I have been there many times. It is a mecca for anyone that loves arcade (or pinball) machines. I really wish that someone rich that could just donate a few million to allow them to breathe a little. They do an excellent job keeping things running with the resources they have. I hope it continues for a very long time.
I agree 100%. It must be a real struggle to keep everything in working order, but they are pulling it off.
This was the first “big” arcade I went to, and as awesome as it was, I encountered the same problems I do at all the larger arcades I’ve been to. The games are kinda beat up, and some stuff is either not working or malfunctioning. However, a lot of the stuff I was looking forward to playing was functional, so it was still awesome, especially a few of the vector games that are often troublesome were working fine. I’ve really just got Galloping Ghost left, as I’ve hit Funspot and the two major ones in the west.
I had no idea this was so close to me! I'll have to check it out!
I love the city of Laconia and it's Main Street if you're interested: https://heathracela.substack.com/p/whats-working-in-laconia
I was hoping to spend more time in the city, but the only time I could go was during the Bike Rally and it was a challenge getting around. So I prioritized the arcade. When I go back, I will go during a quieter time and spend some time wandering around.
I haven’t been during the Rally, but I can only imagine how crowded it gets!
Everyone was very relaxed and seemed to be enjoying themselves. It just took forever to get anywhere. So when I got from the hotel to the arcade, I just stayed there.