Claw Machines and Winning

Funnily enough, I’m not really an arcade person. I have always preferred playing games at home, rather than playing arcade machines that hundreds of others have also touched. But that level of concern would always disappear at the sight of a claw machine. Claw machines are simple: a metal claw hovers over some prizes. You have to use that claw to grab a prize. Most of the time, the claw slips and you don’t get a prize. Where I live, arcades aren’t that common, but there is an arcade in each of the big malls here. And I’ve tried a… [Continue Reading]

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Retina Burn – The Kindred Spirits of Robotron

You’re surrounded! Flanked on all sides by an aggressive, ever encroaching enemy force. No exits, no hiding places, nowhere else to run. Your death is expected, inevitable; At least put on a good show, will you? Robotron 2084 is a legendary game with unmistakable influence. It’s debut in 1982 was a watershed moment for game design, and paved the way for hundreds of derivatives. An unconventional control scheme made it stand out to arcade goers of the time, utilizing two joysticks during game play. The project was forged by Vid Kidz, A partnership between Eugene Jarvis and Larry Demar. Enjoying… [Continue Reading]

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Retina Burn – Galaga

In an industry saturated by Shoot ‘Em Ups, why does Namco’s Galaga stand the test of time?   Galaga is a a game that needs no introduction. Hot on the heels of Pac-Man and Galaxian, Namco was an arcade juggernaut: Retching quarters from the pockets of innocent children around the globe. While Americans got their first taste of the legendary Shoot ‘Em Up in 1981, my first experience with the game wasn’t until the new millennium. Almost twenty years ago, a greasy youth begged his parents for pocket change at the local Pizza-Parlor. “They’ve got video games here, dad!” My… [Continue Reading]

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Team Fortress Arcade

When we talk about TF2 fan games, most of us will think of Gang Garrison 2, or maybe Fortress Forever. Some of us might even mention the TF2 Dating Sim, and … we’re not talking about that one. However, there is another little gem released in 2011 that I found out from watching FUNKe’s video. Out of curiosity, I downloaded it and had a look at it. Team Fortress Arcade is a fan game by Eric Ruth, and just like what the title said, is a remake of TF2, arcade-style. It supports local multiplayer for up to 4 people on… [Continue Reading]

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