Unless emulated at home, it is a very rare occurrence that one gets a chance to play some of the classic arcade cabinets released before mainstream video game consoles created arcade perfect ports and superseded them. Although the cabinets themselves were running emulation software while playing through a CRT display and the original arcade sticks and 6 to 8 button configurations, it's as authentic and convenient as you can get.
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| Some joker playing Street Figher |
The venue itself had ample space to house the array of cabinets as well as some other goodies, but once the crowd poured in it was tough competition trying to get on a machine. Better yet were the sit down and real classic flat tables. Justin and myself got in some decent time on some gems such as Metal Slug and Golden Axe, before giving up the seat to others waiting in line.
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| Golden Axe, originally released in 1989 and later on Sega home consoles |
Another great multi-player session was seen on a shoot em up style game, of which the name escapes me but nonetheless harkens back to a once popular genre. The vertical shooting/scrolling and power up system mechanics still feel timeless and signify a time when one to three hits caused death before putting another coin in. Luckily all machines were set to free play so no money was needed to be spent.
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| Galaga, a classic of the genre |
Getting around to some other hardware on display, a series of pinball machines amidst it all were on offer. Had a solid slap on an Indiana Jones variation and spent a good twenty plus minutes before getting a game over. Probably the first time seeing or playing pinball in over ten years.
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| Sean Connery chilling bottom right corner in a hat |
Observation on the night made me come to a conclusion how damn bad I am at Street Fighter. If it's not Smash Bros then casual play at another fighter without knowing the game can't stand against some of the veterans. There was a sense of camaraderie and banter that you only get in a local setting, watching some solid players duke it out on a Super SF Turbo cabinet. One guy playing Ken destroyed everyone around him.
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| The "Main" Juri |
Summing up the night and what a lot of people were there for, playable Street Fighter V demo builds, on the elevated stage. The line for one was easily what felt a hundred people long, and the waiting times amounted to at least the closer part of an hour. When it was my turn I played Ryu, using Hadouken as a spacing tool and testing pokes (because scrubs do that). Did not take a game. This will probably change next year as there are plans to pick up SF V and Killer Instinct when it arrives on PC.
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| A small view of the stage |
In conclusion a good night was had.
