So I stumbled into a "free arcade" while Christmas shopping

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noiseredux
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So I stumbled into a "free arcade" while Christmas shopping

Post by noiseredux »

My wife and I were Christmas shopping this past weekend, and as we're walking through the mall I stumbled on this big kiosk that was just like 25 flatscreen tv's setup to make walls like a little arcade. One wall was all Wii's, another PS3's and another 360's. This was completely free to use. Each screen had a different game going.

So while my wife went off to shop for new shoes for her Christmas outfit, I (finally) played Street Fighter IV (360). BTW, my thoughts are this: surprisingly it really does retain a 2D style when yr playing the game. I actually enjoyed it a lot more than I figured. But y'know what? My hands cramp on the 360 controller pretty bad. I only played for about a half-hour or less and my hands were killing me. Pretty weird. Also, as good as I am at SFII, I found IV really really difficult. I had it set to NORMAL difficulty but often I'd get my opponent's lifeline down really low and then he'd do some sickass super combo on me and end it.

One con was that none of the sets had a 2nd controller. Which is too bad. Seemed like a perfect way to get people to socialize. This teen kid came up to me and wanted to play me, but we couldn't. Too bad. Could've been like the arcade 90's. :(

but has anyone seen these free "arcades" in their malls or anything? It was really random but a really good idea I thought.
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CRTGAMER
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Re: So I stumbled into a "free arcade" while Christmas shopping

Post by CRTGAMER »

FRYs Electronics. The Home Depot of Electronics stores has room to do this.

There is always a huge hands on display of the current gaming trend. From Dance Revolution to Rock band to a Mame Cab SKU. Current gaming entrance display is the 360 Kinect. Any fool can stand inside that oversized phone booth and flap his arms to the amusement of customers.

You can also get free lunch at Costco. :lol:

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Re: So I stumbled into a "free arcade" while Christmas shopping

Post by fvgazi »

It would be awesome if that was a permanent installment. Around where I live there are a few "video game lounges". My friend's fmaily owns an xbox 360 one where it's basically just a store with a ton of xbox stuff in it and it serves food and has tournaments. You can be a member and visit regularly. I've actually never gone, because I just play my own at home, but eventually I'd like to bring down my arcade stick and play vs some people.
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Re: So I stumbled into a "free arcade" while Christmas shopping

Post by YoshiEgg25 »

Yeah, sometimes they have that at Six Flags Great America, but with Wiis only. Plus you have to pay to get into the park. And there are only 6-8 TVs. And they're all single player. And it's really far away.

So what I'm saying is, yes, it's a good idea (for us!), but not only are they too few and far between, but they aren't "perfected".
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Re: So I stumbled into a "free arcade" while Christmas shopping

Post by jay_red »

CRTGAMER wrote:FRY Electronics. The Home Depot of Electronics stores has room to do this.

There is always a huge hands on display of the current gaming trend. From Dance Revolution to Rock band to a Mame Cab SKU. Current gaming entrance display is the 360 Kinect. Any fool can stand inside that oversized phone booth and flap his arms to the amusement of customers.

You can also get free lunch at Costco. :lol:

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my local frys only has a train busting through the front, nothing as sweet as that!
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Re: So I stumbled into a "free arcade" while Christmas shopping

Post by CRTGAMER »

jay_red wrote:
CRTGAMER wrote:FRY Electronics. The Home Depot of Electronics stores has room to do this.
my local frys only has a train busting through the front, nothing as sweet as that!
Should see the Vegas store. FRYs Electronics are huge and amazing. Anyone who has not been in one should look it up whenever they can, such as the upcoming Bay Area meet. That one is North of me up in La La land. My local one is a boring converted Tandy Incredible Universe store. Meh, same great deals in a huge warehouse setting. The next closest one a half hour drive, has a huge aquarium inspired by Sea World.

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Re: So I stumbled into a "free arcade" while Christmas shopping

Post by Dakinggamer87 »

Fry's Electronics stores are amazing!! I go to the one in Silicon Valley and the scenery is pretty cool it looks somewhat like a jungle. 8)
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Bradtemple87
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Re: So I stumbled into a "free arcade" while Christmas shopping

Post by Bradtemple87 »

Yea I was just at the Frys in Concord on saturday. I always enjoy a visit!
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Re: So I stumbled into a "free arcade" while Christmas shopping

Post by lisalover1 »

I wish there were one of these stores in my area. From what I hear, it sounds like a slightly cheaper version of Best Buy.
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Re: So I stumbled into a "free arcade" while Christmas shopping

Post by Hobie-wan »

lisalover1 wrote:I wish there were one of these stores in my area. From what I hear, it sounds like a slightly cheaper version of Best Buy.
Also a lot more awesome and a lot less douchey.
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