From what I've seen, retro-gaming started to become popular sometime in the early days of the internet. I believe this is because that time period was far enough removed from the heyday of classic video games for folks to start to look back and feel nostalgia (and perhaps also due to emerging technologies like video game emulation). And so, it didn't surprise me to learn that AtariAge was founded in 1998.
Since I began my own retro-gaming journey several years ago, I've acquired some classic Atari consoles, as well as many games from different manufacturers to go along with them. And it has been a lot of fun rediscovering these cartridges of yesteryear (as well as some of the new homebrew titles - see my Gorf Arcade column as an example). Original console games from the Atari era coincide with the golden age of the arcade, which began in the late 1970's and continued on through the mid 1980's. These were the years when arcade games, or cabinets as they are also called, were everywhere. They were in grocery stores, bars, bowling alleys, and of course dedicated arcades. And manufacturers like Atari, Bally-Midway, Williams Electronics and Stern Electonics ruled the day.
Today, as is the case with home consoles and cartridges, one can also purchase arcade cabinets to feed their retrogaming passion. These can be original machines sold by companies and individuals who acquired them from defunct arcades, or newly made cabinets (such as those from Arcade Up), which often combine multiple licensed games into one unit. Either type brings the arcade into your home. But for those of us who don't have a lot of space for a cabinet, another option is to visit a retro arcade.
An arcade called At The Pier recently opened in my local mall. Described as "A fresh twist on the classic arcade", it features a mix of classic and modern games in a family-friendly environment. They have a cabinet called Pac-man's Pixel Bash, which is one of the aforementioned types that combines multiple licensed games, as well as a giant video screen which will put your awesome game of Galaga in the spotlight for everyone to see. They also have Skee Ball, video-game themed air hockey, Guitar Hero and other games where proficiency can win you prizes - just like at an arcade out on the pier.
While I appreciate these types of hybrid family fun centers that include some old-school retro-games, I still long to reexperience the bygone era of the classic arcade. And for that I'd like to whole-heartedly recommend Robot City Games of Binghamton, New York. They have both a dedicated arcade with original cabinets, as well as a store which sells everything to do with home consoles. Read on...
Yours Truly on a past trip to Robot City Games in Binghamton, New York.
Upon entering Robot City Games you'll find a store which carries a plethora of game systems and associated accessories, including controllers of all makes, sizes and colors. They have some very early non-cartridge units (with fixed built-in games), early consoles like the Atari 2600 Jr and Vectrex, as well as today's most popular gaming systems. The selection of cartridges is plentiful, and in the case of Atari's consoles includes complete-in-box (CIB), cartridge with instruction manual, and cartridge-only. As is always the case, common games are cheaper, while the rare titles will cost more. And Robot City certainly has a good number of not-so-common cartridges. I'm happy to report that on a recent trip I picked up Atari 2600 cartridges by US Games, 20th Century Fox Games of the Century, and my very first title from Mythicon (a company I admittedly don't remember at all). Additionally, the store stocks video game wall art, t-shirts, and many other things to decorate your favorite retro-gaming space.
I also picked up a boxed version of Galaga for the Atari 7800 (in good condition)!
As impressive as their store is, the arcade is truly a sight to behold. With well over 100 arcade cabinets and 30+ pinball machines, you can't go wrong. And these are original cabinets, some of which date back to as early as 1974. A machine outside the arcade entrance will allow you to purchase tokens (yeah!), and then it's on to retro-gaming bliss in the appropriately dimly lit room. It's just like the arcades from back in the day.
Another photo from a past trip to Robot City Games in Binghamton, New York.
They have lots of different themed pinball machines - movies, superheroes, rock bands, etc. - some of which I remember and some I never knew existed. These include Batman Forever, The Simpsons, Star Trek, Wheel of Fortune, and The Twilight Zone. But on my most recent trip I devoted the bulk of my time to arcade games, including Gorf, Arkanoid, Mr. Do and Time Pilot. And I'm happy to say I beat the high score on the latter game on the first try. That alone made my day!
Just some of the classic arcade cabinets at Robot City Games.
My high score on Time Pilot!
So, if you're a classic gaming aficionado in the Upstate New York area (or can get there), head on over to Robot City Games. You won't be disappointed.
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