Greatest Arcade Games For The 80s Babies

80's favourite Retro Arcade Machine Every time I saw Street Fighter in the arcade, it was like a trip straight down memory lane. During that time, I would usually spend about 80% of my time in the arcade just hanging with my friends as we smash buttons across the Street Fighter screen. In this particular space guide series, we will guide you on how to fit these "bulky" retrocade machine into your own home. Despite the common misconception about how bulky these arcade machines are, many are surprised by the actual footprints that pinball machines make.   Calculating The Area Required The recommended space needed for a retro arcade machine is about 68cm x 68cm (2.2ft x 2.2ft)—slightly above 4 sqft. An ideal spot for the machine would be to lean it against the wall next to a power socket, as the machine runs on a 240v AC voltage. Also, remember to check out our Space Guide series if you're interested in fitting any other game tables into your personal space or home. We're here to help prove that building your own man cave is not a dream anymore. #BuildYourMen'sCave

Have you ever heard of the term ‘barcade’? If you haven’t, a barcade is exactly as it sounds: the combination of both a bar and an arcade all wrapped up in one convenient location. Barcades usually favor stocking more classic retro games than modern ones—think pinball machines, old Daytona racing games, and other classic arcade staples in the 90s—while serving you snacks and your favourite boozy beverage of choice on the side. For me, the barcade is the arcade’s older brother, cooler and more refined while still loving the same things, with a penchant for alcohol after growing up.   While barcades seem like a novelty concept considering how most trends come and go in today’s brand of living, The Men’s Cave team beg to differ.  The barcade experience appeals and interests us because it represents how we as adults never really grow up and are simply kids at heart with more adult-like tastes. It caters to the notion that you don’t have to be in a specific age group just to be able to enjoy games that you used to love—and still do—as a child.  This is the same type of spirit The Men’s Cave has constantly strived its best to capture within the products and services we provide for our customers. It’s also this spirit that drives our enthusiasm to help people create their own one-of-a-kind ‘man cave’ that will allow their homes to be both a place of respite and enjoyment. Therefore, it feels fair that we look along the same vein at barcades since it provides a similar experience but in a more public setting. Perhaps a man’s cave is just your own private and personalised barcade within the reaches of your own home? The notion is difficult to dispute.  [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Beercade Headquaters in Chicago.[/caption] The barcade is pretty much a childhood playground with alcoholic treats and finger food! Much like a man cave, the barcade provides sanctuary for the young at heart while giving you a fun and relaxing place to chill and just be yourself regardless of whether you’re there with company or not.  For many of us at a certain age, drinking becomes less of a rite of passage into adulthood—the first time you get to drink legally as an adult—and more of a pastime, a way for people to socialise and forget their worries for a temporary moment. It is what replaces the joy of gaming as we grow up because it’s deemed as ‘more appropriate’ for the working adult. However, the TMC team disagrees on such a thing, which is where the barcade comes in.  As the name suggests, alcohol and games are things that can both go hand-in-hand, especially as we grow older. Growing up doesn’t mean we have to let go of one thing for another and the barcade concept is proof of that, having thrived over the past few decades and is still going strong. It’s not reshelling your childhood memories to you but rather, barcades allow you to continue enjoying the same things while catering to the older you.    Fun tip for you: Barcades are probably the only place where drunk driving is allowed and actually encouraged by both friends and family (as long as it’s within the premise!) Still, not all barcades are created equal. Some only provide specific types of retro games instead of having a more general range, while others might put more emphasis on their alcohol section and provide drink pairings with the games they have to allow for a more immersive experience. Regardless of the different types of barcades there are, one thing’s for sure: No barcade is complete without a wide plethora of classic childhood games! Even if you’re unsure of what kind of barcade would suit you, there’s at least the guarantee that you’ll have tons of fun trying out all the games and drinks each of them will have to offer. If any of this has managed to tickle your interest, you can check out this list of barcades in Singapore to visit or plan your next social gathering at: click me! However, do bear in mind that the barcade is a concept that isn’t tied down to a specific location. By the end of the day, the most important thing about a barcade is not in having a fancy location or all the latest gadgets, it’s the joy and memories you make while you’re there, combining an adult palette for booze and an unwavering love of video games and other classic childhood games.

The Arcade Era, is the Magic Really Over? You pass the doorway and it’s like you’ve stepped into a different world from the one you’re used to, people hunched over mechanical machines in dimly-lit corners as they insert tokens into its slot to be greeted by 2-bit animated sprites and retro soundtracks that remind you of a simpler time.  For many of us of this generation, arcades are a limbo of both old and new, a combination of analogue love and technology that has given birth to such a classic and iconic gaming medium. It is a concept so deeply enmeshed into pop culture that even if we aren’t familiar with it in real life, we still find it so recognisable through the media’s romanticisation of nostalgia. However, in essence, what are they really? Are arcades merely a confined space in which we play classic titles in ‘dimly-lit corners’, or are they representational of gaming as a whole? Can we truly say that analogue games like pinball and the original Street Fighter are rapidly becoming obsolete when they are so many remakes of these games in different mediums? What does the future have in store for this beloved childhood space?  I’m here to dig deep down into finding out the answers to some of these questions.    Cultivating Childhood Love While it’s been argued countless times that video games’ popularity is what triggered arcades sharp decline in the 90s, it is video games that have enabled arcade games to reach the broader masses. For example, classic games like Donkey Kong and Atari’s Pong are those that are still considered family favourites and labelled as endlessly replayable. It’s no wonder that reboots and remakes are now an ongoing trend with pop culture: if it’s not broken then don’t fix it, right?   It cannot be argued that even back in its heydays, reinterpretation amongst games has always been a norm, paying homage to our childhood memories and creating something new that can be enjoyed by future generations to come. Therefore, video games have actually helped sustain this culture of nostalgia that shines a new light back on arcade games and their timelessness.   Technology & Video Games: The Arcade’s Make Or Break? Modernisation is a tricky thing to talk about regarding this topic. This is because it’s a double-edged sword for both arcades and the gaming industry, allowing us to create better machines and consoles by the year while simultaneously challenging the creative minds behind some of our favourite titles to keep coming up with more original stories with each iteration. There’s constant pressure behind the success of each title game and its predecessors, which means that so many ongoing series face the dilemma of falling flat on gamers’ expectations in aspects of story-telling rather than gameplay. While remakes and reboots are certainly popular, they only do so much to bring old players back into replaying what is already familiar and dear to them.  However, this doesn’t mean that technology has only been responsible for ushering in the death of arcades and analogue games. In fact, the rise of VR has provided new opportunities, incorporating a mechanical feel with VR immersion to create a whole new experience for old and new players alike. Rolling out this technology on a large scale is still unrealistic currently due to its high costs but with future developments down the line, there is certainly plenty of potential to bring back interests or even allow players to be able to experience the arcade scene in the comforts of their own home.    Social Opportunities: Breaking Stereotypes Arcades also provide a great form of socialising with family and friends, especially for those who cannot invest in their own consoles and PCs. Furthermore, arcade machines are bulky and generally a hefty investment, which just makes it easier to visit an arcade to try out arcade-exclusive titles and experience the game as it was originally intended to be played.  In fact, arcade joints are being seen as more than gaming hubs now; they’re about socialising and building a community. For example, many shop owners have embraced the ‘barcade’ concept to cater towards a continuously ageing crowd—merging food and boozy beverages to accompany your arcade gaming experience. This semi-casual environment has actually been a great way for allowing professional and casual players (kids and adults alike) to intermingle.  Barcades have also given leeway to arcade owners to venture into their own creative endeavours to entice customers, which includes the novelty idea of craft beer and game pairings—bars will provide you with a specific craft beer that is catered to the taste of your favourite arcade game to enhance the experience. It’s certainly a great way to encourage customers to try new things while keeping the experience fresh whether you’re there for the drinks, the games, or both.  Of course, there will always be events hosted for the more competitive crowd as people will always want to become better at the game without a doubt. However, arcades have also become a place for family fun and just a good place to hang out for most crowds on a Friday or weekend night.    One Man’s Trash, Another Man’s Treasure: Asian Popularity [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="4778"] While Japan has been responsible for the popularity of console gaming over the years, it is undeniable that the arcade scene still plays a big part within their culture.[/caption] Although arcades and arcade games were made popular in America, this medium actually continues to thrive in the Asian market despite the decline of its Western counterpart. Birthing a long-standing line of fighting genre titles like Tekken, Street Fighters, King of Fighters, Guilty Gear, and more, the arcade scene in Japan has never been healthier. In fact, one might even be able to catch a glimpse of some household classics and best-selling arcade games of all time hit the stands. I would even go to say that Maimai, the popular Japanese rhythm arcade game that released in 2012, has garnered a surprising amount of interest amongst Asian teens and young adults even to this day. Just shy of the beginning of 2020 when the COVID situation was still riffed with speculation, the lines queuing up for your own turn to play on the Maimai machines was nothing short of ridiculous. Growing Affluence Meets An Increased Appreciation for Lifestyle. Arcade machines are making a surprising comeback as individuals seek to furnish their homes with nostalgic gaming experiences. This resurgence can be attributed to a combination of growing affluence and a deep appreciation for a fulfilling lifestyle. Bringing arcade machines into homes goes beyond mere decoration; it is a deliberate choice to curate a space that reflects personality and embraces the joy of play. These captivating machines not only transport us back to a time of bustling arcades but also serve as statement pieces that enhance the overall ambiance. In a world dominated by screens, arcade machines offer a tactile and interactive source of entertainment, fostering connection and shared memories. The rising popularity of arcade machines in homes signifies a longing for genuine connection, shared experiences, and the pursuit of joy. By investing in these captivating machines, individuals are transforming their living spaces into havens of entertainment, personal expression, and nostalgia. Arcade machines are more than just nostalgic relics; they have found their place as timeless icons of play, reminding us to cherish the thrill of shared experiences and the joy of face-to-face interaction. Conclusion It is not difficult to see why Arcade Machines are winning the popularity contest —the revival of vinyl, the growing eSports scene, Asia’s expanding arcade market—I believe the most important thing about arcade games (or just games in general) is that it has enabled us to break social boundaries despite its limitation and should not be overlooked even with its stereotypes. As long as the gaming industry as a whole continues to thrive, I am certain that arcade games will still be around the corner for decades to come.  Inspired? Check out our range of Arcade Machines that promises to revive your excitement for nostalgia.