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The Evolution Of The Video Game Arcade

In the 1950s and 60s pinball machines were the pinnacle of arcade game technology.  But with the advent of Pong in 1972 the gaming landscape changed dramatically from raw mechanical manipulation to seemingly unlimited electronic bliss.  The pioneers of the video gaming industry had no way of comprehending the size or scope of the Genie they had so unknowingly released.  The founders of companies like Atari and Namco could not have possibly understood the lasting impact they would make on our lifestyles and culture.  Now, it is hard to even imagine a world without Space Invaders, Pac-Man, or Donkey Kong.  But even these titles are slowly fading into obscurity.

The rise and fall of the public video game arcade is a story that is truly epic in proportion.  Though some may argue that the arcade experience of today far surpasses that of 20 or 30 years ago, I would beg to differ.  In the early days of the video game arcade, we were dazzled by technology that we would be laughable by current gaming standards.  Nonetheless, I would contend that there is much more to the gaming experience than the capability of a microprocessor or the memory capacity of a graphics card.  Video game arcades in the 1970s were much more than that.  They were the epicenters of adolescent culture, at least for much of the male species.  Where else could you come with a handful of quarters and leave an hour later with pure adrenaline pulsing through your veins?  Ok, maybe you should not answer that question.  The point being, even though the token consuming monsters in a modern arcade may be able to boast of their superior technology, they certainly are not any more or less fun than the originals.

In fact, it is we who have changed.  Once we all owned a PC, the days of the local video game arcade were numbered.  Like so many other aspects of our culture, we have consistently chosen to forgo our need for human interaction for some form of cheap technological substitute.  As if our addiction to TV was not bad enough, the current availability and variety of PC games has the potential to send us all into perpetual seclusion.  Though multiplayer games can often link us up through a network or online, the overall enjoyment of the experience still pails in comparison to standing next to your buddy elbow to elbow slamming buttons.  I think it is time to get back out there and make the gaming experience truly interactive again.  Maybe the graphics are not as rich.  Maybe it will cost us a little more.  Still, most big arcades and family fun centers offer chances to compete with one another the old fashioned way.  If Dance Revolution wears you out, try bowling or air hockey.  You might be surprised by the redemptive value of a night out with a good group of friends.  It has been said that the quality of our life is directly related to the quality of our relationships.  I would wholeheartedly concur.  If you need help finding a local video game arcade in your area, you might want to check out the links listed below.

About the Author

Arcade Pages is a nationwide directory for locating a local video arcade and California video arcades

Air Hockey Arcade - new game for iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad

Locals Play Games in the Arcade $24.99 Gavin Quirke Locals Play Games in the Arcade - Photographic Print

The Encyclopedia of Arcade Video Games $29.96 This book is in New - Excellent condition

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Franklin Sports 6 in 1 Table Top Arcade Set $174.95 The Franklin Sports 6 in 1 Table Top Arcade Set brings the fun and excitement of 6 family-friendly games into any room of the house! The 6 in 1 table includes everything needed for air hockey, foosball, table tennis, chess, checkers, and backgammon. The real furniture-style cabinet features a dark walnut finish. A convenient storage drawer holds all of your gaming accessories.

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SuperCade Arcade Machine $2495.95 The SuperCade Arcade Machine offers the ultimate in excitement for the home game enthusiast. This incredible gaming unit features 50 classic arcade games, a full-size arcade cabinet and traditional game controls! An easy-to-navigate game menu allows you to easily sort through all 50 titles on the 19'' VGA monitor. Highlighting any title in the menu provides a graphical preview of the game! Once you’ve selected a game, pre-game tutorials explain which controls are used and how to play. True gamers will love revisiting classic arcade hits like Arkanoid, Pong, Asteroids, Qix, Missile Command, Battlezone, Berzerk, Moon Patrol and many many more! And, play it the way it was meant to be played with authentic arcade controls including one trackball, two joysticks and nine buttons! Perfect for the home game room, the SuperCade unites the best games of the arcade golden age in one unbeatable unit!

Arcade Legends 3 Upright Multi-Game Video Arcade Game Machine $3299.95 Welcome to your own personal arcade room. The 80s and early 90s are known as the ''Golden Age of Arcade Games'' for that era's outstanding output of fun, creative, and addictive video games. The Arcade Legends 3 Upright Multi-Game Video Arcade Game Machine collects some of the greatest that the Golden Age had to offer and puts them in a single unit. The pre-installed 125 games represent some of the most groundbreaking and entertaining titles in history, such as Street Fighter II, Asteroids, Ghosts 'n Goblins, and Centipede. Or, upgrade to 145 awesome games with the Arcade Legends 3 Game Pack! With its genuine arcade style controls, impressive selection, and easy-to-navigate menu, the Arcade Legends 3 Upright Multi-Game Video Arcade Game Machine is undoubtedly the best way to play the best games from the best era in gaming.

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Great American 8 Foot Face Off Air Hockey Table $2299.95 The Great American 8 Foot Face Off Air Hockey Table is one of the most affordable air hockey tables to offer real arcade quality action on the market today. The standard sized puck, powerful motor, and heavy duty cabinet can have you playing fast, rough, and intense games just the way you do in the arcades. The formica top makes the puck extra responsive for every slap shot, bank shot, and deflection, for an unparalleled air hockey experience.

Great American 7 Foot Face Off Air Hockey Table $2099.95 The Great American 7 Foot Face Off Air Hockey Table is one of the most affordable air hockey tables to offer real arcade quality action on the market today. The standard sized puck, powerful motor, and heavy duty cabinet can have you playing fast, rough, and intense games just the way you do in the arcades. The formica top makes the puck extra responsive for every slap shot, bank shot, and deflection, for an unparalleled air hockey experience.

Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection $8.46 The Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection, contains all three classic games (Mortal Kombat, Mortal Kombat 2 and Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3) available for download.  All three games are complete versions of their original and can now be played online.   Three iconic fighting games rolled into one hard–hitting, downloadable package.

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Way of the Puck DVD $17.95 Features Way of the Puck is a documentary about the history of the sport of air hockey. The growth, decline and near extinction of a sport many people do not know exists. Discover the stories, passion, and lives of the true champions who play this sport competitively and keep the sport of air hockey alive. Directed and Produced by Eric D Anderson (2010) Featuring - Mark Robbins - The Guru; Michael...

Game Party: In Motion $14.99 Game Party is now BIGGER, BETTER and MORE FUN than ever before on Kinect for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Game Party: In Motion brings everyone's favorite party games directly into their living room and with no controller required players can jump right into the fun. With numerous games to choose from there is something for all ages and skill levels to play. Game Pa...

NHL Slapshot Bundle $18.97 Level up your skills Get exclusive game-day tip Synopsis You started out like all the pros do: wobbly on the ice, playing three-on-three in the neighborhood rink. All that has changed now. You've trained and drilled until your blades dulled, and you've earned your spot on the NHL roster. Now the pressure is on: it's the championship game and the Stanley Cup is within your grasp. There's one ...

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SureShot Hockey $17.00 Sure Shot Hockey is a two player, fast paced, tabletop action rod hockey game. Plays just like real hockey, the game not only has slap shots and passing, but also includes real goal tending and realistic player movements and positions. Scoring is easy with slide scorers for each player. Comes complete with instructions for set up and play...