Let’s engage in a bit of fantasy. Imagine that you have an opportunity to build your dream arcade, full of the best retro games. Money, time, space, and access are not concerns for you. In this exercise, all you have to do is snap your finger and the games you want appear in your spacious rec room.
So, what are you choosing? Here are the games you shouldn’t skip if you want a genuinely complete collection.
First: What Are The Parameters?
Let’s go with as few limitations as possible. Games must be electro-mechanical in some way. No card games or board games. But everything else is on the table. This includes:
- Pinball
- Pool tables
- Air hockey
- Arcade video games
- Ticket or redemption games
- Carnival games that involve electro-mechanical technology
- Pachinko
- Handhelds
- Console games
- Flight and driving simulators
- Sports games
Start With Classic Arcade Cabinets
Can you even call it a retro arcade without some vintage arcade cabinets? You have a lot of options here. Go for a variety! Donkey Kong and any of the Pac-Man series of games are must-haves. Throw in a fighting game or two like Mortal Kombat. Now, add a light gun game, and a racing simulator! All you need now is a sports game, something from the fantasy genre, and a space game!
Here, money is no object. But, if you truly want to build your own arcade, these can be pricey. There are multi game cabinets that allow you to offer up multiple games all within the same unit.
Retro Gaming Consoles
These aren’t as fun and sexy as cabinet games, but your retro consoles will truly be the backbone of your arcade. Even expensive consoles offer a lot for your dollar. Spend money once on a console and you can access its entire library of games. Well, at least you can until the company decides to ditch any sort of backwards compatibility. Still, with consoles, you can build a library of hundreds of games while taking up very little space.
What should you choose? First, forget about entirely outdated games without enough functionality to keep people engaged. So, yeah that Pong Game from your grandpa’s attic is cool. But, it’s not going to add much value here. Instead, try these:
- Atari or other 80s era console
- NES
- Super NES
- Game Cube
- XBox 1
- PS2
- Sega
- Dreamcast
If you can, find a tube tv or two. The older games have graphics that render best on these sets.
Pinball Machines
You need at least two. Choose the first one for its gameplay, the more exciting the better. For the other, think campiness and fun. The Addams Family is the best selling machine of all time, but there are other fun options. See if you can source a Dolly Parton pinball machine, or maybe Terminator II.
Social Games
Some games encourage people to hang out, chat, and be social. Your arcade should have at least a couple of these. A pool table is a classic. So is air hockey and foosball. Even an electric basketball hoop or skeeball works in this case!
These are the games that make people want to come hang out. Find a special someone who loves arcades like you on the Hily app.
Emulation or Multicade
This is a space and money saving option. Choose a multicade if you want to be able to play multiple games in one setting. You could also try your hand at building a Raspberry Pi, RetroPie station that will allow you to emulate both new and classic arcade games.
Extra Stuff
You’re going to need some items on hand to keep your arcade up and running. Stockpile joysticks, cables, light guns, steering wheels, dance pads, etc. Then, keep a bit of a toolkit nearby. These games are great fun, but they have to be maintained.
Seating And Decor
You have everything you need, now you just have to make the space welcoming. Comfortable seating is key. Throw in some bean bag chairs, a decent couch, bar height tables and stools. Add a wet bar and snack counter! If you can source a soda fountain, that will really finish things off. Don’t forget about the neon signs and other lighting.