Gamer nerds and just plain old nerds will all be thrilled to know that "Retro Arcade Night" is back at Arcade Game Sales this Friday. After its December debut, gamers weren't done playing their favorite classic videogames.
Robert Childs, founder and owner of Arcade Game Sales, is the guy who's bringing the goods. He refurbishes and resells upscale games and sets up game rooms. He's sold these bad boys to Florida Marlins and Miami Dolphins and to moms and dads. We asked him to break down a list of his five favorite videogames for those of us inexperienced in the art of gaming.
"Retro Arcade Night" came about thanks to scorekeeper Steve Kleisath,
drummer of the band Further Seems Forever. This monthly party features pinball, Multicade machines, and
foosball. High-scoring arcade legend Billy Mitchell will even be
present. This local was the first to get a perfect score in Pac-Man, had the
Donkey Kong high score for more than a quarter of a century, and continues to
go back and kick ass at the game even after King of Kong was released, and he owns the Rickey's World Famous Restaurant chain.
Let's get to the meat here: Childs' favorite games and five incredibly weird videos on each.
1. Tempest: for those who like a challenge
"Tempest is my favorite game," claims Childs. "It's the most difficult game ever made. It's the hardest when it gets to the highest levels." Of course, this would be the favorite of a man who gets to enjoy the wonders of arcade games anytime of day, any day of the week. Tempest is fast and hard, and, according to Childs, "You have to be the most skilled to play this game."
2. Galaga: a freaking classic
Why Galaga, you ask? "Because everyone likes Galaga," Childs says matter of factly. It's true. How could you not enjoy just shooting things? "You can take your frustrations out on a bunch of different creatures on the screen," he notes. A stress reliever, Galaga is.
3. Robotron: a noble pursuit
While Galaga lets you just blow shit up and Tempest is for the ultra gamer, Robotron is more of a game that allows you to work within a narrative. "You shoot all these robots, and you've got to rescue your family," Childs remarks. A noble pursuit, indeed.
4. Multicade: something for everyone
The Multicade arcade is, according to Childs, "a whole bunch of classic games on one." There's actually something everyone wants to play on this guy. This game unit will let you go wild for hours on anything.
5. Arcade Legends: familiar faces
"That's the most popular machine to buy," Childs tells us of Arcade Legends. You can just do so much more with so much less. It's one machine, and there are 130 games inside. From Space Invaders to Golden Tee Fore Golf, you'll definitely find something to play that you don't suck at with Arcade Legends.
"Retro Arcade Night" takes place Friday, January 27, from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. at Arcade Game Sales (829 N. Federal Hwy. Fort Lauderdale). Admission is $10, and you can play free all night. It also gets you 10 percent off of anything at Radio-Active Records.
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