Arcade review | Geekscape

Arcade Review: All Amusement Fun Center

by Matthew MorrellNovember 22, 2016

Dearest reader, this review is unlike any Arcade Review to date: you, the reader, will be given the power to make a positive change in the world. Especially now, you may be feeling a little helpless. Maybe a little isolated? We at Geekscape implore you to venture from your console to Burbank Town Center to the last Mall Arcade in Los Angeles:

The All Amusement Fun Center, Burbank Town Center.

"No, this time we really do mean the 'The last one.'" — “No, this time we really do mean the ‘The last one.'”

We braved the claustrophobia inducing, void of all hope that is the LA Freeway system because we value gaming culture. We value our past. We value our future. We value preserving small businesses that exist to support an environment where gamers like us can do what we do best. That’s why we’re calling on you to act. Here’s what’s at stake…

"Behold, the very last of a dying bread." — “Behold, the very last of a dying bread.”

THE PRESENTATION:

This arcade is not a nostalgia museum. This arcade is not a hybrid bar, or restaurant, or lounge where twenty and thirty somethings reminisce about retro gaming. The All Amusement Fun Center is where gamers are born.

"Yes, exactly, but different." — “Yes, exactly, but different.”

It is the place where kids discover their courage to face off against raptors and T-Rex. They develop their determination to reach new high scores on pinball machines. They increase their reflexes mastering every hairpin turn on Superbikes 2. It’s in Arcades like this where that feeling, that heart pounding love of the game begins.

For some of us growing up that couldn’t shell out hundreds of dollars for a home console, Arcades like AAFC offered those with just a few bucks to spare an equal opportunity for adventure, and fun.

int-arcade — “Pictured: fresh paint, new carpet, days worth of adventures.”

In this spotless, dust free, loved and cared for space you would think that this arcade is brand new. It’s not. Several generations have passed through these doors in the last twenty-three years All Amusement Fun Center has been in Burbank.

This Arcade also has some of the most helpful and friendly staff I’ve ever come in contact with. People like Art, and Vanessa, and Krystal know their regulars on a first name basis. They treat strangers, (like this reviewer) with a genuine smile and make themselves available if you need help.

Then there’s the owner, Jim; a true game master. The man opened up a safe place for families and seasoned gamers alike with his own blood, sweat and tears and kept it alive for two decades and during a recession. He rebuilds Arcade cabinets on site like a boss with his bare hands. Speaking of which…

THE GAMES

All Amusement Fun Center has an impressive variety of games; ticket, sports, fighting, racing, rail-shooter, you name it. They’ve got a little bit of everything. There may not be a Mortal Kombat cabinet, but there’s a perfectly good Marvel V. Capcom 2 and Tekken: nothing parents would have to worry about their kids stumbling upon.

You may even find a rare classic such as Sega’s Confidential Mission. With more than a few dozen machines on the floor, Jim does indeed have a secret stash of machines that he repairs and rotates onto the main floor.

Even more important, they all work. There was a moment where the Tekken machine was down for a second, but the staff promptly got it up and running again. Again, this isn’t some neglected relic slowly rotting away in an abandoned corner of the mall; this place is pristine.

This Arcade also boasts four working change/token machines. We can’t stress enough just how easy it is to enjoy this place. You will find that your gaming experience is enhanced when you’re in tangible space with other gamers who are just as excited to mow down hordes of zombies as you are.

THE EXTRAS

This place is a piece of history. More importantly, All Amusement Fun Center is a place that brings people together and breeds future gamers for generations to come. There is a genuine family atmosphere here. Not the Afternoon Special way either, but a genuine community of all generations and cultures.

"As one sided as this match is, it sucks to play it alone." — “As one sided as this match is, it sucks to play the game alone.”

Two brothers, Lenny and Robert, have been regularly coming to AAFC for years. Lenny, the younger, admitted, “It’s gonna be sad to see this place go.”

Robert had introduced his younger brother to Tekken and that as part of the community, “[AAFC] Brings people together.”

Especially during a time when so many people feel divided, a physical place where people can come together is needed more than ever.

Tragically, as of March 2017, like so many other small American business, they are being shut down. Sure, a mall exists to make money. AAFC does that too, but they also have the added benefit of enriching a community. Cypress Equities, (based in Dallas, Texas), has decided that what the community of Burbank really needs is another Ikea.

So, if you’re a real gamer, that means you’re always up for a challenge. By your very nature, you look at impossible odds, laugh, and willfully engage in battle. That’s what’s needed now. You are needed to make a difference, to help save this place of joy and community.

Here’s how…

Easy – You can add your name to this petition on Change.org.

Normal – You can email this nice man chris.maguire@cypressequities.com. Let him know that gamers aren’t some seedy sub-sect of society, but people who value a place to play in peace and community: All Amusement Fun Center is that place.

Legendary – Physically drive (Or have someone drive you) to sign the in-store petition. Experience a great arcade first hand.

Burbank Town Center, 201 W Magnolia Blvd # 128, Burbank, CA 91502.

10 AM – 9 PM Monday – Saturday

11 AM – 8 PM Sunday

This is a mission where everyone’s voice actually counts. This is your chance to help preserve gaming culture.

You can make a difference.

Arcade Review – Start Bar STL

by Matthew MorrellOctober 11, 2016

Continuing our pursuit after the strong resurgence in arcade culture, we at Geekscape are proud to travel nationwide in support of our fellow gamers. Such is the case with Start Bar, in downtown Saint Louis, Missouri. This bar ties together the focal point of gaming culture: community. We’ll show exactly how this glorious new arcade and bar does exactly that…

THE PRESENTATION

Saint Louis has been in the headlines recently, painted as a city divided. Despite the truth to that statement, those who live and breathe in STL are still a people who value community. They value coming together over a Cardinal’s game. They come together over a cold glass of beer on an ungodly humid afternoon. They are together when it comes to a shared desire to cut through the everyday bullshit of life and seek relief. Among the historic brick buildings encompassing Busch Stadium, the answer to that relief can be found within Start Bar.

"Pressing Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, on a very specific bricks may or may not open the secret entrance." — “Pressing Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, on very specific bricks may or may not open the secret entrance. Which bricks? We’ll never tell…”

Just a few blocks south of Spruce Street is where the after party is. Start Bar is nestled in a brand spanking new corner of one of the many brick buildings on your way back from a Cardinals game. Much like a TARDIS, the bar appears ordinary on the outside. Still, the glow of the neon lights and thumping bass beckon you to enter.

We suggest you do.

Much like a new companion to The Doctor, your reaction is the same, “It’s much bigger on the inside,” you gasp. To your left, a bar that spans from the front of the building nearly all the way to the back. To your right, rows and rows of your favorite standup cabinets from ‘82 to today. Above you are huge vaulted ceilings barely able to contain the live music blasting from the DJ’s turntables, and shouting from the loft ahead.

The interior sports a clean club vibe. Plenty of space to breathe and tables to order a drink and food. You won’t wait long for one of the many friendly staffers to take your order or simply show you around the floor. Despite the drama, the tensions, the labors of everyday life, Start Bar sends a clear message to all who enter; you’re among friends.

"As long as you're here, how about you relieve a little tension?" — “As long as you’re here, how about you relieve a little tension?”

THE GAMES

Having been around in the Arcade Scene, we try to be objective; not measuring the quality of an arcade by the quantity of games. Let’s be honest, there’s really only the one rule when it comes to gamers and games.

"We don't dare anger such an epic beard." — “We dare not anger such an epic beard.”

Keeping with the theme of community, Start Bar has done more than load their space with more than a dozen of your favorites. They did do that, but they also went one step beyond. There is clearly deliberate move to curate their space with games that would encourage a dedicated gathering of locals to return. Their loft space with couches surrounding three console gaming stations is certainly a step in that direction. However, one game in particular caught our eye.

"Close, but not exactly." — “Close, but not exactly.”

Having first debuted back in 2013, the movement around Killer Queen is gaining tremendous momentum. Twitch streams, leagues, local tournaments, this is the game that will solidify the modern Arcade Movement. It looks like a classic from the 8-Bit era. An amalgam of Joust, Mario Brothers, and a sliver of Command and Conquer, Killer Queen is an impressive five Vs. five strategic mad house.

"Trust us, it all totally makes total sense." — “Trust us, it all totally makes sense.”

So far, Killer Queen is only found in a handful of Arcades. It is in our humble opinion that you and at least nine of your friends play it immediately. Sure, you could play two on two, but what the good folks at Start Bar realized is that coming together as a group, a team, a community brings about an invaluable gaming experience.

THE EXTRAS

We haven’t even gotten to the drinks! The food! Sweet Christmas does this place have drinks and food. Their in house chef has cooked up a slew of snacks, and most importantly mouth watering pizza that must be shared with friends to believe a taste that good could be real.

"Spoiler alert, 'Bruce Willis was Dead the Whole Time' may keep you drunk the whole time... drink responsibly, etc..." — “Spoiler alert, ‘Bruce Willis was Dead the Whole Time’ may keep you drunk the whole time… drink responsibly, etc…”

Given the length and breadth of the bar, it goes without saying that the drink selection is just as vast. This reviewer found that most drinks were poured with a liberal amount of alcohol compared to whatever they were mixed with. Not necessarily a complaint. Just a fair warning. Depending on how much of a dedicated gamer you are, you may want to keep this in mind and pace yourself.

Tuesdays and Thursdays nights (subject to change?) live music will be spun and played loudly. We had the pleasure of jamming to some deep NWA cuts from Dan Sexauer from Music Record Shop; another local STL shop worth a visit.

We also fell in love with what could only be described as the Gamer Hall of Fame Gentleman’s Formal Sitting Room complete with; plush couches, crackling fireplace, and Bowser’s head mounted on the wall.

Sitting room INT — “Pretty damn classy.”

There is also an ongoing sign up for a Killer Queen league. If you’re in the area we suggest you get on that list. If you’re debating whether or not to relocate to the greater St. Louis area, consider putting this in the top of your “Pro” column.

THE VERDICT

If you ever wondered what else besides the Gateway Arch would make a trip to Missouri worthwhile, The Start Bar is the answer. This arcade and bar is faithfully among the movement to celebrate gaming culture, and cultivate a community of gamers to come together and celebrate each other.

*Photo credit – Sara McLaren

**Thank you – Stephen Savage

Arcade Review: Button Mash, LA

by Matthew MorrellAugust 30, 2016

Arcade Review: Button Mash LA

For great reward, there must be great risk. This is the case for making the journey to Button Mash Arcade & Asian Fusion Restaurant, off Sunset Boulevard. If we haven’t made it universally clear before, being buried alive in an airtight metal coffin is typically always preferable than driving through traffic in LA.

"At least I'm not on Sunset and Echo Park right now." — “At least I’m not on Sunset and Echo Park right now.”

However, loyal readers, in this particular instance the reward is great. We at Geekscape.net have driven across country, and braved many a freeway ventures, but at last dearest readers we have found Geek Valhalla, and it just so happens to be off Sunset Boulevard…

THE PRESENTATION

Like most buildings in downtown LA, you tend to miss them while you focus on not crashing into the idiot texting in front of you. However, if your F-Zero reflexes are quick enough to spot an ordinary green building while driving down Sunset, you just might be able to enter the Button Mash parking lot. The lot is small, cramped, and more than likely full. Don’t be discouraged. Find a meter somewhere and walk. We can’t stress this enough, your patience shall be rewarded.

Upon entering the building, you may experience a brief sensory overload. Calm yourself. That’s just the PTSD from driving in LA contrasting with the bright and inviting atmosphere. There are a number of other clashes too. You are assuredly entering an arcade. You’re also entering a fully functional Asian fusion restaurant. You’re entering a bar. And, tucked away in the back is a rather unique merch shop. More on that later.

"You absolutely want to see what's through door number 0N3." — “You absolutely want to see what’s through door number 0N3.”

Suffice to say, there’s a lot going on with the decor. It definitely has a lived in, and distinctly 80’s vibe. It’s not trying to be the coolest bar or restaurant on the block. What it is trying (and succeeding) to be is your childhood living room. A kaleidoscope of colors, textures, and sounds arranged intentionally to get your brain to tell you, “You’re home.”

"Its also letting you know where you left your action figures." — “And now that you’re home, clean up your action figures. They’re everywhere.” – Your Mom.

But we’re not interior decorators, so let’s get to the real reason you came here…

THE GAMES

Yes, there are games a plenty. Taking up nearly every square inch of floor space in the long room to the right of the bar are arcade cabinets from across nearly thirty years of gaming. Sega, Capcom, Nintendo, Atari, Namco, a collection so vast they can’t all be crammed in the space Button Mash has dedicated to showcase their games. So instead, the cabinets are swapped out for you to have a unique experience almost every time you come back. Believe us, you will come back. We haven’t even got to the pinball machines yet.

"We got to them though, and conquered the shit out of 'em." — “We got to them though, and conquered the shit out of ’em.”

It certainly doesn’t have the quantity of other arcades, but Button Mash has absolutely set a high bar for quality. They’ve even taken to printing their own custom tokens. One token for games. Two for pinball. Don’t have cash? No problem. Just add five or ten dollars to your tab at the bar, lunch, or dinner bill and enjoy. Again, even if they did manage to squeeze more games into their spacious and clean game room there’s still plenty to keep you occupied for the better part of an afternoon, late night, and possibly early morning.

“Or however long it takes to grab the high score.” #humblebrag #iStandWithSpaceHarrier — “Or, however long it takes to grab the high score.” #humblebrag #iStandWithSpaceHarrier

This is a space built for gamers of all ages. It’s also a space built to let the adults have their own chance to wind down after nine. If you’re over twenty one and plan on staying late, be sure to have ID with you.

In the unlikely event that you do happen to play through everything that’s on the floor (at the time) and work up an appetite, Button Mash has you covered.

THE EXTRAS

It may be unfair to classify the full kitchen as an extra, but in our hunt for great arcades the games come first. That being said, your appetite will be satisfied, your thirst quenched, and your need for classic Wrestle Mania matches appeased. The food is delicious, eclectic, and not to hard on the wallet. Also, keeping with Button Mash unique design aesthetic, the checks are delivered inside paperback horror and Sci-Fi novels.

"Threaten you into leaving a tip? No. Why do you ask?" - RL Stein — “Threaten you into leaving a bigger tip? No. Why do you ask?” – RL Stein

So how to commemorate your journey to this godsend of an arcade? How about some unique retro video game art? Or some video game vinyl produced exclusively in house? I’m not saying this arcade has everything you need, but there is certainly something in the PWN Shop you’ll be dying to have. Among the varied list of gamer merchandise was a vinyl copy of the Journey soundtrack, next to a rack of Bullet Bill plushies. So, friendly warning, if you’re a die hard gamer and don’t have a frugal friend with you, there’s a high probability you will go broke.

THE VERDICT

The only day you should not be at this arcade is when they’re closed on Mondays. If you’re reading this today (Tuesday) and you’re not currently on your way to Button Mash, what are you doing with your life? School? Working? Yeah, well, I guess you have to get cash to play all those sweet video games somehow.

Other than the dire parking situation, which can be easily overcome by arriving before they open, this place is a near perfect nerd trifecta; great games, good food, and unique merch. Arriving early will also mostly guarantee you get enough game time. This place gets crowded quick and rightfully so. All in all, if you want to make it through the work week, or need something to look forward to come Friday, look no further than Button Mash Arcade.

Arcade Review: Neon Retro Arcade

by Matthew MorrellJuly 12, 2016

Our journey into the heart of Pasadena hit us hard with the nostalgia hammer where we explored the Neon Retro Arcade.

If anything can be said about this place, Neon Retro is indeed an arcade. It’s not a bar. It’s not lounge. It’s not an urban fusion hipster joint meant to be ironic for millennials who pretend to know what Joust is, but really don’t.

(There is no irony here. At Geekscape, our Joust game is strong.) — There is no irony here. At Geekscape, our Joust game is strong.

Neon Retro is an Arcade. Period. It never tries to be anything more or less than a single story, one room building crammed full of classic cabinets, and a handful of pinball machines.

There’s also a couch in the back sitting in front of a pair of huge flat screens for some console gaming. That’s it. Despite it’s simplicity, a great deal of this place’s charm is tied to the location.

If you brave the ubiquitous traffic on a Saturday night headed for Neon Retro, prepare to do some light time-traveling. If you’re not already a part of it, you’ll notice a retro feel long before you even enter the arcade: having found yourself surrounded by the early 1920’s neo-art-deco buildings. It’s a part of the city that has recaptured that fictional golden age Americana vibe. As you walk over towards 28 South Raymond from any of the nearby parking garages, your mindset should already be well in tune with the past.

Neon Retro’s facade appears like any other store front window. Only the bright neon title suggests that the contents within are of a different era than any of the other shop on the street.

Then you enter.

80’s music is pumping through the air. Familiar theme songs play; Street Fighter II to your left, The Simpsons in front of you, Tetris somewhere in the distance. Before frolicking through the rows of cabinets with all your past favorites, you’ll need to line up for your sticker. What sticker you ask? After only a ten dollar entry fee, the employee will slap (or kindly hand you) a name tag with a time stamp.

For the next hour, you’ll be playing all the games you want for free. FREE.

Or until you get your ass handed to you in Street Fighter and walk away covered in the shame of your failure.

Again, it doesn’t get much more simple than that. There’s games, games, and more games. After an hour, you can either go home or wait in line to buy more time. Be forewarned that if it’s a busy night, there can be a line. The few times this field report checked in on the property however, there wasn’t, but don’t say we didn’t warn you.

We'll let you put together the visual pun yourself, we've already been reprimanded for making it too obvious. — “For the last time, no, End of Line does not start here.”

One of the special touches that this place has can actually be found on its website: the High Score chart. It’s an invitation not just to return to the property, but to consider yourself part of the Neon Retro community: “Here’s my score, come to my place and try to best me.” It draws you in, and invites others to come down to see what you’re made of. OR, you can simply use it to brag about how you’re hot shit. Either way, there’s an overwhelming sense that the management who cares for this arcade, cares about the community they’ve cultivated around gaming.

The space is clean, there’s a restroom on sight, and the front desk has snacks. This place is definitely rated ‘E’ for everyone so bring the kids. If you really forgot to feed yourself, or need a drink, there are more than enough local pubs and coffee shops in the area to satisfy.

If there was any real criticism about the place, it could be argued that it is on the small side. It doesn’t boast the spacious rooms of Eighty Two, or the sheer quantity of games jammed into the hallway of the One Up. However, with a rotating selection of arcade cabinets, and a guarantee of an hour worth of FREE games, this place sits in the Goldilocks Zone of Arcades in the greater LA area.

It’s not too big, nor too small, Neon Retro is just right.