Ah yes, the Journey arcade game from 1983—proof that someone at Bally Midway stared into the heart of rock ‘n’ roll and said, “What if we turned Steve Perry into a pixelated superhero with a jetpack?” In this fever dream of corporate synergy and neon bravado, you control the actual members of Journey—each represented by hilariously realistic digitized faces slapped onto cartoon bodies—on a mission to recover their stolen instruments across five mini-games. It’s like Mega Man, if Mega Man’s enemies were groupies and his powers were “bass solo.”
Each band member gets their own personal level, from dodging barriers with a flying drum set to platforming on conveyor belts while trying not to look like a floating head on a stick figure’s body. Once all instruments are recovered, the game climaxes with a full-blown concert scene—complete with pixelated fans losing their minds while Journey rocks out. Oh, and it plays real samples of “Separate Ways” on 1980s arcade sound hardware, which sounds like a fax machine trying its best to sing. It’s baffling, bold, and beautiful—a perfect time capsule of when arcade cabinets, classic rock, and utter chaos collided in a haze of synth and denim.
Gunbird is like stepping into an arcade fever dream where the only rule is “fly fast, shoot faster, and try not to question why a witch on a broom is battling robots.” This classic vertical-scrolling shooter drops you into a world where ancient treasure hunters don’t bother with shovels; they prefer high-powered airships and endless waves of absurdly hostile enemies. You’ve got a roster of eccentric characters, from Marion, the aforementioned witch with zero chill, to Ash, a grumpy adventurer whose solution to everything is “more bullets.” The plot? Something about gathering magic mirrors to summon a wish-granting bird. But let’s be honest, you’ll be too busy dodging neon death rays to care.
The gameplay is pure chaos—screen-filling explosions, relentless bosses, and enough flying projectiles to make you wonder if dodging should be an Olympic sport. Power-ups drop like candy, giving you temporary godlike firepower before the game humbles you with a well-placed laser to the face. And the humor? Top-notch. The bosses shout ridiculous one-liners, and your characters respond with quips that make you question their life priorities. It’s the kind of game where you’ll laugh, cry, and probably scream when you lose your last life to a pixel-sized enemy you swore you dodged. Gunbird doesn’t just test your reflexes—it tests your ability to survive pure, unadulterated mayhem with a grin.
Time Pilot is the arcade game that asks, “What if history class was taught by a caffeine-addicted fighter pilot with no regard for timelines or physics?” Released by Konami in 1982, it throws you into the cockpit of a futuristic jet with the sole purpose of traveling through time and shooting everything that dares to move. Why? Who knows! Time is a flat circle, and you’ve got unlimited ammo.
Each level catapults you into a new era where you face increasingly bizarre enemies. Start with biplanes in 1910—no big deal, they’re just thrilled they’ve figured out how to fly. Then fast-forward to World War II, where you’re dogfighting against slightly angrier pilots in more advanced planes. By the time you’re battling UFOs in the year 2001 (which looked way cooler in 1982), you’re questioning whether this is a mission or an existential crisis.
The controls are smooth, the action is chaotic, and the logic is nonexistent. Why is your jet immune to time travel paradoxes? How does shooting a certain number of enemies summon a giant boss blimp? Why do you have an endless supply of bullets but no snacks? These are questions Time Pilot doesn’t care to answer, because who needs logic when you’ve got explosions?
It’s a game where history, sci-fi, and arcade chaos collide—and somehow, your biggest enemy is gravity because there’s always a stray bullet with your name on it. Perfect for anyone who’s ever looked at the history of aviation and thought, “This needs more dogfights and fewer rules.”
Carly King unboxes and assembles the Arcade1Up Star Wars arcade cab.
The Star Wars arcade game released in 1983 is like stepping into a time machine that teleports you directly into the cockpit of an X-wing—but with graphics that look like they were designed on an Etch A Sketch. It’s a classic relic from a galaxy not so far away, where the cutting-edge technology of the day meant wireframe graphics and joystick controls that required the reflexes of a Jedi and the patience of Yoda.
When you first approached the machine, it was like encountering a giant, glowing monolith that practically dared you to put in your quarters. The cabinet was decked out in artwork that made you feel like you were about to go on an intergalactic adventure. Once you sat down, though, you quickly realized that the “adventure” consisted of staring at a screen filled with green lines, which somehow represented TIE fighters, turbolasers, and the Death Star.
The controls? Oh, the controls. The joystick was this chunky, plastic thing that felt like it could withstand the force of a Wookiee temper tantrum. It didn’t just move; it clunked into place as you tried to aim your blasters at tiny, geometrical ships that looked like they were drawn by a very ambitious kindergartener.
But once you got into the groove, the game had you hooked. The famous lines from the movie echoed in your ears—”Use the Force, Luke!”—as you navigated the trench run on the Death Star, which was essentially a series of rectangles and trapezoids flying toward you at warp speed. The sound effects were top-notch for the time, with digitized blaster shots and that familiar “pew pew” that made you feel like you were really in the heat of battle.
Surviving long enough to blow up the Death Star was a badge of honor. You’d walk away from the machine with a sense of accomplishment, as well as a slightly sore wrist from manhandling that joystick. And if you really nailed it, you’d get to hear Obi-Wan Kenobi tell you, “The Force will be with you, always,” which was basically the arcade equivalent of a mic drop.
In short, the *Star Wars* arcade game of 1983 was a glorious, low-res homage to the greatest space opera of all time. It was the ultimate test of skill, endurance, and the ability to pretend that a bunch of green lines were actually spaceships. And for those who mastered it, it wasn’t just a game—it was a way of life.
Recent game pickups with Reggie! Most of these games are great, but there is ONE QUESTIONABLE game that may or may not be TERRIBLE LOL –> https://youtu.be/CywNdslXMjA
What game in YOUR COLLECTION are a little embarrassed to admit you own?
GAMES SHOWN:
Double Dragon Swag
Promenade
Fran Bow
Blaster Master Zero Trilogy
VirtuaVerse
DoDonPachi Blissful Death Re:Incarnation
Unicorn Overlord
The King of Fighters ’98
Fights in Tight Spaces
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy Reunion
?????
Oniken+Odallus Collection
Fast & Furious: Showdown
Princess Peach Showtime!
Terminator: Resistance
CyberOrg
Blacksite: Area 51
Castlevania Advance Collection
Haak
Nightmare Reaper
WarJetz
Hyper-5
G-Darius HD
Mega Man X3
Castlevania: SOTN
RR Art
Garou: Mark of the Wolves
Star Wars: KOTOR II
My standup MAME arcade cabinet was last updated back in 2017! So, today we upgrade the computer, software and add a monitor that can rotate plus other random aspects. The game room is getting upgraded!
The Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator (MAME) is a software program designed to emulate the hardware of arcade game systems on modern computers. Developed in 1997 by Nicola Salmoria and the MAME team, MAME has become the go-to emulator for playing arcade games on platforms ranging from desktop computers to smartphones and even gaming consoles. MAME’s primary purpose is to preserve and document the history of arcade gaming by accurately emulating the original hardware and software of arcade machines. By doing so, MAME allows players to experience a vast library of classic arcade games without the need for original, often rare, arcade cabinets.
MAME supports thousands of arcade games from various manufacturers and eras, ranging from the early days of arcade gaming in the 1970s to more recent titles from the 2000s. Its extensive compatibility and accuracy make it an invaluable tool for enthusiasts, collectors, and historians alike. Beyond gameplay, MAME also serves as a research platform for developers and preservationists, enabling them to study and document the inner workings of arcade hardware and software. Through continuous development and updates, MAME remains a vital part of preserving the rich history and cultural impact of arcade gaming for future generations.
My review of the Top Racer (Top Gear) Mini Arcade & game Collection. These are classic 90s arcade racing games being released as a mini arcade and 4 game collection on modern platforms like PC, Switch, PS4/5 and Xbox. More info: https://www.pikointeractive.com
Gremlin Interactive was a prominent British video game developer and publisher that made its mark during the 1980s and 1990s. Founded in Sheffield, England, in 1984 by Ian Stewart and Kevin Norburn, the studio gained recognition for its innovative and diverse range of games across various platforms, including home computers and consoles. Gremlin’s portfolio spanned multiple genres, from platformers like “Zool” to racing games like “Lotus Turbo Challenge” and “Top Gear.” One of its standout successes was the iconic “Premier Manager” series, which established Gremlin as a leader in sports management simulations.
Throughout its existence, Gremlin Interactive demonstrated a commitment to pushing boundaries in game development, often incorporating cutting-edge technology and creative gameplay mechanics into its titles. The studio was known for fostering a dynamic and collaborative environment that encouraged experimentation and risk-taking. Despite facing financial challenges in the late 1990s, Gremlin continued to produce memorable games until its eventual closure in 2003, after being acquired by Infogrames Entertainment. Despite its closure, Gremlin’s legacy lives on through the fond memories of gamers who grew up playing its innovative and entertaining titles.
Gamester81 reviews the new mini 1/4 scale Space Invaders arcades by Numskull. This includes both Space Invaders and Space Invaders Part II aka Space Invaders Deluxe. My Space Invaders arcade is signed by the creator Tomohiro Nishikado.
“Space Invaders” holds immense significance in the history of video games as a groundbreaking arcade game that revolutionized the industry. Launched in 1978, it was one of the earliest shooting games, establishing many conventions and tropes still present in gaming today. Its simple yet challenging gameplay, coupled with its iconic pixelated alien enemies descending in waves, captured the public’s imagination and popularized the concept of high scores, fostering competitive gaming culture. Its success helped establish video games as a viable entertainment medium, contributing to the growth of arcades and the gaming industry at large, laying the foundation for future game design and influencing countless titles that followed. Its cultural impact endures, making it a timeless classic that remains an essential milestone in gaming history.
Space Ace is a LaserDisc game made by Bluth Group & Cinematronics back in 1983. It came directly after the hugely popular Dragon’s Lair arcade game, which I distinctly remember seeing as a little kid. Now NewWaveToys has created TWO 1/6th versions of the classic Space Ace arcade cabs with some amazing details. I love these things! More info: https://newwavetoys.com
