Dragon's Lair Fans - Arcade Lifestyle

General Chat => Meetings, Exhibition, Events... => Topic started by: anunaki on February 01, 2013, 10:00:24 PM

Title: [report online] Going on a trip: Arcade spots in Europe
Post by: anunaki on February 01, 2013, 10:00:24 PM
Hi,

I have a plan of making a trip trough Europe visiting some Arcade related spots. I will do together this with a friend of mine how is a hobby fotographer, so we can make a great report of it.

The only thing is: we don't know that many places to go. We only know of a arcade museum in Berlin and an impressive looking arcade near Prague.

I want your help with this. What are good  places to go on the European continent? It can be an arcade  or maybe you think it's fun when we come to your place. Please let me know.

Greetz, Patrick
Title: Re: Going on a trip: Arcade spots in Europe
Post by: Etienne MacGyver on February 01, 2013, 10:19:06 PM
Cool idea to travel from gameroom to gameroom through europe !

people take your change now for a perfect EADS!  ;D

Bring a video cam and shoot alot of footage with interviews and after that, create a cool documentary about all the gamerooms over europe  8)
Title: Re: Going on a trip: Arcade spots in Europe
Post by: level42 on February 01, 2013, 10:31:38 PM
Save all the money from the Euro trip and buy a flight to Boston instead.

Print out about 10 or so of these: http://www.funspotnh.com/mws-coupon.htm (even better, subscribe to their e-mail listing and you might get even 75 worth of tokens extra)

Rent the smallest car you can get, drive to Weir's Beach, New Hampshire in about 2 hours and find a _nice_ motel (not the 1849 something....it sucks).

Drive to Fun Spot and go to the cashier near the bowling lanes and use those coupons :) While you're there, ask the cashier for Gary, he is always pleased to meet true arcade game lovers, esp. if they are from far.....oh and tell Gary I sent you and say hi for me ;)

Enjoy the rest of your stay at Fun Spot. All the classics you will ever want, they even got a "MK/SF" section and a nice range of new(er) games.

300+ machines to enjoy for a very low price per game: http://www.classicarcademuseum.org/gamelist.htm

On the way back, and you still didn't have enough, you can go here:
http://www.pinballwizardarcade.com/gallery/

A trip you will never forget ;)
Title: Re: Going on a trip: Arcade spots in Europe
Post by: anunaki on February 01, 2013, 10:37:05 PM
I will go to Funspot another time. One of the things about this trip is that is´s going to be cheap, because my friend is "between 2 jobs" ATM

It will be great fun going on a trip together
Title: Re: Going on a trip: Arcade spots in Europe
Post by: level42 on February 01, 2013, 10:46:54 PM
If you really want to stick to Europe, here are some things to think about:

There are not that many places worth-wile in Europe. You can divide them in three sections:

1) The modern-day still around arcades. I know they are still there in Scheveningen, Renesse, Vlissingen, a brand new one in Tilburg, not sure if the place with the 360 near Venlo is still open ?, some arcades in Valkenburg might still be there.
However, don't expect a lot of classics or even candies. The Belgian coast-line was always famous for arcades, just like the British with it's piers, but they all have the same problem....less and less videogames, more and more redemption games.

2) Museums/Clubs. Those are interesting but pretty rare. There's a very nice museum in Denmark: http://www.playright.dk/museum/udstilling/
I also know of a club in Karlsruhe http://www.retrogames.info which looks very cool. AFAIK these are both not open everyday, so you will have to carefully plan your visits.
The Berlin museum is ...uh.....hotly debated here.....https://www.dragonslairfans.com/smfor/index.php?topic=2458.0

3) Private collectors. Of course, with these guys, it all depends if they are willing and able to receive you. Some of these people throw yearly parties, so they can "focus" all those visitors on one date. But again, some guys may PM you if you are welcome :)

You're welcome in my gameroom, but I have the same problem....I'll need to clear it up for you guys to visit and "be around" the day you would visit...this is one (small) reason to organize Eurocades :)
Title: Re: Going on a trip: Arcade spots in Europe
Post by: level42 on February 01, 2013, 10:48:32 PM
I will go to Funspot another time. One of the things about this trip is that is´s going to be cheap, because my friend is "between 2 jobs" ATM

It will be great fun going on a trip together
Sure it would be a load of fun ! But I'm not sure which is cheaper: buying gas for loads of km's driving around Europe or a ticket to Boston. If you can plan outside holiday-seasons tickets are not that expensive.
Title: Re: Going on a trip: Arcade spots in Europe
Post by: anunaki on February 01, 2013, 10:52:05 PM
Wel the tickets are at least 400 pp, you can drive a lot of km for that kind of money.

especially in my father in law's hybrid car

or is it possible to get cheaper tickets?
Title: Re: Going on a trip: Arcade spots in Europe
Post by: Blanka on February 01, 2013, 10:56:21 PM
And wasn't there some obscure Russian underground arcade?
And just too late for Game On Budapest (that one is in Toronto till September)
And you could visit the Bonami museum in Epe
And don't forget Bruno
Title: Re: Going on a trip: Arcade spots in Europe
Post by: Donkey on February 02, 2013, 12:40:57 AM
Places in Denmark: https://www.dragonslairfans.com/smfor/index.php?topic=4205.0
Title: Re: Going on a trip: Arcade spots in Europe
Post by: ckong on February 02, 2013, 01:32:12 AM
Funspot is the place to be, worth a bit more bucks.
Title: Re: Going on a trip: Arcade spots in Europe
Post by: anunaki on February 02, 2013, 10:50:45 AM
If you really want to stick to Europe, here are some things to think about:

There are not that many places worth-wile in Europe. You can divide them in three sections:

1) The modern-day still around arcades. I know they are still there in Scheveningen, Renesse, Vlissingen, a brand new one in Tilburg, not sure if the place with the 360 near Venlo is still open ?, some arcades in Valkenburg might still be there.
However, don't expect a lot of classics or even candies. The Belgian coast-line was always famous for arcades, just like the British with it's piers, but they all have the same problem....less and less videogames, more and more redemption games.

2) Museums/Clubs. Those are interesting but pretty rare. There's a very nice museum in Denmark: http://www.playright.dk/museum/udstilling/
I also know of a club in Karlsruhe http://www.retrogames.info which looks very cool. AFAIK these are both not open everyday, so you will have to carefully plan your visits.
The Berlin museum is ...uh.....hotly debated here.....https://www.dragonslairfans.com/smfor/index.php?topic=2458.0

3) Private collectors. Of course, with these guys, it all depends if they are willing and able to receive you. Some of these people throw yearly parties, so they can "focus" all those visitors on one date. But again, some guys may PM you if you are welcome :)

You're welcome in my gameroom, but I have the same problem....I'll need to clear it up for you guys to visit and "be around" the day you would visit...this is one (small) reason to organize Eurocades :)

Tx,

I meant the Karlsruhe museum, but for some some reason I thought it was in Berlin.

The original idea was to go to both Berlin (must be Karlsruhe, even better cause on the way) and Prague, but then we though maybe we can add some places to this trip. My friend has all this great fotography stuff, so that's how it came up.

Title: Re: Going on a trip: Arcade spots in Europe
Post by: gyruss on February 02, 2013, 12:23:13 PM
There is also supposed to be an arcade in a bowling place called Bison in Utrecht. The guy who told me said there were more then 15 machines.. I'll check it out soon, it's right next to the stairway to heaven cafe from Henk Westbroek..
Title: Re: Going on a trip: Arcade spots in Europe
Post by: level42 on February 02, 2013, 12:40:30 PM
Almere had a modern day arcade too a couple of years ago, no idea if the are still around though....
Title: Re: Going on a trip: Arcade spots in Europe
Post by: gyruss on February 02, 2013, 12:47:52 PM
Don't think so, i remember I looked it up a few years ago and it's now a full fledged party center without any games...
Title: Re: Going on a trip: Arcade spots in Europe
Post by: SeTTleR on February 02, 2013, 05:14:22 PM
Hi,
besides the Retro Gamers, there is also For Amusement Only which is located in Rodenbach near Frankfurt/Main in Germany. This is actually not that far away from Karlsruhe. Infos on their german webpage here: http://foramusementonly.de/ These people over there are really nice and they have a huge collection! Unfortunately it is only opened on day in the month, but maybe you can write them a mail and ask if there is any possibility to visit that place.

There is also a Pinball museum in Neuwied which is at the Rhine between Bonn and Koblenz: www.flippermuseum.eu
And there is a Pinball museum in Schwerin: http://extraball.de/
Title: Re: Going on a trip: Arcade spots in Europe
Post by: level42 on February 02, 2013, 05:15:47 PM
There is also a pinball museum in Milano. Mostly EM's AFAIK, but has some video games too...
Title: Re: Going on a trip: Arcade spots in Europe
Post by: eldiau on February 02, 2013, 08:59:30 PM
If you are coming all the way down to Italy and you want to enjoy some japanese cabs there is an Arcade Club in Perugia, they miss the classics though http://www.arcadeitalia.net/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=9419 (http://www.arcadeitalia.net/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=9419) check with them for opening days via email arcadeclubperugia@gmail.com

For the pinball museum in Milano suggested by Level42 check http://www.milanopinballclub.it/home_page.php (http://www.milanopinballclub.it/home_page.php)

And if you are in Milano don't forget to get in touch with vernimark on this forum, he has a very nice game room http://www.arcadeitalia.net/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=11718&p=132150 (http://www.arcadeitalia.net/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=11718&p=132150),

If you get to Milano contact me I'll join for a visit to vernimark's place or to the pinball club as an interpreter  ;)
Title: Re: Going on a trip: Arcade spots in Europe
Post by: Luigi on February 03, 2013, 11:31:40 AM
I strongly recommend to visit Retrogamers in Karlsuhe. You can go there on tuesdays and saturdays. Tuesday is more a meeting of the members but also open to public. Saturday is a bit more busy due to the disco in the same building (even on the same floor). If you're into dancing to modern music (utz utz utz :D ) you can combine that. If you're more into talking to the people there I recommend to visit them on Tuesday.

For Amusement Only is also a great place. As Settler said, there's only one saturday in month (the first IIRC) for the public but I'm sure there will be a chance to go there if you ask them...let me know, I'll forward you :)
Unfortunately they are forced to leave their building 'til end of June. At the moment they are looking for a new location.


And finally, if you're around this area you are invited to visit Dirk's (Capt.Kirk) and my collection in 67435 Neustadt :)


Luigi
Title: Re: Going on a trip: Arcade spots in Europe
Post by: anunaki on February 03, 2013, 11:43:53 AM
I read great things already guys  :)

Thanks

Title: Re: Going on a trip: Arcade spots in Europe
Post by: level42 on February 03, 2013, 11:44:56 AM
Capt.Kirk's/Luigi's is worth the trip alone !
Title: Re: Going on a trip: Arcade spots in Europe
Post by: gyruss on February 03, 2013, 05:57:46 PM
Capt.Kirk's/Luigi's is worth the trip alone !

+1, that's the only place you need to visit, the rest will look like child's play compared to it.  ;D
Title: Re: Going on a trip: Arcade spots in Europe
Post by: Belike on February 03, 2013, 08:56:05 PM
Capt.Kirk's/Luigi's is worth the trip alone !

+1, that's the only place you need to visit, the rest will look like child's play compared to it.  ;D
+1 ;)
Title: Re: Going on a trip: Arcade spots in Europe
Post by: eldiau on February 03, 2013, 09:19:33 PM
Capt.Kirk's/Luigi's is worth the trip alone !

Now I am curious!! Any link to picture of Capt.Kirk's and Luigi's game rooms?
Title: Re: Going on a trip: Arcade spots in Europe
Post by: anunaki on February 03, 2013, 09:54:17 PM
Thanks for all the tips so far

OK, so by now we can go on a big trip Prague - Milano  - Baden-Württemberg (Denmark is too far out of range and Perugia is kind of out of scope), going to a mix of public and privat spots

we have some places we could check out it Holland too

But we could also go for a trip just to Baden-Württemberg

Great thing to loo forward too and maybe there are some other guys with ideas too
Title: Re: Going on a trip: Arcade spots in Europe
Post by: caincan on February 03, 2013, 10:08:31 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsgcsPW34VE  ;D   get some drugs too

in France,  Paris has a good arcade,  heavy big rumors say that they will have : Darius burst chronicles in 15days...  Lyon has too a new arcade place in Gamespirit location. (and another Arcade in vieux lyon).  Neoarcadia in Toulouse.    you could go to "Stunfest" in Rennes in May.  it's a real place to be..     apart this.. few spots nearly none.. and it's hard to get in touch with collectors, lots are very busy..
Title: Re: Going on a trip: Arcade spots in Europe
Post by: Luigi on February 04, 2013, 09:14:16 AM
nah...we are very proud of our gameroom but Retrogamers and FAO should really be on your list when you're in our area!! :)

Here's a picture of our gameroom. Some cabs and pins have been moved since then but you get the idea :)


(http://www.thludwig.de/arcade/galerie/galleries/Parties/2010-11-13/IMG_1343.JPG)
Title: Re: Going on a trip: Arcade spots in Europe
Post by: anunaki on February 23, 2013, 11:15:55 PM
Next weekend me and my friend will go to Germany. We go to for amusement only and the karlsruhe arcade museum. And to Luigi and his arcade. I'll bring a arkanoid back home, this will become my hyper olympic.

Looking forward to it.
Title: Re: Going on a trip: Arcade spots in Europe
Post by: Tyrem on February 24, 2013, 12:13:33 AM
nah...we are very proud of our gameroom but Retrogamers and FAO should really be on your list when you're in our area!! :)

Here's a picture of our gameroom. Some cabs and pins have been moved since then but you get the idea :)


(http://www.thludwig.de/arcade/galerie/galleries/Parties/2010-11-13/IMG_1343.JPG)

holy shit... luigi... can i come over for a visit withnmy buddy jochen hippel? he lives next to eisenberg, really close to you.
Title: Re: Going on a trip: Arcade spots in Europe
Post by: level42 on February 24, 2013, 02:42:28 PM
Next weekend me and my friend will go to Germany. We go to for amusement only and the karlsruhe arcade museum. And to Luigi and his arcade. I'll bring a arkanoid back home, this will become my hyper olympic.

Looking forward to it.
It's Luigi's AND Capt. Kirk's gameroom. One of my favorite spots on this planet.  ;D :spaceace:

Don't forget to make a great road-trip report. We love pictures of Burger Kings, McDonalds, weird cars/trucks on the road and especially windmills in any shape or form  ;D
Title: Re: Going on a trip: Arcade spots in Europe
Post by: slowcade on February 24, 2013, 10:24:59 PM
For newer games I recommend Liseberg in Gothenburg, Sweden.

http://slowcade.blogspot.com/2012/09/a-report-from-liseberg.html (http://slowcade.blogspot.com/2012/09/a-report-from-liseberg.html)

Title: Re: Going on a trip: Arcade spots in Europe
Post by: Luigi on March 04, 2013, 10:43:44 AM

Patrick and Laurent, it was nice to meet you. Hope you guys had a weekend-blast and a safe trip home! :)

Title: Re: Going on a trip: Arcade spots in Europe
Post by: Tyrem on March 04, 2013, 10:49:25 AM
Thank you for having us there, too yesterday. We enjoyed it a lot. You guys rock!
Title: Re: Going on a trip: Arcade spots in Europe
Post by: anunaki on March 04, 2013, 11:17:29 AM
We had a great time, thanks again Thorsten and Dirk, was nice meeting you, you too Tyrem (sorry forgot yor real name, I suck at names :oops:)

I will make a roadtrip report soon
Title: Re: Going on a trip: Arcade spots in Europe
Post by: Tyrem on March 04, 2013, 12:07:26 PM
We had a great time, thanks again Thorsten and Dirk, was nice meeting you, you too Tyrem (sorry forgot yor real name, I suck at names :oops:)

I will make a roadtrip report soon

no problem. my real name is Stefan. ;)
Title: Re: Going on a trip: Arcade spots in Europe
Post by: anunaki on March 04, 2013, 01:32:24 PM
you are the guy that beat us with the funny arcade with the huge buttons ;D
Title: Re: Going on a trip: Arcade spots in Europe
Post by: Luigi on March 04, 2013, 02:47:19 PM
you are the guy that beat us with the funny arcade with the huge buttons ;D

Hyper Bishi Bashi ;)
Title: Re: Going on a trip: Arcade spots in Europe
Post by: Tyrem on March 04, 2013, 02:53:29 PM
you are the guy that beat us with the funny arcade with the huge buttons ;D

Hyper Bishi Bashi ;)

great game. and i kicked some dutch butts on that one. ;)
ok ok... one button seemed to have a problem. next time we will compete with sharper blades for sure. ;)
Title: Re: Going on a trip: Arcade spots in Europe
Post by: anunaki on March 04, 2013, 03:02:19 PM
(http://www.reocities.com/Hollywood/Screen/7219/7.jpg)

I'll get you next time ;D
Title: Re: Going on a trip: Arcade spots in Europe
Post by: Luigi on March 04, 2013, 03:43:43 PM

ok ok... one button seemed to have a problem.

You told Dirk about it?
Title: Re: Going on a trip: Arcade spots in Europe
Post by: anunaki on March 04, 2013, 04:19:08 PM
 I didn't
Title: Re: Going on a trip: Arcade spots in Europe
Post by: Tyrem on March 04, 2013, 04:59:32 PM
I didn't

i am not sure if the button was the problem after all. ;)
Title: Re: Going on a trip: Arcade spots in Europe
Post by: level42 on March 04, 2013, 07:02:43 PM
you are the guy that beat us with the funny arcade with the huge buttons ;D

Hyper Bishi Bashi ;)

great game. and i kicked some dutch butts on that one. ;)
ok ok...
Only because I wasn't there.....;)
Title: Re: Going on a trip: Arcade spots in Europe
Post by: level42 on March 04, 2013, 07:03:28 PM
you are the guy that beat us with the funny arcade with the huge buttons ;D

Hyper Bishi Bashi ;)
Me lovvvveeee Bishi Bashi !!!!
Title: Re: Going on a trip: Arcade spots in Europe
Post by: anunaki on March 05, 2013, 08:26:13 PM
The 1st part of my roadtrip report is online. you can see it at www.anucade.com (http://www.anucade.com)