You find yourself in a dark wood-paneled room, the glow of CRT screens pulsating all around you. The screens are mounted in 6′ tall cabinets that brandish all manner of joysticks, spinners, buttons and flight sticks on their front facades. Alien landscapes, monsters, UFOs and superheroes border each screen and tattoo the cabinets’ surfaces. Against one wall is a row of wooden coffins filled with lights, silver balls bouncing incessantly within.
The cacophony of a thousand beeps, boops, dings and dongs manifests as a frenetic, electronic chorus that somehow mixes perfectly with the dulcet tones of Def Leppard’s Joe Elliot, as he wails his way through Photograph.
Beneath your feet is a well-worn carpet, featuring neon glowing planets, stars and comets in ultraviolet, brought to life via the purple lights above. The smell of sawdust, cigarettes and popcorn permeates everything, somehow remaining both inviting and repulsive at the same time.
Your gaze focuses in front of you on a squatty brown and steel box labelled “TOKENS”.
You pull out a five dollar bill and insert it into the box. Out tumbles a hearty handful of brass treasure, the key to unlocking the amusement surrounding you.
A smile breaks across your face. It’s time to play some games!
If the narrative above sets off fits of nostalgia for you, or just sounds like a wonderful place to be, you’re in the right place! Atlas Arcadia was created for everyone, around the world, to chronicle our stories around coin-operated amusements. As you read our stories, should you find that one of the arcades you frequented (or visit today!) is missing, please consider adding a location to The Map! The Map is the visual point of entry into our archives and is the easiest way to navigate The Atlas. Head to our FAQ to learn more.