Join me on a personal journey through the treasured arcade games that defined my childhood in the 1980s and 1990s. This curated catalog isn't just a trip down memory lane for me; it's a heartfelt tribute to the pixelated wonders that once held me spellbound, clutching a pocketful of quarters, looking for adventure. From battling street thugs in the legendary Double Dragon to popping bubbles with the adorable dragons in Bubble Bobble, these games were my companions, my challenges, and my joy. (I killed so many imaginary people...)
This is my passion project that started to come together in the last 8 years, starting with my first arcade cabinet in 2017. However, the thrill of this endevour really started long ago, in 1987 (or '88 perhaps) when I chose to tag along with my father one time to a bowling alley he where and his friends would play. Behind all the lanes, up onto the seating area where all the adults would drink bear and smoke cigarettes -- Yes inside! It was the 80s, now focus!*Ahem* ...from the tables with the --agreed-- unhealthy adults and over to the side was a narroww space and coming from it was an odd glow and some strange sounds. Like a moth to the light, once I finally got there I found my new friends. Bubble Bobble, Wonder Boy in Monsterland, Double Dragon, Galaga, Shinobi to name just a few. This place was heaven to me and I found inspiration in a new form, arcade games. There were other milestone later in life, but for a young man my age then, this was huge deal!
With all that said... as we delve into these classics, I'll share my own stories and memories as that kid in the local arcades. Together, we'll rediscover the magic that made these games a timeless part of my life and the lives of countless others. Welcome to the world of my arcade wonderland, where the past comes alive with every pixel!
The Collection
Stacked Arcade Boards
Updated: Spring 2024
There are over 100 games in total as of this update, which include approximately;
9 scrolling shooters
19 platformers
10 puzzle games
16 beat 'em ups
7 sports games
2 light gun shooters
11 platform-shooters
5 maze & chase games
4 platform RPGs
7 fighting games
10 top-down shooters
2 wrestling games
and 2 racing games
These are all original and fully licenced game boards which can and will be used in a public entertainment venues and other entertainment projects over time.
This collection contains a variety of classic game titles, including several of my personal favourites and those that should have a stand-out level of replay appeal to the modern audience dispite the passing of time. Lots of hidden gems and popular tried and true legends in this batch! It's my intention to continue to grow this medley of gaming wonders and with each addition, a new and important part of our gaming past can be restored, preserved and shared with both old-timers and a new future audience alike.
Preserving the Past
Cabinets Under Repair
Much of what is in my collection is in fine working order and ready to be placed into a functioning cabinet and played. However, not every circuit board of part has made it out of decades past without some form of electrical breakdown or physical wear. Capacitors leak or burst, batteries die, the game board outlives it's intended purpose or just plain things happen. Fortunately for me, some folks saw it fit to sell them anyway and I was lucky (or stubborn) enough to want to fix it.
Often it's the case that it can be restored to working order. I do my research ahead of time usually so that I at least know what I'm getting into. Though from time to time the eBay listing will show that it's sold "as is" and I have to roll the dice and take that chance. This is typically calculated and I do have an electronics backgrund so there is only a few very specific things I can't fix or have someone more experienced fix.
My ultimate goal is to repair and restore as many games as I can and keep them in working order so that they may be enjoyed. For some games, that means they must be saved from someone's dusty basement or garage first.
