As I’ve grown up, most arcades around me have withered and died off. Now the only place to find an arcade machine is in a smoky pool hall or the random restaurant. Of course I don’t have to tell you that when I was growing up, arcades were everywhere.
When I was a kid, my folks and I would visit a local fast food restaurant in town called Spangles. The place had pretty good food, (though now they have some atrocious commercials). Anyway, past that they also had a decent little arcade inside with a few pinball machines, arcades cabs, and even a Neo Geo 2 slot. It was a good mash up of food and fun.
A week ago, me, my wife, and the wee one went to that exact resturant to grab a bite to eat. As I enter, I’m a bit excited. And not just because of the good food about to be in my belly, but I was curious as to the state of the arcade. Well, I got what I wished for. Here it is folks, the most awesome, coolest, and craziest arcade you’ve ever seen. Don’t you dare click on unless you’re prepared for some face melting action. I’ve warned you. Alright then, be my guest and click on.
Yep, that’s it. That’s what this arcade has been degraded to. A claw machine. A CLAW MACHINE!!!
Worst part about it all, they had the audacity to put a glowing neon sign proclaiming to all patrons, this is an arcade. Yea, one single claw machine an arcade does not make. It was so terribly and depressingly funny, I took a picture. I walked away and tried my best to forget about what I had just seen.
Maybe this place will become a new haven for arcade gamers around the world. A place where people of all faiths, races, languages, and creeds can come together in harmony. We can only hope.
