Game Works Minneapolis recently made its Grand Opening, as usual, contributing editor, Aaron Hilden and I strapped on our cameras, loaded up on alcohol, and ventured down to check out the scene.
When the hardcore gamer thinks of an arcade what generally comes to mind is a dimly lit room with blips, bleeps, and body odor running rampant. However, knowing that it’s somewhat difficult to sell that sort of concept to the masses, Universal and Sega got together to design a huge, party atmosphere - complete with alcohol and food - in which to get together with a few of your close friends or co-workers and play some of the most cutting edge arcade games around today. Think Hard Rock Café with video games instead of guitars on the wall.
Outside Gameworks on Minneapolis's Block E
Upon entering the building, you’re greeted by (in our case) an overenthusiastic bouncer who asks if you’re over twenty-one and planning on drinking. After you present your I.D., the bouncer gives you a wristband and sends you on your way. You can then choose from having a drink at the bar, eating dinner in their swank restaurant, bowling a round in their Hi-Tech, Blacklite Bowling Alley, or most obviously, choosing from their dozens of arcade games.
Choose from a NASCAR simulation, multiple DDR machines, or today's best fighters
Games are paid for with cards instead of tokens, which can be purchased at the main desk. Gamers pay an average of $20-$30 for their cards, which vary in credit value, and can then be swiped at the arcade machines. The cards come in either credit values, or time values. Want to play a ton of games in an hour? By a one hour game card and play to your heart’s content.
Here we see Aaron getting schooled on Soul Caliber 2 by a trash talking opponent
Nothing’s funnier than a man trying to display his machismo via an arcade fighting game. While observing a round of Soul Caliber 2 between Aaron and I, this trash-talker could be heard saying, “You think you’re good? You’re just a pussy! After you play me, you’ll wish you never played. Damn right.” Taking advantage of my laughing fit, Aaron sucker punched me and went on to allow the trash-talker to sissy-face him damn good. Ever hear of compensation?
The games range from your standard Sega arcade machines like Daytona, Wave Runner, and whatnot, to today’s best arcade brawlers like Soul Caliber 2, Virtua Fighter 4: Evolution, and Tekken 4, to a full-on NASCAR simulation. Of course, today’s “arcade” wouldn’t be complete without foosball tables and the typical Chuck E. Cheese-style ticket-winning games. This is “fun for the whole family” after all.
Gotta have that foosball
After many overpriced drinks ($13 for a White Russian and a 7-7) an overpriced dinner ($40 for God knows what), and battling the 30-something polo shirt-wearing corporate accountant crowd for the DDR machine, Aaron and I felt we had enough of Game Works for a night and decided to head back to my place for cheap drinks and Metroid.
Gamers expecting to find an arcade nirvana may be a bit disappointed with Game Works, as its selection ranges from the typical mega-arcade fare, found at most amusement parks and mega malls, to foosball and other ticket-winning games. However, having alcohol, food, video games, and music all in one spot may be the essential selling point behind Game Works. We at GWX certainly recommend checking out a location near you.
For Game Works locations, see stop by their website.
Hilden celebrating finally getting on the DDR machine. Damn yuppies!
