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A review from 5D Music & Theatre writer Maria Robertson.
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(Note from the Grand Pubar of the 5D Pop Culture). I don’t usually make a habit of trespassing on Maria’s excellent articles (even when she nabbed the Ocean Colour Scene review before I had the chance…..), but I couldn’t resist on this occasion. I’m a man of a certain age whose life was irrevocably changed for the better when the first wave of games first appeared in his youth, indeed I must have spent the equivalent of the gross domestic product of a Central American country in 10p’s back in the day. In fact I’m pretty sure that my record highest scores in the Halifax Playland Arcade circa 1983 for Galaxian and Defender stood until until the sad demise of that sanctuary some years later – well at least that what I tell myself.
So, I fully intend to visit Aberdeen Bar Games in the next few weeks and relive some of my well spent youth.
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I was delighted to be invited to the soft launch of the new retro gaming venue in town, partly because I am nosy and partly because the building has always intrigued me. Most people locally know it as Espionage but “back in the day” it housed my previous employers The Society of Advocates in Aberdeen. I had gone along to the nightclub after a Christmas night out one year looking to see any of the original features from when the lawyers used the building!
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Much as I did not see any traces then, now the building has been further transformed. It has had a complete refit and street artist Craig Fisher of Fisher Paint Co has completed coated every surface with his amazing murals. They are of course in keeping with the gaming theme and feature some of the much loved characters like Donkey Kong and Mario. Much of the venue is very Instagrammable – and I just could not resist a photo in the Pac-man chair!
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On site there is a Big Manny’s Pizza kitchen and the bar is equipped with other local delicacies – Fierce beer, Esker gin and cocktails concocted especially from 10 Dollar Shake. I tried Yoshi’s Boba Tea, which was surprisingly served in a Pot Noodle cup, but included Midori – a proper throwback to my youth as I used to love it when I was exploring alcohol. In the name of research I also tried the Giana Colado non alcoholic offering which was super tasty too – and just as pretty as the other cocktails.
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As for the arcade machines that surround many of the walls – they are also a proper retro throwback. I played Space Invaders, Kung-Fu Master and Street Fighter II. Such great fun, and brought back many happy memories. There are also air hockey and pool tables, dance mats and basketball nets to try so its not just your thumbs you’ll be twiddling!
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Unfortunately it is over 18s only so you cannot take your kids along to keep them quiet, but maybe this is fortunate – after all they would just hog the fun machines, why should it just be kids that get to play?! More good news is that dogs are welcome to you can “walk the dog” around the games, there’s even snacks on the bar for them. It would be a great place for double dates or groups, the ladies can sit drinking cocktails and chatting whilst their other halves go off and compete against each other showing off their gaming prowess!
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DriveThru RPG Banner
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If you’re rushing to find coins for the machines, this is where the retro ends and modern technology shines. On entering the bar you put credit on a swipe card and just tap the payment area of each game to play, simple and easy! There are machines on each floor to put more credit on your card so it’s all lovely and simple – just watch how many times you “top up” after a few visits to the bar!
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I had a fabulous time at the opening (helped by free booze and games it must be said!). The venue all looks fabulous, there’s a great range of games to suit everyone and I really approve of the localised catering options! This is a fabulous bar which I look forward to going back to with friends. As it said on our tickets: hit the start button on a night to remember!
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Further information: https://arcadiabarandgames.com/about-us/
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Maria Robertson is the Chief Music & Theatre Writer for the 5D Pop Culture Website and provides reviews & coverage of local Aberdeen music & theatre gigs. She’s an experienced writer for numerous sources and is a self-confessed live gig addict ever since seeing The Counting Crows at the Barrowlands in 1994.
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