The No|Escape Arcade

Since I was a kid, video (arcade) games were my vice.

My escape.

My sanctuary.

There are very few things in my world that compare to the feeling of being in, or on, an arcade. The experience of instantly being transported to another world, as soon as I stepped inside an arcade, or put a 20c coin into the coin slot. The music, the sounds, the friends and regulars, the scores to beat, the new game worlds to be immersed in. Once both feet were inside that arcade, where-ever it was, the “real” world became a distant place. Another life. This was my parallel home. There were no cares or concerns here, no judgement, it didn’t matter your race, age, social status – everyone was equal, only happiness and good vibes filled the air, and there was no place I’d rather be.

Since my first game, all I ever wanted was my own arcade machine, so as soon I had my first full time job and the money to buy one, I did. Which then became 2, which then beca…. well, you know how it goes (some of you do anyway!). My arcade journey has been convoluted because of all the emotions that come with the hobby. I was a lover, a collector, a historian, a rescuer, an obsessor, a trader, a deal addict –  which rollercoastered from having too much, hiding my obsession, to almost none at all…..

When the time and opportunity came to rebuild, I remembered the lessons and experiences I had learnt and knew exactly what I wanted to do this time around – and that was to focus on what made actually made me happy about the arcade.The answer involved my sole (soul?) focus being honed in on recreating “the vibe”. I didn’t need every machine that existed, I just needed to ensure the machines I had were exactly the ones that meant something to me. then, by adding some flexibility so the games could provide some multi-purpose, I finally started to create the arcade I never knew I needed.

Through all its various stages and itterations, walking through the door of my arcade would always achieve what I set out to. With both feet inside, and the door closed, the real world was put on pause – for just a moment – and life was filled with the warm glow of ambient arcade light and sound, a backdrop of 80’s / 80’s inspired tunes, to just relax and regenerate, or battle for Hi-Scores and bragging rights – with all the laughter, all the shouting and celebrating, or the peaceful ambience for deep and meaningful thought and conversation. A sancturary where we were all happy, safe, and equal (unless we’re playing Galaga!).

The No|Escape Arcade Inventory (Collection)

This is the list of machines that are currently in my personal collection. Of course, every machine has a story, so feel free to read all about it in it’s individual post below (“Storytime with Sime™” included in some posts).

The No|Escape Arcade Inventory (Guest Machines)

These are the machines currently loaned to the No|Escape Arcade. Everthing here generously provided by Spacies Arcade


The No|Escape Arcade Members Area

Oh ffs we better not be playing 1942 this round…

Kerojodo, 2017

Oi just hold downback! – oh shit now he’s jump kicking!

Everyone vs. Sweep, 2017

4,976,632

Button Presses (Mashed)

8180

Coins Inserted!

3,000,017

Metric Tonnes of BS

1

Machine Destroyed (BJ)

I Want More! (and in?)

You can keep in touch with all No|Escape happenings across a few different platforms marked up below. I’m usually floating about in the usual online arcade spaces (Gumtree lul). Although the No|Escape Arcade is a private space, it might one day expand to become more, but in the meantime feel free to reach out for an invite or to say hi 😉

A private channel where all No|Escape Arcade related videos will be (with members permission of course). Some videos will appear for the public, just not the good inside stuff!

If you want to reach out via email, you can catch me at:

[email protected]

Coming Soon…

Follow the No|Escape Arcade playlists on spotify