Technology killed the Arcade

Now I like technology as much as the next person.  I own a Nintendo DS, an iPod Touch and have favorite websites to visit to get my gaming fix.  But I also love arcades.  There's nothing like the flashing lights, bad pizza, or trying to win the cheap teddy bear (gotta get more tickets) or beating your personal best high score (personally, I'm the Queen at Galaga and Ms. Pac Man). I can remember growing up visiting these places.  The Madeiria Beach Fun Center , St. Pete Beach Amusement Center and the Treasure Island Fun Center (see a theme here) were often a weekly fixture in my childhood.  And now it's official, all of these (original) places are closed.

The St. Pete Times ran a great "special report" about the closing of St. Pete Beach Amusement Center (which ironically enough, was only a block from my first apartment).  This is the last arcade on the beach and now it's closed.  I vaguely remember reading that the Treasure Island Fun Center relocated, but that happened too.  I also fondly remember every time I visited the Pizza Hut (which is also now gone) playing Ms. Pac Man (this continued until my twenties - I know, I know, I'm a kid).

Well, I remember my dad always saying this,  "everything changes, they get rid of the old and replace it with the new" and that's obviously very true.  I'm very sad about the loss of my childhood haunts, but I guess that's all part of growing up.

Comments

[Speedcat]

I remember the old arcades as some of the highlites of trips out and about as a kid and teenager. Asteroids was the bomb when it came out, and there were lines to play the game ... I still love it! Games have gotton to be so technical, and require an expansive amount of time to master them. I miss the joystick with 4 buttons type of game.
Ms Packman?? Love that game too! I have a Space Invaders mini on my sidebar. FUN!!!!!!!

[traci]

I haven't been to a real arcade in years, but there's nothing like the fun and childlike excitement it brings. I agree - games are way too technical, give me Asteroids, Centipede, or even Poll Position any day. :)

[Speedcat]

You still playing asteriods????