Geeking Out in NYC - Part 1

Seeing Rockstar advertise Red Dead Redemption on one of the largest billboards in Times Square it became clear how much video games have integrated with modern culture. Most would think that video games would be last on one's mind in New York, surrounded by an incredible mix of culture, food, and spirits. Should that be the case, you might miss a couple of gaming gems hidden throughout the big apple.

Let us start with an experience that is unique, the Nintendo World Store. A one of a kind retail outlet for all things Nintendo, I imagined it as a front for overpriced plushes and cheap collectables (i.e. Squeenix Store Tokyo). Happily proven wrong, much of the merchandise was affordable and not the focus of the store. Instead, there were about 20 DS stations and at least a dozen Wii’s across two floors, with many of the most recent games available today for demo. I personally had the pleasure of demoing three games that I had not had the fortunate to play until then. They were Sin and Punishment – Star Successor, Monster Hunter Tri and Capcom Vs Tatsunoko. On the DS, I helped Lauren to create a fighter in Photo Dojo and play through a level. You can see the results in the video at the end of the post. In addition to the bins of $10 plushes and $20 T-shirts, there was an entire library of games for purchase. It was much more than I expected and the surprise continued with a small collection of memorabilia. Including a melted Gameboy, that was still working (or at least the screen was). Check out the video page for additional videos of the Nintendo World Store.

Next, head over to Williamsburg in Brooklyn where you find one of the largest collections of retro games in the country. Barcade is a place that seems almost out a time warp, sporting micro brewed beers on tap and arcade games like Gauntlet, Zaxxon, Moon Patrol and even Paperboy. Everything is are typically a quarter and the cabinets are in great shape. The bar and furniture has a rustic look, with planks lining the bar and tables, making the overall ambience ooze with hipster appeal. My fiancée and I went over there with some friends and had a good time drinking some local “witbier” and playing Contra. If you are looking for more information head over to the link below and for a visual treat, watch “The Making of Barcade: a Visual Chronicle”. Stay tuned for part two of “Geeking Out in NYC”!

Photos by Lauren Doster, Sean Hinz and the Barcade Flickr Page