iraamathur
Free Play arcade is absolutely fantastic. I’ve been a fan for ages, and now as a UTA student, I appreciate it even more. I’m not one for drinking, but my friends sure enjoy the selection of beverages. The staff are incredibly welcoming and start to recognize you if you pop in often. They host leagues and events for games like Killer Queen, Street Fighter, and Pinball. My buddies and I dive into the Killer Queen community there, and it’s an awesome way to meet new folks, both young and seasoned.
There are other spots like Cidercade and Black Dog, boasting a larger variety of games. However, their game lineup doesn’t quite hit the mark on quality or fame, and they mostly run on emulators (meaning, they’re not the original machines.) As someone who loves Ms. Pac-Man, the difference in gameplay on Free Play’s authentic cabinet versus Cidercade’s is night and day. Plus, Cidercade is a bit lacking in the drinks department and doesn’t offer any food. Free Play takes the cake for me with its classic machines, choice of games, the option for food and drinks, and that unbeatable vintage ambiance. It’s a spot I’d suggest to anyone, gamer or not. Still, it’s worth visiting Cidercade or Black Dog to see what you think!
Keep an eye on the Downtown Arlington Instagram too. They’ve been really promoting the downtown area lately, like with the Vegas Night last semester or the Winter Movie Series this semester.