1980s video arcade with Pac-Man, Donkey Kong for Gold Coast
Dust off your Reebok high-tops, acid wash jeans and flannel shirt, the 1980s are back in town. Find out where.
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DUST off your Reebok high-tops, acid wash jeans and flannel shirt and get ready to game 1980s style when a vintage arcade in the heart of a major Gold Coast shopping centre opens next week.
Level Up Arcade is an 80s and 90s inspired amusement venue on the first floor of The Oasis Shopping Centre in Broadbeach, featuring 62 of the best games from the era.
Among the offerings are the Gold Coast’s first 2019 Pong 3D, limited edition Pinball machines as well as cult classics such as Daytona, Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Jurassic Park and Buck Hunter.
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Level Up owners Guy Freeman and Luke Phillips had wanted to open an arcade for about three years but couldn’t find the right venue.
“I noticed the empty space in Oasis and though it would be the perfect place,” Mr Phillips said.
“You have dinner with the kids and afterwards you want somewhere to go. There isn’t anything else like this in Broadbeach.”
While it is hard for the pair to choose a favourite, they said admitted some remain particularly close to their hearts.
“The Adams’s Family pinball is 28 years old,” Mr Phillips said.
“It’s the highest selling pinball machine of all time. It’s an original machine straight from my own personal collection at home.
“Anyone who grew up in the 90s will remember all of the machines.”
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Opening up an arcade has always been Mr Phillips dream after her fell in love with retro machines when he was about 15 and had his first job in an arcade.
After playing rugby league professionally got eight years, he then spent the next 20 years caring for machines within clubs and pubs.
The Oasis’s Centre Manager Rosalind Blandford said the Level Up Arcade is yet another exciting addition to the newly renovated shopping centre.
“Level Up Arcade will deliver exciting family entertainment with a nostalgic twist that is sure to delight guests of all ages.”
The arcade will feature three unique spaces including a classic arcade, Sideshow Alley and even a dedicated adults gaming zone. Other venue highlights include a full wall Pac-Man, neon projection installation and a kids’ party room.
Mr Freeman and Mr Phillips have also partnered with local patisserie Madison’s Cafe to provide catering for the venue.
But while the kids will have fun discovering the games for the first time, Mr Freeman said it was designed for all ages.
“It’s not just for the kids and families. There are heaps of games for everyone. You can have a date night here or book out the area and have a corporate function,” he said.
“So I think there will be many parents coming into the centre under the guise of entertaining the kids but secretly keen to have a play themselves.”
Level Up Arcade has its official opening on Monday at 10am. It will be open Monday to Sunday 9am to 10pm.
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