A RETRO arcade gaming emporium has opened in Ryde; a real nostalgia trip for those of a certain age, boasting a vast collection of video games.
Game On and Splat can be found at the bottom of Union Street, opposite antique shop Jacks.
Owners Jay Chapman and Emma Goss have been hard at work, transforming the former Deep South Social site into a place fit for a gamer.
The titles available range from those released in 1971 to those released in 1996.
They include Space Invaders, Star Wars, Tron and Mortal Kombat, to name a few.
The machines have all been imported from Japan; from the likes of Atari, and Capcom, among others.
“With the bar, the vast majority of drinks are in cans, so easy to dispense, and all recyclables,” said Emma, 39.
“We’ve also been working with Island Roasted, who have set up our coffee machine and given us some training.
“People can book online for a 90-minute gaming session, and if we have space, we’re happy to accept walk-ins, too.
“We’re open 10am to 10pm over the summer. Gaming sessions start every two hours, the last session being eight until ten, so a slightly longer session.
“After 6pm, any children have to be accompanied by an adult.
“We’re limiting the gaming to a maximum of 30 people at any one time. That means we have enough games so that everybody can have one each.
“We also have two player games, and a six-player table upstairs.
“The cafe bar is open at anytime to anyone, so people are welcome to come in and grab a drink and some snacks before they play.
“We really wanted to do something that meant our children could be involved.
“We often find, if we’re away as a family, there’s a lot of stuff aimed at kids, or adults, but not a lot that’s aimed at both.
“So, we really wanted to do something you could come to as a family, and there would be something for everybody to do.”
“The whole thing is very much a cinema experience,” said Jay, 52.
“But rather than watching a film for 90 minutes, you’re gaming for 90 minutes.
“When you go to the arcade, the next thing you know you’re £50/£60 in. A tenner here, a couple of pounds there.
“Here, you pay for your 90-minute session, and you know exactly what you’re getting and where you stand. You’re walking in with one expectation.”
But this is just phase one. Jay and Emma have plans for two further phases.
The first is a splatter room painting experience, and the later phase could see immersive GameCubes; a full, 4D experience.
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