Rush Pinball and Gorf? I found a Time Machine in Brighton
I found a time machine in Brighton, Michigan. It’s called The Arcade and the rush of memories will hit you like a barrel being thrown by Donkey Kong (see what I did there?)
Children of the 70s and 80s Rejoice!
Over the weekend I drove out to Brighton to visit The Arcade (it’s only open Friday – Sunday). I’d been there years ago, but they’ve definitely upgraded into one of my favorite destinations in Michigan.
Arcades were a big part of my life growing up (class of ’84) – so when you walk into The Arcade, the first thing that hits you is the sound. Pinball machines, music from the video games, laughing kids…it’s a time machine.
Pinball still rules – even though I suck at it
Our very own Screamin’ Scott Randall has a genuine love affair with pinball machines (hell, he has one in his office…even though our boss tells him to close to door because it’s too loud. Heaven forbid we make noise at a radio station…lol).
I was NEVER good at pinball growing up – although I spent plenty of time with the Playboy pinball machine (pretty sure that was Candy Loving on the game…if you know, you know).
There’s a resurgence of great pinball titles right now. Couple of them jumped out:
Rush pinball – absolutely. And the game itself is really fun (my friend told me once to read up on the game before playing so you can figure out how to get the most points). I still have no idea what I was doing – but it was fun.
Rush Pinball machine at Arcade in Brighton, Michigan
Thunderball – James Bond. Great game with a lot of nuance to it. Must try.
Thunderball pinball machine at Arcade in Brighton, MI
Big Lebowski. This is my new favorite game. One of my ten favorite movies, so of course it makes sense to love this game. You need it sitting on a rug while you drink a white russian.
Big Lebowski Pinball Machine
What about video games?
There’s an entire section of video games – this is where I go and just get lost. Tron, Robotron, Donkey Kong, RallyX, Dragon’s Lair, Space Ace (who just sounded like Jerry Lewis) and so many more. This is my favorite part of The Arcade. I could honestly spend an entire day in this section.
Who remembers BurgerTime? I was laughing about the game when I noticed one of the “bad” toppings you don’t want on your burger? Fried egg. (ever had an egg on a burger? magical).
Burgertime arcade game at Arcade in Brighton, Mi
Gorf was always a weird game to me. I loved it – a combination of defender, space invaders and others. Gorf also talked to you in each level (yes, I can still talk like the computerized voice – “fiiiggghht the silence, space ka-deeeettt”)
Gorf arcade game at Arcade in Brighton
Bottom Line
I found a time machine in Brighton Michigan. Hanging out with my buddy Roger Christian, playing arcade games and talking trash to each other (he’s really bad at it btw). I’ll be back at The Arcade whenever the retro mood hits me – and if you wan’t to get your ass kicked at Gorf, just let me know.
