A few weeks ago a little bird told us that something big was coming to Dublin and that the @rcade should ready itself for a geek overload. Not quite sure what to make of that cryptic message, we did our best investigative journalism, interrogating fellow gamers and the like for some clues. Then last week we found the answer: ‘Game On’
An interactive exhibition that takes you through a chronological journey of gaming, from Pong to Wii, Pac Man to PS3 and Galaga to Xbox 360. The @rcade were invited along to a very special evening to test drive the machines and experience the games, displays and atmosphere… now how could we turn that down?! Here is how our day with ‘Game On’ went!
‘Game On’ is the first exhibition of it’s kind, a touring interactive force jam packed with over a hundred and twenty games to play, interactive displays and more information about the wonderfully colourful history and culture of gaming than anywhere else.
The exhibition is being held in the Ambassador Theatre which can be found at the top of O’Connell Street. The building is filled with every game imaginable from the legendary Pong right up to the sleek graphics and gameplay of the next generation consoles.
The floor has been setup in a way to allow you to get the most out of your day – as you make your way in you will find yourself in the retro section or in the presence of the gaming ancestors. As you move through the exhibition you start to move up through the developments and newer games and consoles, it is a walking tour of gaming history (with about a hundred pit stops to play every game that catches your eye).
It’s not just every console that you find on your way through the show that will cause you stop in your tracks, colourful displays and information will have you stood frozen as you take in information about the process of game development, early character concept art and every game and console comes with information about the title and system (as well as oh so important instructions on how to play).
We are torn about our favourite display, a special section is devoted to video games and movies, with particular emphasis on the more successful crossovers (Resident Evil and Tomb Raider) or the very insightful video game music display which allows you to listen hundreds of tracks from the old 8.bit midi files right up the orchestra composed tracks of today. It really is difficult for us to pinpoint our favourite section of the exhibition because there was so much that we enjoyed (all though at one stage things did get a little heated while playing Samurai Shodown II – no one likes losing in the @rcade)
‘Game On’ is not just for the young and gamers, its for those who grew up with Pacman, the parents of children who secretly played Super Mario when the kids were asleep and anyone who feels young at heart. There is more to ‘Game On’ than being an arcade, it is a place where the history and culture of gaming have culminated, it is a trip down memory lane and a blast into the future of the industry.
It is something the whole family, a group of friends or even just a lone gamer can enjoy – with plenty to keep people of all ages (and gaming preferences) happy for the day. We really can’t recommend ‘Game On’ more, so if you’ve ever picked up a console, inserted 20p into an arcade machine or oogled a digital babe then this is the place for you!
The Exhibition runs from the 20th September till the 30th January 2011, so while it will be around for a while yet make sure you don’t miss your chance to see it, walk it, play it and live it all once more!
Ticket prices are as shown below and the exhibition is open to the public from:
Monday to Saturday: 11am – 11pm
Sunday: 11am – 9pm
Ticket Prices
| General Admission | Family Ticket | |
| Up to 1 hour stay | 10 euro | 30 euro |
| Up to 2 hour stay | 16 euro | 45 euro |
| Up to 3 hour stay | 20 euro | 55 euro |
| Each subsequent hour | 4 euro per hour | 10 euro per hour |
| Family ticket: 2 adults & 2 children (under 16) or1 adult & 3 children (under 16).
Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult. |
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For more information you can check out the official website here: Game On
Or alternatively you can check out the Facebook page here: Game On Facebook
