GAME ON 2.0

GAME ON 2.0 exhibition is currently being held at the Life Science Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne. 

My wife spotted the leaflet whilst checking-in at our Premier Inn during the NERG 2015 weekend.  “The biggest collection of playable computer games in the world!”, announces the leaflet.  “Enjoy the dedicated arcade games section, including Pac-Man, Virtua Fighter 2 and Donkey Kong.  I must admit I was a bit skeptical, having seen too many ‘games exhibitions’ with a mame cab complete with flat screen monitor and dodgy joysticks.  However my concerns were completely unfounded.  This is a games exhibition done right and has clearly been put together by people passionate about gaming.

The exhibition starts with some of the earliest arcade games, showcasing titles such as Pong, Space Wars, Space Invaders and Asteroids. 

 

 

 

It was the first time I’d ever seen / played Cinematronics 1977 Space Wars, the first black and white vector arcade game.

The largest section focuses on console gaming, from the 1970’s to modern day. 

 

There is a fantastic selection of games available to play across all genres.  It was awesome seeing the mech simulator Steel Battalion on the XBOX, complete with the huge controller and one of my favourite 2D plaftform games Umiharakawase Syun on the Super Famicom. 

Children even had their own gaming section.  I wonder if these were inspired by the Neo SC-19 cabinet?

Here are some more pics of the console gaming section.

The final section is the awesome arcade, featuring classics such as Defender, Donkey Kong, Missile Command, Pac-Man, Star Wars and Virtua Fighter 2, as well as some lesser known titles.  The cabinets were in excellent condition and fully working, with only OutRun having an intermittent monitor fault.  Interestingly the majority of these cabinets appear to be US import.

 

 

It was awesome seeing a Nintendo Vs. DualSystem Sit-Down, also known as the Red Tent. 

 

 

Here are some of my gaming highlights.

Mappy

 

 

The first time I’ve ever seen one of these cabinets.  A rare Namco classic, I love the art and the oversized marquee. 

 

Missile Command

Another arcade first for me.  Wow the difficulty ramps up very quickly!
 

Virtua Fighter 2

I still remember going to the arcade after school, and seeing this for the first time.  The game also features one of my favourite attract sequences. 

Rave Racer

I love the City track, Namco ditches the bright blue skies of Ridge Racer for a more gritty style.  Awesome soundtrack as well.

Here is a video of the arcade section and some more pics.

 

 

 

 

I really enjoyed this exhibition, it was a great way to spend a couple of hours.  There are also a lot of other activities included in the admission price and is great for children, particularly aspiring scientists!  The exhibition runs until the 1st November.