Nostalgia Overdose for 25¢

25¢! And they all work!

I was in the zone, my friends.   It was a good time to be alive in Denver today.

It’s been 24 years since my hand gripped a joystick on a Double Dragon arcade game.   This time I was a couple of feet taller and I didn’t have to stand on my toes to see the screen.  I found my old favorite video game at the 1Up Bar near Coors Field.

1Up has numerous classic games, from Pac Man to Street Fighter II.   And the games work perfectly and only cost 25¢ a play. The price is stuck in the past, and I fine with that.

The last time I played Double Dragon on the arcade system was back in 1987 when I lived in Harbor City, CA as a kid.   I remember aggressively searching for lost quarters at home almost every day  to feed the beast.   Aside from Garbage Pail Kids, most of my money was spent on that machine one summer.  It was quite an expensive mission, but eventually I beat the game with a group of friends.

Today it was good to hear the old familiar theme music.   After years of playing XBox 360, nothing can beat the feeling of finding that old game again in its original form.  Double Dragon, it was good seeing you again.  Man, I’m a dork.

I also took on Galaga, Pac Man, Mrs. Pac Man, Street Fighter II and Donkey Kong.

I’m not sure who’s behind the 1Up Bar, but I do know it just opened this year according to its website.   The bar tender told me today the line at night often extends around the corner from the bar’s entrance.

If you ever find yourself near Coors Field, seek out 1Up in the early afternoon when it’s not too busy.  The kid inside you will thank you.  Oh…and make sure you arm yourself with quarters.