MAME Arcade Bar
By now you’ve probably seen a thing or two about Australia’s Mara Bar, the magical place that combines video games and a full bar for nights of fun. And while Mana Bar is certainly a step up for video game bars, it is certainly not the first.
Back in 2008, Burke Lashell built an arcade bar that is by far one of the most impressive features of a house I’ve ever seen. When taking a first look, it appears to be just another bar with a nice 42 inch TV. However, the front of the bar can be flipped down in order to reveal four joysticks, ready for arcade action. The TV and joysticks are somehow connect to a PC, allowing arcade games to be played through arcade emulator MAME. Burke, quite the amazing thing you’ve made. Cheers to you!
(Pictures and information from Arcade Controls forum)
The Octane 120 Beer Arcade
A while back we featured the Arkeg, an arcade cabinet with 102 pre-loaded arcade games and capable of holding a 5-gallon keg. The Octane 120 takes things up a notch by giving you the ability to play racing games from a projector and being able to hold TWO 5 gallon kegs in the cabinet. Not only does it have a tap in the back, but also also one above the cup holder in the driver seat! You don’t even need to get up or stop racing to pour another beer! It only comes preloaded with 12 classic and modern racing games, but something tells me if you purchase this machine, it’s not going to be just about the games.
The Octane 120 sells for a price of $6995 at Dream Arcades.
Mana Bar opened its doors to the public this past week on March 19. The finished bar looks amazing from the pictures and updates from the facebook page. It makes me wish I could at least visit Australia within the near future.
A recap, if you haven’t heard of the Mana Bar yet. Gentlemen Guy ‘Yug’ Blomberg, Ben ‘Yahtzee’ Croshaw, Pras Moorthy, and Shay Leighton have recently opened a video game bar in Brisbane, Australia. You can go, play video games and drink custom cocktails, like a “Breath of Fire.”
Events are held often, ranging from trivia to trying to beat Yahtzee in Guitar Hero. Cosplay doesn’t seem uncommon in the bar and good times look to be had by all. Seriously, this place is a dream to me.
Thanks for making this site fun, guys. I’ve received emails and responses from a few of you and am loving it. Keep ‘em coming. Due to Snowpocalypse ‘10, I’ll most likely be sitting inside (when not enjoying the snow) and trying to create something hot that tastes good. Hope you guys will like it!
In the mean time, post some pictures of yourselves enjoying a beverage you like, video game related or not (edit: I’m not sure if this is working or not…). A very happy Friday to everyone!
Cheers,
The Drunken Moogle
