I’ve spent a bit of today in one (for a job), and it’s… Honestly just kind of sad.
Everything is “branded” and based on some commercial IP. All the “independent”/quirky things I grew up with are gone, it’s fully cashless, much more expensive, and just generally… Super underwhelming. I’ve seen one pinball machine in the entire place. 😔
And still, the place is nearly empty. So if they’re trying to “appeal to different demographics” by pivoting to branded shittiness (fidget spinners! plants vs zombies! Fucking rabbids), it clearly ain’t working, lol…
Ah, I miss the 2010s, even compared to this shit…
There is a barcade in Boise called Spacebar. It used to be a little 90s style hole in the wall but got turned into yet another modern commercial bar. Lost some of its charm. Still fun, but not as much fun as it used to be.
Pojos isn't doing the greatest now a days.
But it is still there, so that is something at least. It is also considered the "budget" option out of the family fun centers in the area, so that also helps keep it going.
It used to be the absolute best. I remember when Mortal Kombat had a party there. They had the big screen hook ups for Neo Geo, mortal Kombat and Super Street Fighter.