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Many people can say that they saw something while growing up. That they were able to grow along side some aspect of humanity or witness new technologies evolve. Those that come after always know the history but they can never truly understand what it was like being there from the very beginning.
I’m very fortunate to have been born at just the right time for video games. I have aged right along side the computer, the home video game system, and the arcade. I was right there pumping quarters into games which have now been dubbed “retro” or “classic”. I saw the Golden Age of arcades and I am ever so grateful that I shared in that experience.
There are games I can remember, games that stuck with me so much that I am forever trying to track them down just to experience them again. Every so often I am fortunate enough to come across some dark and dated modern arcade corner that features a game from my list. Thankfully, for one of my favorites I have never had to look that far.
Galaga is a simple top-down space shooter which has fascinated gamers for decades. There is something alluring when it comes to the sound of a Galaga machine. I can single it out in a noisy arcade and hunt it down in a pub’s backroom. To this very day you can expect to find it in a chain restaurant, at a pizza parlor, at a pub, at the arcade in Disney’s Tomorrow land, and even as a download game for cell phones. Galaga seems to have left a lasting impression on most gamers which could very well be the reason it has never gone out of style.
While scouring eBay for LCD handhelds (which seems like a weekly ritual), I accidently stumbled across a Christmas ornament from Hallmark. After doing a bit or research it appears that Hallmark has plans to release miniature light-n-sound arcade cabinets as Christmas ornaments for the foreseeable future. In 2008 they released a Pac-man ornament and in 2009 a Galaga ornament. The plans for the 2010 ornament fell through but the company is trying to release one for 2011.
Galaga has remained one of my most favorite arcade experiences so I knew I had to have one of the 2009 ornaments.
I finally picked one up off of eBay for $20.50 (including shipping). The item stands approximately 4 and ¼ inches tall at the most highest point, 1 and ¾ inches wide and approximately 2 inches deep. The cabinet is made out of a matt black plastic and is adorned with replica Galaga art work. The front of the machine is complete with a joystick, button, and coin slot. When you press the tiny red button the game lights up and plays those oh-so-familiar Galaga sounds. The quality of the pieces is simply astounding but so are a great majority of the Hallmark limited edition ornaments. My one complaint is that the left side sticker is slightly skewed. I’ve debated attempting to return it but there is no guarantee that I will find another which is otherwise relatively flawless. If only I had stumbled upon this when it was released in 2009, I could have satisfied that OCD part of my personality that wants everything perfect by picking one right off the shelf.
Below is a Youtube video that better demonstrates what this item is all about, much better than I could with some digital photos and well written descriptions!
-Another World
I’m very fortunate to have been born at just the right time for video games. I have aged right along side the computer, the home video game system, and the arcade. I was right there pumping quarters into games which have now been dubbed “retro” or “classic”. I saw the Golden Age of arcades and I am ever so grateful that I shared in that experience.
There are games I can remember, games that stuck with me so much that I am forever trying to track them down just to experience them again. Every so often I am fortunate enough to come across some dark and dated modern arcade corner that features a game from my list. Thankfully, for one of my favorites I have never had to look that far.
Galaga is a simple top-down space shooter which has fascinated gamers for decades. There is something alluring when it comes to the sound of a Galaga machine. I can single it out in a noisy arcade and hunt it down in a pub’s backroom. To this very day you can expect to find it in a chain restaurant, at a pizza parlor, at a pub, at the arcade in Disney’s Tomorrow land, and even as a download game for cell phones. Galaga seems to have left a lasting impression on most gamers which could very well be the reason it has never gone out of style.
While scouring eBay for LCD handhelds (which seems like a weekly ritual), I accidently stumbled across a Christmas ornament from Hallmark. After doing a bit or research it appears that Hallmark has plans to release miniature light-n-sound arcade cabinets as Christmas ornaments for the foreseeable future. In 2008 they released a Pac-man ornament and in 2009 a Galaga ornament. The plans for the 2010 ornament fell through but the company is trying to release one for 2011.
Galaga has remained one of my most favorite arcade experiences so I knew I had to have one of the 2009 ornaments.
I finally picked one up off of eBay for $20.50 (including shipping). The item stands approximately 4 and ¼ inches tall at the most highest point, 1 and ¾ inches wide and approximately 2 inches deep. The cabinet is made out of a matt black plastic and is adorned with replica Galaga art work. The front of the machine is complete with a joystick, button, and coin slot. When you press the tiny red button the game lights up and plays those oh-so-familiar Galaga sounds. The quality of the pieces is simply astounding but so are a great majority of the Hallmark limited edition ornaments. My one complaint is that the left side sticker is slightly skewed. I’ve debated attempting to return it but there is no guarantee that I will find another which is otherwise relatively flawless. If only I had stumbled upon this when it was released in 2009, I could have satisfied that OCD part of my personality that wants everything perfect by picking one right off the shelf.
Below is a Youtube video that better demonstrates what this item is all about, much better than I could with some digital photos and well written descriptions!
-Another World
[youtube]8-PeFaGq4b4[/youtube]
