Numskull, renowned for bringing classic arcade experiences to game enthusiasts in a compact form, has revealed an exciting development for retro gaming aficionados. The company has announced the incorporation of two of Taito's beloved arcade games, Elevator Action and Zoo Keeper, into its Quarter Arcades series. Fans of these vintage titles will soon be able to own a piece of gaming history as pre-orders are slated to commence later this month.
The two games, both originally released in 1983, have earned their place in the pantheon of classic arcade gaming. Elevator Action, perhaps the more acclaimed of the pair, casts players as Secret Agent 17 on a covert mission. The objective is to infiltrate a high-rise building, pilfer secret documents, and escape, all the while navigating elevators and dodging enemies along the way. Considered a substantial hit in its heyday, Elevator Action saw ports to a multitude of platforms including the NES, Game Boy, and more modern consoles such as the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 within Hamster's Arcade Archives series.
Zoo Keeper, on the other hand, presents a less commonly encountered gem. This game puts players in the shoes of Zeke, the eponymous Zoo Keeper tasked with rescuing his girlfriend Zelda against a backdrop of chaos as animals escape their enclosures. Unlike Elevator Action, Zoo Keeper did not see the same breadth of distribution across home systems, adding a layer of uniqueness to its appeal.
Numskull's Quarter Arcades range is dedicated to recreating the magic of the arcade in a compact, collectible format, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy a true-to-original gaming experience from the comfort of their homes. These miniaturized versions of the arcade cabinets are meticulously crafted to replicate every detail of their full-sized counterparts.
Pre-orders for both Elevator Action and Zoo Keeper are scheduled to go live on the 27th of March at specific times across various regions: 3PM UK time, 10AM EST, and 7AM PST. Interested buyers can take advantage of a special early bird pricing - £199.99 in the UK, $229.99 in the US, and €229.99 in the EU, a slight discount from the regular pricing of £219.99, $249.99, and €249.99 respectively. The expected delivery for these nostalgic treasures is set for October.
The inclusion of these two arcade classics enriches the Quarter Arcades roster, already home to other iconic games. It offers not just a slice of nostalgia but a functional piece of art that commemorates the rich history of coin-operated entertainment. Numskull's commitment to the preservation of arcade culture is evident in the meticulous attention to detail and dedication to quality in their recreations.
For fans seeking to indulge in the nostalgia or to introduce the next generation to the thrills of yesteryear, these Quarter Arcades cabinets promise authenticity, complete with the original gameplay experience. Collectors are poised to enjoy the tangible feel of controlling a game through an arcade stick and buttons, a sensory experience that modern touchscreens cannot replicate.
As the anticipation builds, it's worth noting that pre-ordering these miniature cabinets is not only about acquiring a piece of gaming memorabilia. It is also a celebration of the legacy these games have left behind. For many, it represents a recreation of joyful times spent in dimly lit arcades, quarters clutched in hand, as one sought to scale the leaderboard.
Retro gaming continues to surge in popularity, with various platforms and companies working diligently to ensure that these treasured games remain accessible to new and seasoned gamers alike. The return of Elevator Action and Zoo Keeper in such a faithful form serves as testimony to the enduring appeal of these classic titles. As Numskull readies for the launch of these Quarter Arcades cabinets, there's a palpable excitement among the gaming community for what is effectively a journey back in time to the golden age of arcades.
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