Inside the Richie Knucklez' Arcade
The historical fifth edition of the annual Classic Arcade Gaming (dot com) Tournament will be held this year at the Richie Knucklez' Arcade, from 4 PM Friday, March 19th through 4 PM Sunday, March 21st. The arcade (which features over 40 classic game titles !) is located at 631 Rt. 12, in Flemington, New Jersey, and owner Richie Knucklez is co-organizing the event with classic arcade gaming advocate Mark Alpiger. Both Mark and Richie have made the format and features such that this event is totally designed for, and around, the players (a number of which are some of the most famed in this hobby, including the new Donkey Kong champion, Hank Chien !). A total of about 25 arcade games will be featured in the tourney, including a majority that are popular classics from the 80's. The list of finalized games includes the major titles Mario Bros., Zaxxon, Pole Position II, Popeye, Donkey Kong 3, Track & Field, and Phoenix, plus lesser known, but nonetheless great games, Sinistar, Elevator Action, Missile Command, Gyruss, and Crystal Castles. Also, one or two 'Mystery Titles' will remain unknown, until the day before the event.
A first-time addition this year of marathoning is what makes this edition of the event truly historical, since no other classic arcade event, before now, has included a tournament, contests (individuals pursuing world records on game titles), and marathoning, all going on simultaneously ! With the hobby of arcade video gaming now spanning almost 40 years (since Pong came out in 1972), this unique happening will be truly amazing, and something not to be missed.
In a continuation of the previous four event's popular contest format (a first for arcade events), the players actually get to choose the games that they play, so it's like being able to design your own contest ! Each gamer's 7 best game score results, out of a minimum of 7 titles played, will determine their final score, and finishing place in the event. There is a monetary purse of $425 (the highest amount ever offered at this event) that will go to finishers in places 1 through 4, and it will also be allocated to providing for an additional five prizes (for non-placing players) who have the topmost scores on randomly picked game titles in the tournament.
Gamers who are already signed up for the event include the incredible defending champion, Donald Hayes (multiple world record holder); Ben Falls (Donkey Kong II master); Jimmy Linderman (1943 expert); Bryan Wagner (jack of all titles); Jason Cram (multi-game master); Dave Nelson (Track & Field expert); Chad Hurritz (Elevator Action world record holder); and numerous others. Additionally, newly crowned Donkey Kong world record holder Hank Chien will be appearing on Saturday, and playing Donkey Kong in the evening. Be sure to catch him attempting to raise his already incredible score, plus watch throughout the 3 day event as others go for breaking their lofty world records, including Ken House on Dig Dug, Pat Laffaye on Frogger, and numerous others. Also scheduled is a marathon attempt Friday on Robotron, by Ken House. He'll be playing at least half a day, and dazzling spectators with his skills. Note that if you're a King of Kong movie fan, at least four of the co-stars from the film are scheduled to be at the event (organizer Mark Alpiger, entrant Donald Hayes, plus Pat Laffaye and Greg Bond), and others who appeared on the DVD extras have already signed up for the tourney. You can get autographs, and chat with them about the real story behind the documentary !
Within about 10 minutes of the arcade's location are numerous food and lodging choices, making things convenient for tourney entrants. In addition, free rides will be provided for a number of gamers staying at the local Ramada motel. As a plus for gamers in New York City, bus service direct to Flemington is provided at a low cost from that location.
For complete information on the tournament, including an information section for out of town travelers, go to the following web link for all the details: http://www.classicarcadegaming.com/
With the rarity of arcade locations nationwide, tournaments are that much more rare, with only two or three held in the U.S. each year (and, probably just that many worldwide, as well !). So, be sure to come out and support the only one that's designed with the wishes of the true classic arcade gamer in mind. Richie and I will enjoy seeing, along with everyone there, history being made this March !
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
