[Res]

So a bit of a background story for you fellas. Over the past 7 years and beyond, my parents (Dad specifically) has been trying to find ways to bring more things to the area I live in (Twin Cities). Things have come up left and right, but the two most notable were a mini golf course that is actually right down the street from me (Walking distance) and a very large arcade/go cart track that happened to be located about five to ten miles out of the city limits. Inconvenient to say the least.

Well, as of about a year ago, the miniature golf course nearby shut down. It wasn't pulling in enough revenue for the owners, and they were forced to close. There was a reason behind this, which was they ONLY had mini golf. If you've ever played, you know it's fun for maybe... two games. Then it just gets old. Which is where the awesomeness comes in.

Earlier this week, my parents met with the old owners and offered to buy the miniature golf course. A few days, some big meetings, exchanges of large amounts of cash, we now own a miniature golf course.

I know what you're thinking. "Wait Res! You said it shut down due to lack of business!" And indeed it did. But because of the fact that many of my relatives could build a small house with their eyes closed, we are making plans... Yes, very large plans. Over the next three months, there will be a 2400 square foot expansion to this old miniature golf course, which will be filled with as many arcade games as we can fit.

I'm talking high class high quality arcades. Not just the old Pac Man/NeoGeo/Galaga (Though those will be there...). This thing is gonna be racked up with things like Time Crisis, House of the Dead, DDRs, Racings, VR games (Over time), and LOADS of other stuff. I'm even making suggestions to add about 5 televisions and caged 360s so we can let people play Guitar Hero or other games.

What's even better, this was all my idea. I own the future site of a massive Arcade. Is this awesome?
Y/N?

[MA-53]

That's about 3 inches left of totally shoop-da-woopin' crazy awesome.

(left is the good way).

I love time crisis... I remember killing hours (and quarters) playing that game with my sister while my step-mom camped our spot in line for the Harry Potter movies... Good times!

ADDED BONUS: You'll have the complete set of state quarters in no time!

[Jake]

That might be the best arcade within 500miles of me.

Dude...

Edit: If people around where you live are like people where I live you need to watch that place like a hawk or it'll get trashed in 10 seconds flat.

[Res]

We got bouncers on standby. (H)

[Phieta]

Y.

Sounds like a key stopping point on the SeeD Road Trip, to me.

[Maxi]

Oh flip! And this is where I might potentially live for a while?? Next time I see you, Res.. I'm gonna..

[Darkness]

I'm even making suggestions to add about 5 televisions and caged 360s so we can let people play Guitar Hero or other games.

...

Now -that- is awesome.

Y.

Sounds like a key stopping point on the SeeD Road Trip, to me.

OH YES.



That's pretty pwn I.. want... your... arcade... *envious stare*


But remember!

[Jake]

Wasn't the roadtrip supposed to happen like... 2 years ago?

[Ratty]

Wow. That's awesome, Res! *jealous* I hope it all works out for you.

[Master Of Stuff_NA]

serious post is serious.

it is cool and will do well in the beginning. But living where I do i've seen two places like this come, and go, and become churches for some odd reason. Then again, i've seen places with right formulas and are still successful.


Advice, add grain of salt, serve as wanted:

1) Find -good- people to work there.
--This might be the hardest part. After all, it's just a mini golf course and an arcade. Both places went down hard after pretty much going to the local high school for regular workers and management.

2) All around maintenance.
--This is a personal pet peeve of mine. If I go someplace and the buttons do not work on the game, chances are i'll never go back. Same with minigolf: if the course is banged up, I doubt i'll go back. Maintenance is appreciated.

3) Manageable Gimmicks.
--The mini golf course near where I live had the Cutest gimmick: real sandtraps and water hazards.
Problem was:
keeping the water clean - Standing water is never good and I imagine bubbling each and every water hazard is just too expensive.
keep course clear of sand from people hitting from the sandtrap - people are supposed to take out the ball from the sand.. but they dont.
So now the water is a hole painted blue and the sand is gravel which is easier to clean.

4) Cards vs. Tokens vs. Quarters
--If you all can manage using a card(best) or token(good) system, that would be great. Even if they take tokens or keep their cards, ou still have the monies.

5) Keep the freebies in check.
--Failed site: had a section dedicated to old arcade games which were adjusted for free play. When they broke, they took low priority in fixing them up. Eventually everyone lost interest.
--Good site: hires a person whose job is to just play games. Not only play games, but be good enough to show off and gather a crowd. They have unlimited tokens/card credits and occasionally put credit for random people watching games. "Here, try it out." while at the same time probably getting them hooked

Aaanyways, i'll shut up now
Sounds like a lot of fun, and i'll Definitely visit.

[Jake]

I'll take the screw off and play games job if you want.

[Phieta]

Wasn't the roadtrip supposed to happen like... 2 years ago?

Yes.

[Zziggywolf5]

Very awesome, but you all will have to watch people so they don't ruin it for everyone. I would expect some attempted break-ends in the arcade.

[Aaron]

(Y). Very cool, although I've never really played arcade games .

[Darkness]

Wasn't the roadtrip supposed to happen like... 2 years ago?

I think it's planned for like.. the 10th year anniversary of SeeD now