For those readers who don’t know, I have a great love for arcade machines. I’m very proud to own an Arcade1Up Ms. Pac-Man arcade machine, and Arcade Paradise is my 2022 Game Of The Year. When I discovered that Continue Arcade was opened in the Plymouth city centre, I knew I would enjoy it immensely. A bustling retro-inspired arcade experience is exactly the type of thing Plymouth needs. It’s a place to chill out, have fun, and play some great games.
Although it opened in May 2024, Continue Arcade has already expanded into the empty shop next door. This was actually teased by the owner before the official opening, alongside more potential locations across Devon. Things seem to be going according to plan at least. I was wary about writing an article before the potential expansion, as I didn’t feel like I would be getting the full experience.
The price of admission is relatively affordable. Costing £12 for an adult (+16), £9 for a child (4-15), and free below ages 4, that initial cost can stack up. Thankfully every machine inside is set to free-play mode, so that starting payment quickly becomes value for money. Refreshments are extra though. Once through the door, two (and a half) floors worth of arcade goodness awaits. To properly break down the machines stuffed into this place, I’ll go section by section and highlight some of the more choice specimens at Continue Arcade. Whilst I endeavour to mention as many machines as I can, I don’t want to spoil everything that’s on offer.
Ground floor entrance
As the header suggests, this is the entrance to the arcade. To the left is the reception desk. Tickets, snacks, and beverages can be bought here, and access to the party rooms is also available here. There is nothing much to report about what is in the party rooms except places to have parties. A few extra arcade machines are up there, but the majority of what can be played is in the main areas. Plenty of great-looking pieces of artwork on the walls here too.
Back to the main floor entrance area then. The most attention-grabbing machine here is Let’s Go Jungle, a sit-down shooting game encapsulated in a jungle-themed truck. Tucked away in the corner next to this is Ollie King, a skateboarding game. Other stand-up shooting games in this area include Rambo and Point Blank cabinets. There are also plenty of racing games here like Downhill Bikers and Moto GP.
Ground floor main area
This is the central hub of the entire establishment. What once housed the main entrance and reception is now entirely dedicated to arcade games. Many bigger games are here, including a bank of Mario Kart Arcade GP DX machines, all of which can be played together with up to 4 people. Next to this is a pair of Sega Rally Championship machines. Shooting games here include Time Crisis 5 and Skill Shooter, both sat next to a pair of Sonic Sports Basketball machines.
For those people who enjoy more classic games, there is a pool table too, alongside a small selection of pinball machines. A reaction game called Speed of Light occupies the space where the reception used to be. It is big, bulky, and fun.
Mezzanine
Up a slightly narrow flight of stairs at the back of the arcade allows access to a mezzanine filled with a row of TVs, all connected to retro consoles. Coupled with the abundance of bean bags up there, this is a cosy place to chill with some friends away from the bustle of the other areas. It also gives a good top-down view of some of the arcade, for people who enjoy people-watching. Plenty of games on offer here, including Goldeneye and Diddy Kong Racing.
Top floor
Arguably the best area out of the lot. My favourite at least. All available windows to the outside world are blacked out, resulting in immersive darkness – even in the daytime. This allows the neon colours of each machine to illuminate their immediate surroundings in a slightly intoxicating way. It also houses some of the more unique machines on offer.
Chief amongst these is the strangest version of Pong i’ve ever seen. Instead of a screen, the paddles and ball are represented by physical 3D pieces. The pieces are then manipulated by magnets under the table when players move the control knobs. It’s weird and takes a while to get used to.
Dotted around this floor are plenty of stand-up machines, featuring classics as Donkey Kong, Frogger and the like. Although these are the most abundant, there are a few other distinct machines to mention. Pride of place against one wall is Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition, coupled with a gigantic screen to play on. Without a doubt, it is the most eye-catching machine to play on. Another mammoth machine is the World’s Largest PAC-MAN, something I very much want in my own home. Step Mania X and Guitar Hero Arcade round off the collection on the top floor.
Continue Arcade is one of the larger arcades that I’ve been to in recent memory, and gives places like Boneyard Arcade and NQ64 Bar Arcade a run for their money. I will always champion places like this, where people can go to have a safe, enjoyable and nostalgic experience. There is such a unique experience being at an arcade, and I’m glad more people appear to be tapping into that. Much like the retro home console scene, arcades seem to be making a comeback.
