Arcade Paradise Reviews
With bugs, crashes and far too much waiting around, Arcade Paradise really tries to capture some of the highs of old arcades but never really manages to understand the joy that comes from it.
Arcade Paradise is a very unique game built for a very unique audience, and the fact that it can't keep a steady gameplay rhythm throughout makes it even more unlikely to please just any body. But for those who grew up when Arcade machines were dominating the entertainment industry, it will be a great experience to run and develop an Arcade store.
Review in Persian | Read full review
If you're after a simulation game that's a bit different than the usual genre mainstays, then chuck Arcade Paradise on the spin cycle. But be warned, despite packing in 35+ arcade games, it's not going to give you as much depth as other simulators. The early game suffers from a repetitive game loop that is only rescued by the happy grind to unlock new games in the arcade area. A worthy way to spend some coins and kill some time, Arcade Paradise at the very least lives up to half of its name.
This unusual game has you managing your dad's launderette while running a secret arcade out the back.
Arcana of Paradise – The Tower is a decent addition to any roguelike deckbuilder fan's library. With its real-time gameplay adding tension to what is generally a slower, more tactical affair, it's a refreshing twist on the formula. The inventive combination of card-based gameplay and puzzles also incentivises experimentation in an interesting way. Unfortunately, despite its gameplay strengths and gorgeous presentation, the shallow setting and lack of sufficient encounter variety cause the experience to become repetitive after only a few hours.
Slightly above average or simply inoffensive. Fans of the genre should enjoy them a bit, but a fair few will be left unfulfilled.
Arcade Paradise might be a great game if you have a huge soft spot for the arcade era and doesn’t mind a very superficial management game. Although for me — someone who lived largely detached from that universe — it felt like a chore.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Arcade Paradise is a fantastic attempt at producing a simulation slash compilation title, but unfortunately has a few failings which stop it from being a World Warrior. The lack of punishment should you choose to neglect the Laundromat gives the game a real half-baked feel. Beyond that, the fact there isn't any representation for key arcade genres such as Fighting Games and Rail Shooters puts a downer on anyone whose arcade experience wasn't dominated by Match 3 puzzle games and Missile Command. Arcade Paradise is still a fun title and is an excellent stepping stone to what could be a true arcade gamer's paradise. It's part simulation, part retro, and full neon-soaked good time. Sadly, it just doesn't simulate the arcade experience I had and at times feels as deep as the shallow end of the shower.
There is a big collection of arcade units to acquire in the game, ranging from games that look similar to GTA but play like PAC Man, to a Frogger-style game or something like Candy Crush. Playing the games is fun but you will need to stop quite frequently to tend to your main source of income – the washing and drying. Arcade Paradise is a working simulator after all. Sure, you could play a game the whole shift and not earn any money, but then progression is slowed right down as your only income is the coin hoppers from the arcade. Balancing gaming and working is the go-to action needed to keep a decent and steady income.
Arcade Paradise is a fantastic management sim for those who love the genre. It may be asking a lot of players to prioritize other people’s laundry over games upfront, but the payoff is a literal heaven for those who have always wished to build their own arcade and play every game within it for free. If you enjoy a good management sim and love the idea of hopping from game to game to game as a major mechanic, Arcade Paradise is worth its weight in quarters.
If this was just an Arcade management game, it could’ve been one of the greats but the laundromat side of the business is tedious and unnecessarily time-consuming for the first few hours that makes you even hate Arcade Paradise in the beginning.
Review in Persian | Read full review
Overall, Arcade Paradise does exactly what it set out to do, it creates the nostalgic feelings of an old 90s arcade. The aesthetic is well-developed, and each of the 35 arcade games are enjoyable to play on their own. If owning and running an old-school arcade is something you've always dreamed of, this game will provide that, with much less maintenance cost.
Arcade Paradise has a very interesting development, which goes straight to the heart of recreational lovers. It does not stand out as a management game or as a collection of retro mini-games, but the combination of both developments is very fun.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Arcade Paradise is practically a matryoshka, because within a superstructure of management inspiration it inserts many different experiences, both on the playful and purely artistic front.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Arcade Paradise is a delightful surprise. Full of wit, heart, and damned fun minigames it’s worth a purchase if the thought of an idle-style laundromat management sim full of fun as hell arcade games sounds enticing.
Ultimately, what you’ll get out of Arcade Paradise is your appetite for repetitive chores, at least at the start, and your love for the arcade experience. With the laundromat being the gateway to a fun and engaging management and simulator experience, it is well worth washing those dirty rags to allow our dreams of a bustling arcade to come to life. And like its real-life counterparts, there is certainly magic in these dimly lit halls, even if it ends up just a few steps short of paradise.
Despite the latter half of this review being mostly criticism, Arcade Paradise, at its core, is a very good management game, with tons of very well-parodied arcade games to play. The mix of genres works incredibly well. I really wish there was a version of Capcom Arcade Stadium in this style. Or an NES Remix. Arcade Paradise’s inauthentic aesthetic, and lack of polish bring it down. But anyone intrigued by the game’s premise should give it a try.
Arcade Paradise is a cracking laundry / arcade simulator that rewards you for your patience and dedication to the cause. Once the arcade opens up you’ll have an absolute blast finding your new favourite game in a huge selection of unique takes on old school classics. There’s a road to get there, but this one is all about the destination. A hugely rewarding, feel-good experience you have to play.
While it takes a while to get going, Arcade Paradise is an outstanding celebration of the '90s arcade scene with a generous helping of fully playable retro love letters.
Arcade Paradise is an awesome management sim that shows a lot of love to the era of arcades. I really enjoyed balancing running both businesses and trying out all the different arcade games even if it got a bit repetitive at times. It’s got a lot to do, a great look, and some really good tunes and it’s highly recommended by me to check it out.