Arcade Hunters Podcast Episode 92: Catching Up!

 

We are back with an all new podcast episode! We decided to catch up on what we have been up to, what pinball games have come out over the past 9 months, plus we review Retromania Wrestling! Come join us as we get caught up on the past 9 months.

Retro Arcade Flyers and Advertisements Part 2, WRESTLEMANIA EDITION!

It’s officially Wrestlemania weekend so why not take a look at some wrestling themed arcade flyers?

   

WWF Superstars (Technos 1989)

We are starting off with the first WWF licensed arcade game. You might notice that the flyer looks similar to some promotional art for the WWF’s flagship show at the time, Superstars of Wrestling. Some of the biggest names in wrestling are shown on the flyer, each in their own star. The back of the flyer includes an image of the cabinet, details and specifics for the game, and a whole bunch of screen shots. The show stealer here is the included screen shot of the infamous ring cart from Wrestlemania III and IV! I still remember the first time playing Superstars and how much I popped when I saw the ring cart!

Rabbit Themed Arcade Games for Easter!

Even if you’re not religious, Easter offers some fun spring themed activities; themed candy, pastel colored eggs, the Easter Beagle, and of course rabbits in arcade games! Here are some of our top rabbit themed games. 

*All flyers in this article came from The Arcade Flyer Archive*

Retro Arcade Flyers and Advertisements Part 1!

 

Arcade flyers and arcade advertisements are an art form in their own right. Part of this is because the audience for them was not the general public, but arcade operators. Buzz word phrases like “top earning” or “number one” tend to adorn these advertisements as they try to convince operators that their game is a wise investment. Sprinkle in some airbrush art and hardware specifications and you end up with the essential 80’s arcade advertisement. As a part of a recurring article, today we are going to look at three retro arcade flyers/advertisements.

VS. Platoon Kit (1988)

I am guessing that when most people think about Nintendo's VS. platform, Platoon doesn't come to mind. Honestly, I never realized there was VS. version of Platoon until I came across this advertisement on eBay. I was immediately taken aback by all of the film accolades plastered on the flyer. The bold "BEST VS. KIT 1989!" had me scratching my head. Was this seriously the best VS. kit? A little research shows that Platoon was one of the later games released for the Nintendo VS. system. Add numerous operators after the crash trying to bring in revenue and the bold boasting about the film's accolades in the advertisement and you possibly could end up with VS. Platoon being a hit. 

However, if you were unfortunate enough to play Platoon on the Nintendo Entertainment System you probably still remember the frustrating controls, annoying trip wires, and enemies that pop out of nowhere. As a parent you might be scratching your head as to why a company would develop a game based on such a controversial, kid unfriendly movie. I would've loved to have been a fly on the wall when making a video game version of Platoon was pitched.

Spring Themed Arcade Games!

Well, it’s spring again…spring 2021 to be exact. I figured after the year plus of pandemic living that it might be a good time to revisit some light hearted games that, to me have a spring vibe. With that said, let’s dive into three more games that are great to play during the spring!