On a recent visit to
Toowoomba, my friend and I came across
Spacies by accident but having a passion for what our youth and pinball meant, we found plenty of games to tempt our desire. With the mouth held right and legs in the correct position, focus on manoeuvring the ball into the flippers and not down the hole was a talent indeed and one we need more practice to perfect.
Photo courtesy of Spacies Diner Arcade, Toowoomba
The pinball machine has a long
history with the first reported invention being in the 1700s in France when aristocrats came up with an idea of a board with wooden pins and a ball. It was called
Bagatalle. When the American Revolution began, the French soldiers took this game to America and hence passed on to others.
It was not until 1871 that Ohio resident Montague Redgrave developed the first game of pinball, where he included a coiled spring, a slope and small marbles. This Parlor Table Bagatelle, as it was then named, became extremely popular in bars and hotels where a win could secure a free drink.
During the Depression years of the 1930s, there was a need for cheaper entertainment and the "coin" operated pinball machine was popping up in many cities across the United States. In some cases, the machines gave cash prizes, however, as this was deemed a form of gambling, the United States Government banned the pinball machines for almost forty years.
Play all your favourite games @ Spacies (Photo courtesy of Spacies, Facebook)
Fortunately, in 1976, pinball machines were back in fashion and were the "in thing" for youngsters across the globe as kids visited pinball alleys to challenge each other to a game. As quickly as the digital world came into our lives, pinball and other games went online and the machines became a collector's item.
Yet lucky for us, the die-hard pinball fanatics kept machines at home for personal play or for when the mates came around. That is exactly how
Spacies Café Arcade rose like a phoenix from the ashes in opening up their new games alley in Toowoomba. Two mates, Gerry Scott and John McNeill, whose interest never died, have now brought the favourite pinball machines, arcade games Car Track Machines Daytona,
Space Invaders, Nintendo Switch Retro consoles and more out of the cupboard to enjoy with young and not-so-young enthusiasts.
The All Time Favourite Game - Space Invaders @ Spacies
Spacies Café Arcade is much more than a game alley. Opening from 5.00 to 10.00pm on Friday through to Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday from 5.00pm until late, Friday and Saturday 12 noon to 12.00am and Sunday 12 Noon until late, the venue is set up for dinner, lunch, snacks and bar, which is totally the right combination for birthday parties, festive events such as Christmas Parties, New Year and more. In fact bookings are being taken now for the festive season and customised packages can be accommodated for your special needs.
Well-stocked Bar @ Spacies (Photo courtesy of Spacies, Facebook)
The bar is well stocked and if there is something you fancy and not there, Spacies may find it and have it there for next time you visit. Spacies have a chef on-site providing casual dining and refreshments throughout the evening at very reasonable prices.
Be Up For The Challenge this Halloween (Photo courtesy of Spacies, Facebook)
Apart from the friendly nights out, Spacies' avid and regular gamers fight it out in competitions held monthly and special events at other times. On Saturday 31st October, Spacies will open from 10.00 am with their
first arcade competition to see who the best driver is on all-time favourite
Daytona USA from SEGA. For more competitions and prizes to be won, go to Spacies' Website for more reading.
Spacies Arcade Café is located at 2 Club Lane, Toowoomba. To book the venue for a special occasion or just because, please telephone 0415 778 146.
