8Bit/Digi

A Weekend to Relive the Arcade Days

Remember back in the days when you would spend an entire Saturday at the arcade with a few good friends? For those of us who had such a childhood, California Extreme 2024 was an emotional reunion. It was another weekend to replay the games that defined our youth while taking a trip back in time.

California Extreme 2024 brought together retro gamers along with fans of the arcade for a nostalgic weekend. Guests could enjoy their favorite games and also purchase any of the arcade cabinets on the floor (if they were for sale). For me and my friends, it was all about spending the weekend playing arcade games like in the good old days.

A Nostalgic Arcade

My weekend at California Extreme 2024 was all about reconnecting with some of my favorite arcade games. It was a chance to play some classics that launched successful franchises or paved the way for others to follow. Thus, it makes sense to talk about the arcade games I got to play during the weekend.

The Punisher – With the announcement that it will be included in the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection, its presence at California Extreme 2024 was welcoming. This beat ’em up classic lets players take on the role of the titular anti-hero as they embark on a mission to defeat the Kingpin. To achieve this, he will battle the mob with the support of Agent Nick Fury of S.H.I.E.L.D. The game featured at the event was the original Japanese version, set up in a Sega Blast City arcade cabinet.

During my playthrough, I joined another player as he was halfway through Stage 3. Together we battled waves of criminals and supervillains while sharing our excitement for the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection. We finally made it to the end and had an intense fight with the Kingpin. All while having a good laugh over battling an iconic villain.

N.A.R.C. – Back in the day, this game was a lightning rod of controversy. It was back at California Extreme for everyone to enjoy. Players take on the role of either Max Force or Hit Man as they battle drug dealers, street gangs, and addicts in a literal War on Drugs. The game featured at California Extreme 2024 was the original arcade cabinet. I joined another player who was in the final stage of the game. We made it to the final battle against Mr. Big’s head, which always gives players a good chuckle.

Star Wars (Atari Version) –  One of the most iconic arcade cabinets and the first Star Wars game, this rail shooter has players reliving the legendary attack on the Death Star, also known as the Battle of Yavin. For me, playing this game has become a tradition at California Extreme. Once again, I fought waves of TIE Fighters before navigating the trenches to deliver the final blow. All while also having to battle Darth Vader.

Raiden Fighters 2 – The Raiden series are games I’ve enjoyed playing but I’ve mostly seen them at anime conventions. So to experience one at California Extreme 2024 was welcoming, especially a spin-off title. The game featured at the event was the original Japanese version, set up in a Sega Blast City arcade cabinet. When another gamer was finished, I started a new game and played it until I defeated the boss of the third stage.

Area 51 – A must-play title for me as it was one of my favorites at the arcade or pizza shops. Players take on the role of a Special Tactical Advanced Alien Response (S.T.A.A.R.) operative deployed to stop aliens from take over Area 51. Players must shoot aliens while protecting their fellow S.T.A.A.R. operatives. The game featured at the event was the Area 51 / Maximum Force version.

I started my playthrough by joining another gamer at the final stage of the game. However, we were unable to defeat the boss in time, and our mission failed. Not wanting to take the loss, we started from the beginning and battled our way through Area 51. Upon reaching the final stage again, we agreed to focus our attacks on the mothership. We were successful not only in defeating the boss but also in redeeming ourselves.

Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon – This is one of those games that I did not know existed, seeing it surprised me, and I just had to play it. This beat ’em up is based on the first season of the anime. Players take on the role of one of the Sailor Scouts and fight the forces of Queen Beryl. The game at California Extreme 2024 was the original Japanese version, set up in a Sega Blast City arcade cabinet.

During my playthrough, I started a new game as Sailor Mercury (who is the best girl in the series, FYI). I would battle the forces of evil in each stage and then confront the final boss, sometimes with the help of Tuxedo Mask. Along the way, curious gamers would join to try the game out and to help me.

Silent Scope EX – This has been one of my favorite arcade series while this entry has been a regular at California Extreme. Silent Scope EX was the third game in the series and has players take on the role of a special forces sniper who is deployed to resolve a variety of terrorist situations. The game featured at the event was the original arcade cabinet with the sniper rifle. Since I’ve been playing this series for a long time, I was a natural pro. I was once again able to complete the entire game with ease.

Final Thoughts

California Extreme has always been an opportunity to relive my childhood, and the 2024 event was no different. It is a lesson on the history of video games and a chance to play titles I missed out on. That’s why it’s the perfect weekend for gamers of all generations to gather and have fun, whether they were raised in arcades or are fascinated by gaming history.

If you had a chance to check out California Extreme 2024, share your story in the comment section below.

Disclaimer: I bought my pass for California Extreme.

8Bit/Digi is an independent news outlet that provides insight into the video game and fandom community of the San Francisco Bay Area.