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Magic Mario: Nintendo’s Biggest Franchise to Date, Mapped Out

Arcade Archives

THE MAGIC OF MARIO: THE CHARACTER BEHIND NINTENDO'S SUCCESS

Mr.Mario has become synonymous with video games, and is as recognisable a character as Mickey Mouse to today's youth.
Let's map out where he came from, his adventures through various games, and his best games today.

Mario Bros retro arcade game seen on the Minato arcade

Anyone who has ever been even slightly into games will have played a game with Mario in it. Mario has become a symbol of the gaming industry, similar to the Space Invaders alien or the Minecraft creeper. Moreover, this character is largely behind Nintendo’s position as an consistent pioneer of video games. Take a trip down Mario lane and learn all about Mario’s humble beginnings, key games of his to try, his influences on pop culture and Maison Roshi’s thoughts on the Mario franchise of tomorrow. 

 

Humble Beginnings: "Jumpman" the Plumber

Have you ever heard of “Jumpman”? If not, you’re not alone. “Jumpman” was Mario’s alter ego, and his very first appearance in a video game. This character, suited in Mario’s iconic red and blue outfit with big black boots, was the protagonist of the 1981 Donkey Kong arcade game. “Jumpman” had all the same attributes as Mario, and was of course also on a mission of saving a damsel in distress called Princess Peach.  

Although this character was synonymous with the Mario we know today, it wasn’t until the release of Mario Bros in 1983 that Mario got his name. 

Maison Roshi’s Review of “Donkey Kong”: 

Each of our retro arcade cabinets come with the Donkey Kong game, which is a classic to say the least. This game, although featuring quite minimalistic and simple graphics, is surprisingly tricky and requires some serious focus to succeed in – and you know we love a challenge! This game is definitely is a classic we recommend trying – but we warn you not to get discouraged if it takes you more than a few tries to get past the first level!  

Mario Bros: Mario Makes His Name

In 1983, Mario got his name, and his back story. Upon it’s release on arcades, Mario Bros players discovered the same protagonist plumber from “Donkey Kong”, dressed in blue and red, accompanied by his brother, this time fighting various threats in the sewers of New York. 

Mario Bros was a relatively modest success, with under 5000 arcade units sold (the cabinets are in fact quite rare to find today, and resell for a hefty price!) Of course, console edition versions of the game have since sold million of copies of the game – but it’s success remains small compared to it’s successor: Super Mario World. 

Maison Roshi’s Review of “Mario Bros”: 

When choosing between Mario Bros and Super Mario World, we admittedly do usually opt for the later. However, there in an undeniable charm to the original Mario Bros game, with it’s premature versions of the characters and their enemies, as well as terrain. We do also love the pixelated look of this game, and it’s an undeniable contrast to the vivid, detailed graphics of the newer games in the Mario franchise like Super Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. 

Over 20 Million Units Sold - A Mario Super Hit in "Super Mario World"

In 1990, the Mario franchise really took off – no we mean really. “Super Mario World” was developed in 1990 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, as an upgrade to “Super Mario Bros” (also available on our arcade cabinets). Miyamoto, creator of the entire Mario franchise, has stated that this is his favourite Mario game – and many Mario fans agree. This game featured a whole new range of design elements, including beautiful graphics, a memorable soundtrack, coupled with a truly captivating storyline. Players truly fell in love not only with Mario and his brother Luigi during this game, but also other iconic characters including Yoshi and their evil counterparts including Bowser and the Koopas. 

Maison Roshi’s Review of “Super Mario World”: 

“I must admit that I hold a special place in my heart for Super Mario World. Having completed this game in the bleak winter of 2023, I can attest to the fact that it’s a retro game everyone should experience. The characters, the gameplay, the soundtrack – it’s all just perfect. You have to try it to understand.” If this quote from our Marketing Manager at Maison Roshi doesn’t convince you, check out our Super Mario World gameplay’s and contest on our TikTok – you’ll catch an urge to play that you won’t be able to resist!

The Era of Mario Kart

Many gamers today think of Mario Kart when they think of Mario. “Super Mario Kart”, the first game in this spin-off series of Mario games, was first released shortly after Super Mario World, in 1992. Selling 8.76 million copies worldwide, the game went on to become the fourth best-selling SNES game of all time. When compared to the success of Super Mario World, this may seem meagre, however the reason for Mario Kart’s recognisability in fact lays in it’s 2009 re-release for the Wii console. Moreover, this game has been followed by countless sequels, with graphics and gameplay elements that have placed them at the forefront of gaming today. Mario Kart allowed players to delve deeper into the skills and characteristics of different personages within the game, and although Mario remains the face of the game, his attention is shared with his equally lovable sidekicks. 

Maison Roshi’s Review of Super Mario Kart: 

Another tricky, yet ridiculously fun game in the Mario franchise. This iconic game features all your favourite Mario characters and elements from the games you know and love, including special powers, recognisable terrains and a nostalgic soundtrack. A games night classic, and a game we always come back to. Our only note here would be that the cars are super sensitive to joystick movements – less is more here! 

Mario Today: A Pop Culture Legend and Timeless Gaming Symbol

With over 200 games under it’s name, the Mario franchise has been nothing short of a video gaming legend. Trademarks of the game, including countless characters, sound effects, and sayings have become touchstones of people’s childhood’s, and contrary to what one would assume, the games continue to gain steady sales even today. 

We don’t think Mario’s going anywhere for a while, and the recent release of the Super Mario Bros movie has proven this to any sceptics: “The Mario Bros Movie was the highest-grossing Illumination movie of all time with $1.36 billion at the global box office, but it’s also the most profitable at $559M, besting Minions’ net of $502M in 2015″ – The Deadline. That says it all!

We love Mario and his countless games, and are glad to say that a variety of the franchise’s games can be found on our arcade cabinets – even the less famous ones! 

The Best of Classic Pinball Games

Arcade Archives

FLIPPIN' FANTASTIC

5 Pinball Games to Play in 2024 - From Classics to Newer Titles

austin power pinball game on jiraiya luxury pinball machine

Pinball has an incredibly rich history. From their nationwide ban in the 1940’s to their influence on pop culture throughout the late 1900’s, this part of retro gaming history is undeniably enticing (we’ve written a whole post about this, read it here). Today, pinball machines are relatively rare, and hence the countless iconic games created for them have been left slightly in the shadows – especially when compared to popular arcade games. Here are our 5 top picks for pinball games to try this year – all of course available on our bespoke pinball machines.  

1. Austin Powers

Austin Powers is an iconic franchise, so it’s no surprise that a pinball game has been created in honour of it. 

If you don’t know what or who Austin Powers is, here’s a quick overview: these satirical spy movies follow the adventures of a young, ridiculous spy called Austin Powers, as he navigates countless problems, classic to spies. The films are essentially parodies of the classic 1960’s Bond movies, with popular titles including “Goldmember” (AKA a parody of Goldfinger). 

This pinball game was first released in 2002, and is based on the first two Austin Powers films. The purpose of the game is to defeat Dr.Evil (Austin’s archenemy), by destroying various other enemies including fembots, and a mutant sea bass. 

We love the vibrant gameplay of this virtual pinball game, and the iconic soundtrack and fun clips from the movies that feature between levels make it an absolute top pick for us. 

2. Ghost Rider

Ghost Rider is a newer generation pinball game, but one that you have to give a try. This game is one of four Marvel tables available on the Jiraiya, and is based on the 2006 comic series, which follows the journey of stuntman ohnny Blaze’s transformation into Ghost Rider, or the “Spirit of Vengeance”, who fights against villains alive and dead.

From the moment this game starts, the tone is perfectly set. The soundtrack is eerie and dark, yet has an exciting undertone that gets your adrenaline pumping. 

The story of this pinball game is essentially based on four key battles that the Ghost Rider must fight against villains, followed by a final battle against former archangel Zadkiel.

There are countless tricks and special moves players learn along the way, and you’re guaranteed to be in a constant battle to beat your previous score. 

Overall this is a super fun, intense pinball game we love!

 

 

3. Fish Tales

Feeling old school? Go retro with Fish Tales, a classic pinball game first released by pinball giant Williams in the early 1990’s. Fish Tales is one of the top 20 most sold pinball games of all time, with over 13,000 of the original machine sold. 

Although this game is on the older end, it’s gameplay is as fun as any of it’s newer counterparts. The objective of the game is, of course, to get the highest score possible, which can be achieved through various means. Top challenges for gaining points including catching thrashing fish, striking the boat in the centre and fighting monster fish. 

The thing we love most about this game might be the most simple; the catchphrases and graphics that appear on the scoreboard throughout the game. These include cool videos of fish feeding, waves, bubbles and lobsters, not to mention encouraging phrases like “Oh yeah, that’s a keeper!” and “Gone fishin’, leave a message.” 

 

4. Back to The Future

Another retro pinball game for the books: Back to The Future. 

There’s just something about Back to the Future that is so inherently nostalgic – the whole franchise beams unparalleled retro charm. The pinball spin-off of these popular films is a must-try classic on the Jiraiya pinball machine, complete with all the nostalgic features you would hope for. 

The game was originally released by Data East in 1990, after the release of the third movie, and therefore the gameplay unsurprisingly features the objective to relive the events of the Back to the Future trilogy. Players take a journey through various times and locations using the iconic DeLorean, taking on diverse challenges and enemies. 

A major highlight for us is that the game features four songs from the three films. The Power of Love, Back in Time, Doubleback and Alan Silvestri‘s orchestral theme, as well as its from its gameplay sounds and score. 

Fun fact: Michale J Fox (the actor who originally played Marty), refused to have his picture used for the game, so Data East’s game designer’s son Brad replaced him as Marty on the cover image of the game. 

 

 

 

5. Spider-Man 

Another newer pinball game, also part of the Marvel game collection available on the Jiraiya, the Spider-Man pinball game. Released originally by Stern in 2007, the aim of this pinball game is to defeat 3 main enemies; Green Goblin from Spider-Man, Doc Ock from Spider-Man 2, and Sandman and Venom from Spider-Man 3. 

This game is one for those wanting to learn special tricks and hacks, as different movements and combinations allow you to do some seriously cool moves. 

Steve Riche, game creator, states “Spider-Man pinball is a game of speed, flow and constant action and excitement… that anyone can learn in a few plays.” 

So, if you get the chance to play any pinball games, this is definitely up there on ones to go for – especially for the hardcore Marvel fans!

 

The Story of Space Invaders: The Japanese Surprise Smash Hit

Arcade Archives

SPACE INVADERS:
HOW DID THE SHOOTING ALIEN GAME GET TO WHERE IT IS TODAY?

Upon it's release in 1978, Space Invaders caused a temporary Yen shortage in Japan.
But how did the game get to be so famous?

Today, the alien originating from the original Space Invaders 1978 game is known by most people. As noted by Wired, this alien has become a symbol of video games for all – a prime example of this being the fact that typing the word “game” on your iPhone will suggest the purple space invader alien emoji to you. Popular street artist “Invaderwashere” has also contributed to the spread of this symbol, and has ensured that even the least retro enthusiast individual recognises it. Let’s take a walk down retro gaming lane, and uncover how Space Invader’s became the icon it is today.

The Creator and His Inspiration

The late 1970’s were a time of high stakes and extreme competition between the pioneers of the video game industry. At this time, Atari was very much leading the way with the release of countless smash hits, including the classic title “Breakout”. 

Following the notable success of “Breakout”, Taito decided it was time for them to step up, and create an equally hooking game. For this task, they hired none other than Tomohiro Nishikado. 

Nishikado loved “Breakout”, and decided that Taito’s next top hit would be a fighting game. However, he veered away from some of the elements symbolic to fighting games of the time, including the “time based score system” as well as human fighters. Instead, Nishikado opted for “life” or “heart based” gameplay, and antagonists inspired by one of his favourite films, “War of the World”, and it’s squid-like characters. 

Nishikado also created the very first Japanese software-controlled game (one that uses a microcomputer), and with this, re-shaped the boundaries of what was possible for Taito in video game development. 

The Release and Invader Craze

In 2008, Guinness World Records listed the title as the top-rated arcade game in technical, creative, and cultural impact.

Therefore, we weren’t particularly surprised to learn that upon it’s 1978 release, Space Invader’s gained so much traction that it caused a temporary Yen shortage. Moreover, the game’s popularity also led to an increase in gaming related crimes, as many young gamers desperately tried to access funds just so they could have a go at shooting the mysterious octopus aliens. Believe it or not, one young girl was found to have stolen the equivalent of 5000 dollars from her parents just to play Space Invaders.

Soon after it’s success in Japan, Space Invaders spread to the United States. In 1980, the game became available on coin-operated American arcades, including the Atari 2600 as well as the popular Nintendo Entertainment System. Over the course of it’s peak years of popularity, the game is said to have generated over 500 million USD. 

space invaders original arcade poster
The Space Invaders Game Genre

The game’s popularity, and success throughout the history of gaming brought rise to a plethora of games that pay homage to the original one. Popular sequels and related titles include Super Space Invaders 91′ and Space Invaders Extreme. Various new generation arcade cabinets have also taken on design elements of the original arcade, and boast various editions of the original game. Maison Roshi’s bespoke wooden arcade cabinets all feature the original 1978 Space Invaders game, as well as a variety of it’s sequels. 

original space invaders game played on a wooden arcade machine
Influence of Space Invaders on Pop Culture Today

As mentioned, the space invaders squid-like alien has become synonymous for many of the gaming industry as a whole. Therefore, this character has also become a popular symbol in various fields from art to fashion and more. A recent, notable dedication to this historical game is Comme des Garçons  “Invader collection”, which showcased the iconic alien on their staples including t-shirts, hoodies and more.

Moreover, the influence of Space Invaders can also be seen in the art world, perhaps most famously in the work of French artist Invaderwashere (who’s very name is inspired by the game). His work features the pixelated squid-alien, often in politically playful ways or in surprising placements within iconic cities. He cites Space Invaders as “the perfect icons of our time, a time where digital technologies are the heartbeat of our world”. See the image below for one of his most iconic pieces, titled “Guide d’invasion”, which features his signature mosaic Invader, rendered onto the book “Invasion of Paris”. The piece sold for a casual 42,427€ at Tajan Paris in 2017. 

The Story of Street Fighter: Capcom’s Game Turned Cultural Phenomenon

Arcade Archives

STREET FIGHTER: 35 YEARS OF VIDEO GAME DOMINANCE

In 1987, Nishiyama created a video game icon that still lives on today. But what's the story behind it all?

To quote American actor James Chen, “Street Fighter was more than just a popular video game. It was a cultural phenomenon”. These words still ring true today, and perfectly sum up the importance of Street Fighter in the history of the video game industry. Walk through the history of Street Fighter, from it’s inception by Capcom creator Nishiyama to it’s peak moments of success in the golden era of arcades, and how the franchise has been kept as alive as ever today. 

Where The Story Begins

In 1986, the video game development stars aligned for Takashi Nishiyama. At the time, he was hired at Capcom and given the project of developing an arcade game based on the fighting seen in “Kung-Fu Master”, a popular game at the time. Combined with this, Nishiyama had a personal interest for the fighting genre, being himself in the process of learning martial arts. This laid the foundations for Street Fighter, which Nishiyama created in 1987 with his colleague Hiroshi Matsumoto. Street Fighter was equipped with various elements that drew players in (notably the older demographic), including the best visuals any fighting game had seen as well as a catchy soundtrack. However, what really ensured the success of this game was actually far more simple; it was the first game that allowed opponents to fight against each other in a game, in live time. To quote Capcom Senior Manager Seth Killian, 

“Competing against a live opponent, in front of strangers, to see who kept their quarter, and who went to the back of the line? The experience was intoxicating.”

With the first Street Fighter received with such enthusiasm, Capcom quickly decided to expand the franchise – and they were not ready for what would happen when they did this. 

 

The Era of Street Fighter II

Street Fighter II, the direct successor of the original game, was released in 1991 for arcades, followed by compatibility with consoles in 1992. The game was such an immense success that up until 2019, it held the position of the best selling fighting game of all time (the throne is now held by Super Smash Brothers: Ultimate). The characters and gameplay of Street Fighter II were highly valued by the public, and the franchise’s fanbase grew at a monumental rate, truly turning the series into a real knockout (see what we did there).  

Iconic Characters and Gameplay

Today, the story of Street Fighter has grown too complex and multi-faceted to explain in a single blog post (there are over 6 official games released, with various spin-offs also produced). However, the first few games can be summed up to be based on the following storyline; our main character, Ryu, is partaking in a martial arts tournament, spanning five countries and over 10 opponents. Ryu’s friendly American rival, Ken, is also part of the tournament (and played by the second character in the original edition). The two characters go om q esut tow in the torunament, which Ryu eventually does, utilising “special moves” known by Street Fighter experts. 

Each of Ryu’s opponents come with backstories of their own, many of which have inspired the characters “special moves” which players get to know as the game progresses. In later games, players get to explore these characters in more depth, and many have become fan favourites over the years, including the fierce Blanka as well as Chun-Li – who was the first notable playable female character in the  fighting game genre. 

 

Sensei arcade cabinet with street fighter 2 game
Street Fighter Today

Although Street Fighter had it’s humble beginnings in the world of retro arcades, the franchise has lived and remains a staple for new generation gamers. The latest Street Fighter game (Street Fighter 6) was released for the Xbox and PlayStation in the summer of last year, with various new features continuing to be developed including in-game commentary, customisable avatars and much more. 

The iconic, original Street Fighter games are available to play on each of our arcade cabinets, and make not only for a fantastic games night battle between friends, but also as solo entertainment due to the various tricks and special moves one can learn with time and patience exploring the game. 

View our beginners guide to playing Street Fighter on your Maison Roshi arcade here. 

Women in Gaming: Pioneers of the Video Game Industry

Arcade Archives

WOMEN IN GAMING: HIDDEN PIONEERS OF THE INDUSTRY

Women are behind some of the best video games of all time. Discover their stories.

Vintage image of Carol Shaw, video game pioneer

Luckily, in today’s video game industry, women executives can be found far and wide across the top companies worldwide. However, this was far from the case in the early days of this male-dominated industry. The female pioneers of the video game industry had to work double as hard as their male counterparts to make a name for themselves, and be taken seriously in the face of the video game boom of the 1980’s. Discover some of the female icons behind your favourite retro games, and how their work for equal rights within the industry lives on today.

The First Video Game Developer: Carol Shaw

The history of women in gaming goes all the way back to 1978. After completing her Master’s in Computer Engineering, Carol Shaw bravely applied to Atari, who were leading the industry at the time. Atari took her onboard, and her first project at the company was actually the development of a cross-promotional game called “Polo”, created to advertise Ralph Lauren’s new cologne (the project never reached the light of day – but what we would do to see it!)

Regardless, in late 1978, Shaw became the first woman to program and design a video game, with the release of her game 3D Tic Tac Toe for the Atari 2600.

 

Centipede: The Woman Behind One of the World’s Most Famous Arcade Games

Ever heard of Dona Bailey? If not, you wouldn’t be the only one. Bailey was the brains behind one of the greatest arcade games of the 1980’s, “Centipede”, yet she remains quite unrecognised for her work. So how did Bailey create Centipede? The story begins just two weeks after she started at Atari. Her manager came by her cubicle and told her it was time for her to look through their “brainstorm notebook” and see if any of the ideas peak her interest. Upon flipping through this “notebook”, a game involving a centipede caught her eye, and she quickly got to developing a prototype of the game.

Bailey put a lot of time into the visual aspects of the game, which took up a large portion of the games code space. However, Bailey says “To me, Centipedes visual appeal makes it special”. She was in fact not wrong, as Centipede remains Atari’s second most successful game to date.

Women in gaming roberta williams

Roberta Williams: The Name Behind the Graphical Adventure Games Genre

Roberta Williams is inarguably one of the most important figures in the history of video games. Williams is responsible for the development of the graphical adventure games genre, which combine graphics with text, to help shape a storyline to many games. Williams spent over 20 years developing this genre of games, and by the end of the 90’s, she was credited for over 30 top computer based video games, making her a pioneer for the industry and an icon for women in gaming. 

Mabel Addis: The Hidden Name Behind The First Game Ever Written

Born in 1912, Mabel Addis grew up to write the very first video game ever created. Addis, who pursued a career as a teacher, always had a passion for academia, and loved to develop new ways for her student ‘s to learn. With this in mind, it makes sense that the first video game ever written, called “The Sumerian Game” was created with academia for young students mind. 

Mabel played a crucial role in developing the game in collaboration with IBM, and was officially the first person to write a computer video game – ever! Read more about Mabel and her story here. 

Brenda Laurel: The First Female Atari Employee

Brenda Laurel is a long-term pioneer of the video game industry, and more recently also of the Virtual Reality industry. Laurel worked for Atari during the golden age of arcades, and played a key role in the development of various iconic games during this period. Reminiscing on her early day’s Atari, Laurel explains; “I had to kick the boys out of the women’s restroom because they were all in there smoking marijuana. I said ‘there’s a woman in the house now that actually has to go to the bathroom so get out of here’. It was crazy.” 

After her time as Head of Producers at Atari, Laurel moved on to work on her own company “Purple Moon” which focused on increasing female gamers, and strategies to get women involved in games. Purple Moon was built on a research-based design strategy, and making game characters accessible and relatable to a larger audience. Her work at both Atari and Purple Moon as well as her research in virtual reality have left a mark on the industry and serve as an inspiration for women in gaming – to last for decades to come. 

Women working at Williams for gaming manufacturing

The Women of Game Manufacturing from the 1980’s Onwards

Beyond game development and creation, women evidently also played a crucial role in the research and manufacturing process. Icons in research as well as marketing in the video game industry include Colette Weil as well as Mary Takatsuno, who’s work helped companies better understand players and cater to their diverse needs. Moreover, many women, such as the women pictured in the above image, worked for top companies like Williams Electronics to craft coin-operated pinball and arcade machines in the 80’s. 

The influence of women pioneers in the video game industry is often under looked when in fact, without these women, the industry would be vastly different to what it is today. As the industry continues to grow and develop, we look back at these pioneers with a sense of pride and gratefulness for all they’ve provided us with. Our arcade cabinets come equipped with hundreds of female developed games, to explore and pay homage to the women of gaming with. 

 

The Story of Nintendo: Nintendo’s Rise to the Top

Arcade Archives

NINTENDO: A TIMELINE OF THEIR RISE, FALL AND RESURGENCE

What started as a humble card company in 1889 turned into a gaming giant. But how did they get there?

a collage of nintendos logos throughout time

When we think of Nintendo today, we usually think of popular video games like Mario Kart and Zelda. However, few people know that the history of this video game giant goes all the way back to the late 1800’s. Founder, Fusajiro Yamauchi, created Nintendo in 1889, and began his venture by selling “Hanafuda” – also known as Japanese playing cards – in Kyoto, Japan. Let’s take a dive into the rich history of this video game icon, and see what got them to where they are today. 

Nintendo playing cards from 1889 original

The early days of Nintendo: 1889-1960

Nintendo was founded in 1889 as a humble Japanese card manufacturing company. Founder, Yamuachi, started producing and selling high-quality, authentic Hanafadu Cards, which were inspired by his own life-long love for card games (fun fact: to this day you can buy these authentic cards on Nintendo’s website, check them out here). Nintendo’s high-quality Hanafuda Cards quickly gained popularity, and spread throughout Japan. From 1890 to early 1929, Yamauchi led Nintendo’s success and developments, with their cards now mass produced and becoming a staple in Japanese homes. However, in 1930, Yamauchi retired and passed the reigns to his son-in-law, Sekiryo Kaneda. 

From 1930 to 1949, business ran smoothly, however the family faced various personal challenges, and it wasn’t until Hiroshi Yamauchi took over Nintendo that things on the board of the company settled back to normal.  In 1956, Hiroshi visited the United States, in hope of gaining some advice from the top playing card producer at the time; the USPCC. Upon his visit, he was shocked to discover that the world’s largest playing card company was based in a tiny office in Cincinnati. This experience allowed him to realise the limitations of the playing card industry, and start to dream bigger. 

 

New beginnings: 1960-1975

Following his revelation about the playing card industry, Hiroshi renamed Nintendo Playing Cards Ltd. to Nintendo. This change was followed by a strange but successful period for Nintendo, where by they expanded into various surprising industries including fast food, vacuum cleaners (if you don’t believe us read this article), as well as eventually electronic toy’s for kids. 

In 1965, one of Nintendo’s conveyor belt engineers, named Gunpei Yokoi, developed an arm shaped toy as a side project. Upon visiting one of the company’s factories, Hiroshi noticed this toy, and oredered Yokoi to create a prototype for him. The toy was released as the “Ultra Hand” and sold hundreds of thousands of units over the Christmas period. This success inspired Hiroshi to take Nintendo down the electronic toy route, which led to the development of further toys including the “Love Tester” the “Ten Billion Barrel” puzzle and the infamous “Nintendo Beam Gun”, which was the first light-gun ever released for home use. 

Nintendo factory in the 1970's
Nintendo video game era two children playing on handheld console

A jump into video games: 1975-1990:

In the 1970’s, Nintendo became highly involved with the development of some of the earliest video game consoles, with their expertise for electronic toys coming in handy for various accessories on the consoles of this era. By the late 1970’s, Nintendo began to release their very own arcade games, notably the “EVR Race” and “Color-TV Game 6”. However, it wasn’t until 1981 that Nintendo struck gold in the video game department, with their iconic arcade game “Donkey Kong” (with the protagonist plumber “Jump-Man” also known as Mario).  This was quickly followed by games including Mario Bros, Sky Skipper and Donkey Kong Jr – all of which laid the foundation for the Mario Franchise, which is of crucial value to Nintendo to this day.  

However, in 1989, Nintendo announced it’s withdrawal from producing arcade equipment, with a newfound focus on home entertainment systems and handhelds consoles – including the Nintendo Entertainment System. 

 

Nintendo Entertainment System and the Game Boy: 1990-2000

In 1989, Nintendo released the Game Boy, which was inspired by an earlier venture of theirs called the Game & Watch. The Game Boy was an immense hit worldwide, and amassed sales of almost 120 million units. Iconic games such as Tetris, Super Mario World and Zelda gained popularity with releases on the Game Boy, and characters including Mario became as well-known to children worldwide as Mickey Mouse. The release of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System led the company to further success, with the console sold out within three days in Japan. The release of the SNES was anticpated by competitors including SEGA, who attempted to out-do Nintendo with various aggressive campaigns promoting their new mascot, Sonic the Hedgehog. However, they ultimately failed, with Nintendo’s console reigning supreme with 50 million units sold worldwide. The early 1990’s were a golden era for Nintendo, but in 1995, thing took a turn. Sony’s release of the PlayStation, combined with fierce marketing campaigns targetting Nintendo’s loyal consumers, led to a drastic decrease in Nintendo’s market share. This was followed by a period of aggressive marketing strategies and innovative releases, some of which allowed Nintendo to keep their position, but some of which led to them facing enormous fines for anti-competitive behaviour. 

Nintendo gameboy original and 3 games including tetris and pokemon

Nintendo DS and Wii Era: 2004-2017

Following a rocky decade and the tragic death of Gunpei Yokoi, the company decided it was time for a drastic change. With the release of the DS, the Game Boy era came to an end, and Nintendo slowly began to see some improvements in their market position. This success was followed by the release of the Wii console, which targeted a larger demographic of gamers to previous consoles – one including casual gamers and children. Since no other company had considered underserved segments, they were unprepared for the Wii’s success, and it took them almost 5 years to create consoles to match the Wii’s purpose. 

Nintendo attempted to build of the success of these products with their Wii U and Nintendo 3DS, but unfortunately the company began to see losses once again, and reported their first net loss in 2012 since the company was founded. Considering the mass popularity of their games, and their iconic role in the history of video games, this was surprising – and we can vouch for the fact that their success with the Nintendo Switch in 2017 came as a big relief for video game fans, with fears of the company’s cease to exist growing.  

A collage of all nintendo characters

Nintendo today and visions for the future

Nintendo’s impact on the video game industry throughout history has been invaluable. From their inspiring and innovative products to their wonderful characters and their developments throughout the games, Nintendo has set many of the standards for games today. Their impact can also be seen on popular culture today, most recently in the release of the Mario Bros Movie (2023), featuring Chris Pratt and Anya Taylor-Joy. 

Various Nintendo games can be found on each of Maison Roshi’s arcade cabinets – from the classic Donkey Kong (which is harder than it looks!) to the lovable Super Mario World and Mario Kart series. Explore the arcades here and dive into the nostalgic world of retro gaming. 

The Story of the Silver Ball: Pinball Machines

Arcade Archives

PINBALL GAMES: FROM DECADE LONG BANS TO GOLDEN TITLES

From their 1940's ban to the biggest titles that persevere today, discover the wild history of pinball.

Vintage image of rockstar playing pinball game

With the newest member of the Maison Roshi family, The Jiraiya Pinball Machine, currently in development, we’ve come to reflect on the history of this part of the gaming industry. A quick search uncovers that the history of pinball is far from a simple one – from decade long bans to collaborations with pop culture icons, discover the iconic stories behind this crucial foundation of the retro gaming industry. 

Game hall with sailors playing on pinball machines

The first pinball machine post World War II 

The inspiration for the first pinball machines can be drawn back to a game called Bagatelle, invented by the French in the 18th century. However, the very first pinball machine to resemble what we know today was invented back in 1930, by a company called “Automatic Industries”, who called these machines “whiffle boards”. Their very first “whiffle boards” were quickly by various games still known today such as “Bingo” and “Baffle Ball”. These early pinball machines all had wooden legs and tables – a stark contrast to the chrome machines available on the market today. The popularity of pinball machines sky-rocketed after World War II, with the invention of “flippers”, which were introduced on the the “Humpty Dumpty” pinball machine, and soon-after on most pinball games.  

Rockstar playing on pinball machine with 80s style jacket

What caused the ban of pinball machines from 1940 to 1976?

When we think of pinball games today, we think of innocent, fun, retro entertainment machines. It’s difficult to image that these machines were banned in various states in the United States until just over 40 years ago.

There were two main reasons that pinball machines faced a ban in the early 1940´s. The first was introduced by New York Mayor, Fiorello La Guardia, who spread the belief that pinball machines were robbing school children of their hard earned nickels. La Guardia’s campaign was received with surprisingly positive sentiment from the public, and for a few years he ordered his officers to raid the city of all pinball machines – of which we found over a thousand (we would’ve hid ours away, as I’m sure many tried to)! The second, slightly more serious reason for the ban was that in the late 1930’s to early 1940’s, the games began to be affiliated with criminal organisations due to increased gambling and betting surrounding them. Most pinball machines of the time were produced in Chicago, and the city, which also happened to be criminal hub of the time, became the hotspot for pinball gambling.  This led to a further seizure of pinball machines across the United States and a public ordinance that coined (see what we did there) the games as “nuisances in public places”. 

 

Popular pinball titles and the influence of pop culture

Although the pinball industry took a major hit from the ban of these games, once the restrictions were lifted various major titles were developed, that remain iconic to the gaming industry today. 

Perhaps the most relevant of these to pop culture today is the Addams Family pinball machine. This machine sold a whopping 21,270 units in 1992, with 1,000 Gold Editions produced in a second run to celebrate this impressive sales record. The staggering number of sales of this specific game definitely came down to the popularity of the Addams Family, with their magical allure and the non-conforming, lovable characters. 

Other popular titles include Dirty Harry (1995), Black Night 2000 (1989), Xenon (1980), Eight Ball (1977) as well as newer pinball games including Godzilla (2021) and Iron Maiden – Legacy of the Beast (2018). 

Partially due to their controversial history, pinball machines arguably became a social symbol at one stage of their history, which is discernible in the various images of rockstars and creative directors and other artists playing pinball taken throughout the ages.   

Close Up of pinball game with woman jumping into ocean

Pinball today and Maison Roshi’s “Jiraiya” 

The influence of pinball games on the retro gaming and arcade industry, as well as popular culture as whole, should not be undermined. many of these games remain in high demand today, and with the development of new games and pinball gaming systems, their presence is unlikely to waver anytime soon. That’s why, we are beyond excited to announce our newest collection of entertainment units; the “Jiraiya” pinball machines. With prototype production well underway and first pre-orders processed, we will be sharing more information on the collection soon. Keep an eye on our website and our social media linked here, for more updates! 

Old school gaming hall with pinball machines

The Story of Computer Space: The Video Game That Inspired a New Era

Arcade Archives

COMPUTER SPACE: THE FIRST ARCADE GAME (EVER)

Who created the first arcade game and how can it's influence be seen in popular arcade games today?

cover image for computer space featuring an old ad for the game

The arcade game industry owes a whole lot to video game visionaries Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney. Though a series of rule breaking innovations and commercial risks, the pairs game “Computer Space” laid the groundwork for the phenomena of arcade games, inspiring a generation of game designers and paving the way for the legendary gaming empires like Atari. Dive into the history behind the first arcade game ever created, and it’s lasting influence on the industry today.  

Yellow retro arcade computer space game ad

The Beginning of Computer Space

In the early 1960’s, a video game titled “Spacewar!” spread across the United States. Although calling this game a video game is slightly glorified, fans of Science Fiction stories and tech in general went crazy for it. One of these hyper fans was Nolan Bushnell, a young engineer who was, at the time, studying at the University of Utah and working part-time at an amusement centre. Upon playing “Spacewar!”, Bushnell was struck with the idea that this game would perform well in an amusement centre. However, he faced a slight issue. Building a machine to host the game required significant investment – which Bushnell, as a university student, was not close to having. Feeling beat down, Bushnell gave up on the idea of a “Spacewar!” inspired arcade game. 

However, in the spring of 1970, things started to look up. By chance, Bushnell spotted an ad for a Data General Nova computer, which was set at an attainable price. Excited and re-inspired he rushed off to tell his friend, Ted Dabney, of his findings and after some discussion the pair agreed to work together to try and design a prototype of a “Spacewar!” game, made for amusement centres and public spaces. Following a series of both complications and solutions, Bushnell and Dabney founded Syzygy Engineering as an official company in January 1971, with a cash amount of US $350 each. 

 

The Big Release and Public Reaction to the Game

In the fall of 1971, the game (now named “Computer Space”) was finished and it was time for the big reveal. Bushnell and Dabney decided to run testing for this arcade game at a bar near Stanford University, called the Dutch Goose bar. To their delight, the game was received with great enthusiasm from local pub-goers. This inspired Nutting Associates, who at this point were involved in providing resources and funding for the project, to develop a set of Computer Space arcades, which were then sent out for further testing.

Every business story has it’s moment of downfall. Unfortunately for Computer Space this moment came around quite quickly, as despite its innovative approach and the excitement surrounding its space combat theme, Computer Space did not achieve commercial success. Bushnell attributed this to the game’s complexity, which he felt was too challenging for the average player, unfamiliar with video games. This perception, combined with the novelty of video games at the time, led to modest sales. 

However, just as every business venture has it’s pitfalls, it also sometimes has long term upsides. For Bushnell and Dabney, this – relatively momentous – benefit is that the learnings from Computer Space and their experience with Nutting Associates inspired them to start their own video game company, which we of course now know as Atari. 

Computer Space arcade game ad in newspaper

The Long-Term Impact of Computer Space

Although the success of Computer Space itself was modest, this game laid the foundation for various iconic arcade games that still lead the retro game industry today. The most notable of these was Pong, which was developed by Bushnell and Dabney soon after Computer Space’s release, and is responsible for the the explosive growth of the arcade gaming industry in the 1970’s and 1980’s. 

At Maison Roshi, what stands out most to us about Computer Space besides the inspiring, innovation filled story behind it, is the design of the arcade cabinet itself, as well as the ads that were crafted around it. Call us critical but we find that the look of this arcade, which came in various sleek colour-ways and a space-age-esque minimal design, is remarkably timeless compared to it’s later counterparts. Moreover, as mentioned and seen in the images above, the adverts for Computer Space were particularly eye-catching – they’ve definitely inspired us in our projects!

Computer Space was an iconic game, and it’s legacy lives on in the arcade games still adored today. Pro tip: If you happen to find one of these old arcade cabinets laying around, they now resell for about 60,000 US dollars – so think twice before you discard of it! 

The Best of Classic Retro Arcade Games

Arcade Archives

PIXEL PERFECT

5 Arcade Games That Are Fun As Ever - Must Try's For 2024

Retro arcade games on wooden arcade cabinets at Games Night event

In the past 20 years, arcade halls and the classic arcade games that filled these seemed like relics of the past – something to look back at with nostalgia but to strictly never approach again. However, recently a change has began to brew in the video game industry, with a growing sentiment of genuine intrigue toward retro arcade games, and their at once simple yet wonderfully entertaining qualities. From the re-introduction of trendy arcade halls into big city’s (hello NQ64 London) to the emergence of an increasing number of luxury home arcade cabinet companies (yes, us included), arcades suddenly seem to be the thing. We’ve curated an arcade beginner friendly list of the top 5 arcade games to try in 2024, guaranteed to get you introduced with the thrill and joy of retro gaming.

Super Mario Bros arcade game on Minato arcade

1. Super Mario Bros or Super Mario World

From our experience, whenever someone sees our arcade cabinets, it takes about 30 seconds for them to ask “Is there Super Mario on it?!”

The Mario franchise has worked long and hard to become one of the best known names in the video game industry. However, few know that the original Mario game was released on an arcade machine, way back in 1983. Now we may be biased, but the old school Super Mario Bros and Super Mario World are arguably even better than Nintendo’s newer Mario releases. From the nostalgic soundtrack to the surprisingly intricate level and character designs, these games deserve the top spot on our list of arcade classics to test out.

We will say however (having completed the entire Super Mario World game over the bleak winter months), that some levels can be incredibly tricky to pass.

If you’re looking for some top tips on passing levels or just need some guidance on how to play this game, be sure to check out our Super Mario mini guide here

2. Street Fighter II

There’s no doubt you’ve heard of the Street Fighter games before, but like Super Mario, these games are rooted in arcades. The first Street Fighter arcade game was released in 1987, and although it was a success it was its successor, Street Fighter II that made this franchise blow up.

As quoted by Seth Killian, Capcom Senior Manager, “Competing against a live opponent, in front of strangers, to see who kept their quarter, and who went to the back of the line? The experience was intoxicating.”

This statement still rings as true in 2024 as it did back in the 80’s. Street Fighter is an absolutely thrilling arcade game, that both arcade aficionados and players new to the game can enjoy. With it’s various characters, diverse landscapes and iconic soundtracks, this game will have you hooked. The Street Fighter II game is available on each of our arcade cabinets, ideal for your next Games Night arcade battle.

 

Wooden arcade with Street Fighter arcade game
Out Run arcade game on wooden luxury arcade cabinet

3. Out Run

A less known arcade game that we think deserves a spot on the best arcade games to try in 2024 is Out Run. For all of Formula 1 and car enthusiasts out there, this ones for you.

Out Run is an adrenaline inducing racing game released in 1986 by Sega. The aim of the game is to race to the top without crashing your (ever so stylish) red racing car. The game has multiple levels, with each more challenging than the last, and although there is no two player option, you get scored for your race time and quality of driving, making this a super fun, competitive game.

This game is a classic to add to your arcade game rotation. If you’re looking for some help in setting up the game on your Mason Roshi arcade or need top tips for how to play the game check out our Out Run guide.

4. Space Invaders

A true retro arcade game relic, Space Invaders might be the simplest game in terms of gameplay on our top picks. However, this game is not to be underestimated.

Let the facts speak for themselves: upon it’s release in Japan in 1978, Space Invaders became an immediate hit amongst young gamers in Japan. In fact, the game spread so quickly and widely that the country experienced a temporary Yen shortage. Moreover, the games popularity led to an increase in game related crimes, as many young gamers desperately tried to get coins just to play this game. The legend says that a girl was found to have stolen 5000 dollars from her parents, just to play Space Invaders.

If you want to really experience the wonders of old school gaming, test out Space Invaders the next time out get your hands on an arcade cabinet. For inspiration on getting that top score on the game, check out this guide we found and tested (hint: it works!)

 

 

Luxury arcade with Space Invaders game
Wooden arcade cabinet magical kingdom game

5. Magical Drop and Magical Drop II 

A less well-known arcade game, Magical Drop was first released in 1995. This game features a puzzle like structure, with an action like feel. With an excellent two player option, Magical Kindgom has got to be one of our go-to games for 2024.

The premise of the game is to collect as many “drops” of the same colour from a row of “drops” above you, and expel them from your arms to keep the “drops” from crashing down onto you – we promise it sounds far more complicated than it actually is. It reminds us of games like Puzzle Bubble and Tetris, except with more interesting characters and gameplay (sorry to all the Tetris enthusiasts!).

This super fun game is completed with colourful characters (with the coolest outfits) and a nostalgic soundtrack, and is honestly the perfect family friendly game for a good Games Night 1 vs. 1 contest.

 

The Story of Tetris: The Soviet “Mind Game”

Arcade Archives

TETRIS: THE SOVIET "MIND GAME"

A look into the complex history of Tetris, the Soviet "Mind Game", and how the game's legacy lives on today

History of Tetris, developer Pajitnov

It was the summer of 1984, and young Russian software engineer Alexey Pajitnov could not sleep. He was dreaming up puzzles to test the functions of the Soviet Electronika 60 computer, using a childhood game involving pentominoes. A few hours of mulling the idea over in his head gave birth to the thought of simplified digital version of the game, using minimal blocks with four edges that moved downwards on a screen. This was of course, the first conceptualisation of the game that we all know as Tetris. 

The Beginning of Tetris

After his initial conceptualisation and drafting of the game, the name Tetris was coined by Pajitnov, by merging the Greek prefix ‘tetra’ (meaning four) with his favourite game of the time; tennis. Shortly after it’s development, the game was distributed by Pajitnov’s co-workers via floppy disks and Tetris began to spread like wildfire. Within two years, the game reached Hungary, where software salesman Robert Stein first came across it, immediately recognising it’s potential. Stein tracked down and contacted Pajitnov and urgently requested the licensing rights for the game. However, due to the difficulties communicating into Soviet Russia at the time, this message was sent by telex machine. Pajitnov’s response was one showing relative interest, but the confident Stein took his response as a solid yes. This is of course where the problems began.

Tetris game on wooden arcade cabinet close up

The Chaos Begins

Stein, with his business hat on, failed to recontact Pajitnov about the rights, and went ahead in sub-licensing Tetris to British and American software publishers, who, having seen the potential of the game, wasted no time in launching the game to the public. Now you can imagine that when news of this reached ELORG, the Soviet organisation in charge of exporting software, alarm bells began to ring (hard). Stein’s spread of Tetris into the West was a shock to them, and they immediately summoned him Moscow for interrogation. Somehow, Stein managed to talk his way out of the situation, and acquired the proper rights for Tetris. 

 

Rogers and Tetris for the Game Boy

Henk Rogers was a software entrepreneur, working for the American firm that Stein had sold the “unofficial” rights for Tetris to. Around 1988, having seen the publics reaction to Tetris, Rogers discerned that there was an even larger potential for the game, that being it’s introduction into Japan. After a series of cocky and brave business moves, Roger’s sold the console rights for the game to Atari, allowing for it’s expansion into Japan. However, he didn’t stop here. Soon after, Rogers decided he also wanted to publish the game on Nintendo’s new handheld console, the Game Boy.

Rogers was foolish. He flew to Moscow, without an invite, and set up a meeting with  ELORG’s fearsome boss, Belikov, in an attempt to convince him of his plan. Belikov was furious. Luckily, Pajitnov was sat in on the meeting, and took a liking to Rogers. He mediated between the two men, and eventually got Belikov to agree to the contract. However, in the process of this development,  Stein was exposed for the inauthentic licenses sold to Rogers, and he was soon after denied the right to ever publish Tetris again – unfortunately destroying Atari’s stake in the process.

 

Retro tetris advert history of tetris
History Of Tetris arcade cabinet retro inspired

Tetris Today – Where’s Pajitnov Now and How Does the Game Live On?

Throughout the complex history of this iconic game, and it’s takeover of the video game industry, it’s creator, Pajitnov never received a dime for the game. It wasn’t until about 20 years ago that ELORG finally reverted the rights of the game to their rightful owner. In the beginning of the 2000’s, Pajitnov and Rogers founded The Tetris Company, allowing the pair to keep the game alive today. Tetris is now available on countless consoles and mobile apps, and is recognised as one of the most influential games in the history of arcade games. Beyond it’s entertaining qualities, various studies have shown the long term benefits of playing Tetris, rooted in it’s improvement of the problem solving parts of our brains.

So, the next time you scroll through the games list on your arcade, why not test out Tetris? It’s simple, yet highly addictive gameplay will have you hooked, and it’s easy two players interface makes it a fun game to compete in with friends and family – if you need any inspiration, just check out this video from the official Tetris Tournament (it’s seriously impressive).