By Mary-Ellis Ryan

If you are a gamer who misses the feel of old-school arcades, Retrocade might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Retrocade is basically your very own portable arcade machine. Actually, it’s arcade machines as it includes multiple games, all with designs that match the style and vibe of the game play. 

What makes Retrocade stand out is how it recreates the nostalgic arcade feeling without needing to travel to an actual arcade – or to buy a more expensive arcade machine. Just like a real arcade, the variety of games keeps it interesting and the uniquely-themed designs make each game feel like its own mini experience. 

The best part is that its gameplay is simple, no explanations needed. You simply, if playing on an iPad touch screen, drag your fingers across the screen. If you’re using a keyboard, just use the arrows to control the directions. However, the game is sure to include a straight to the point how-to-play guide designed specifically for each game – for new players and beginners.

Currently, there are nine different arcade machines, including:

• Asteroids, where your objective is to destroy the asteroids and flying saucers without being hit.
• Pac-Man, one of the most known and popular games of all time. The objective is to eat all the dots while avoiding the four ghosts.
• Space Invaders, where you have to eliminate all alien invaders coming from above while avoiding their laser fire.

The sheer variety is bound to keep you entertained.

Each arcade machine is specifically designed to match the vibe of the particular offering. The effort put into matching the visuals to each is very distinctive. Each machine includes realistic details with the parts of a real machine, such as coin slots, all while having different designs. For example, the Pac-Man machine is bright yellow, clearly reflecting Pac-Man himself, while the machine for Space Invaders is blue and decorated with illustrations of evil monsters and aircraft. 

These unique designs as well were applied with the seven other machines. The designs are all incredibly creative and unique, yet they still perfectly match the aesthetic and atmosphere of each game, maintaining the overall retro feel.

What instantly scream’s arcade? The red joystick! In several of the arcade games, there’s a joy stick which you use to control movement, digital versions of the ones on actual machines. It’s an impressive addition because it looks almost real enough to grab and it times perfectly with your movements. 

For example take Galage in which you destroy all attacking, colorful, swirling alien formations before they get you.

Breakout is another game with a similar feature but rather than a joystick it uses a paddle control knob. For some context, the objective of this game is to destroy all the bricks at the top of the screen by deflecting a ball. This was especially my favorite because I wasn’t expecting the knob to actually rotate when I moved the paddle. Once again the attention to detail is impressive. 

The texture on the center makes it look realistic, and the reflection on the outer circle resembles actual rubber. The same can be said about the serve button, which has reflections and texture that makes it appear like real silver. All of these factors all work together to make the game much more immersive.

With reservations, I enjoyed how in the how-to guide, included a control which says, Press 1 to insert coin, and Press 2 to start on all games. It was disappointing to discover that these controls didn’t actually do anything. It would have been even better if the developers had gone an extra step to add an interactive response, such as requiring a coin to begin incorporating an animation of some sort – along with the sound of a coin dropping in. This extra addition would have definitely leveled up the whole experience even more.

If you’re ready for something more difficult, Retrocade has something extra as well. Not only can you compete on the leader board, but you can also complete daily challenges to earn tickets and gain XP to increase your level.

Challenges include destroying 25 enemies without losing a ship, completing a level with a hit-miss ratio of 50 percent or higher, and taking out 20 invaders. Each challenge is created specifically for each game and has different tasks each day making it more fun!

Overall Retrocade is a great game when you’re looking to pass time and enjoy something simple but entertaining. If you’re searching for something plot-driven, Retrocade may not be the right choice for you. However once you start playing it’s easy to get hooked by the variety, simplicity and realistic feel.

Mary-Ellis Ryan attends Baruch High School. She is the one of the newest interns at the New York Videogame Critics Circle.

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