IT'S game on for Southampton arcade lovers.
Pure paradise for players of all ages, a brand new family entertainment centre has launched just in time for half term.
The fun-packed and completely unique amusement venue High Score has opened its doors on East Street and boasts hundreds of different titles all free to play and unlimited once you've paid your one off entry fee.
The line-up for gamers includes old school classics like Pac-Man and Space Invaders, pinball tables and sports games like basketball and air hockey.
There's also some of the latest amusement machines to hit the market from Sega and Namco, including lots of Sonic, plus a bowling game, ski, motorbike and car simulators and a grabber machine.
Young gamers like my three-year-old can climb onboard a dolphin for a more gentle adventure and my six-year-old adored taking on her grandma at dancing and hopping contests.
The venue also features a super-sized 3.5m x 2m video wall, which will host a different feature game each month as a centrepiece attraction.
Covid forced a long dreamed of change of direction for the team behind the arcades, which previously hired out its 400 or so games for work places, corporate events and parties.
The launch of the Southampton venue follows success at the first High Score arcade in Newbury.
A third venue is due to open in Farnborough in the summer with locations four and five not far behind.
Founder David Field told the Daily Echo: "Following the success of our first location in Newbury, we are excited to be providing Southampton with this brand-new leisure activity.
"We have for many years had a desire and passion to build a fun experience for parents to share with their children and in particular, an activity that would be positioned as genuine ‘value for money’ and will have guests leaving with a smile on their faces.
“We are looking forward to bringing this new concept for locals to enjoy and are delighted to be creating new jobs in these rather unusual times.
“Our vision is to provide a safe and fun experience for families and friends.”
£9.95 buys players a pass to play as many games as they like in one hour. Under fives play for free and family discounts are available.
Games will be regularly switched around the various locations and exclusive hire and children's birthday parties will follow soon.
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