by: Roger Barr

A few months back, we attended the very first Arcade Expo in Banning, California. What drew us in was that the three-day event was touted as the largest arcade & pinball gaming exposition in Southern California, situated in a 40,000+ square foot space and housing over 750 games. They were even going to attempt to break the Guinness world record for the most people playing pinball simultaneously under one roof. Impressive numbers, yes? Yes, indeed! So, while Banning is basically located way out in the middle of nowhere, there was no way we were going to miss this event.

The following pages contain photos of all the arcade, pinball, and general gaming fun at the inaugural 2015 Arcade Expo. Hope you enjoy this trip back to a time when arcades ruled the world!

Upon arriving, visitors were greeted by this awesome BurgerTime model directly across from the check-in counter.

Various books on pinball and other coin-operated machines.

Some old slot machine marquees, including one featuring Ed McMahon.

Miscellaneous buttons and promos. Who remembers Iomega Zip Drives?

In need of pinball machine parts? Arcade Expo has you covered.

Barely noticed these two vintage Frogger & Centipede Video Arcade Gum containers.

Always great to see the very first issue of Nintendo Power, featuring Super Mario Bros. 2!

The old Stunt Pilot game, complete with moving parts inside.

A closer look at the Stunt Pilot gameplay area.

Junkyard put a fun spin on crane machines.

Super Chexx air hockey! Always loved these classic hockey dome games.

Atari 2600 Pac-Man hooked up to an old Commodore monitor. Can't go wrong with those sound effects!

Pinball ramps and backglass including Medusa.

It's rare that I get the opportunity to play in a Discs of Tron environmental cab. Still my all-time favorite arcade cabinet.
I just want to live in this thing.

A Joust cocktail arcade game isn't something you see every day either. Such a fun 2-player game.

This old Pengo cocktail was kept on ice for decades.

An early Sega "Missile" arcade game from way back in 1969.

If you're looking for a fun novelty game, I suggest checking out the Airball arcade cabinet.

I'm in love with this Blue Shark arcade cabinet by Midway.

LOVE!

S.A.M.I. - Surface to Air Missile Interceptor!

Love these classic arcade games that combined real model parts with projected enemy images.

I've never been a huge sports fan, but this 1979 Atari Basketball game is simply too much fun. Forget about NBA Jam, this game simply pits two players against each other and you must frantically roll your rollerball to each end of the court.
Suffice to say, there was a lot of yelling and shit-talking taking place between Dr. Boogie and I while we played it.

I hunger for the cockpit arcade version of Sinistar!

Always good to see everyone's favorite fire-breathing Russian, Karnov, still working his arcade magic after all these years.

There are still more Arcade Expo photos to see!
Click here to continue onward to page 2!