Let’s be honest: there is a very specific kind of joy that comes from the flashing lights, the cacophony of 8-bit sound effects, and the satisfying clack-clack-clack of a joystick. Arcade games have been a source of entertainment for decades, providing thrilling experiences for players of all ages.
For many of us, childhoods were filled with the joy and excitement of these games. Whether it was the colourful lights of a local arcade, the sticky carpet of a bowling alley, or the competitive thrill of finally beating your older sibling’s high score, those memories stick.
But here is the good news: you don’t have to leave those memories in the past. In fact, the arcade scene in Melbourne is bigger and better than ever. At What The Putt, we’ve combined the nostalgia of the classic arcade with the modern vibe of a mini golf bar, creating a playground where adults can be kids again (but with better drinks).
Arcade games provide an opportunity for friends to challenge each other’s skills, and the atmosphere is always buzzing. The music and catchy tunes remain etched in memories and add to the sense of adventure while playing. Whether you are here for a birthday party, a date night, or just a Saturday session, the arcade is where the real competition happens.
Why We Are Obsessed with the Arcade
It’s not just about the games; it’s about the feeling. In a world where we are glued to our phones and playing games in isolation, the arcade brings us back together.
It is tactile. It is loud. It is social.
When you are standing shoulder-to-shoulder with your best mate, frantically mashing buttons on Street Fighter, you aren’t thinking about your emails or your deadlines. You are purely in the moment. This is why venues like What The Putt have become the go-to for Indoor mini golf and entertainment. We offer a space where you can disconnect from the 2 digital grind and reconnect with the people around you – usually by crushing them at Air Hockey.
The Best Arcade Games at What The Putt
Let’s have a closer look at some of the arcade games loved by so many, and specifically, the ones you can get your hands on right here in Brunswick. We’ve curated a mix of the absolute classics and the modern legends to ensure there is something for every kind of player.
Street Fighter II
The Fighter’s Choice
Street Fighter II remains one of the most favoured fighting games in the world, and for good reason. When this game hit the scene, it changed everything. It introduced players to a diverse cast of characters, from Ryu to Chun-Li, each with unique fighting styles, and allowed them to battle each other in intense one-on-one combat.
It was revolutionary for its time, bringing complex combo moves and special attacks to the arcade for fast-paced action. At What The Putt, this machine is a magnet for competitive groups. It was a staple of Australian arcades during the ’90s and is still fondly remembered by many who spent hours honing their ” Hadouken ” skills. If you want to settle a dispute with a mate, this is the place to do it.
Air Hockey
The Fast-Paced Thriller
While technically not a traditional video game, Air Hockey is a staple in Australian arcades and has been a favourite for generations. There is something primal about it. The fast-paced nature of the game, where two players use a paddle to furiously defend their goal while trying to slot the puck past their opponent, provides an interactive experience that requires speed, quick reflexes, and strategic thinking.
It’s a game that’s easy to learn but difficult to master, making it appealing to a wide range of players. You don’t need to know complex controls; you just need to be fast. Air Hockey is a common arcade game in Melbourne, and at What The Putt, it sees some of the fiercest rivalries. The sheer speed of the puck and the loud crack as it hits the goal makes for a thrilling social experience.
Basketball (NBA Legends)
The Hoop Dreams
Shooting as many hoops as you can while the clock ticks down is a favourite in arcades and a fun way to challenge your friends. NBA Legends allows anyone to have a go. You don’t need to be 6-foot-tall to dominate here; you just need rhythm.
As you perfect your stance, improve your aim, and get the arc of your shot spot on, you’ll
see those points rack up. The pressure is on to see how many balls you can throw in the
time limit, and there is nothing quite like the adrenaline of sinking a buzzer-beater to beat
your friend’s score by one point. This arcade game is a nice change of pace away from the
screens and gives your trigger fingers a rest while getting your body moving.
Skee-Ball
The Skill Tester
Perfect for those who want to perfect their aim, bring out your competitive side with a game of Skee-Ball. It is the ultimate carnival classic brought indoors. The object of the game is to roll a ball up an inclined lane and get it over a ‘ball hop’ hump at the far end. You want the ball to land in one of the bullseye rings, each with a different point value.
Do you play it safe and aim for the easy 10-pointers? Or do you risk it all for the corner 100- point ring? Collect as many points as possible with a limited number of balls. This game is fantastic for dates or chilled-out groups because it’s less aggressive than the fighting games but still requires a steady hand and a keen eye.
Buck Hunter
The Sharpshooter
If you pride yourself on your reaction times, Big Buck Hunter is the machine for you. It has become a cult classic in bars and arcades across the world. The premise is simple: you are the hunter, and you need to bag the biggest game while avoiding the innocent does.
It requires precision, patience, and a steady hand (which can be tricky after a few cocktails from our Mini golf bar!). It’s the perfect game for group tournaments – winner stays on, loser buys the next round. It brings a big game energy that gets everyone watching and cheering.
Space Invaders & Retro Classics
The Originals
We couldn’t call ourselves an arcade without the granddaddy of them all. Space Invaders is often thought to be one of the most influential games in history. As a shooter with a laser cannon at the bottom of the screen, you need to defend the earth from a descending wall of pixelated aliens.
As they move closer to your ship, the music speeds up…thump-thump-thump…and the intensity builds. It is pure, unadulterated stress in the best possible way. Alongside our other retro offerings, these games allow you to travel back in time to when gaming was simplistic, difficult, and endlessly fun.
The King
The Power Move
Think you’re tough? Prove it. The King is the ultimate test of brute strength. It’s the boxing machine that challenges you to punch the bag as hard as you physically can.
This is usually the highlight of a Bucks party or a rowdy Friday night. It’s not about finesse; it’s about raw power. Gather the crew, roll up your sleeves, and find out who really is the heavy hitter of the group. (Just make sure you stretch first!).
Foosball
The Tabletop Classic
Another undisputed champion of the arcade is Foosball, or table soccer. Using miniature
figures of players controlled by rotating rods, you have to spin, pass, and strike the ball into
your opponent’s goal.
The adrenaline is sure to get pumping with this one. It’s fast, it’s chaotic, and it usually results in a lot of shouting and laughter. It’s the perfect game for 2v2 doubles matches, making it ideal for double dates or settling scores between departments at your work party.
Pinball
The Silverball Wizard
While not a video game, pinball machines have been a cornerstone of the arcade industry
for many years. In Australia, pinball has a dedicated following, and at What The Putt, we
keep that tradition alive.
Pinball offers a tactile and engaging experience that screens just can't replicate. It is a battle against gravity. You need to use the flippers to keep the silver ball alive, hitting ramps, targets, and bumpers to trigger multi-balls and high scores. It’s a great way to test your 5 hand-eye coordination and reflexes. Plus, there is something undeniably cool about leaning over a lit-up pinball machine, mastering the table.
Level Up Your Next Event
We all know the struggle of planning a Christmas party or a birthday bash. You want something that caters to everyone. Some people want to drink, some want to dance, and some want to do something.
This is where the arcade/bar combo shines.
When you book a function at What The Putt, you aren’t just getting a table and a few platters of food. You are giving your guests an entertainment playground. The arcade games act as the perfect icebreaker. It’s hard to be awkward with your boss when you are both trying to furiously beat the high score on NBA Legends.
For Christmas party groups, specifically, the arcade offers a great “after-party” vibe. Once the round of Mini golf is finished and the speeches are done, the group can drift over to the arcade, grab a drink, and keep the night going. It bridges the gap between a formal event and a fun night out.
The Perfect “Hard-To-Buy-For” Solution
Speaking of Christmas, let’s talk gifts. We all have that one friend or family member who is impossible to buy for. They don’t want socks, and they definitely don’t need another candle.
Give them the gift of nostalgia.
Grab a What The Putt Gift Card.
Why is this the ultimate win?
1.Experience over Stuff: You’re giving them a night out, not clutter.
2. Versatility: They can use it for Indoor mini golf, drinks at the bar, or food.
3. Instant Delivery: Perfect for the last-minute shoppers among us (we see you).
It’s the perfect stocking stuffer that says, ” I know you like to have fun, ” rather than ” I panic- bought this at the chemist “
Ready to Play?
Arcade games continue to bring people together for fun, competition, and nostalgia. The charm lies not only in the gameplay but also in the shared experience they provide.
Whether you’re revisiting a childhood favourite like Space Invaders or discovering that you are actually a Buck Hunter prodigy, the arcade scene in Brunswick remains vibrant and full of excitement. What The Putt has the best collection of arcade games in Melbourne, ready for you to explore.
An enjoyable time will be had by you and your friends with a round of Mini golf followed by some serious gaming.
Game On!
Ready to set a new high score? Book your spot online today or grab a Gift Card for the gamer in your life. The leaderboard is waiting for you!