Times have changed since the release in 1971 of Computer Space, a coin-operated arcade video game. The games creator, Nolan Bushnell, eventually founded Atari, the company that helped launch a $17 billion gaming business. Forty years and a $46.5 billion video game market later, quarter-operated pinball machines have been replaced by high-tech digital play in the world of Xbox 360s and Nintendo Wii systems.
What is the next revolution in gaming? For Power Play owners Steven and Gillian Foster, it is the launch of a new interactive gaming venue – drawing players out of their living rooms and into social, community space.
Trading in the typical carnival prize stuffed animal for an Apple iPod Nano raises the stakes at the new Power Play gaming lounge on the second floor of Lincoln Square in Bellevue. The $4 million sibling of Lucky Strike Lanes & Lounge held its Grand Opening event on Thursday, Oct. 22, unveiling 18,000 square-feet of interactive gaming and party space.
Power Play was a two-year project in the making and resulted in a custom space connected to Lucky Strike through a conjoined entrance. The new venue is open to all ages during the day and to 21 and over after 9 p.m. The venue includes a full-service bar and a “Power Bites” menu created by Executive Chef Bill Starbuck, in conjunction with Along Came Mary gourmet catering in Los Angeles.
Along with the classic shoot-em-up games, Power Play takes it up a notch with games such as the Sega Outrun 2 Super Deluxe, a car racing game with four to-scale Ferrari rear-ends and 62-inch high-definition television. Gamers can also get behind the wheel in the two player Sega HUMMER off-road simulator or the Sega Harley Road King. Guitar Hero addicts can get their fix on the first ever coin-operated Guitar Hero Game on a 32-inch LCD monitor with high-definition graphics.
The new Bellevue location is the first Power Play concept in the country and includes more than 75 game stations and space accommodating up to 800 people.
Test your jewel-thief skills in the Laser Chamber, a darkened room pitting a single player against the clock to navigate to the opposite side of the room without breaking any of the red beams. Video screens displayed outside the Laser Chamber let others watch the action live.
Sports fans can get their fix on the Pro Sports Pack, a series of full-size Major League Baseball, National Football League and National Basketball Association themed games or tee off in front of a 50-inch flat screen monitor on the Golden Tee Live game.
With an amped up gaming selection, quarters are traded in for a loyalty card program. Game prices range from 50 cents per play to $3. Loyalty cards can be purchased with credit card or cash, for a minimum of $1 up to $100.
The venue offers dozens of redemption-style games with prizes worth playing for including plasma televisions, mp3 players and Xbox 360s.
Bowling and game playing packages will be available in the near future. For now, gaming cards are available for purchase and bowling per hour. For more information, visit www.bowlluckystrike.com.
Lindsay Larin can be reached at 425.453.4602.
