In which case it's a music video! 😆

Wouldn't that be a funny coincidence if so!

Today's weather is perfect for some stair-step exercise up and down the Mandarake Complex building. 爆買い日和！

That's super exciting!!

We'll just miss each other, huh 😆

Hope you get some lucky finds there!

It always seems special to play a fighter using a matching stick, like the two were made for each other.

Like, of course you /gotta/ use the Capcom SFII stick to play Street Fighter 2 Special Champion Edition...!

Ah, quite!

I've been had! It all returns further back!

(There are conflicting schools of thought on the topic regarding whether "dessin animé" was the etymological origin but my personal take is the simple 「アニメーション」を略して「アニメ」)

Definitely. I always get a little nervous whenever an arcade like this closes. Sometimes it changes hands, other times it's totally reworked into a different kind of facility, or just torn down.

Glad that it doesn't seem to be the case this time.

I'm glad I was able to visit so soon after the renewal!
I hope that the Sega tribute, in addition to being a sweet gesture, is a sign that there's awareness of just how significant this spot is in arcade gaming history.

The updates boosted accessibility and comfort, which I hope visitors can enjoy!

Although I'm sad to see some of the vestiges of Sega's influence starting to fade, its core is still there.

SILK HAT TOKYO also has a bar and darts space on the top floor, but it's still a video arcade at heart, with classic roots dating back 33 years.

This was Lete Lyre reporting from Tokyo. 👋

了

Outside of the basement, every floor of the building has had its layout adjusted, some drastically.

Everything is clean and polished, like a good portion of the space was cleaned and modestly renewed in some subtle ways.

Staff are friendly and proactive, and the space's energy feels bright.

(3/4)

Quick history: the arcade dates back to 1992, as Hi-Tech Land Sega Shintoku.

Many remember it by its past Club Sega Akihabara, or most recently as GiGO Akihabara #1.

I've personally visited this ゲーセン in both its Sega /and/ GiGO days, seeing the arcade evolve over time.

💭Some quick thoughts:
(2/4)

That's the way to do it!

I tend to also have a lot of business travel this time is year, so it makes for a good excuse to explore and sightsee in the gaps.

An evening cup of coffee at the cafe and it's time for adventuring! (I just did this, I am exhausted. I will not learn, I will do it again.)

Some quick comparison shots:
Kakyuusei (PC-98) vs Kakyuusei Remake (PC)

Now, that is a wonderfully giant Christmas tree.

10/10, no notes.

This is further proof that locking in on rhythm games really helps unleash our evolved potential