{{Short description|2022 video game}} {{Use mdy dates|date=September 2024}} {{Infobox VG |title=Arcade Paradise |image=Arcade paradise.png |caption= |developer=Nosebleed Interactive |publisher=[[Wired Productions]] |engine=[[Unity (game engine)|Unity]] |released={{vgrelease|WW|August 11, 2022}}{{vgrelease|WW|October 13, 2022}} (Luna, Stadia) |genre=[[Business simulation game|Business simulation]], [[Action game|action]] |modes=[[Single-player]] |platforms=[[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[Amazon Luna|Luna]], [[Nintendo Switch]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[PlayStation 5]], [[Xbox One]], [[Xbox Series X/S]] |media= }}
'''''Arcade Paradise''''' is a [[Business simulation game|business simulation]] video game developed by Nosebleed Interactive and published by [[Wired Productions]]. It was released August 11, 2022, for [[Microsoft Windows]], [[Nintendo Switch]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[PlayStation 5]], [[Xbox One]], and [[Xbox Series X/S]] and October 13, 2022, for [[Amazon Luna]] and [[Google Stadia]]. The player character grows a struggling laundromat business into a thriving arcade. It received mixed to generally favorable reviews from critics. [[Metacritic]] aggregate scores range from 72 out of 100 for Windows, and 83 out of 100 for Switch.
==Gameplay and synopsis== [[File:Arcade paradise gameplay.png|thumb|left|''Arcade Paradise'' is a [[business simulation game]] in which the player character both manages an arcade and can play each individual game.]] Set in 1993,<ref name="rps preview">{{Cite web |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/flip-your-dads-laundromat-into-an-arcade-in-arcade-paradise |title=Flip your dad's crap laundromat into a local hotspot in Arcade Paradise |first=Lauren |last=Morten |accessdate=July 17, 2023 |publisher=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]] |date=March 29, 2021 |archive-date=July 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717154354/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/flip-your-dads-laundromat-into-an-arcade-in-arcade-paradise |url-status=live }}</ref> the player controls Ashley Goldman, whose father, Gerald, is the owner of King Wash laundromat. Ashley is left to run the laundromat while Gerald is away. They discover arcade games in the back room, and realizes these machines could bring in more money than the laundromat itself. As Gerald does not approve or believe in this potential, Ashley sets out to prove him wrong by building out the arcade space in secret with the help of their sister Lesley and others. As the popularity of King Wash increases, Ashley purchases additional arcade machines, eventually converting the laundromat into a full arcade.<ref name="ign preview">{{Cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/arcade-paradise-hands-on-preview-retro-game-inception |publisher=[[IGN]] |accessdate=July 17, 2023 |title=Arcade Paradise Preview: It's Retro-Game Inception |first=Gabriel |last=Moss |date=September 21, 2021 |archive-date=July 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717162502/https://www.ign.com/articles/arcade-paradise-hands-on-preview-retro-game-inception |url-status=live }}</ref>
''Arcade Paradise'' is an adventure game that combines elements of [[Business simulation game|business simulation]] with occasional [[quick time event]]s. The player character is controlled from a [[First-person (video games)|first-person perspective]]. Players collect money by completing tasks such as doing laundry, taking out the garbage, cleaning chewing gum from surfaces, cleaning the toilet, and emptying the coin hoppers from the various machines. The player must also balance their health and work life. For example, if the player does not return home at night they may faint from lack of rest.<ref name="ign preview" /> Arcade games provide income through their use and popularity with customers. Players can adjust the cost to play each game, the game's difficulty, and other features to attempt to maximize profit. Additional arcade machines can also be purchased, with 35 games in total available for the base game,<ref name="rps preview" /> and additional games made available through [[downloadable content]]. Games range from early vector graphics to 32-Bit graphics, and genres include racing, puzzle, action, and more.<ref name="eurogamer preview">{{Cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/turn-a-grim-laundromat-into-a-bustling-90s-arcade-in-vostok-inc-devs-arcade-paradise |date=March 29, 2021 |first=Matt |last=Wales |publisher=[[Eurogamer]] |accessdate=July 17, 2023 |title=Turn a grim laundromat into a bustling 90s arcade in Vostok Inc. dev's Arcade Paradise}}</ref> Each arcade game is fully playable, and some feature local multiplayer for 2–4 players.<ref name="ign preview" />
==Development and marketing== ''Arcade Paradise'' was unveiled at [[E3 2021|Electronic Entertainment Experience 2021 (E3 2021)]].<ref name="kotaku E3 2021">{{Cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/40-hidden-gems-at-e3-2021-1847085506 |publisher=[[Kotaku]] |title=40 Hidden Gems At E3 2021 |accessdate=July 17, 2021 |date=June 12, 2021 |first=Ari |last=Notis |archive-date=August 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802004526/https://kotaku.com/40-hidden-gems-at-e3-2021-1847085506 |url-status=live }}</ref> It was first released August 11, 2022, for [[Microsoft Windows]], [[Nintendo Switch]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[PlayStation 5]], [[Xbox One]], and [[Xbox Series X/S]],<ref name="forbes review">{{Cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/mattgardner1/2022/08/11/arcade-paradise-review-a-must-have-ode-to-classic-coin-ops/?sh=33d193933591 |first=Matt |last=Gardner |work=[[Forbes]] |title='Arcade Paradise' Review: An Essential Ode To Classic Coin-Ops |date=August 11, 2022 |access-date=July 17, 2023 |archive-date=May 31, 2026 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20260531162927/https://www.forbes.com/sites/mattgardner1/2022/08/11/arcade-paradise-review-a-must-have-ode-to-classic-coin-ops/?sh=33d193933591 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="consoles release">{{Cite web |url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/arcade-paradise-release-date-trailer-nosebleed/ |publisher=[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]] |title=Arcade Paradise, a Sim with 35+ Playable Games, Launches in August |first=John |last=Frischa |date=June 29, 2022 |accessdate=August 30, 2023 |archive-date=August 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230830193225/https://www.escapistmagazine.com/arcade-paradise-release-date-trailer-nosebleed/ |url-status=live }}</ref> followed by [[Amazon Luna]] and [[Google Stadia]] on October 13, 2022,<ref name="amazonluna IG">{{Cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/Cjq259kLyvx/ |title=Amazon Luna on Instagram: "New on Retro Channel: Arcade Paradise. Manage the daily tasks of running the family laundromat, and rebel against your father's wishes to create a games arcade your town will love!" |publisher=[[Amazon (company)|Amazon]] via [[Instagram]] |date=October 13, 2022 |accessdate=July 17, 2023}}</ref><ref name="stadia">{{Cite web |url=https://community.stadia.com/t5/Stadia-Community-Blog/Next-up-on-Stadia-Arcade-Paradise-amp-Martha-is-Dead-from-Wired/ba-p/82813 |publisher=Google |title=Next up on Stadia: Arcade Paradise and Martha is Dead |date=September 15, 2022 |accessdate=August 8, 2023 |archive-date=November 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114094626/https://community.stadia.com/t5/Stadia-Community-Blog/Next-up-on-Stadia-Arcade-Paradise-amp-Martha-is-Dead-from-Wired/ba-p/82813 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Newcastle upon Tyne]]-based developer Nosebleed Interactive purposely chose a boring job for the player character to further the draw to arcade games.<ref name="nosebleed">{{Cite web |title=Nosebleed Interactive |url=https://www.nosebleedinteractive.com/ |accessdate=July 23, 2023 |publisher=Nosebleed Interactive |archive-date=July 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722075927/https://www.nosebleedinteractive.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Their initial idea was for the game to be set in a [[video rental store]], but found that it was too idealistic for the situation. They also considered a pizzeria, but finally settled on a laundromat when they found the King Wash Laundromat asset pack for the Unreal Engine.<ref name="eurogamer backstory">{{Cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/arcade-paradise-and-the-mission-to-find-the-most-boring-job-in-the-world |publisher=[[Eurogamer]] |accessdate=July 17, 2023 |date=June 6, 2023 |first=Robert |last=Purchese |title=Arcade Paradise and the mission to find the most boring job in the world |archive-date=July 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717150817/https://www.eurogamer.net/arcade-paradise-and-the-mission-to-find-the-most-boring-job-in-the-world |url-status=live }}</ref> While the laundromat assets were developed for Unreal Engine, the game itself uses the [[Unity (game engine)|Unity]] game engine.<ref name="unity">{{Cite web |url=https://blog.unity.com/games/made-with-unity-2022-in-review |title=Made with Unity: 2022 in review |date=December 27, 2022 |first=Michael |last=Saver |publisher=[[Unity Technologies]] |access-date=July 17, 2023 |archive-date=June 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630183252/https://blog.unity.com/games/made-with-unity-2022-in-review |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Doug Cockle]], known for his voice acting as [[Geralt of Rivia]] from ''[[The Witcher (video game series)|The Witcher]]'' video game series, provides the voice of the player character's father, Gerald.<ref name="ign preview" />
Multiple [[downloadable content]] packages were released for the game. On December 15, 2022 ''Arcade Paradise'' added its first licensed arcade game ''[[Kung Fury#Video game|Kung Fury: Street Rage]]'', which was a companion game to the 2015 film ''[[Kung Fury]]''.<ref name="gamespot kung fury">{{Cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/arcade-paradise-adds-first-licensed-game-and-it-fits-right-in/1100-6510075/ |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |title=Arcade Paradise Adds First Licensed Game, And It Fits Right In |first=Game |last=Gurwin |date=December 15, 2022 |accessdate=July 17, 2023 |archive-date=July 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717162501/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/arcade-paradise-adds-first-licensed-game-and-it-fits-right-in/1100-6510075/ |url-status=live }}</ref> A second pack containing three games was released on February 13, 2023. The arcade games can be purchased as two separate packs, or individually.<ref name="destructiod dlc 2">{{Cite web |url=https://www.destructoid.com/arcade-paradise-gets-second-dlc-pack-today/ |publisher=[[Destructoid]] |date=February 13, 2023 |accessdate=July 17, 2023 |title=Arcade Paradise gets second DLC pack today |first=Zoey |last=Handley |archive-date=July 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717162501/https://www.destructoid.com/arcade-paradise-gets-second-dlc-pack-today/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Reception== {{Video game reviews |compilation = yes <!--AGGREGATE SCORES--> |MC =PC: 72/100<ref name="mc pc">{{Cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/arcade-paradise/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |title=Arcade Paradise for PC Reviews |accessdate=July 17, 2023 |archive-date=May 31, 2026 |archive-url=https://megalodon.jp/2026-0601-0130-11/https://www.metacritic.com:443/game/arcade-paradise/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |url-status=live }}</ref><br />PS5: 73/100<ref name="mc ps5">{{Cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/arcade-paradise/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-5 |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |title=Arcade Paradise for PlayStation 5 Reviews |accessdate=July 17, 2023}}</ref><br />Switch: 82/100<ref name="mc switch">{{Cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/arcade-paradise/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |title=Arcade Paradise for Switch Reviews |accessdate=July 17, 2023 |archive-date=May 31, 2026 |archive-url=https://megalodon.jp/2026-0601-0130-20/https://www.metacritic.com:443/game/arcade-paradise/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |url-status=live }}</ref><br />XS: 81/100<ref name="mc xs">{{Cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/arcade-paradise/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-series-x |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |title=Arcade Paradise for Xbox Series X Reviews |accessdate=July 17, 2023 |archive-date=May 31, 2026 |archive-url=https://megalodon.jp/2026-0601-0130-39/https://www.metacritic.com:443/game/arcade-paradise/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-series-x |url-status=live }}</ref> |OC = 73% recommend<ref name="opencritic">{{cite web|url=https://opencritic.com/game/13520/arcade-paradise|title=''Arcade Paradise''|publisher=[[OpenCritic]]|access-date=October 27, 2025|archive-date=May 31, 2026|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20260531162419/https://opencritic.com/game/13520/arcade-paradise|url-status=live}}</ref> <!--REVIEWS--> |NLife = 8/10<ref name="nintendo life review">{{Cite web |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/arcade-paradise |publisher=[[Nintendo Life]] |accessdate=July 17, 2023 |date=August 11, 2022 |first=Lowell |last=Bell |title=Arcade Paradise Review (Switch eShop / Switch) |archive-date=June 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606193556/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/arcade-paradise |url-status=live }}</ref> |TA = 4/5<ref name="touch arcade review">{{Cite web |url=https://toucharcade.com/2022/08/22/cult-of-the-lamb-switch-review-patch-arcade-paradise-eshop-deals-cuphead-discount-nintendo/ |publisher=[[Touch Arcade]] |title=SwitchArcade Round-Up: Reviews Featuring 'Arcade Paradise' and 'Cult of the Lamb', Plus Today's Releases and Sales |first=Shaun |last=Musgrave |date=August 22, 2022 |accessdate=July 17, 2023 |archive-date=April 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405063520/https://toucharcade.com/2022/08/22/cult-of-the-lamb-switch-review-patch-arcade-paradise-eshop-deals-cuphead-discount-nintendo/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |IGN = 7/10<ref name="ign review">{{Cite web |url=https://adria.ign.com/arcade-paradise/37732/review/arcade-paradise-recenzija |title=Arcade Paradise review |publisher=[[IGN]] |accessdate=July 17, 2023 |first= Nikola "Nick" |last=Jovanović |date=August 12, 2022}}</ref> |rev1 = [[Push Square]] |rev1Score = 8/10<ref name="push square review">{{Cite web |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps5/arcade-paradise |publisher=[[Push Square]] |first=Sammy |last=Barker |accessdate=July 17, 2023 |title=Arcade Paradise Review (PS5) |date=August 11, 2022 |archive-date=June 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606185629/https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps5/arcade-paradise |url-status=live }}</ref> |rev2 = Gaming Age |rev2Score = A−<ref name="gaming age review">{{Cite web |title=Arcade Paradise review for Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X, PC |url=https://gaming-age.com/2022/08/arcade-paradise-review-for-nintendo-switch-ps5-xbox-series-x-pc/ |first=Dustin |last=Chadwell |date=August 2022 |accessdate=July 17, 2023 |publisher=Gaming Age |archive-date=July 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717150820/https://gaming-age.com/2022/08/arcade-paradise-review-for-nintendo-switch-ps5-xbox-series-x-pc/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |rev3 = ''[[Pure Xbox]]'' |rev3Score = 8/10<ref name="pure xbox review">{{Cite web |url=https://www.purexbox.com/reviews/xbox-series-x/arcade-paradise |publisher=[[Pure Xbox]] |accessdate=July 17, 2023 |first=Fraser |last=Gilbert |title=Review: Arcade Paradise – A Great Simulation Game That Deserves Your Attention |date=August 13, 2022 |archive-date=July 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717153657/https://www.purexbox.com/reviews/xbox-series-x/arcade-paradise |url-status=live }}</ref> }}
''Arcade Paradise'' received mixed to generally favorable reviews from critics. [[Metacritic]] aggregate scores range from 72 out of 100 on Microsoft Windows to 83 out of 100 on Nintendo Switch.<ref name="mc pc" /><ref name="mc switch" /> Fellow review aggregator [[OpenCritic]] assessed that the game received strong approval, being recommended by 73% of critics.<ref name="opencritic"/> It was featured as part of ''[[GameSpot]]''{{'}}s Best of 2022 feature.<ref name="gs best of 2022">{{Cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/arcade-paradise-shows-the-most-brutal-antagonists-can-be-the-most-mundane/1100-6510149/ |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |accessdate=July 17, 2023 |title=Best Of 2022: Arcade Paradise Shows The Most Brutal Antagonists Can Be The Most Mundane |first=Steve |last=Watts |date=December 24, 2022 |archive-date=July 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717150819/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/arcade-paradise-shows-the-most-brutal-antagonists-can-be-the-most-mundane/1100-6510149/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Digital Trends]]' Giovanni Colantino called it "2022{{'}}s most underrated game.<ref name="digital trends">{{Cite web |title=You should play 2022's most underrated game on Xbox Game Pass now |publisher=[[Digital Trends]] |first=Giovanni |last=Colantino |accessdate=July 17, 2023 |date=July 3, 2023 |url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/arcade-paradise-xbox-game-pass-recommendation/}}</ref> Matt Gardner of ''[[Forbes]]''{{'}} said that ''Arcade Paradise'' was the "love letter it promised to be."<ref name="forbes review" /> ''[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]''{{'}}s Jesse Galena called it a hidden gem.<ref name="escapist">{{Cite web |url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/hidden-gems-games-steam-summer-sale-2023/ |title=5 Hidden Gems Buried in the Steam Summer Sale 2023 |first=Jessie |last=Galena |date=July 4, 2023 |accessdate=July 17, 2023 |publisher=[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]] |archive-date=July 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717170941/https://www.escapistmagazine.com/hidden-gems-games-steam-summer-sale-2023/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Reviewers generally praised the game's overall narrative and contrast between working in the laundromat and playing video games. ''[[Eurogamer]]''{{'}}s Christian Donlan noted that "''Arcade Paradise'', particularly in the early hours, is constructed in such a manner that it delivers a sense of games as something you steal time for."<ref name="eurogamer review">{{Cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/arcade-paradise-review-wash-clothes-and-play-games-in-this-feat-of-grime-caked-memory |publisher=[[Eurogamer]] |title=Arcade Paradise review: wash clothes and play games in this feat of grime-caked memory |first=Christian |last=Donlan |date=August 12, 2022 |accessdate=July 17, 2023 |archive-date=June 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606193556/https://www.eurogamer.net/arcade-paradise-review-wash-clothes-and-play-games-in-this-feat-of-grime-caked-memory |url-status=live }}</ref> Shaun Musgrave of ''[[TouchArcade]]'' noted that there were lots of small details that helped to envelop players into the world narrative.<ref name="touch arcade review" /> Oli Welsh of ''[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]'' said the game was about "work-life balance, [...] the work you do to survive, and the work you do for love."<ref name="polygon review">{{Cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/23301231/arcade-paradise-review-impressions |publisher=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |accessdate=July 17, 2023 |title=Arcade Paradise is a love letter to management sims and '90s arcades |date=August 12, 2022 |first=Oli |last=Welsh |archive-date=July 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717174124/https://www.polygon.com/23301231/arcade-paradise-review-impressions |url-status=live }}</ref> In a contrasting view, and speaking specifically of the narrative, ''[[Nintendo Life]]''{{'}}s Lowell Bell said that the element of being centered on "a lazy young adult proving to their father they can run a successful business will never really grip you".<ref name="nintendo life review" />
The individual arcade games themselves were acclaimed by critics. ''TouchArcade''{{'}}s Shaun Musgrave as fascinated by the "video games that weren't", referencing that as of the game's release all of the games were created specifically for ''Arcade Paradise''.<ref name="touch arcade review" /> Sammy Barker of [[Push Square]] noted that "the sheer density of content alone means you’ll never get bored."<ref name="push square review" /> ''[[Pure Xbox]]''{{'}}s Fraser Gilbert called the arcade machines "enjoyable and in-depth",<ref name="pure xbox review" /> and noted that it was exciting when a new machine could be added to the collection.<ref name="pure xbox review" /> ''[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]''{{'}}s Oli Welsh felt that the games "nail the surreal, throwaway, half-twee, half-deranged innocence of early gaming."<ref name="polygon review" /> {{Clear}}
==References== {{Reflist|2}}
==External links== {{Portal|Video games}} *[https://wiredproductions.com/games/arcade-paradise/ Official website]
[[Category:2022 video games]] [[Category:Business simulation games]] [[Category:Action games]] [[Category:Indie games]] [[Category:Nintendo Switch games]] [[Category:PlayStation 4 games]] [[Category:PlayStation 5 games]] [[Category:Single-player video games]] [[Category:Stadia games]] [[Category:Video games about video games]] [[Category:Video games developed in the United Kingdom]] [[Category:Video games set in the 1990s]] [[Category:Windows games]] [[Category:Wired Productions games]] [[Category:Xbox Cloud Gaming games]] [[Category:Xbox One games]] [[Category:Xbox Series X and Series S games]]