What's Happening

Shawn Livernoche installs the arcade’s lastest gaming console. (photo courtesy SF Chronicle)

Remember sitting in computer lab carefully weighing your rations, assessing the health of your oxen, and trying to get to the other side of the Snake River? You can now play the computer game Oregon Trail as an arcade machine. High Scores Arcade has reimagined the beloved circa 1974 educational game via a first-of-its-kind arcade cabinet playable to the public.

With hand-burnt wood construction, brushed copper finish metal work, and wagon-wheel inspired speaker grates, the game cabinet has been meticulously constructed by Denver, CO artist Sam Bahman under the direction of High Scores owners Shawn and Megan Livernoche. Adding to the original feel of the cabinet are hand-drawn and inked artwork for the game bezel, side art, and marquee created by Brighton, CO artist Brandon Hovet. The game also includes an IBM keyboard as the control interface, inviting the gamer to an authentic experience of playing some of PC gaming’s earliest adventure and text-based titles.

Players can select games via a user interface created by High Scores manager, Jonathan Williams. In addition to Oregon Trail, the multi-game cabinet offers arcade classics such as Lemonade Stand,  Lode Runner, Prince of Persia, and DOOM. Also playable are a carefully curated collection of text-only adventures such as Colossal Cave Adventure and towering classics like ZORK. The system also dedicates some digital real estate to the adventure game powerhouse Sierra Online, featuring Mystery House, Kings Quest, Space Quest, and Leisure Suit Larry.  (more…)

Game on at High Scores Arcade

Father’s Day is this Sunday, June 17. The island’s downtown district is a great place for families to spend a memorable day with Dad.

Dad will have a blast spending an afternoon or evening in Downtown Alameda. There are plenty of activities to choose from… You could treat Dad to the latest blockbuster movie at Alameda Theatre & Cineplex, challenge him to a classic video arcade game (the kind he played as a kid) at High Scores Arcade, or stop in for a round of golf or slot car racing at Subpar Miniature Golf.

Sharing food and drink over a nice conversation on Father’s Day is a longtime tradition. If doughnuts and pastries are a favorite morning snack, treat Dad to something tasty at Alameda Bagels & Donuts, Crispian Bakery, Feel Good Bakery, or Homeskillet.

If Dad is more of a burger kind of guy, there are a number of local eateries that offer their twist on the classic hamburger: Scolari’s Good Eats was featured on Check, Please! for their Blueberry Bacon Blue Cheese Burger; The Red Onion is the place to get a Hawaiian Burger; and the Mini Burgers with caramelized onions and truffle fries at The Hobnob makes for an easy plate to share with Dad. Project Burger located next to the Alameda Theatre & Cineplex is the newest addition to downtown and offers a beef and lamb burger among other choices.

For an upscale burger experience at dinner time, American Oak offers outstanding Bison Burgers and Kobe Burgers while Pappo has been long known for its premium Angus Burgers.

Maybe Dad has been talking about doing something different (and fun) to get into shape. Give him a hand by signing him up for a martial arts class at Team Silva Martial Arts Academy, USA Kung Fu Studio, or West Wind Karate School. If a traditional fitness class is more his style, group sessions and private training sessions are available at Alameda Personal Training, All In One Fitness Training Lab, and Rise Bodyworks. Gift certificates are conveniently available at each of the locations.  (more…)