Extra Lives Arcade - Paragould, Arkansas

Shane Lerma

"Blast from the Past! ?️"

This place is absolutely amazing! Stepping into this arcade is like stepping back in time to the golden age of video games. Tons of classic 80s games, from Pac-Man and Galaga to Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat. The owners are incredibly friendly and passionate about classic gaming, and they've created such a fun and welcoming atmosphere. Highly recommend for a nostalgic trip or just a fun night out with your kids or friends! Snacks and drinks too! What's not to love?!?

Get off your couch and go right now! Get a high score and feel the thrill of entering in your initials for bragging rights!

Blaze

Don't go here unless you want to be accused of being a lowlife thief and shamed and embarrassed.

A friend mentioned to me a few days ago that there was a new arcade in town and they had pinball machines. I love pinball, so today I decided to hit the bank and get a couple of rolls of quarters to play pinball, and figure I can get more quarters there when I run out.

I get there and walk in, looking around to find the pinball machines. I don't see any, so I turn around and figure they are on the other side of the place. A guy (I am guessing the owner) asks me if he can help me. I politely decline and mention I'm just looking for the pinball, and go to the machines.

I put my rolls of quarters down on the Maverick machine and he comes over to me and implies that I'm going to cheat him and play other games without paying the $10 fee. I ask him straight up if I have to pay $10 to play pinball, since pinball isn't even included and costs 50 cents a game, and he admits that I don't, but still insinuates that I'm going to cheat him.

He hems and haws and leans over and says, "Be honest with me", as if I'm lying to his face about it. I told him to look, I brought $20 in quarters (more than the $10 fee anyway) and show him the rolls and assure him I don't care about the other games today. Then I told him, "Dude, I'm 41 years old. I got money. I don't need to steal $10 from you." He says, "Well, I get dads in here that do it..."

If he had just apologized for assuming something (I've never seen this guy in my life and he obviously doesn't know me) that would be the end of it. I am shocked and embarrassed at being treated like a criminal for no reason whatsoever. I didn't want to waste a trip, so I did play a few games of pinball and then left. Instead of spending at least $20-40 there and telling my friends how much fun I had, I get to tell them that this guy assumes people are thieves and not to play there. That will be the only $4 he ever gets from me or any of my friends.

Pro tip for business owners: When you get a new customer, don't accuse or insinuate that they are thieves or trouble makers when they haven't done anything wrong or even suspicious.

Ivey Herren

Awesome experience with a variety of arcade games, air hockey; etc., and super great business owners! This place is a must for kids and big kids like me!

Greg Williams

Overpriced for the very small selection of games. Lots of added cost claw grab/prize games taking up space that should be occupied by arcade games. I definitely didn't play $10 worth of games before I was ready to leave.

Edit to reply: I would honestly be surprised if there were 40 freeplay games. The games were in two very small hallways. What you see in the photos is pretty much it. It's not a sample of more to come. I've been to a few other of these pay at the gate freeplay arcades (including a vastly better one in Fayetteville), and this was by far the smallest.

Linzey Machen

My husband and I both really enjoyed our time here tonight. We played for about two hours!!! The owners were so kind. Our family will definitely be back.

A J

For a small place, they packed a huge and awesome selection of classic games. Some with original CRTs and some with LCDs. Love the vibes, hope they stick around a long time and keep growing! Reasonable prices and friendly fun people

Donnie Smith

Felt like a Kid again. The look on my sons face to see an actual Arcade for the first time. Was well worth 10 dollars each. Plus they Have Pinball!!!

Jacob White

Great place for a fun time! Great for 5 year olds and up. Pinball was a blast. Worth the money! Owners have a good operation going.