HEART OF GAMING Croydon | The BEST retro arcade in London? | Summer 2024 VLOG

[@Sinisteve]

That cab on 6:30 used to be mine, sold it to them a few years back…good to see it’s still going strong. It’s Rhythm Tengoku (part of the Rhythm Paradise series) really fun It got a GBA port that’s decent too

[@DansOutandAbout]

Thank you so so much!! Such a fun game, I actually spent ages playing it! I’ll have to look to find the gba cart for it. Thank you so much for the info and for checking out the video!

[@Sinisteve]

@@DansOutandAboutthe GBA port is Japanese only, but there is a translated version out there👍

[@DansOutandAbout]

@Sinisteve awesome info, thank you so much!

[@GAZZ707]

and another intresting fact is that's it's on the sega naomi hardware witch the arcade counterpart to the dreamcast 👍🙂

[@DansOutandAbout]

@@GAZZ707 yes! All of those basically perfect ports onto the dreamcast - the dc was totally ahead of its time and I still play mine regularly. Dynamite dekka 2 has sucked up so many hours of my life its unreal 😂

[@ChrisSmout]

Almost seems like all the old Trocadero games have found a new home. 8 Way Daytona USA is never a bad time.

[@DansOutandAbout]

Thanks for checking out the video! You’re absolutely right, I believe they got alot of the machines from there when it closed. Its great they got put to good use!

[@adamkane7513]

Another ace video, Dan. That place is definitely a contender for London's best.

[@DansOutandAbout]

Thank you so much! Im glad you enjoyed it. Heart of gaming is definitely in contention - alot of the arcades seem to have been changed to cash grabs and ticket redemption centres. There are a few more Im yet to visit that are looking good though, so please keep an eye out for those! Have a great weekend!

[@AJ-sd1ll]

I went there yesterday with my wife and we were there the full 7 hours it was open, it was amazing! Thanks so much for letting me know this place existed! Unfortunatley some of the machines may not be there or working when you go, but there is more than enough to make it worth going. We had 7 hours and it flew by and we're already planning on going again :)

[@DansOutandAbout]

Thats awesome!!! 😁 Im so glad you got to go and had a good time! Its a really fun place to visit and its so cool you got to go!

[@kelvinpayne5224]

Playnation..love this shop, ive bought all my retro consoles from here

[@DansOutandAbout]

Playnation is great! Super nice staff and some nice retro in stock!

[@Hologhoul]

Some good pubs in Croydon. The Oval Tavern is absolutely fantastic. Great to see this arcade in full, I've not visited yet, superb setup.

[@DansOutandAbout]

Thanks for checking out the video! I was in the Oval a couple of weeks ago! Great pub, and they do an excellent roast too!

[@Hologhoul]

@@DansOutandAbout Nice one! I've found the food absolutely superb in The Oval too, lovely place, live music as well. Great vid, I must get along to Heart of Gaming...

[@bachaplegic]

Thank you for mentioning the wheelchair access

[@DaRealJohnDaGamer64]

That looks like an amazing retro arcade. It's so refreshing to see that retro arcades are making a resurgence. Modern arcades don't even come close. Their nothing but glorified gambling halls for kids. Mainly ticket games and claw machines than actual video games. But, I digress. Thanks for sharing, Dan.

[@DansOutandAbout]

Thank you for checking out the video! I’m on a mission to find the best arcades in London, so I have found that your opion on modern arcades is totally valid and pretty much true! I have a video coming out at the end of the week from a visit to Funland at the Brunswick which does show this, but with a a little difference. Check it out if you have a chance to see if the small difference would be enough to get you to nip in if you were passing! Thanks agin for watching!

[@fretgods9684]

Daytona USA, spent a small fortune playing that one back in the day. Great Vid.

[@DansOutandAbout]

Thanks for checking out the video! The attract music for Daytona is ingrained into my soul after working in an arcade as a teenager. A thing of absolute beauty! 😂

[@jamesgibbons6992]

Thanks had no idea this was in Croydon. I know what im doing next weekend

[@DansOutandAbout]

Thanks for checking out the video! Thats awesome! I hope you have a wicked time. Say hello from me if you remember!

[@sxixlxnx]

Took my son here just after lockdown, he’s eight now so far it’s one of he’s favourite days ever.

[@DansOutandAbout]

@@sxixlxnx thank you for checking out the video! Thats great to hear! Its a really fun relaxed place and Im glad he had a great time!

[@Totalcultzonepresents]

All free play means you lose that putting your money on the cabinet to signify you're up next experience 😂 looks amazing, didn't have much reason to go to Croydon before, but do now

[@DansOutandAbout]

Thanks for checking out the video! Thats very true, youll have to use bottle caps or pennies! 😂 I hope you get a chance to visit, its a great arcade!

[@drengot1066]

love it ❤

[@DansOutandAbout]

Thank you, and Thank you for checking out the video!!

[@MostBronzeChunner]

They've got the SF6 Type Arcade! This place looks amazing! I'm going next month. Thank you so much for the heads up!

[@DansOutandAbout]

Thanks for checking out the video! Its definitely worth a visit - do check out the opening times before heading down too. Its alot of fun in there, I hope you have an awesome time!

[@MostBronzeChunner]

@DansOutandAbout will do, I work in healthcare so I'll get 50% off but I wouldn't mind supporting them by buying some merch, if they've got it. Did you see any when you were there?

[@DansOutandAbout]

They will be more than happy to sort you out the discount, they’re siper noce in there. I don’t think they have merch, but I may have missed it! Its definitely worth asking as if they have enough people do they might start knocking up some tshirts - I’d happily grab one too!

[@jonathanwatkins3389]

Worked in Croydon back in the naughties and this looks amazing, thanks for the video 👍👍👍

[@DansOutandAbout]

Thanks for checking out the video! Its changed quite a bit over the years and its a bit different now to what it was then. Theres a lot less shops for sure! If you get a chance to visit the heart of gaming, definitely do, its such a good hidden gem. If you can get the family or some mates together its a blast. Cheers!

[@j-asher]

I walk past this all the time and never knew they had that many games in there. Am I reading the prices right? If you pay £39.99 you can access there for an entire month? That's a steal if true.

[@DansOutandAbout]

Thanks for checking out the video! You did read it right, I think £40 for a month is great if you visit 3 or more times. Its totally worth it!

[@nicholasbiela5168]

thanks for sharing worth a visit!

[@DansOutandAbout]

Thanks for checking out the video! It really is worth a visit if you are around south London 😁

[@petesilvers5053]

Liked and subbed 🇬🇧

[@DansOutandAbout]

Thanks for checking out the video!! Thats great! I hope you enjoy whats coming up!

[@seanpaulluke]

Hey mate. I went to school with Mark! Does he own the shop as well? I really enjoyed this video.

[@seanpaulluke]

Subscribed and liked 👍

[@DansOutandAbout]

Thanks for checking out the video and thank you for subscribing! Small world right? I believe HoG is Mark’s baby, playnation is the shop downstairs and thats owned by a super nice guy called Dan. Im glad you liked the video! Im currently in Asia and im waiting for a new video to upload about an awesome arcade I visitef in Taiwan. Hope thats of some interest!

[@seanpaulluke]

@DansOutandAbout nice one mate. I'm watching The Gravity x video right now! Have fun in Asia 🌏

[@andreasjacovides4800]

Thanks man great channel .

[@DansOutandAbout]

@@andreasjacovides4800 Thank for checking out the video and channel! Thats really kind of you to say and I’ve hopefully improved over the last year! 😅 I’ve got some fun videos coming up over the next couple of months, so hopefully thetes some in there for you to enjoy!

[@OscarsBadFurDay]

I Gotta go there right now 😮

[@DansOutandAbout]

Thanks for checking out the video!! I have to agree! 🔥🔥

[@adamh7588]

Came across your channel and have subscribed. Enjoyed watching amazing place

[@DansOutandAbout]

Thabk you for checking out the video and Im glad to have you onboard! 😁

[@RetroEdUK]

Love the look of this place Dan. Rhythm games seem to be really popular at the mo. Cool to see the video games in the cabinets too. Cheers for sharing mate 👍🕹️🕹️

[@DansOutandAbout]

Honestly mate, its a dream in there! If you find yourself in London, give me a shout if you want a south London retro tour and a thrashing on third strike 😂 Thanks as always for checking out the video!

[@RetroEdUK]

@@DansOutandAboutcheers mate! Thats very kind indeed 👍👍

[@DansOutandAbout]

@RetroEdUK any time mate!

[@danielbaete4339]

This place looks epic! And I bloody love Point Balnk! I had that in console too 🥰🥰

[@DansOutandAbout]

Its so much fun, totally under rated!

[@sofa-lofa4241]

I went to H.o.G years ago when it was based near Park Royal, I heard it had re-opened in Croydon but haven't been back yet, definitely will soon though after watching this, I ❤ the Naomi's!

[@DansOutandAbout]

Thanks for checking out the video! Yes ir was! They moved a few years back inot Croydon and it was a welcome move for me (being local and all!) The noamis are great in there!

[@Pabloplays98]

Ahhh I miss the North Acton site....so dingey and all nighters. Those were the days!

[@CryoGenUK]

I usually visit Croydon for A Place In Space (Comics etc.) but now I have something else to check out, thanks. :D

[@DansOutandAbout]

Firstly, thank you for checking out the video! Heart of faming is definitely a worthwhile Croydon visit! Its only a few minutes walk from A place in space, so totally worth dojng both on a visit!

[@DanFPG]

Nice, Looking to visit there soon! Great video...subbed!

[@DansOutandAbout]

Thanks for checking out the video! Its totally worth a visit if you can, definitely check them out on facebook for updates on games and opening times. Tbanks for the sub too, really appreciate it!

[@kaneda4102]

I need to go this looks amaze!

[@DansOutandAbout]

Thanks for checking the video! I would suggest hopping on a train/in the car and having a fun day down there! 😁

[@Mindrush]

Nice review mate. Please review more arcades!!

[@DansOutandAbout]

Thanks for checking out the video and I’m glad you enjoyed it! I absolutely love arcades and will try to get to some more soon for review! I’m off to Asia in November and have marked a couple of good spots to visit for review. Ive also heard of some other good places aroubd the UK to try out - Id love to find the UKs best arcade. If you have any good recommendations, please do let me know!

[@TheLumaInChroma]

I second this! Please do review more arcades in London - eg can you find a good one in North London, West London and East London - to accommodate people that don’t necessarily want to travel that far. That said, I’m definitely going to make the effort to go down to Croydon and visit this arcade and shop, they look really great. Thanks Dan for the great review. Really liked your friendly presentation! Great work!

[@DansOutandAbout]

Thanks for checking out the video! I’ve been looking for some more arcades in London - alot of the listed arcades are bars or non-retro/ fruit machines and gambling. I will do my best for you guys and find some cool stuff to explore! I’m off to asia in November, so if you want a fix of Japanese arcades, keep your eyes peeled! Thanks again for your kind words!

[@DRIVEFROMHOME4K]

😎😎😎

[@DansOutandAbout]

Thanks for checking out the video!!

[@DRIVEFROMHOME4K]

@@DansOutandAbout ❤

[@andyhughes8433]

Great video brother. InshaAllah I will make a visit, looks really cool.

[@DansOutandAbout]

Thanks for checking out the video! If you’re not too far from Croydon, its totally worth a visit!

[@version736ha2]

Must have a kind retro arcade benefactor behind this place.

[@DansOutandAbout]

Thank you for checking out the video! Ifeel you know something I dont! 😂👀 I’m not sure about funding or anything like that, but I do know its a lot of fun in there!

[@Pabloplays98]

Mark is a good guy and has scavenged all this stuff since the days of trocadero. He is legit

[@DansOutandAbout]

@@Pabloplays98 love this! He seems like a really nice dude. Its good to see someone with the passion he has!

[@chunkymilk]

do they have Initial D?

[@DansOutandAbout]

Thanks for checking out the video! Unfortunately I dont think they do, but it might be worth contacting them on facebook - I know they have alot of machines that they are repairing/on rotation so its worth asking them!

[@chrisgenas1dal83]

that side scrolling shooter was r-type wasn't it? classic

[@DansOutandAbout]

Thank you for checking out the video! Yes it was, ive been absolutely mullered in the comments for missing it 😂 ive since revisited it and enjoyed it alot more than I did when I played it many years ago so its worked out for me! 😁

[@DarkDefender01]

It's much safer now comparing to year ago due to more police patrols and vans with face recognising cameras fitted in, but still advise to keep your phone firmly xd

[@DansOutandAbout]

@@DarkDefender01 Thanks for checking out the video! In honesty, Croydon has a bad reputation due to the night life culture thats almost gone from the town. Its really the same as most other boroughs of London. Its worth a visit for Heart of Gaming!

[@DarkDefender01]

@@DansOutandAbout I know, I moved a year ago to this area but didn't have a chance to go and play for whole day yet. Unfortunately my friends are not gamers so just on my own would be a bit boring :P

[@TheAleosha]

Street Fighter 3 and Killer Instinct 2 sound amazing. But Croydon is not that close to London, an hour on a train.

[@DansOutandAbout]

Thanks for checking out the video! Croydon is only 17 minutes on the train from London Bridge and 22 minutes from Victoria. It takes me 35-40 mins to get to Camden town in north London from Croydon, so I think its a bit quicker than you think 😊

[@TheAleosha]

@@DansOutandAbout You are actually right, mate, I was looking at getting there by Overground, but London Bridge is quicker!

[@DansOutandAbout]

Oh I see! If you can get into East Croydon, its definitely quicker than West Croydon! I’m glad you mentioned it then!! I hope you have a good time when you get down there!

[@johnmillard8982]

It’s pukka in there

[@DansOutandAbout]

Thanks for checking out the video! Ill have to agree with you on that one! 😁

[@rds7026]

Great review! Love your channel! Any chance you might set up a Patreon or membership option so I can contribute to this awesome channel?

[@DansOutandAbout]

Thank you so much for checking out the video and im glad you like it! At the moment I dont have anything like that, but potentially in the future. Im working to prove the videos all the time and hopefully the bext few will be enjoyable too! Thanks again for checking it out and for subbing, really appreciate it!

[@MrVerbal]

Any pinball machines?

[@DansOutandAbout]

Thanks for checking out the video! Unfortunately not - I guess the maintenance on pinball tables is completely different to arcade cabinets too. There is pinball in croydon, theres a new-ish club thats opened about a minutes walk from HOG. Ill be visiting in December to give a preview, so stay tuned!

[@petesilvers5053]

I had a couple of tables, Star Wars, Indy Jones... and yeah, they can be high maintenance... The pinball fx tables are almost as good

[@DansOutandAbout]

@petesilvers5053 i bet they are high maintenance! They look like a nightmare unless you know exactly what youre doing to look after them!

[@videogamesruinedmylife3769]

@@DansOutandAbout I know Mark Starky personally. He's the owner of HOG, About 4 years ago during covid I donated a street fighter 2 pinball machine to him. he came to my house to collect it. I guess he parted ways with it

[@DansOutandAbout]

@@videogamesruinedmylife3769 I see, maybe its in storage? He said he has a few stored away. Maybe its been traded or something like that?

[@BRboi777]

Mate, I got suggested this video and I’m so glad you’re giving props to an arcade I’ve been for years. The owner of HoG (as it’s known) is an awesome and nice guy. Playnation actually hosts card game tournaments quite a bit and I go there to play MtG every week. Such a blessing to go too and the only reason why I visit Croydon. If you’re thinking of going, you honestly won’t regret it. HIGHLY recommend it. ❤🕹️

[@DansOutandAbout]

Thank you for checking out the video! Its a great arcade and the guys working were so very kind and welcoming. Like you said, its definitely a worth while trip to Croydon! Thanks again for checking out the video and the recommendation!

[@almeidachannel7121]

Nice Video ! Sub & Like ! And Love Retro Arcade !

[@DansOutandAbout]

Amazing! Thanks for checking out the video! I cant say enough good thkngs about the heart of gaming. Such a great spot!

[@TRIPPLEJAY00]

Just to let you know, Croydon is Surrey, not London. 😂

[@DansOutandAbout]

I’ll have you know it’s classed as greater London!!! (Also Surrey! 👀) 😂

[@lordflashheart7427]

looks great sadly empty

[@DansOutandAbout]

Thank you for checking out the video! Its a lot of fun in there, it was really empty when I visted as I got in for opening on a weekday. I decided to head in then so i wasnt annoying anyone with my camera! Weekends are alot busier in there and I think you’d get some good competition on the fighting games!

[@zariisofficial]

It seems the folk that put this arcade together didn't really put much thought into it or maybe weren't even there back in the day. So many 'retro' machines missing, and the the way its laid out, just looks like its been shoved in, its very stark, no vibe to it. it just doesn't scream retro at all. As someone who grew up playing in 80s and 90s arcades this place just doesn't float my boat.

[@DansOutandAbout]

@@zariisofficial Thank you for checking out the video! So the heart of gaming was put together by a guy about the same age as me, so he would have been playing in the late 90s/early 2000s, so the games really reflect the kind of era and newer. I myself find it very hard to admit that 20+ year old games are now considered retro 😂 but they now are! Street fighter 3: 3rd Strike was released 25 years ago - which is mad, but also is retro now. I think if you are looking back to the 80s/90s it might seem a bit too new if that makes sense? I made the video at a quieter time in the week so i could show as much as possible without getting in tbe way, but it does get much busier on the weekends for example. I hope that all makes sense and I hope there are some other more suitable arcades we can find for you! Cheers!! 😁

[@zariisofficial]

@@DansOutandAbout Thanks for replying mate, Yeh all good!

[@DansOutandAbout]

Absolutely mate!!

[@systemcheck2769]

£1 a credit!?!? What arcades were you going to? lol. It's was 20p a credit until the 2nd arcade boom (Final Fight, SF2, KotR, MVS etc), then it was a quid for 3 plays. If they had pins I could understand a 20 quid entrance fee but they don't appear to have any. It's more expensive than Galloping Ghosts ffs lol. It might be worth it if you're into bemani and DDR style games I guess. I haven't been but the arcade in Bury seems to have a much better selection of games imo. Appreciate the video tho. Cheers!

[@DansOutandAbout]

Thanks for checking out tbe video! If you hesd to any arcade in London now, its £1 a credit 😬 I do remember it being 20p, but the only arcade ive been to for a long time anywhere near 20p a credit is an arcade in Taiwan!

[@systemcheck2769]

@@DansOutandAbout Ouch. I'd feel gutted putting a quid in a Cave shooter and getting two minutes of play out of it haha. Light-gun & DDR-style games sort of make sense when you factor in maintenance costs. I'm just thinking they're massively limiting their potential footfall. This is the sort of place I'd go to on my lunchbreak and maybe an hour before I head home if I worked/lived locally. If I wanted to do that every day it'd cost me £100+. I think a credit system would be better, with newer or more elaborate games requiring more credits. I'm likely underestimating the operating costs of an arcade in London but this is the sort of place I'd want to visit often and the price of entry would definitely limit that.

[@leecollison8795]

Lol I 😅 didn't know rtype

[@DansOutandAbout]

Well I didn’t say I was a foubtain of all knowledge 😂😅 I am more of a bullet hell kinda player!

[@SimonBrooks-r1u]

Gauntlet was always my first pick. It was the first time i heard a voice in a game , blew me away.

[@DansOutandAbout]

Thanks for checking out the video! I remember seeing a 4 player cab for the first time and it blew my mind. It was 4 player Turtles, but they also had a 3 player Pit fighter which seemed nuts too! I can imagine hearing that digitized voice for the first time must mave seemed insane!

[@DopeteK]

All the games are emulated...

[@DansOutandAbout]

I dont think they are, but thanks for commenting!

[@alho9231]

@5:25 "Not sure what that is" You're having a laugh 😮 That's R-Type! One of the best side scrolling SHMUPS. Shame on you 😉

[@DansOutandAbout]

Hiya, thank you for checking out the video! Ah yes at first walk around I didnt get R-type, but in truth i’m not a big fan of the series! I didn’t really get into shmups until the first time I played ESP ra.de in the early 2000s and it pushed me more towards the cave style so R-type absolutely got missed. Going back to it felt a step back. Im a big fan of Akai Katana for side scrolling goodness, thats a bit more my jam, but everyone is different right?

[@alho9231]

@@DansOutandAbout Indeed, everyone is different and I'm guessing I'm from an older generation to you so this would explain it 😀 I've never been a big fan of bullet hell shmups coz I usually find it difficult to tell the bullets from the scenery but horses for courses 😉 Keep up the good work 👍

[@DansOutandAbout]

Oh absolutely! There are so many games out there that I have no Idea why people love, but they love them so passionately there must be something I’m missing. I think I really should give RType another go now, i wonder if I’ll see that spark that everyone else seems to see. Ill let you know! 😀

[@axi0matic]

@@DansOutandAboutR-Type’s a gem. It’s slower paced and more a test of memory and precision, but great graphics / music and really satisfying. Tough but fair. Visited HoG a few years ago. Might have changed location in Croydon (think it used to be in a shopping centre?). Great place.

[@DansOutandAbout]

@axi0atic I actually revisited R Type and did enjoy it alot more than I had previously! I must say I’m a fan of a more hectic shooter, but absolutely can appreciate it alot more all these years later. I think Im going to try and put some hours into it and report back!

[@leecollison8795]

Lmao got this on pc

[@DansOutandAbout]

What have you got on PC?

[@jamesbradley7669]

Shame the high street is a but dodgy after dark....