Tilt Studio Kirkwood

Tilt Studio Kirkwood

Reviews Summary

Most reviews praise the variety of games and activities, with many highlighting friendly staff and fun experiences like go-karts and laser tag. However, complaints focus on high prices, malfunctioning machines, and occasional poor service. While some find the games fair, others call them rigged or overpriced. The venue is generally seen as a great addition to the area, but inconsistent quality and value divide opinions. Positive experiences often mention helpful employees, while negative ones cite broken equipment or unresponsive staff. Overall, it’s a popular spot with notable flaws.

About This Listing

Has Tournaments
Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Has Pinball Machines
Good for kids
Has Virtual Reality
Has Prizes
Wheelchair Accessible

Who Can Play?

Most arcades welcome all ages (some may have age restrictions for certain games)
Minors may need parent/guardian supervision (policies vary by location)
No gaming experience required - games range from beginner to expert level
Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes recommended for safety
Valid ID may be required for certain attractions or age verification
Groups and parties welcome (advance booking may be required)

*Note: Age restrictions and policies may vary by arcade. Check with your local facility for specifics.*

First-Time Visitors

First-time visitors may need to sign a waiver or register for a game card. Staff are typically available to help explain games and provide tutorials. Some arcades offer newcomer specials or free play sessions to help you get started.

Common Restrictions:

Age-Based Some games may have height or age requirements for safety reasons
Capacity Popular games may have wait times during peak hours

*Note: Policies vary by arcade. Confirm with your local facility.*

What to Bring

Cash or card for tokens/credits (some arcades are cashless)
Valid ID for age verification or membership signup
Phone to capture high scores and memories (check photo policies)

*Note: Payment methods and requirements may differ by arcade.*

Preparing for Your Visit

Check arcade hours and peak times online before visiting
Eat beforehand or check if the arcade has food options
Bring friends for multiplayer games and competitions
Wear comfortable clothes you can move freely in
Avoid bringing valuable items that could be lost or damaged
Check for special events, tournaments, or discount days
Set a budget for games and stick to it
Stay hydrated, especially during long gaming sessions

*Note: Tips may vary by arcade type and location.*

How to Get Started

Most arcades accept walk-ins, but call ahead during busy periods or for large groups. Check for membership deals!

Other Helpful Info

Most visits last 1-3 hours depending on games and group size
Popular games may have longer wait times during weekends and evenings
Many arcades offer unlimited play packages or time-based pricing
Some locations host tournaments and special events regularly
Prize redemption available at many arcades - save your tickets!

*Note: Policies, pricing, and features differ by arcade. Contact your local facility for details.*

What to Expect from Pinball Tables in Arcades

Step up to a pinball table and dive into a vibrant, hands-on experience! Modern machines, like those from Stern or Jersey Jack, feature dazzling LCD screens, immersive themes (Star Wars, Stranger Things), and dynamic soundtracks. You’ll use flipper buttons to launch a steel ball, aiming for targets, ramps, and bumpers to rack up points. Each table has unique missions—hit specific targets to unlock bonuses or multiball modes for high-scoring chaos. Expect tactile thrills, flashing lights, and a lively crowd vibe, with tables rewarding skill and quick reflexes. Perfect for casual fun or competitive play, pinball delivers timeless arcade excitement in 2025.

What to Expect from Virtual Reality in Arcades

Step into virtual reality for a breathtaking adventure! Arcade VR stations boast advanced headsets (like Oculus or HTC Vive), motion controllers, and sometimes full-body tracking or treadmills. You’ll dive into games like Beat Saber or VR shooters, swinging, dodging, or aiming in 360-degree worlds with vivid visuals and immersive sound. Gameplay spans solo quests to multiplayer battles, with intuitive controls for all levels. Arcades offer vibrant, social VR zones, delivering a thrilling, cutting-edge experience in 2025.

How Arcade Prize Games Work

Dive into the excitement of arcade prize games! Expect claw machines, skee-ball, whack-a-mole, or basketball challenges where you test your skills or luck to win tickets or prizes directly. Claw games require precise joystick control to grab toys, while redemption games reward accuracy with tickets to trade for plushies, gadgets, or trinkets at prize counters. Modern setups boast colorful displays and smooth mechanics, blending nostalgia with fresh fun. The thrill of winning and the vibrant arcade vibe make prize games a captivating draw in 2025.

Features

Has Tournaments
Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Has Pinball Machines
Good for kids
Has Virtual Reality
Has Prizes
Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Address

641 Kirkwood Mall

Bismarck, North Dakota 58504

Hours

Monday 10AM-10PM
Tuesday 10AM-10PM
Wednesday 10AM-10PM
Thursday 10AM-10PM
Friday 10AM-12AM
Saturday 10AM-12AM
Sunday 11AM-8PM

Customer Reviews

What a wonderful place! I took my two granddaughters here the other day, we had such a good time! The staff was so friendly and really helped me understand all the different packages and what the best deal would be for what me and the kiddos wanted to do. We had a problem with the soccer game, but when I went up to ask about it, one of the nice ladies came over and solved the problem. My granddaughters had such a good time here and I'd love to do another family day there with them as soon as possible! Thank

What an amazing place! I had come here with my kids for a little family date, and we all had so much fun! The food was amazing, I had ordered myself the steak tacos while my kids had some quesadillas. We had an issue with one of the video games eroding on us, but when I brought it up to the redemption counter one of the managers, Eden, came over right away and gave us points back and soon after the game was fixed by someone in a grey shirt! The staff were all friendly and so welcoming to me and my family. O

0 is the number I am thinking. Negative 0. It is a nice place. I have never been here and had questions. I had to wait for the employees to finish golfing and then I interrupted them on anther game. They couldn't be bothered after I kindly motioned for assistance. Can they all be on break at once? that's sus!! When I was actually at the counter getting the prices ($10/ person for 2 laps go karts) I couldn't stay. People have their own issues and I'm not gonna make this girl feel bad. I got a go

Me and my sister and my kids all came here about a week ago to waste some time. It was a little pricey, but it was all worth it! We played lots of games and even did the go karts. The staff was very friendly and stuck with us at the redemption counter even though my kids took a long time. I'll 100% be coming back here again! The staff was very helpful and friendly and know how to welcome everyone.

We have taken our family here twice. We had a terrible experience both times. It is expensive but we are willing to treat our children to something fun every now and then so it's not the price I'm complaining about.. it's the employees. THEY ARE TERRIBLE! Where do they find these people? We will be not be returning especially when pizza ranch and mid way lanes offer fun, family games with friendly faces! Do better tilt.

We celebrated our son's 15th Birthday Party at Tilt Studio, and the staff was exceptional, providing fantastic care throughout. Their attentiveness made the entire experience stress-free, allowing us to thoroughly enjoy activities like laser tag, go-karts, and the multitude of arcade games available. Huge thanks to the Bismarck Tilt Staff for ensuring we had an amazing time!

Fun place for some arcade games, carnival style games, go carts, Lazer tag and more. Definitely gonna spend some cash and for a few hours of fun, it's worth it. The Taco Bar has snacks, Icees, and can make them adult Icees which was a nice treat on a hot day.

My son and I go to tilt about 3 times a week maybe more. The staff is always super helpful and ready to exceed guest expectations. I asked about the VIP prpgram and the GM, Christian was super helpful getting me set up and letting me know all the new perks to VIP. Talking with Christian, he referred to tilt as his store as he is the GM. This kind of attitude is how business stay alive and keep customers coming back. When your employees take ownership of their position, it shows en exceptional level of co

Half the games take your points and don't let you play. ?fun crew? staff was extremely unhelpful and seemed irritated they had to use even the bare minimum customer service, let alone help kids have a fun and enjoyable time. Will not be returning.

Cool Arcade they got go-karts, mini golf, and laser tag too. One of the workers named Van helped me figure out how to get a card to use the arcade machines. ??

GM Chris was super great!! Definitely will come back - we had an awesome time:) Joey helped us out at the counter to get some awesome prizes!!

Non of the machines worked. Spent 50 bucks and couldn't get a refund. Might as well gamble cuz at least you might win something. Staff was very nice tho.

What a joke of an arcade. Horrible customer service. Rude. Understaffed. Lazy. Incompetent. Won't be wasting another dollar in the Bismarck location. Go to Craftcade or the arcade at Pizza Ranch.

Great night family fun at tilt studio! AIYANNA was awsome helping us with go carts and lazer tag. JOEY was great helping with prize selection. Highly recommend

Took my niece and nephew here being my first time watching someone play the games it shocked me on how many games are rigged. The basket ball along the back walls only three my niece played one time and it didn't even show her score. The other one was out of order and the rest seemed as if they didn't work. My niece also tried the big claw hoops Crane game and the claw got stuck on the side wall but still took her points from her card. My brother tired and the claw it grabbed about four to five hoops worth

I've spent absurd amounts of time and money at this place and have amassed a collection of claw machine plush, and tickets that I don't know what to do with(570k+ at time of review). But I keep coming back for more anyway. Some claw machines feel fair, but there's an increasing number where the grip feels too weak, or the claw feels too big or small for the size of the prizes in the machine. There's some claw machines that remain virtually unchanged since they've opened because they're unwinnable. Honestly

Honestly this place is a scam. Don't waste your time or money here. I used to come here quite often and I've enjoyed all the games and features they've had so far, but this experience has totally ruined it for me. Saturday night, boyfriend and I go and see they had Govee curtain lights for 40k points. Not that big of a deal, we just needed to play a few more games since we've been saving up. Finally got enough points and we go to redeem it for the lights. Turns out only the general manager can redeem them s

Came here recently on a trip and was happy to find my group assisted by the party manager. She was nice and welcoming to us would definitely come back

If the prices for everything were lower this would be great. One person on the go-karts is roughly about $8 which means for a family of 4 you get 7 minutes at a cost of $24. Mind you this sort of gets reduced and then you buy a pack but I wouldn't consider it by much.

My family visited Tilt and had an absolute BLAST!! Kiddos couldn't get enough of the laser tag and ticket ring machine. Prices were very reasonable and food was fantastic, so many options and good portions!

Tried the tacos and Dole whip margarita. Very good! Staff is friendly and managers will go out of their way to make sure you enjoy your visit. Love the pinball games, hoping they get more??

Well this place is AWESOME! Can't believe how big it is! So many games, go karts, black light golf, a laser room, laser tag coming soon and can't wait to try the tacos and margaritas! Friendly helpful staff, there's just nothing to dislike about this place, well done chaps!

A maze of poorly maintained carnival games that cost way too much. Lawn mowers would flash past the go karts. The mini golf seems like it took too long to put together for such little you get out of it. The death of the arcade had already happened years ago and this place is just rubbing it in. This is what you get when only profits matter.

Cool place. Glad they have something like this in the area finally. Can't believe the lack of entertainment in Bismarck. Definitely needed an indoor entertainment center especially with the long, cold winters. Mini golf could have been a little better though? kind of a boring/sad course.. could?ve been more creative and had more to look at. But cool place overall. Yeah, pricey. But oh well better than doing nothing all the time.

This is my second time going to tilt. It's a fun atmosphere, but the claw machines definitely need grippers on the claws. I feel when u spend a few hundred you should be able to walk out with some things. Tried all the squishmallow claw machines and it's pretty much a big hopeful chance u can claw one. If they put grippers on the machines just like the ticket claw machine it would be a better place. Hope they listen and put some on.

Went there the day after their soft opening with a friend and we had a blast. Had a couple machines that didn't work properly and we got to play a game free because of the ones not working properly. The employees were very helpful and kind. Highly recommend!

Very disappointed. A lot of games were ?temporarily disabled?, or didn't work properly. The shooting game?one of the guns didn't work right, the basketball game wasn't scoring?and the air hockey wasn't scoring on one side. Not to mention..the first card I used to buy credits didn't dispense a card?than said it declined?however found out it actually DID still charge me. (But to be fair, they are in the process of fixing THIS issue for me).

This is a great place! It's got excellent prizes and enough machines to keep you occupied for a long time. I'm not sure what people's problems with the claw machines are, though. Yes, they're slow and clunky, especially the larger-than-life one, but they're extremely fair compared to normal claw machines. The area itself is pretty noisy, but that's to be expected since it's so big. I left with some pretty good stuff and a strong desire to come back very soon. Edit: Yes, the ones that have actual prizes and

So many games and a Go kart track. It is EXPENSIVE! Most games were 1.50 to 2$ for 1 play. Your money "points" drain fast. Bring your wallet for sure! It was fun though.

My two daughters loved this place, so many games!! Highly recommended for kids and adults alike, we all had a blast!!!

High prices, machines take too many points. Prizes cost way too many points Unless you're spending hundreds of dollars or winning jackpots all day. I wont spend another dollar in this place. Too much money for a arcade with that many flaws

Amazing! Loved the race track. The Manager Christian even personally greeted our party and made us feel welcome. Thank you for a good time.

10/10 would recommend. Electric Go-Cart track, very fast! Friendly staff, great prizes. GIANT TICKET CRANE! VR attractions AND pinball! I am recommending this place to everyone.

So much fun!! The food and Dole Whip Margs were amazing. Staff was very pleasant. 10/10 would recommend.

I just tried had a fun time in tilt Studio should have gotten the panda bear cuz I had it between the rope and the two arms who are the Cutters are ask the guy if the Cutters were weak or the arms are weak and he told me to go back and basically try again and stick more money into it

Yikes- I've never left a review before, but I just had to share what an awful experience I had at the bar with the gentleman working. Hope he has a better day!

Place is fun and my family loves it my only complaint personally would be the fact that it's ether not cleaned very well or not often enough

Great place, supper fun. GM is super nice and helpful.

We went in got our cards when we tried to get our ticket to our cards no one was there we are still currently waiting we have been here for 30 minutes now

Fun, but there are too many machines that need out of order signs and need work. Unfortunately these machines steal your money.

Good food. But I wish they would bring back the old chicken breading, the new one isn't it.

Amazing tacos and margs , our server savear was so sweet and we had so much fun.

Bismarck needed a place like this. Took my son for his birthday and he had a blast. The variety of activities is impressive.

Claw machines for squishmallows need some grippers on it it's way to hard with the fabric they're made out of tried all of the machines and just wouldn't even grip.

I change my review. The golf area is cleaner now.

It was so fun but kind of pricey if you're not a member

Absolutely so much fun

Come with money. Fun but expensive.

I love this place! It is so fun! The staff is so friendly!!

This was the worst experience I was cheated out of about 100 points on my card with machines and I'd never bring your family or friends there

Bathrooms are super dirty. No toilet paper.

dole margs are AMAZING!! food is AMAZING! great workers!

Well it's better than herbergers ! Lol fun place to be at

It looks fun 5/5 oh and subscribe to Rolo Bros on YouTube

Very Over priced I spend 20$ and only got to play 3 games

Better than pizza ranch!

They are terrible and rude I was emotionally damaged after my experience here

More than a couple of the machines were broken.

Awesome place, Christian and his team are great

Such a fun place for kids AND adults!

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s it like visiting an arcade today?

It’s a mix of nostalgia and high-energy fun! Many arcades blend retro classics like Pac-Man and pinball with modern VR games, racing simulators, and rhythm challenges — often with music, lights, and a social vibe.

Is it better to go alone or with friends?

Both can be great! Solo visits let you focus on your favorite games, while going with friends adds competition, teamwork, and laughs. Many people plan arcade meetups as a casual hangout or even date spot.

What should I bring to an arcade?

Usually just yourself and a way to pay (some arcades still use coins, others use cards or apps). If you're competitive, bring your A-game. If you're social, bring friends or meet new ones over multiplayer games.

What’s the best time to visit an arcade?

Weekdays or early afternoons are usually less crowded — perfect for focused play. Evenings and weekends bring the buzz, especially at barcades or venues with DJs, tournaments, or themed nights.

Can I meet new people at arcades?

Absolutely! Arcades attract a mix of casual players and serious gamers. Whether you're jumping into a four-player co-op or chatting between rounds, it's a fun, low-pressure way to connect over shared interests.

Are arcades still just for kids?

Not at all. While many arcades are family-friendly, there are also adult-oriented ones with full bars, 18+ nights, or vintage nostalgia themes. Arcades today cater to everyone — from first-timers to lifelong gamers.

Are there events or tournaments I can join?

Yes! Many arcades host regular competitions, retro nights, cosplay parties, and more. Whether you're into high scores or just want to watch and vibe, events add an extra layer to the experience.

What if I’m not great at arcade games?

No worries — arcades are about having fun, not being perfect. Try a variety of games, ask others for tips, and remember: the vibe is more “let’s play” than “let’s win.”

Are pinball tables still good in this modern age?

Yes, pinball tables in arcades remain a blast. Their hands-on, skill-driven gameplay delivers a thrill digital games can’t match, blending nostalgia with modern flair. Newer tables from Stern and Jersey Jack feature LCD screens and themes like Avengers or Stranger Things, keeping things exciting. Arcades are seeing a pinball resurgence with vibrant scenes and tournaments like IFPA events drawing crowds. Though less common than video games, pinball’s tactile charm and community vibe make it a standout arcade experience in 2025.

Are virtual reality games in arcades worth playing?

Yes, virtual reality (VR) games in arcades are a top attraction in 2025! Titles like Beat Saber and Half-Life: Alyx deliver immersive thrills with cutting-edge headsets, motion tracking, and responsive controllers. High-resolution displays and spatial audio create heart-pounding experiences, from slashing rhythms to battling zombies. Arcades feature multiplayer VR zones and tournaments, fostering lively communities. VR booths are regularly packed, proving their captivating, next-level gameplay makes them a must-try arcade experience.

Why are arcade prize games so exciting to play?

Arcade prize games are a thrilling highlight in 2025! Claw machines, skee-ball, and ticket-redemption games like basketball offer a rush of skill and chance, with rewards like plushies, toys, or electronics up for grabs. Modern machines feature vibrant lights, digital scoreboards, and responsive controls, amplifying the fun. The lively arcade atmosphere, with cheering crowds and buzzing energy, makes every win feel epic.