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Timewarp arcade

Timewarp arcade

Reviews Summary

The majority of reviews praise the arcade for its excellent staff, diverse game selection (including retro, arcade, pinball, and tabletop games), and welcoming atmosphere. Many highlight the friendly, helpful employees who go above expectations. The nostalgic experience and reasonable prices are also frequently mentioned. However, a few negative reviews cite poor customer service, cleanliness issues, and occasional maintenance problems with machines. Overall, it's a beloved spot for gaming enthusiasts, though some areas could use improvement.

About This Listing

Has Retro Games
Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Has Pinball Machines
Good for kids
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 Retro Games in Arcades

Step into the glow of retro arcade games and expect a nostalgic rush! Classics like Galaga, Donkey Kong, or Mortal Kombat await, housed in vibrant cabinets with joysticks, buttons, or trackballs. You’ll dodge enemies, chase high scores, or battle opponents in fast-paced, pixel-perfect gameplay. Modern restorations include sharp CRT or LED screens and authentic controls, preserving the 80s/90s vibe. Games are easy to learn but tough to master, offering quick sessions or deep challenges. With leaderboards and arcade crowds cheering, retro games deliver timeless fun in 2025.

Features

Has Retro Games
Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Has Pinball Machines
Good for kids
Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Address

4601 Eastgate Blvd

Cincinnati, Ohio 45245

Visit Website Call Now Get Directions

Hours

Monday 1-9PM
Tuesday 12-9PM
Wednesday 12-9PM
Thursday 12-9PM
Friday 12-9PM
Saturday 12-9PM
Sunday 12-6PM

Customer Reviews

Hands down the best arcade that I've been to, between games costing a quarter, every old school style arcade game to feel the nostalgia, or even the new style machines you actually get to win prizes from. Pinball machines, air hockey, Skee-Ball, guitar hero, claw machines, arcade games, racing games, magic the gathering tables, rooms for birthdays! Playstation 2's, Wii's, GameCubes, Xbox's, and more! A Nerf arena across the hall? If you're in the area, come win some prizes and make some memories you won't

Definitely not impressed, although there's a lot of cool stuff in the store the customer service is lacking. We walked the store a couple of times and the guy never once looked up and acknowledged us. He was too busy watching videos on his laptop. The same goes for Time Warp Cards and Comics.

Great selection of vintage and retro games! Customer service is lacking tremendously. Cashier was visibly bothered that I wanted to check the prices of the games locked in case. Told him not to bother and took my business down the hall to RLA Games, where the cashier was very appreciative of my business. Edit: A whole year later they reply, NOW they no longer sell games. Making it more of a place I no longer want to go to.

Probably the nicest people I've met that run a card and game shop, which if you know, means something

This is one of my favorite places to go to and play games with my girlfriend. Cheap soda, reasonably priced games, and a solid selection of pinball machines. The employee is always very friendly and takes care of things quickly if a machine breaks or something. Come check it out if you're on the Eastside!

Stopped in yesterday to play some classic arcade games. I was very impressed with how nice the arcade looked. The pinball machines are newer models and they have a good selection of them. I enjoyed playing the Simpsons game and og pacman. The customer service was great as well. The coin mechanism jammed on one of the egg claw machines. The employee immediately came and fixed the coin mechanism. He even gave me a free dollar for an additional play on the machine. He was very nice and seemed like he cared ab

Went in today with the family and played multiple games. It was clean and lots of fun. Person working was really nice and even opened the claw machine so we could pick something out for my nephew we had been trying to win for him.

Workers in the arcade are amazing and run the arcade with a passion, they have a very good selection of games arcade, video game consoles, dnd, and tcg events and they care for the customer's experience.

Pretty okay little Arcade, we came to try the pinball tables and unfortunately they were pretty dirty and the Stern insider didn't work on the one table it was installed on. They could use a touch of volume too being next to the huge tomb raider game. Anyways, we'll give them another try down the road.

Ok selection. Good prices. Store feels a bit dingy and it smells of spoiling fish in the back left corner. I wish their video games were all labeled and alphabetized, but alas. Not a bad store overall.

Me and my son went here today for his birthday and the owner/guy who was working, was SO nice and made my son feel really special. This is our new go-to spot to have mom and son time!

Played a claw machine didn't win but picked the toy up multiple times guy noticed and opened it up and gave us 2 toys for our struggles.Very awesome place.

It was a fantastic arcade pitstop! The store was clean, the game selections were diverse, and the staff were friendly and helpful. 10/10 would recommend stopping by.

A great assortment of new and retro games, plus plenty of space for groups who are into board and roleplaying games.

Very helpful staff! They helped me find everything I need! Very nice video game and console selection! Recommend going and checking them out!

Found some good games that I have been looking for a while for here! Great atmosphere and prices too!

Very nice staff, best video game and console selection I've seen in a while!

Amazing staff and a great place for my dnd and magic groups to come play a couple games!

Very nice video game selection,very funny staff! A great atmosphere!

Bring quarters! Have fun with the classics and the pinball machines...

Timeswarp arcade is one of my favorite arcades to go to amazing staff!

A great place to buy retro video games and play card games

Fantastic staff, extremely helpful and polite<3

Great place, great staff, great games!

Love having an arcade nearby. It has some nice games. Halo snaked me out of 50 cents but we still had a great time XD

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 retro games in arcades still good in this modern age?

Absolutely, retro games in arcades remain a thrilling draw in 2025! Classics like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Street Fighter II offer simple yet addictive gameplay, blending nostalgia with timeless challenge. Modern arcade cabinets often feature crisp displays and restored controls, enhancing the experience. These games thrive on quick reflexes and strategy, with vibrant pixel art and iconic soundtracks that spark joy. Arcades host tournaments and leaderboards, fostering a lively community. While modern games dominate, retro titles provide a unique, accessible thrill that keeps arcades buzzing.