A vivid journey through the golden age and collapse of coin-op arcades.

Arcade games have captivated players for decades, whether tucked into the dim corner of a neighborhood bar, standing proudly at the front of a convenience store, or dominating sprawling mall installations filled with light, sound, and motion. Since Pong first introduced its glowing paddles, coin operated games have offered thrills for players of all ages, from brief moments of fast paced excitement to the lasting recognition earned by claiming a spot on the high score screen. Space shooters, maze games, beat em ups, and countless other genres have helped shape popular culture for more than forty years.

In Attract Mode: The Rise and Fall of Coin Op Arcade Games, Jamie Lendino celebrates both the iconic blockbusters of the Golden Age, such as Pac Man and Star Wars The Arcade Game, and lesser known classics like Phoenix and Star Castle. The book explores the personalities, creative forces, and technological breakthroughs that brought these games to life in arcades across the United States, Japan, and around the world.

The journey begins with early electromechanical attractions and pinball machines of the early twentieth century, before moving into the formative years of video games. Lendino introduces the early innovators who experimented with college computers and unproven electronics, and traces the origins of major hits from companies such as Nintendo and Sega that continue to influence game design today. The book also examines the devastating arcade crash that nearly ended the industry, followed by the unexpected revival that reshaped it.

Whether drawn to the relentless intensity of Robotron: 2084, the playful platforming of Donkey Kong, or the visual spectacle of Dragon’s Lair, Attract Mode transports readers back to the height of arcade gaming. It captures the unique atmosphere and cultural impact of arcades, offering a vivid look at the era that permanently transformed entertainment.

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