How to Win Big Arcade Game Prizes

Arcade games are super fun, but are also pretty puzzling. How do you win? Is it possible to get that big prize in the redemption center? We won’t give away the store, but we can give you a few tips to have a better gaming experience at Zone 28. Consider a few ideas on how to be a better gamer and challenge our games.

This one’s not really a mystery, but our top prizes require more tickets. You don’t necessarily have to be the #1 gamer to nab a tablet or console, but anything is possible with some time and patience. A few things to remember on your quest for game tickets:

• Be Patient. While various games are timed and it’s easier to become flustered, remember that it’s just a game and pay attention to how to score points or successfully perform a required action (i.e. pressing a button on a video game to engage the swing of a baseball bat). Part of finding success is learning the timing and rhythm that work for you in a given game, so there’s bound to be a learning curve.
• Play to Your Strengths. Whether you’re a veteran gamer or simply have a few games which come naturally—if you've got it, flaunt it. Experience as many games as possible in the arcade, but consider playing the ones you’re a bit more comfortable with to earn tickets more easily.
• Put in the Time. Collecting 25,000 tickets takes some time, to say the least. Don’t be afraid to use some of that gameplay as practice and work on playing your favorite games effectively and efficiently to earn those tickets. It might take hours, but think of how excited you’ll be when that prize is in your grasp.

Arcade customers revel in the thrill of our games, but undoubtedly get frustrated or discouraged when a game doesn’t go their way. That’s certainly understandable, but don’t forget to have fun! The best advice we can give is to just take a breath and relax. It’s not a race. When you relax, it’s easier to think about the game in front of you and your strategy for playing it. Going into a game with a strategy in place gives a mental workout and makes gameplay more enjoyable. Strategy is an essential element to a few popular games:

• Claw/Crane Games. “Oooh. The claw!” Claw games have some of the cutest prizes to win directly, but they are tricky. Our advice: think simple. The prize at the bottom of the pile will be out of reach for the claw grabber, for instance. Do you have a lucky friend? Take them along to play.
• Skeeball. When you think about visiting any arcade, Skeeball is likely to come to mind. Luckily, we have several lanes available at Zone 28. You could try various adjustments to your roll or aim for a specific hole, but one strategy that folks agree on is the stance you use. It’s like weightlifting: bend your knees.
• Basketball. Sinking shots in hoops games doesn’t require NBA experience. In fact, the best strategy for arcade basketball is to take advantage of the allotted time instead of aiming for perfection. Basketball games run the clock down to the buzzer, so move quickly.

Winning the best prize in our redemption center probably won’t happen on your first try, and that’s OK. Part of the fun of playing at Zone 28 is the trial and error involved in the gaming experience. Coming into the arcade with high expectations as a new gamer could be disappointing, and of course we want you to come back. Gear up for a great day by reminding yourself to just have fun, but also to:

• Stick to Your Budget. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the gaming experience, and you should have a blast every time you play, but don’t break the bank. After all, if you do, you won’t be able to come back. Before a day of arcade fun, think about how much you can reasonably spend on the outing. Load up your game card accordingly (maybe with some wiggle room for a small reload). Bonus: several games are long-lasting and affordable for small budgets.
• Pay Attention to Ticket Yields. If the overarching goal is to get boatloads of tickets to score that ideal prize, harder and more expensive games will indeed get you there faster. If you’re OK with taking your time and saving up tickets across multiple trips to the arcade, low-yielding games like Skeeball could be ideal.
• Know When to Walk Away. You’ve spent an hour on a single game and can’t overcome a specific obstacle. Your gaming experience should be positive instead of frustrating, so it’s OK to move on to a different game for a bit. Play something else and come back after clearing your head. Fresh eyes always help.

We’ve all stepped foot into the arcade and immediately set our sights on a major prize. Giant stuffed animals, electronics, you name it—the goal is to win big. But it’s important not to put too much pressure on yourself. Zone 28 is all about having fun, so make that your number one priority, relax and watch the tickets roll in! Stop by the Game Zone Arcade to enjoy your favorite games today.