Party like it's 1999: Relive the insert coin glory days of arcade gaming at THESE UK spots

The arcades of the 90s were magical, wondrous places where gamers got to experience the latest, cutting edge must-have hits.

Before the internet and 3D console gaming were a thing, the arcades were where you played the most advanced, jaw-dropping titles around.

Those who grew up in the 90s will no doubt look back fondly on some of the now iconic titles they got to experience for the first time in an arcade.

Street Fighter 2, Mortal Kombat, Sega Rally, Daytona USA, Time Crisis, Ridge Racer, Tekken – the list of games that hit the arcades first goes on and on.

Back in the 90s arcades were all over the place in Blighty, with SegaWorld at London’s Trocadero the pick of the bunch.

A neon wonderland full of all the latest arcade hits housed across several floors in the capital, it was a paradise for gamers.

But the heyday of arcade gaming is sadly long gone, with few places left to experience what a magical place these coin-op parlours were like.

One of the few places left which still taps into what made the arcade scene so magical is Japan, with Akihabara a dazzling neon-drenched gaming heaven.

But, if you don’t fancy flying halfway across the globe to experience that arcade scene, then there are a number of great hotspots in the UK.

Here’s Express.co.uk’s guide to some of the best arcades left in the UK and London…

HEART OF GAMING (CROYDON, LONDON)

If you’re looking for a greatest hits-style experience of the 90s arcade gaming scene, then the Heart of Gaming is the place for you.

Housing plenty of old cabinets from the Trocadero, the Heart of Gaming has loads of games you will have rinsed your pocket money on back in the day.

From House of the Dead 2, to Daytona USA, to Street Fighter 2 – the HoG has many of the classics you’ll remember from your local arcade.

It also boasts plenty of cabinets that may have passed you by in the 90s.

Over the years Heart of Gaming has housed beloved games such as Capcom’s Alien vs Predator and the F-Zero arcade racer.

A huge selection of consoles is also available for gamers to play at Heart of Gaming with a range of retro titles on hand to try out.

The Heart of Gaming recently moved locations to a new spot in Croydon, with Saturday night events for adults now being held.

That’s the only rare time there’s an age barrier, with Heart of Gaming a place for all the family which helps preserve memories of the glorious 90s arcade heyday.

It’s a wonderful spot and a place in London that gamers owe themselves to visit and should support.

Click here to find out more on the Heart of Gaming.

LAS VEGAS (SOHO, LONDON)

Las Vegas in Soho is the closest you can get to stepping into a Japanese arcade without having to fly all the way to the Land of the Rising Sun.

Right in the heart of the capital, Las Vegas may look unassuming from the outside but when you step inside there’s a treasure trove of games.

From Taiko no Tatsujin, to Jubeat, to Bishi Bashi – it’s a heaven for rhythm game fans and lovers of all things Japanese.

Light gun games, driving games and Dance Dance Revolution-type cabinets are also housed in Las Vegas as are pool and air hockey tables.

It’s just a stone’s throw away from China Town and the West End, so is easy to get to when you’re out and about in central London.

With a great selection of games, and new cabinets getting added, Las Vegas is a real hidden gem in London’s gaming scene.

Click here to find out more about Las Vegas.

ARCADE CLUB (BURY, GREATER MANCHESTER)

Arcade Club in Bury is billed as the “largest classic arcade in Europe”.

Quite the statement. But when you see inside this gaming mecca you know they’re not kidding around.

Hundreds of arcade machines are housed across several floors, with one floor dedicated to modern games and another to classic cabinets.

Arcade Club says they cover “three decades of arcade history” with original machines from the “dawn of arcade gaming” being carefully restored.

You’ll find titles such as Joust, Defender and Asteroids alongside 3D hits like Crazy Taxi, Soul Calibur and Sega Rally.

Other arcade cabinets on show include Street Fighter 3rd Strike, Chase HQ, Sunset Riders, Super Bishi Bashi and Star Wars Trilogy Arcade.

New Japanese arcade games as well as rhythm gaming cabs along with tonnes of pinball machines are also housed at Arcade Club Bury.

But, to try and list all the great games available to play would take us a very long time.

It’s a frankly ridiculous and hugely impressive collection of arcade hits.

Arcade Club is the type of place you could spend a whole day in and still have not seen everything.

Thankfully, food and drink is served if you’re planning on staying there for the long haul.

Click here to find out more about Arcade Club Bury.

NAMCO FUNSCAPE (WESTMINSTER, LONDON)

Namco Funscape is right next to popular tourists destinations such as Big Ben and the London Eye.

So don’t be surprised if you find the place busy when you arrive, especially since it’s a jack-of-all-trades establishment.

You’ll find bumper cars, bowling, skee ball and crane games in addition to a wide selection of arcade cabinets.

You won’t find beloved retro machines from the 90s at Namco Funscape, but you will find plenty of more modern cabinets that you can sink your coins into.

Time Crisis, Mario Kart, Cruisin USA, Jurassic Park and the brilliant Star Wars Battle Pod have all found a home at Namco Funscape.

It’s a large venue with plenty to see and do, that’s definitely worth a trip – even if in general it doesn’t scratch that retro gaming itch.

Click here to find out more about Namco Funscape in London.