Game Galaxy Arcade — Attraction in Smyrna

If you are an old school arcade and pinball enthusiast, you cannot pass through middle Tennessee without checking this place in Smyrna out. It should literally be classified as a landmark.

Inside this century old building you will find just about every arcade game you have ever played before (I'm 48 so that's alot). Even if the cabinet you're looking for is not there, they have a few all-in-one machines peppered throughout the location that stands a chance of having it.

My game of choice is Dragon's Lair, and they have it, along with at least 5 other laser disc games, BUT you need to go on Saturday if you want to play them. This was a bit offputting since I'm from out of town, but as someone who has owned one of these treasures, I can imagine the amount of wear and tear that can occur just by being powered on for a game this old and fragile. As such, I was told the only day you can play those particular machines is Saturday. No harm no foul, just right place wrong time.

Not a fan of pinball myself, but there is a ridiculous amount of pins in there, but in a good way. Its nice to see that level of variety. I would like to have seen a few more of the old school drivers like Hard/Race drivin, Stocker, Ridge Racer, but I would imagine they take up way more space than the stand ups they have. Plus, as someone who's first job was an arcade technician, these are a pain to maintain and calibrate.

As far as space, all the cabinets are right next to each other, so if someone is on a game next to you, it can be a little crowded, but then with the sheer number of games here, the likelihood of being next to someone very often is low.

There are few games that have button or switch issues, which I reported. However I was back after in town after about a month, and a few of the issues still hadn't been fixed. I can't imagine there wouldn't be enough spare parts lying around.

For you less conservative enthusiasts, they have the front room filled with consoles, all in ones, hybrids, home growns, and ricers, which is where I assume the competitions take place. I try to stay away from that mess because it gets a bit rowdy, at least the two out of three times I've been there.

All in all, you would be hard pressed to find an arcade anywhere that you can pay 12 bucks and stay all day, plus have the sheer number of machines of this place. It's a bit cramped, but its laid out well. I especially love the fact that the 1990 and newer games are towards the back, featuring the classic 80s cabinets in the main commons area. Dont know if that was on purpose or not, but if so it was a good idea. The Nintendo cabinets are in one spot, as well as the Midways, Universals, and William's. Again, if this was themed intentionally, well done.

Since I know how to fix these things, it took every ounce of restraint not to reach in and either diagnose the issues or fix it myself, but I wouldn't want someone coming to my house rooting through my service menu or control panel. Just report whatever you find to the folks at the desk, they seem friendly enough. Maybe I just caught one guy on a bad day when i reported the Mortal Kombat 3 block button on the P2 side not working. He just said "it's a 20 year old fighter, its bound to be abused".

Otherwise, this would be 5 out of 5 stars. But then, that's just...

I don't really like editing my reviews for negativity especially sense I love this place. But I just had a super rude encounter with one of the employees. Which surprised me, most of the employees are really chill and down to earth. So I parked across the street to get to gg at the train depot. No big deal I like to walk anyways. But after spending 3 hours there I leave, make it back to the car and realized "Dang. I forgot my wallet on top of the ddr machine I think." So I call GG to see if they can check for me as I walk in. I'm like "I'm heading back in, can yall check for me sense I'm across the street still." .... and he's like "no." Very rude.. I'm like ok "why?" and he's like "you can check." Which I'm still across the street walking, hoping no one stole it. So I'm like "I'm on my way in, but it would be faster if you just went to make sure it was there." And still was a hard no in a very rude tone. "Isn't this your establishment? Why can't you check?" I asked. "Were running a tournament" he said. OK, so I understand that. But still it would of took like a few seconds just to run and check, or get it to make sure no one stole it. especially sense I was all the way across the street still. You really shouldn't be that way to customers paying and supporting your establishment. : / when i walked in the employee wasnt even paying attention to no tournament like he said anyways.

One of my favorite arcades! But they need to fix the lighting on there ddr machine.

Edit: They replaced the screen in the ddr, fixed up the pads and its now running stepmania. Amazing!!!! I play there alot. Plus added a new pop'n music and so much more. Best place for rhythm...

Game Galaxy Arcade is an amazing place to go for a fun time. Whether by yourself, your mate or the entire family. The owners and staff are fantastic as well! I moved to Tennessee 3 1/2 years ago. We live in Knoxville and I've gone to Game Galaxy Arcade 4 times to play in Pinball Tournaments.

The tournaments are so much fun and very well organized. It doesn't matter if you've never played in a pinball tournament or you've not played pinball in 30 years or if you're a high skilled player, you will have an amazing experience. The pinball community are full of great people who are both willing to help you out with understanding on how to do this. People are here to just have loads of fun and are extremely welcoming to whoever shows up.

I say amazing experience because the second I open the door to enter this fine establishment there is an aura that just fills my entire mind, body and soul. Immediately there is a peaceful feeling as well as excitement. I'm an older fellow but I must say in the many places and establishments I've gone into, I've never experienced this feeling. It truly is amazing!

There are over 150 machines I believe. Pinball, arcade games and more. The true beauty is that they are all maintained and function just the way they are supposed to. Yes! whether a Classic Pinball Game from the 1970's or a new Stern Pinball Machine that was recently released. The ownership takes great pride in keeping everything in tip top shape!

So if you live nearby or a few hours away or Just visiting the Nashville area this is a venue you won't want to miss! You'll smile as you enter and you'll be so happy you had the experience to go to Game...