Situated just off Vickers and Academy in an alley behind the beauty academy, is Soft Landing, a homey rhythm game arcade. Aside from its unconventional location, Soft Landing is something rare and worthy of exploration.
Though rhythm game arcades have historically been popular in East Asia, they have yet to become widespread in North America. As such, countless US states are without any arcade, and enthusiasts’ journeys can be upwards of hours long.
So, when I discovered over winter break that one of these arcades exists just 10 minutes from campus, I was astonished. I’ve since been too many times, and I’ve dedicated my Saturdays as ‘Soft Landing days’.
The cost for entry is $15 if you are over 17 years old, and $10 if you are 17 years old or under. Upon entry, you have access to the whole arcade — they are not pay-per-play — until the arcade closes at midnight.
You do not have to pay for re-entry on the same day if you happen to leave.
They have an impressive selection of games — this is no ticket arcade with a single dance game. Some of the more popular games they have are Chunithm, Maimai, Gitadora, Sound Voltex, Pump it Up, Taiko (12), Dance Dance Revolution, Chrono Circle, Beatmania IIDX and Wacca.
They also have a handful of non-rhythm game cabinets, including four cabinets from a driving game series and two cabinets from a mech series.
As someone who has played rhythm games outside of arcades for at least the last seven years, I can confidently say that this arcade meets my standards. It’s now my third space.
The layout is cozy and well put-together, especially considering the square footage the arcade has to work with. There are some cramped areas and some areas where the sound from other games competes with the sound of your cabinet, but those cases are easily solved with headphones.
In peak hours, it may be difficult to find a spot at popular cabinets like Maimai, Chunithm or Sound Voltex, for instance. And on Sundays, the ‘Sunday Stomp Squad’ assembles to play on the two Pump it Up machines. Otherwise, finding a spot at a cabinet is not difficult, and arriving earlier (or later) can ensure it.
The arcade sells franchise- or company-specific game cards for $10-$15. These are used to save progress, unlock more songs and, in rare cases, play the game at all. They are not obligatory, though if you come to frequent the place, you’ll have one in no time. There are also snacks and beverages available.
I haven’t encountered many issues with the cabinets themselves. The staff do frequently perform maintenance and respond to issues the games bring up. At most, you’ll have to wait a couple weeks if a new part needs to be ordered, but, generally, the issue will be fixed in a few days.
Know before you go
Sometimes, the arcade opens 20 to 40 minutes late. This is typically dependent on who is opening for that day.
The entrance can be difficult to find at first. It is the maintenance-looking door on the right of the cherry blossom graphic on the wall. The door itself usually has a poster for the arcade on it.
The arcade is very loud. If you are interested but are sensitive to sound, bring something to cover your ears.
I would highly recommend trying this place out if you’re into rhythm games or just starting out, as this place offers an experience that is engaging and unique.