Hot Summer Days, Classic Arcade for a Break

As the hot Summer sun keeps growing ever stronger, even nearing the end of Summer, finding activities to do with my friends to escape the brutal heat may come as sort of a challenge. Sometimes a break from the beach is needed but where in New Jersey would there be such a place? Luckily in Dunellen, New Jersey Eight On the Break had me and my friends covered, minus the sunblock.
Eight On the Break is a retro style arcade hangout for young adults looking to escape the heat and to experience a longtime entertainment venue which has been open since 1973. The discussion to go here with my friends began with one of my friends wanting to experience a casual style arcade and without breaking the bank. As we drove up in front of the long standing video arcade, it appeared very ratty but as we entered the legacy of Eight On the Break became clear. As clear as the sky shining down on an oasis in the burning heat.

Upon entering the classic arcade, it was clear that this was no ordinary arcade. Rows of imported Japanese arcade machines filled the building, each with a history of their own. Japanese rhythm games along with racing games based on classic anime like Initial D filled the walls and for some of my friends it was like catnip for the next couple of hours. As for me, seeing that they supplied an abundance of pool tables in the back, I was entertained trying to improve my skills.

Investigating the rest of Eight On the Break, vintage and crafted fighting arcade game classics like Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 and Street fighter 2 naturally blended in with the Japanese influence the previous games established. Upon further investigation, a mini bar serving milkshakes appeared in the back of Eight On the Break. The employees working their were happy to fulfill our orders, even if they were somewhat steep with the price each milkshake being around five dollars.

After spending hours on pool and milkshakes, I decided to try out one of the imported Japanese rhythm games. I was pleasantly surprised to find not only Japanese J-Pop options, but songs from shows like My Hero Acadamia (a Japanese anime/cartoon) and videogame music like Vampire Killer from the classic videogame series Castlevania.

After finally leaving Eight On the Break, as the sun finally settled, it was no mystery why Eight On the Break had the reputation that it did. For each arcade game/machine, it only required fifty cents per play which was extremely useful for not hurting your wallet. Although I had doubts about Eight On the Break, Eight On the Break shows not to judge places by appearance and that there's more to do then just be outside during the Summer.

-Aaron Petit


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