2009 News

This New Year’s Eve, Thursday 12/31, warp into the New Year with Ground Kontrol! Enjoy free gaming all nite on over 90 games, including our legendary line-up of pinball tables. DJ Roxy Epoxy (of The Epoxies and Roxy Epoxy & The Rebound) and DJ BJ (of Atole and the Supernature monthly) spin classic cuts as you conquer virtual villains and party like it’s 2084!

At midnite, have a champagne toast (included in your admission fee) as COPY kicks off the new year with a live performance of his highly original, super infectious mix of electro, 8-bit inspired synth and hip-hop!

WHAT: New Year’s Eve Free-Play Party!

WHEN: Thursday, 12/31. Doors open at 5pm.

FEATURING: COPY (live!), DJ Roxy Epoxy, DJ BJ.

COVER: $15 at the door, includes free gaming all nite plus a champagne toast at midnite! 21+ only.

- Posted by Art

Merry “X-Mas”! Konami’s 1992 side-scrolling beat ‘em up featuring one of the world’s most popular superhero comics in a super-sized cabinet is finally here.

Released in the early ’90s at the height of the beat ‘em up arcade genre, X-Men places you and your friends in the spandex of the heroic mutant team. You’ll punch and kick your way through scores of enemies, and when that’s not enough, activate your character’s unique mutant power! Even veteran villains like Juggernaut won’t stand a chance against Wolverine’s adamantium claws or Cyclop’s optic blast effeminate kicks – but can you defeat the master of magnetism, Magneto?

Over the course of a year, we made several modifications to fit this 6-player, 6-joystick, 18-button, dual-monitor game into Ground Kontrol’s lineup: upgrading the reflected dual-monitor setup to a single, wide-screen high-resolution flat display, housing that display in a custom-built “slimline” cabinet, and replacing the cabinet stickers with digital prints of restored and customized artwork. Bashing Sentinels as your favorite homo sapien superior has never looked better!

Bring your friends down to Ground Kontrol for 6 times the chaos, 6 times the intensity and 6 times the fun!

- Posted by Art

Ground Kontrol customers, thank you for another great year! We’re going to give our games (and our employees) a rest over the Christmas holiday.

We’ll be CLOSED all day Christmas Eve (Thursday 12/24) and Christmas Day (Friday 12/25.) Normal hours resume Saturday, 12/26 at Noon.

Have a very Mario Christmas and may all your Galagas be bright!

- Posted by Art

It’s been over a year in the making, but we’re just about ready to unveil our restoration of one of the greatest arcade cabinets ever made: The six-player version of Konami’s X-Men.

But first, we’ll tell the story of how it came together, in six daily installments (appropriately enough) starting on Monday, Dec. 14th and culminating on Saturday, Dec. 19th.

Read The Story In Progress >>

- Posted by Anthony

When you have more beat ‘em up games than the arcade can handle, there’s only one way to settle the score: Street Justice – The Old Town Beat Down, a new custom cabinet that packs the punch of four classic titles:

Bad Dudes Vs. Dragon Ninja (Data East, 1987)
“President Ronnie has been kidnapped by the ninjas. Are you a bad enough dude to rescue Ronnie?” Find out in this classic brawler.

Final Fight (Capcom, 1989)
This game was originally called Street Fighter ’89 and would have been the second game in that series. Its side-scrolling cooperative fighting was ultimately deemed too different from SF‘s competitive tournament style to inherit its title.

Even so, Cody, Guy, Mike Haggar, and many of their opponents appear in later games of the Street Fighter series. Play Final Fight to see how these memorable characters got their start!

Ninja Gaiden (Tecmo, 1988)
Players of the NES version will quickly realize that the original arcade game is different from the platformer they remember. Even so, it’s a great game in its own right. Bonus: The first person who finds the GK-themed easter egg hidden in the game wins a free GK coozie! UPDATE: We’re upping the ante – if you take a picture of the GK-themed easter egg, we’ll throw in a free GK t-shirt, too!

Two Crude (Nihon Bussan / AV Japan, 1990)
Genesis players may remember this obscure but worthy title as Two Crude Dudes. Brawl through post-apocalyptic New York City fighting mutants, punks, werewolves, and “psycho Santas.”

Two Crude enhances the beat-’em-up format by adding a “Grab” button to the standard Kick/Punch combo, enabling you to pick up almost anything in the environment– streetlights, garbage cans, enemies, even your partner(!)– and throw it as a weapon. Action-hero catchphrases and “crude” humor keep things lively. “Pump it up…stay cool!”

Big Buck Hunter (Incredible Technologies, 2000)
Explore the four corners of the USA meeting exotic, interesting wildlife and KILLING THEM ALL in the first installment of this popular hunting title.

Prove you’re a hunter for all seasons by shooting in night, early morning, fog and snow conditions. Bonus rounds like Turkey Hunt, Skeet, Windmill Mania, and Barnyard Bonus add a shooting gallery feel.

- Posted by Anthony

Mario Speedwagon rocking out on the Ground Kontrol stage.

On November 20, 2007, the original Rock Band was released and Ground Kontrol began Rock Band Tuesdays, a full-band karaoke experience where anyone can be a virtual rock star.

Two years, over 1,000 new songs, and many local and national news stories later, we’re celebrating the second anniversary of Rock Band Tuesdays with a reunion tribute for Mario Speedwagon, the “house band” that traveled cross-country this past summer as a semi-finalist in the Total Rock, Total Rewards competition.

Rock onstage tonight with original Mario Speedwagon members Debbie Day-Glo, SomeGuy, Joseph Hendrix and MC Destructo as they prepare for a live appearance on the Famous Mysterious Actor show!

Tonight (Tuesday, Dec. 1st)
What: Rock Band Tuesdays at Ground Kontrol
When: Tonight and every Tuesday, 8PM-1:30AM
Where: Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade, 511 NW Couch St. (map)

Tomorrow Night (Wednesday, Dec. 2nd)
What: The Famous Mysterious Actor Show feat. Mario Speedwagon
When: Wednesday Dec. 2nd, 9PM-11:30PM
Where: Curious Comedy Theater, 5225 NE MLK Blvd. (map)

- Posted by Anthony

- Posted by Art

Sega’s legendary 1996 light-gun shooter House Of The Dead has risen from the grave as Ground Kontrol’s latest addition to our fantastic line-up!

As agents Thomas Rogan and “G”, you’ll blast your way through several levels of zombies, ghouls, gargoyles and other terrifying creatures as you unravel the mystery at the Curien Mansion.

House Of The Dead’s combination of fast-paced action, polygonal gore, secret items and branching paths make it one of the best light-gun franchises ever. Grab a friend (or go guns akimbo) and remember… aim for the head!

- Posted by Art

Chip music – an avenue of audio and visual exploration for artists choosing to adopt vintage video games as a deliberate, aesthetic choices – has enjoyed enormous success for over a decade on the East Coast with world-class events the Blip Festival, Pulsewave and recent newcomer, 8static. For the first time ever, Data Beez is spreading those same addictive, low-tech sounds across the West Coast. This is a East meets West event: minusbaby represents New York City while Crashfaster represents California, Spamtron and Go Motion represent Oregon and Guybrush and Blackpawn represent Washington. It signals an evolving movement and sets a precedent for the future of chip music on the West Coast.

Presented in conjunction with Data Beez and 2 Player Productions.

WHAT: Live chiptune with minusbaby, Crashfaster, Spamtron, Go Motion

WHEN: Wednesday, November 18, 8pm

COVER: $5, 21+ only

- Posted by Art

This Tuesday, November 10, Rock Band Tuesdays features another fantastic giveaway – two pairs of tickets to They Might Be Giants’ upcoming show at the Crystal Ballroom on Wednesday, November 11!

Play new tracks from White Stripes, The Damned and Kasabian on our stage along with all available Rock Band songs (including Beatles Rock Band and LEGO Rock Band) to receive a raffle ticket and a chance to win two tickets to see They Might Be Giants! Take a bandmate or your best friend, and be sure to hit Ground Kontrol after the show to tell us about it!

WHAT: Rock Band Tuesdays featuring They Might Be Giants ticket giveaway

WHEN: Tuesday, November 10, 8PM-1:30AM with ticket giveaway at 11PM

Rock Band Tuesdays at Ground Kontrol

http://www.myspace.com/rockbandtuesdays

Catch They Might Be Giants with special guest The Guggenheim Grotto on Wednesday, November 11 at the Crystal Ballroom. Tickets available at Ticketmaster. Doors at 8pm, show at 9pm. 16 & over. More info: www.tmbg.com

- Posted by Art

LEGO Rock Band released today and you can play it tonight at Rock Band Tuesdays, our weekly full-band karaoke show. Rock out as a minifig in the LEGO world of colorful blocks, vehicles, and fantastic creatures. The 45 new songs and new gameplay modes are a blast to play!

To top it off, we’ll give away four tickets to this weekend’s Video Games Live concerts! These fell into MC Destructo’s lap today and, since the shows don’t mention Metallica, he’ll give them to four lucky Rock Band players in a random drawing during tonight’s show. Just sign up for any song to receive a raffle ticket!

Experience a full orchestra and choir accompanied by synchronized video, lighting, special effects, crowd interactivity and live action!

For details, visit the Oregon Symphony: Video Games Live page.

- Posted by Anthony

Ground Kontrol’s “Halloweek” is shrieking by, but there’s still plenty of time to shamble down and have some Halloween fun!

Tonight, our arcade will be haunted by a free show, a costume contest* and classic console creepfests!

Show up in your best (or worst) costume and enjoy the party-rock record collection of DJ Fresh Flesh while you vanquish foes with a holy whip in Castlevania or rid the neighborhood of the undead in Zombies Ate My Neighbors!

At 10pm, our stage will be overtaken by a couple of guys who at first appear to be your average, friendly Ground Kontrol patrons until they transform into gonzo synth-punk weirdos Lickity!

*Costume contest judging planned for 11pm. Per safety policies, please do not wear face masks or full face paint – make sure your mask is removable if it’s an essential part of your costume!

- Posted by Art

Want a trick AND a treat? Try turning $5 into an unlimited amount of gaming at Ground Kontrol!

You and your best fiends can take advantage of this frighteningly fun deal at the Ground Kontrol Last Wednesday Free-Play Party, on Wednesday, October 28!

This month, be wary, as you may unearth spooky console game selections at our bar and on our stage. We’ll also be giving free candy to anyone in the Halloween spirit, while it lasts!

WHAT: Free play party
WHEN: Wednesday, October 28 at 5pm
COST: $5 at the door, 21+ only please

- Posted by Art

Once a year, usually around the holiday of Halloween, Ground Kontrol reviews its corporate strategies for unpredictable and terrifying events such as the zombie apocalypse, an invasion from outer space, monsters from another dimension, or one really, really crazy guy chasing us in the woods.

We have discovered that one night is insufficient to brief our staff and clientele on survival techniques. This year Ground Kontrol will be conducting an entire week of special events leading up to Halloween on October 31. By reviewing classic horror entertainment in various forms and enjoying a cold one (or two), we hope to increase the survivability rate of our friends & fans, or at least have a lot of fun!

Welcome to Ground Kontrol’s “Halloweek“! Check our events calendar for more information, and stop in every night – it just might save your LIFE!

- Posted by Art

We’re rolling out the carpet for another pinball hit with a multicolored LED installation you’ll find only at Ground Kontrol! In ancient Baghdad, a beautiful princess is imprisoned by an evil Genie. With the enchanted Scimitar, the Magic Lamp and faithful Jinn, you must battle the Genie to rescue her. Travel alongside Sinbad and Ali-Baba as you experience the incredible adventures hidden within the Tales Of The Arabian Nights!

- Posted by Anthony

Thursday, August 27, Portland’s most popular arcade honors one of the most popular video game companies ever with a celebration sure to warp you back in time: the Nintendo Party!

Original Nintendo Entertainment System and Super Nintendo Entertainment System consoles and games will be on free play on our stage.. Re-live the amazing hype of Super Mario Brothers 3 with a special screening of “The Wizard” to kick things off. We’ll also have cleaned & refurbished systems and games available to purchase so the 8-bit action can continue in your own home!

Dress the part of your favorite Nintendo character or bizarre accessory and enter our costume contest for a chance to win a Ground Kontrol gift certificate! DJ Epor will spin 8-and-16-bit inspired tunes all night long.

Details

• “The Wizard” film screening – 7:30PM
• Nintendo console free play with music provided by DJ Epor – 9PM till close
• Costume Contest judging – 11PM

21+, no cover

- Posted by Anthony

We’re celebrating our tenth year in business with special events throughout the week. Read on for specifics!

Atari Party w/ TRON screening: Monday, August 24th, 7:30PM – ?

We’re hauling out our favorite Atari systems, games, controllers, and other 8-bit gaming paraphernalia from the early ’80s, with Intellivision and Colecovision likely to make an appearance, too. Take this opportunity to totally destroy your best friend in Combat, Kaboom, Warlords, or in any of the dozens of vintage home video games we stock. If you get hooked on the pixelated carnage, we’ll have refurbished systems on sale for you to take the fun home.

Console free-play begins with a screening of TRON, the classic computer adventure at 7:30PM. At 9PM, 8-bit inspired tunes will be jamming courtesy of DJ Beamrider, AKA Tony Cameron of The Punk Group.

Rock Band Battle: Tuesday, August 25th, 8PM

Rock Band Tuesdays at Ground Kontrol will hold an all-night, all-out Rock Band Battle with promotional merchandise from MTV Networks, Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade, and Cinemark East 16 offered as prizes.

Groups of four players enter the competition by attending the weekly Rock Band Tuesdays event between 8PM and 10PM and performing a 2-song set of their choice, and judged by the members of the “house band” Mario Speedwagon qualify for the final round. At 10PM, the top four bands will face off in single-elimination competition.

Who will be crowned the best Rock Band band of them all? For full contest details, visit the Rock Band Tuesdays Facebook page.

Free-Play Party: Wednesday, August 26th, 5PM -2:30AM

There’s no need to worry about saving quarters for laundry day, because it’s FREE PLAY! Play all the pinball, and video games you want for five measly dollars. It’s by far the most exciting entertainment value in town.

This month’s FREE PLAY party is part of Ground Kontrol classic arcade’s tenth birthday, so we’ll be bringing out some special console games to add to our already fantastic lineup. Master Star Trek: Next Generation pinball’s Picard Maneuver and smash the top score on Tetris, all feel guilt-free!

Micropalooza ’09 Chiptune Festival: Friday, August 28th

Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade’s Micropalooza festival series has been bringing “chiptune”– music made using specially-hacked video game hardware– to the Portland music scene since 2003. This year’s lineup showcases artists from the Pacific Northwest:

• 486
• Leeni (Seattle)
• Operation Mission
• Fighter X (Seattle)
• Square Wail (Seattle)
• Spamtron
• also featuring DJ Ghostdad at 7pm

Just like your favorite video game soundtrack, this truly unique festival will send you away with infectious 8-bit sounds beeping in your head.

21+, $5 advance or $6 at door. Advance tickets available exclusively at Brown Paper Tickets. Service charges apply.

- Posted by Anthony

Can you believe Ground Kontrol is ten years old? This birthday deserves more than one party, so we’re stretching it out over the next week. Read the full press release below and be sure to stop in every night! And thank you, Portland, for your continued support!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PORTLAND’S FAVORITE ARCADE TURNS TEN.

Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade celebrates ten years of old-school fun! From their beginnings in 1999, Ground Kontrol has taken pride in preserving video game heritage.

No other arcade in the region can touch Ground Kontrol’s collection. They are committed to keeping the best games from the past four decades of arcade history working and playable in their original form. Pinball wizards also celebrate Ground Kontrol for having not only the best and largest selection of pinball tables in the Pacific NW, but the best-maintained, too. Console gamers are not left out, either. Ground Kontrol refurbishes and sells a wide variety of old-school console hardware and games, from the Atari 2600 to the Nintendo 64. Ground Kontrol has also established Portland’s first and most popular “Rock Band” video game night, which has earned a loyal following and has been nationally recognized as a superior display of virtual rock.

Over the past decade, Ground Kontrol has hosted famous bands, game tournaments, hugely popular “Free Play” nights, and even a wedding. Ground Kontrol has also been featured in film and television, notably “The Comedians of Comedy” documentary film. As the collection of pinball and arcades has grown over the years, so did the space. In 2004, Ground Kontrol moved into Portland’s Old Town district. Shortly thereafter, they began to serve beer and wine, making the arcade a great place to play while sipping a tasty beverage. Not content to just lounge, Ground Kontrol is still obsessed with preserving and improving the arcade experience.

This week, be sure to stop into one of the true gems of Portland. Help them celebrate ten years of classic arcade action with many more to come. Events will be held every night all week. Highlights include a “Rock Band” tournament, Free Play Party, and the annual live chiptune festival, Micropalooza ‘09.

- Posted by Art

We’ve launched our official page on Facebook! Keep up with Ground Kontrol events, discuss your favorite games, share photos and meet fellow fans of classic arcade gaming. Become a fan today!

And by the way, did you know we’re also on Twitter? Send comments, professions of love, or questions to @GroundKontrol and be sure to follow us, too!

- Posted by Art

We’ve added two very popular and sought-after pinball machines to the lineup. At 28 tables, we now have the largest public pinball game room in the Pacific Northwest!

Cirqus Voltaire
Marvel at the mystery of Cirqus Voltaire! Brilliant colors, lively gameplay and innovative features are the hallmarks of this late-model Williams pin. Battle the crazed ringmaster as he pops up from the playfield and captures your ball, balancing it precariously on his head!

Cannon fire, a disappearing “boom balloon” bumper and death-defying high wire balancing acts all await you. WIth six different multi-ball modes, there’s always something new to discover under the big top!

The Machine: Bride Of Pin*Bot
Pin*Bot demands a bride! Construct a massive robotic mate in the weightless reaches of space. Shoot the Shuttle ramp to activate her voice, then her eyes for two-ball multi-ball. Shoot the ramp again to complete the metamorphosis and bring her to life!

Close ramps and loop shots pump up her heart, and your score, as Pin*Bot comments on your progress from a challenging mini-playfield. It’s alive!

- Posted by Anthony

Dance dance your way to fame and glory with Ground Kontrol’s second DDR Tournament! Win cash prizes and GK gift certificates!

WHAT: Dance Dance Revolution Extreme tournament

HOW TO QUALIFY: Please view full details at the Beatspace.net Event Listing!

ENTRY: Sign-ups begin at Ground Kontrol at 12 Noon. First match will begin soon after.

COST: $10 entry fee. Entrants receive soft drink discounts and a complimentary water dispenser will be set up.

MORE INFO: Beatspace.net Event Listing

- Posted by Art

Portland State University’s radio station KPSU 1450 AM is celebrating 15 years on the air with a free all-day concert in Pioneer Courthouse Square this Saturday, and Ground Kontrol will be there to support! Visit our Rock Band “side stage,” where MC Destructo and members of Mario Speedwagon will be on hand to help you rock the crowd.

Live music and DJs on the main stage, Rock Band on the side stage, a beer garden, and it’s free and all-ages all day long. How can you go wrong?

What: KPSU 15th Anniversary Concert with Rock Band 2 Side Stage
When: Saturday, June 27th, 10AM-10PM
Where: Pioneer Courthouse Square in downtown Portland

p.s. Mario Speedwagon didn’t win that contest, but they did place third out of the five best bands in their region, and most definitely rocked the house. To see their performances, the judges’ reactions, a Live@7 interview and more, visit the Mario Speedwagon MySpace Music page.

- Posted by Anthony

Dance dance your way to fame and glory with Ground Kontrol’s first DDR Tournament! Win cash prizes and GK gift certificates!

WHAT: Dance Dance Revolution Extreme tournament

HOW TO QUALIFY: Please view full details at the Beatspace.net Event Listing!

ENTRY: Sign-ups begin at Backspace at 11AM. First match will begin at Noon.

COST: $10 entry fee. Entrants receive soft drink discounts and a complimentary water dispenser will be set up.

MORE INFO: Beatspace.net Event Listing

- Posted by Art

"Mario Speedwagon" celebrate in the VIP lounge after qualifying in Lake Tahoe.

Mario Speedwagon, the “house band” for Ground Kontrol’s weekly Rock Band Tuesdays event, will fly all-expenses-paid to Atlantic City on Wednesday, May 7th to compete for the chance to win $10,000 and open for the B-52s in the “Total Rock, Total Rewards” competition sponsored by Harrah’s Casinos and MTV.

Mario Speedwagon is “MC Destructo” on vocals/bass, Joseph Garrison AKA “Joseph Hendrix” on guitar, Brennan Thome AKA “Debbie DayGlo” on bass/vocals, and Chris Wiza AKA “SomeGuy” on drums.

“We’re thrilled to represent Rock Band Tuesdays, Ground Kontrol, Portland, the Pacific Northwest, and anybody else who wants to cheer us on,” said MC Destructo, who also hosts Ground Kontrol’s weekly Rock Band event. “When the contest was announced, I first thought it would be ridiculous to enter. Then I realized we’ve been playing this game onstage at Ground Kontrol almost every week since Rock Band 1 was released. With nearly two years of live experience, it would be ridiculous for us not to enter.”

There were obstacles along the way, however: The contest didn’t even include a northwestern venue at first, offering only Western, Southern, Central, and Eastern locations. Eventually, Lake Tahoe, NV was added to the Eastern region, offering a relatively close destination for qualifying. The band planned to fly there on April 17, the last possible night, but almost didn’t make it when their flight was overbooked, leaving their drummer without a seat. A volunteer eventually came to the rescue, enabling the band to make the trip. They played the last song of the evening, posting a top score that qualified them for the Eastern Regionals and a free trip to Atlantic City.

Bands in the next round will be judged on appearance and performance in addition to game score by an American-Idol style panel of representatives from Harmonix, makers of the Rock Band game, and MTV. Destructo thinks the band is ready.

“This is a dream team. Everyone in the band is giving their all. We’re good at playing the game but, more importantly, we know how to put on a great show and have a great time while doing it. We’re planning to go all the way.”

The band promises to post updates on their MySpace throughout the competition “except when we’re sleeping in the limo, like rock stars.”

- Posted by Anthony

Pinbrawl ’09 was bigger and better than we’d hoped, with 121 contestants, and several highly ranked players coming from all over, including Canada! The players of note who attended are too numerous to mention, but we have to give shoutouts to former NBA center Todd MacCulloch for coming from Seattle, and Eden Stamm, who drove all the way from Vancouver, B.C.! Pinball oldtimer Jerry Caruthers also showed up to watch the proceedings.

And what a brawl it was! Eden had the best high score of the tourney, putting up over 3 Billion on Theatre of Magic. Bounceback of CFF then knocked out Eden on Scared Stiff. Jeff Weston, founder of the Portland Pinball League, stayed up way past his bedtime before succumbing to fatigue, finishing 10th overall. Dropshot of Portland’s own CFF beat Cayle George 2 games to 1 on Lord of the Rings in the Semifinals, then defeated Rev Test of CFF on White Water to win the Winners’ Bracket Final. After being bumped to the Losers’ bracket, Cayle mowed through some of Portland’s best players, beating Mike Mahaffey on Dr. Who, Replay of CFF on Scared Stiff, and finally Rev Test of CFF in the Losers’ Bracket Final, also on Dr. Who, setting up a dramatic rematch with Dropshot for the Pinbrawl Championship. Being a double elimination tournament, Dropshot only needed to win once; Cayle needed to beat Dropshot twice. In a tense duel on Attack From Mars, Cayle won 2 games to none. Then, in the final battle on Road Show, Cayle bulldozed his way to another 2-0 victory.

The long day was capped by the presentation of the Pinhead Trophy and the Grand Prize to Cayle by yours truly:

But the champion’s day wasn’t over. Cayle and Eden loaded up Cayle’s loot pinball machine and trophy into Eden’s van, and they left for Seattle at about 3:30AM.

We’ve received quite a few complements on how well the tournament was run. Credit for that should go to Aaron Nelson, Fred Franken, and Eric Hill, who provided major help to Ground Kontrol in organizing the event and then running the tourney. We’d also like to thank Mike Rosen for DJing, Louie Hamlett and Buffalo Gap for providing food, and everyone who participated, especially those who came from out of town to play or watch. Finally, I’d like to personally thank our techs, Ryan Vyborney and Mark Watson, who put in overtime for weeks getting our tables ready. Awesome job, guys!

The final results, listing all players, can be found at the IFPA’s World Pinball Player Rankings website. Pictures of the event can be found on the Flickr page of Sachiko Arakawa, our staff photographer.

If you didn’t grab one of our rad new t-shirts during Pinbrawl, we still have a few left, both at Ground Kontrol and also in our online store. And if you missed out on entering the tournament, don’t worry – we’re definitely doing this again next year (and starting earlier)!

Update: Here is a nice writeup on the Portland Sportsman website.

- Posted by The CEO

In the mid-nineties, Namco compiled several of their classics from the “Golden Age” of arcade gaming into new cabinets with new features. Spanning two collections, the games Pac-Man, Galaga, Xevious, Mappy, Rally-X and Dig Dug were made available for a new generation of arcades.

In addition to repackaging these original games, the Classic Collections included “arrangement” modes, with updated graphics, new enemies, fresh sounds and altered gameplay! The “arrangement” mode also offers 2-player simultaneous play (except Rally-X), which is an especially cool addition to Pac-Man and Galaga. One could argue that these collections innovated the remixes of classic games that have become popular today.

Our new cabinet at Ground Kontrol combines BOTH of these collections for a total of six games rounding out the selection (twelve if you include the “arrangement” remixes!) The latest of our custom-produced multi-games, our Namco Classics cabinet boasts new art on the shiny marquee and control panel. Come drop some quarters in this Namco showcase to relive old memories or try out the unique “arrangement” modes!

- Posted by dan

The time has come for the biggest and best pinball tournament in Portland! Bring your flipper skills to Ground Kontrol on Sunday, April 19 and fight for glory in the Portland Pinbrawl: our 1st Annual Ground Kontrol Pinball Tournament! The Grand Prize winner will take home a pinball machine (title revealed at the event.) Other prizes will be available, full details will be announced leading up to the tournament.

NOTE: Because Ground Kontrol will begin beer & wine service at 12PM on Sunday, April 19. (instead of our usual 5PM start time), ALL Ground Kontrol customers (including tournament players and spectators) will need to be 21+ with valid I.D. for the entire day on Sunday, April 19. We apologize for any inconvenience.

PRE-REGISTER! Check below for full pre-registration details. Don’t risk being late to register in person, and take care of it now! Keep checking back for updates, this is going to be huge!

What: Portland Pinbrawl: 1st Annual Ground Kontrol Pinball Tournament

When: Sunday, April 19, 2009. Registration @ 1PM, Tournament starts @ 2PM. Registration ends when the line ends (no exceptions), so get here on time!

Cost: $10 entry fee per participant. One entry per person, with no re-entries after being eliminated.

Format: Random bracket placement, head-to-head, best two of three double eliminination tournament.

Games: You’ll compete in a selection of our 26 pinball games, and there may be a mystery selection…

Age Restriction: Ground Kontrol’s bar will open at 12PM on Sunday, April 19 only. All Ground Kontrol customers, tournament players and spectators must be 21+ years old w/ valid I.D. to enter all day Sunday, April 19th.

Other info: There will be catering by The Buffalo Gap with food specials for entrants, and Mike Rosen will MC the proceedings!

PRE-REGISTRATION OVERVIEW: Pre-registration guarantees you a spot in the tournament bracket without the hassle of waiting in line. As an added bonus, pre-registrants will receive priority for first-round byes. All remaining first-round byes will be randomly assigned to players with same day registration.

PAYMENT Paypal is the only accepted method of payment for pre-registration. Simply enter your name in the text box below and click the “Buy Now” button to begin the secure transaction. You will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours of sending payment. Sorry, the pre-registration fee is non-refundable.Remember, players must be 21+ years old w/ valid I.D.

PRE-REGISTRATION PERIOD Pre-registration begins immediately and will last until 12:00 PM PST Saturday, April 18th, 2009.

Pre-registration is now closed. Thank you to all who signed up! For those who missed the pre-registration you can still sign up the day of the tournament. Ground Kontrol’s doors will open at 12:00, registration begins at 1:00, and we plan to call out the first game at 2:00. Can’t wait to see you all there!

- Posted by Art

Wednesday, March 25th, leave your quarters at home!

Time for our monthly free-play party! On Last Wednesday each month, Ground Kontrol helps you stretch your gaming dollar by setting all of our video games and pinball tables to FREE play!

Beat your personal best scores, shatter a world record, or just try something new! Remember: this is a 21+ event.

What: Last Wednesday Free-Play Party

Cost: $5 cover for FREE GAMES ALL NITE!

When: Doors open at 5PM, DJ Palomitas starts at 9PM

- Posted by Art

Slugfest 3 was our most successful fighting game tournament yet, with 40 participants across all four games (Street Fighter IV, of course, had the highest registration numbers!) Here’s a quick look at who won each tournament:

Street Fighter III:3rd Strike (Arcade)

1. Anthony “#1geesemaster” Jaimes
2. Sam “FatBear” Yatchmenoff
3. Matt “LordBBH” Hall

Street Fighter Alpha 3 (Arcade)

1. Ray “RayBladeX” Teruya Jr
2. Matt “LordBBH” Hall
3. Sam “FatBear” Yatchmenoff

Street Fighter 2:HD Remix (Playstation 3)

1. Ray “RayBladeX” Teruya Jr
2. Matt “LordBBH” Hall
3. Sam “FatBear” Yatchmenoff

Street Fighter 4 (Playstation 3)

1. Matt “LordBBH” Hall
2. Sam “SamB” Biniam
3. Sam “FatBear” Yatchmenoff

Congratulations to all of the winners! We’ll keep you posted on when it’s time for the next tournament!

- Posted by Art

Oscillator X Flyer

Oscillator X is a band whose members have had songs featured in several video games including the In The Groove series, the Pump It Up series, iDance, and Snake 360.

Unlike many of today’s dance acts, Oscillator X is a bona fide band, with members Kyle A. Ward and John Mendenhall writing and performing all of the music, both in the studio and at their dynamic live shows.

Oscillator X‘s track Dynamo is currently blowing up on Seattle’s C89.5 radio station, being the #1 song for over a month!

On First Thursday, March 5, Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade is pleased to host Oscillator X on the first stop on their West Coast tour. The music will start around 7PM, when expert DJ Strategy starts spinning an amazing juxtaposition of musical genres, making you groove to records you never would have thought to play together. Os X will go on after Strategy wraps up. 21+, no cover.

- Posted by The CEO