Coin Rejects - Classic Arcade Podcast

Classic Arcade Podcast from the Pacific Northwest

Remember those arcade games you played as a kid? They are still out there. Come with us and we will tell you all about what it is like to find, restore, maintain and play these old games. Interested in acquiring games and starting a collection or just hearing some stories and reminiscing about the arcades and games of the past? This is the podcast you've been looking for.

Episode #92 - Roundilocks and the Three Bears

There is a lot to cover in this episode. We talk about our preferences on music in arcades, our thoughts on rotary joystick games, what we really think of arcade game locks and what the pros and cons are of taking games to shows? All this, our updates and more. Enjoy!

If you would like to connect with us, you can do so via Instagram, Email or call us at 503-766-2263 and leave a voicemail. You can also support the show by sending a donation via Ko-Fi. Thanks for all the contributions and support!

Show Notes & Links



Episode #91 - Chillin’ in the Ghost House

In this episode, we talk about and play the 1981 classic Ms. Pac-Man. We go through the art package, graphics, cabinet and all that great stuff. Ian breaks down his strategies on playing this game. Also, we talk a lot about the development of the game and GCC’s history and involvement. Enjoy!

If you would like to connect with us, you can do so via Instagram, Email or call us at 503-766-2263 and leave a voicemail. You can also support the show by sending a donation via Ko-Fi. Thanks for all the contributions and support!

Ms. Pac-Man Challenge Scores

  1. Ian - 247,500

  2. Brian - 149,560

  3. Jordan - 43,350

Ms. Pac-Man Challenge Video

Episode #90 - Sweet Taters

In this episode, we delve into the hilarious, and sometimes deeply troubling, cult classic film Hollywood Zap. Released in 1986, this movie is a wild ride packed with outrageous characters, improbable plot twists and some sweet taters. Oh yeah, there are a few classic arcade games in there too. Join us as we critically dissect this b-movie.

We also respond to listener email and give an update on what is going on in our own arcades. Enjoy!

If you would like to connect with us, you can do so via Instagram, Email or call us at 503-766-2263 and leave a voicemail. You can also support the show by sending a donation via Ko-Fi. Thanks for all the contributions and support!

Show Notes & Links


Episode #89 - Dig Dog

Join us as we explore the twisting, turning tunnels of Namco's 1982 classic, Dig Dug. We will discuss the cabinet design, art package, graphics, sound and everything in between. We have a little sidebar on our thoughts on patterns in games and let you know how we did in our high score challenge. Enjoy!

If you would like to connect with us, you can do so via Instagram, Email or call us at 503-766-2263 and leave us a voicemail.

Dig Dug Challenge Scores

  1. Ian - 114230

  2. Brian - 53920

  3. Jordan - 7960


Dig Dug Challenge Video

View on YouTube

Episode #88 - All Curb Finds

Welcome to our bi-monthly update episode. This time around we talk about EM pins/games, test rig setups and what makes a good arcade nowadays. We also do a little wrap-up on our experience at the Portland Retro Gaming Expo. All that and our game room updates. Enjoy!

If you would like to connect with us, you can do so via Instagram, Email or call us at 503-766-2263 and leave us a voicemail.

Episode #87 - Flamin' Hot Shorts

Join us as we try to help Bub and Bob rescue their girlfriends from Baron Von Blubba in the Cave of Monsters. That's right, our game of the episode is Bubble Bobble. Enjoy!

If you would like to connect with us, you can do so via Instagram, Email or call us at 503-766-2263 and leave us a voicemail.

Bubble Bobble Challenge Scores

  1. Ian - 313,160

  2. Jordan - 136,640

  3. Brian - 121,910

Bubble Bobble Challenge Video

Episode #86 - Candy Cab Alley

In this episode, we field many listener questions including which of our games would earn the most in a public location. We go over what went down at CAX 2023, talk a little about the upcoming Portland Retro Gaming Expo and give you some updates on our arcades. Enjoy!

If you would like to connect with us, you can do so via Instagram, Email or call us at 503-766-2263 and leave us a voicemail.

Episode #85 - It's Jousty

In this episode we visit the Ian's prototype HouseCade and play 1983's Mario Bros. by Nintendo. We learn Mario and Luigi's last name, liken this game to a classic Williams title and go over all the things we like (and dislike) about this title. Enjoy!

If you would like to connect with us, you can do so via Instagram, Email or call us at 503-766-2263 and leave us a voicemail.

Mario Bros. Challenge Scores

  1. Ian - 86,250

  2. Brian - 73,420

  3. Jordan - 24,140

Mario Bros. Challenge Video

Episode #83 - Non-Vegan Dust Washer

On this 'game of the episode' episode, we discuss the Atari 1986 skateboarding game 720º. Listen to who got the most frustrated playing the game and the differing opinions between the rejects. Outro music by Metronome the City. Enjoy.

If you would like to connect with us, you can do so via Instagram, Email or call us at 503-766-2263 and leave us a voicemail.

720º Challenge Scores

  1. Brian - 51,170

  2. Jordan - 12,750

  3. Brandon - 10,160

  4. Ian - 3,700

720º Challenge Video


Episode #82 - Getting Off

Would you buy a 4’ stack of marquees at $1 a pop? Will modern large games be collectible and/or affordable in the future? What do we think of modern console games? How about those shitty overpriced Atari PCB replicas? Find out what we really think. Enjoy.

If you would like to connect with us, you can do so via Instagram, Email or call us at 503-766-2263 and leave us a voicemail.

Episode #79 - Enough is Enough

In this episode, we finally address the question ‘When is enough enough’ in terms of collecting arcade games. Is there ever an end? We hope not. We also have a full round of game room updates including one reject with an epic pickup story. All this and the game of the episode reveal for next time. Enjoy!

If you would like to connect with us, you can do so via Instagram, Email or, call us, at 503-766-2263 and leave us a voicemail.

Episode #77 - Clog Off

It’s an update episode! We field some feedback from our listeners. We talk about what went down at PRGE. We also address the popularity of repro cabinets. And, of course, update you on our game rooms and projects. Enjoy!

If you would like to connect with us, you can do so via Twitter, Instagram, Email or, call us, at 503-766-2263 and leave us a voicemail.

Image of a person playing the arcade game Mortal Kombat and they are dressed like the character Liu Kang who they are also playing as in the game.

Liu Kang playing Liu Kang

Image of a Space Duel cabinet with a wooden shelf in the front that holds a Playstation game console.

Space Duel Playstation conversion

Episode #75 - Worshington

In this episode, we discuss how to safely buy a game on the internet. We hear from our listeners via email and voicemail. And we go over what has been happening in our arcades since last time. Spoiler Alert: Jordan’s been busy. Enjoy!

If you would like to connect with us, you can do so via Twitter, Instagram, Email or, call us, at 503-766-2263 and leave us a voicemail.

Episode #74 - The Space Channel

In this episode, we take on the Midway Manufacturing Co. 1980 classic, Space Encounters. Hear our takes on the game and our strategies on gameplay. Did anyone give this game a Coins Down™? Did anyone have a seizure from the intense strobe light? Listen and find out. Enjoy!

If you would like to connect with us, you can do so via Twitter, Instagram, Email or, call us, at 503-766-2263 and leave us a voicemail.

Space Encounters Challenge Scores

  1. Brian - 5,397

  2. Brandon - 5,110

  3. Ian - 4,873

  4. Jordan - 4,865

Space Encounters Challenge Video

Episode #73 - Ship Hits Back

In this episode, we respond to all of our lovely listener’s feedback. We talk about what games are rites of passage for all collectors. And we fill you in with what has been going on in our own arcades. Enjoy!

If you would like to connect with us, you can do so via Twitter, Instagram, Email or, call us, at 503-766-2263 and leave us a voicemail.

Show Links

Photo of a Jurassic Park: The Lost World game being unloaded from a black pickup truck standing on a stack of wooden pallets.

Listener Marc’s pallet unloading technique.