C1 Advanced (CAE) - Multiple Matching 2

Gaming Hangouts

A. RetroPlay, Camden
Supposedly London's premier vintage arcade venue, though that's not saying much. The place does admittedly house an impressive collection of 1980s cabinets, including some genuine rarities like the elusive Polybius. The dim lighting and neon signs are presumably meant to evoke nostalgia, but mainly serve to hide the dubious state of the carpeting. The maintenance of the machines is decent enough, though the Pac-Man cabinet has had a dodgy joystick for months. The staff know their stuff, I'll give them that, even if their enthusiasm for explaining the history of every single game can be rather wearing. Prices are steep - £15 for an hour's unlimited play - but that's London for you.

B. The Dungeon Master's Lair, Shoreditch
Another themed café trying desperately to part millennials from their cash. Mind you, they've done a reasonable job with the medieval décor, even if the fake torch brackets are painfully plastic. The gaming library is extensive, with everything from ancient D&D modules to the latest editions. The basement hosts regular role-playing sessions, though good luck getting a table unless you book weeks in advance. The "ye olde" menu is predictably overpriced - £6 for a "Dragon's Blood Hot Chocolate" is highway robbery. The staff are knowledgeable but insist on staying in character, which becomes tiresome after about five minutes. At least the chairs are comfortable.

C. Virtual Horizons, Hammersmith
The latest VR gaming centre to jump on the bandwagon, though they've invested in decent equipment, I'll grant them that. The setup includes top-of-the-range headsets and proper haptic feedback suits. The space is clinical and modern, like some sort of tech laboratory, which I suppose is the point. They offer the usual array of zombie shooters and rhythm games, though their simulation titles are surprisingly sophisticated. The booking system is a nightmare, and the mandatory 'safety briefing' feels endless. The staff seem more interested in their TikTok presence than customer service. Still, it's probably the best VR experience in West London, for what that's worth.

D. GamersParadise, Stratford
Nestled in the endless consumer paradise of Westfield, this place actually manages to be slightly less soulless than its surroundings. The shop stocks an impressive range of current-gen consoles and games, alongside a decent retro section. The testing stations are well-maintained, though you'll need sharp elbows to get near them at weekends. Their trade-in prices are predictably miserly, but their pre-owned selection is worth a browse. The staff actually seem to play games themselves, which makes a nice change, even if their recommendations tend towards the obvious. Their loyalty scheme is the usual pointless faff.

E. Digital Dreams, Croydon
Another gaming café trying to be all things to all people. The PC setups are decent enough, with proper gaming chairs and the latest graphics cards. The console corner feels like an afterthought, though, with worn controllers and outdated FIFA versions. They serve reasonable coffee, which is something, I suppose. The monthly tournaments attract a regular crowd, though the atmosphere can get rather intense. The air conditioning is perpetually on the fritz, making summer sessions particularly delightful. Their membership scheme offers marginal savings if you're willing to commit to a year, but who is these days?

F. The Dice Chamber, Greenwich
A board game café that at least knows what it's trying to be. The library is well-curated, with everything from classic strategy games to the latest crowdfunded monstrosities. The tables are actually large enough for proper gaming sessions, which shouldn't be remarkable but somehow is. The food menu is basic but functional - they've wisely avoided attempting anything too ambitious. The booking system is surprisingly efficient, though weekend sessions are invariably overrun with birthday parties. The staff know their games inside out, even if their enthusiasm can border on the evangelical. The membership rates are relatively reasonable for London.