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NQ64 Arcade Bars Ltd., the entertainment company behind a chain of popular gaming bars across the UK, has announced it will open a Japan-centric bar in London's popular Soho district later in October. NQ JPN will offer a similar experience to the NQ64 venues, but focus more directly on Japanese import cabs.
The official website currently offers little more than a mailing list sign-up page, but the NQ JPN Instagram page promises "Imported Japanese Arcades" along with "Japanese Inspired Cocktails" and "Electro Beats", along with several images of some radioactive-coded drinks.
The Insta features photos of several notable Japanese rhythm-action games, including Konami's Museca (2015), Dancerush Stardom (2018), the thoroughly bewildering Jubeat (2008), and the wrist-shattering, washing-machine aesthetic of MaiMai (2016). Also in the mix is an Astro City cab with what I believe to be SNK's Samurai Shodown VI (2014).
You won't find me there until someone confirms Quick & Crash (1999).
For frequent visitors of Arcade Club, these games need little introduction, but for everyone else, this range of high-energy, bass-thumping, visually dazzling rhythm-action games will make for a head-rattling atmosphere. I can't help but wonder if pairing such expensive cabs with an alcohol-serving bar in the middle of Soho might be a recipe for disaster. But I'm sure everyone will behave... *cough*
NQ JPN offered up tickets for a special pre-opening 'Games Testing' evening, but these unsurprisingly sold out in less than two hours of going on sale.
If you fancy your chances at some of the toughest rhythm-action titles in Japan, fuelled by hyperactively coloured drinks and played in the heart of swingin' Soho, you can pay NQ JPN a visit from Friday, October 23.
I'd wager that it will be pretty darn full during its opening weekend (and probably most weekends, given its location), so if you're heading into London especially to check it out, then be wise and book ahead. Typically, NQ64 venues operate on a pre-paid token basis. Be sure to check out the site ahead of time for more details on pricing.
NQ JPN is located on Berwick St. Soho, London.
The NQ venues are strictly 18+ entry only, save for specific windows on Sundays.