As a kid, there was nothing more satisfying than dominating at a game of Bust-A-Move or arcade basketball and being rewarded with a long line of tickets, redeemable for any number of disposable trinkets from behind the glass shelf.
As I've gotten older, however, my priorities have, uh, changed. Which is why I'm so excited about this concept arcade machine that dispenses cold beer out of a jerry-rigged tap for the winner of its featured game.
The game is called The Last Barfighter, and it's a one-on-one fighting game ala Mortal Kombat or Street Fighter that takes place in a bar. Whoever earns the TKO in the game also earns a nice cool glass of beer as his prize; the loser stays thirsty, and sober.
Here's a video of the so-called "Beercade" in action:
The concept comes from the advertising firm McKinney, working for the Big Boss Brewery in Raleigh, North Carolina, as a memorable way for patrons to try Big Boss' brews.
"What's more memorable," the McKinney website asks, "sampling a beer poured by a bartender, beer rep or festival worker, or sampling a beer poured from a video arcade machine after you defeat your pathetic opponent in a game called "The Last Barfighter"?"
A clever innovation! But here's the real question: When can I get one of these beercades in my apartment? Because I am absolutely willing to throw away my bed to make room for a booze-spouting arcade machine.
(Via Engadget).