Coin Rejects - Classic Arcade Podcast
Coin Rejects
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.
Episodes
Episode #119 - Mazer Blaze Up
In this episode, we talk about what repair took us a long time to start, but was not as bad as we anticipated? Also, what custom controls do we like the best? And find out who among us got a new game (or games) the past few months. All this and so much more. Enjoy.
Episode #118 - Ice Cold Sake
In this episode we talk about the 1983 Taito classic, Ice Cold Beer. Hear all about our strategies, thoughts on the cabinet and how many balls we put into the hole. Enjoy!
Episode #117 - Canyon Bummer
This episode is a listener feedback extravaganza! We discuss common, and uncommon, two-player simultaneous games, recap a super-secret (or maybe not-so-secret) arcade trip and talk about which games we can actually play all the way to the end. Plus, we share our gameroom updates. Enjoy!
Episode #116 - The Record of the Beast
This is a special, out-of-sequence Game of the Episode episode. We were invited to the Digital Jazz Arcade by our friend Sam McNear to play Midway’s Jr. Pac-Man which was released in 1983. Along the way, we talk about Sam’s history with arcade games and high-score chasing, discover the game’s original working title and learn some helpful strategies from a top player himself. Enjoy!
Episode #115 - Championship Violence
Rev your engines and protect your radiator because this month we are playing Demolition Derby by Bally Midway and released in 1985. Enjoy!
Episode #114 - Golden Age of Weed Games
We got another update and feedback episode for you. We hear from our friend, Island Pirate, talk about styles of point scoring in games and our ever enjoyable game room updates. Enjoy!
Episode #113 - Galaxative
This month we play the 1979 classic, Galaxian. Was this the first color game? Is this a Bronze Age game? Who of us is the worst Galaxian player? Listen and find out. Enjoy!
Episode #112 - The Back Door Arcade
What is the color of your favorite game’s back door? Where would a good destination for a potential Reject-a-palooza be? Why would buttons crunch when you push them? Some or all of these questions may be answered in this episode. Plus our ever entertaining game room updates. Enjoy!
Episode #111 - Sprogites
Run, coward! This episode we talk all about the tauntingly, difficult Sinistar by Williams. We talk about the gameplay, graphics, controls and the ever elusive cockpit version of the game. The big question is, which one of us gave this classic a coins down? Enjoy!
Episode #110 - CineThrust
This is the Portland Retro Gaming Expo 2025 wrap-up episode. Hear about what games held up at the show, which of our games got a 9+ million point high score and which game monitor blew up. Also listener feedback and our ever entertaining gameroom updates. Enjoy!
Episode #109 - Blaster-dized
Can you get to paradise? We sure try in this episode, where we play and talk about the Williams/Vid Kidz classic 1983 game, Blaster. Hear about what console this game was originally targeted for, whether or not Geech likes this game and vampire cats. Enjoy!
Episode #108 - Do It Through The Coin Door
In this episode, we hear about Dave from Buffalo’s legendary haul, talk about this year’s CAX that Brian and Ian attended and we talk about the PSE KLOV thread and the rare, prototype game that was revealed to the community. All this, updates and a little tangent where to talk all about CEDs. Enjoy!
Episode #107 - You’re Electric Man
In this episode, we talk about and play the Bally Midway classic from 1983, Discs of Tron. We talk about the different cabinets, our gameplay strategies and all the cool details that this game has to offer. Enjoy!
Episode #106 - Spun Out
In this episode, we have emails and voicemails and game room updates. Hear about game pickups that might not have been worth the trip, our Northwest Pinball and Arcade Show wrap up and what spinner games we think are the best. All this and more. Enjoy!
Episode #105 - A Bo Derek of a Video Game
In this episode, we talk about and play the Sega/Gremlin classic from 1980, Carnival. We talk about all the firsts that this game gives us, how to score the most points while playing and which one of us hates the music. Enjoy!
Episode #104 - Ryebotron
In this episode, we’re joined by Anthony, co-owner of the iconic local arcade Ground Kontrol. We dive into what it takes to run a successful arcade, the future of Ground Kontrol, and what it's like balancing the roles of both collector and operator. Plus, we share our latest game room updates and read listener emails. Enjoy!
Episode #103 - The Paint Scraper
In this episode, we discuss the 1981 Sega Gremlin classic, Astro Blaster. We talk about all the different ROM versions, if the bonuses were actually bugs and even get into a little history of Sega Gremlin. Enjoy!
Episode #102 - Astro Caster
In this episode, we talk about the unfortunate incident that led to all of our recording gear being stolen and everyone in the community that reached out and helped us recover. We discuss what qualities of different manufacturers we each admire and would want in a mashed-up arcade game. We also talk about the strategies of arranging games in our arcades. All this and our updates. Enjoy!
Episode #101 - Stone Cold Crazy
In this episode we welcome a special guest, Russell (aka crazyclimber80). Our game of the episode is the 1980 classic Pac-Man. We are playing the turbo version, cause who has the time to wait around for the normal speed game. Enjoy!
Episode #100 - The Banana Peels of Society
In this episode, we give you a complete run down of the Portland Retro Gaming Expo and welcome guest host Chris (aka geech on KLOV). We also talk about deals gone bad. Enjoy!
Episode #99 - Ape Spit
Join us as we go ape spit playing and discussing 1989’s Toki by TAD Corporation. Is it a platformer or is it a beat ‘em up? How would an ape in the middle of the jungle procure a football helmet? Does Ian give this game a Coins Up™? All of your questions will be answered by the end of this episode. Enjoy!
Episode #98 - Auntie Awesome
In this fine episode, we field some listener feedback, discuss the upcoming Portland Retro Gaming Expo and clue you in to our recent updates in our game rooms. Enjoy!
Episode #97 - Coin Plumbing
In this episode, we are mounted on our fanciful birds of prey as we play Joust as our game of the episode. Find out Ian’s top three Williams games, what our strategies were while playing and if Jordan gives the game a Coins Up™ even with all the flapping. Enjoy!
Episode #96 - Tuna Head
In this episode, we field our awesome listeners’ questions and comments. We take our first stab at a calendar of upcoming events, talk about our trip to the Northwest Pinball and Arcade Show and discuss all things that attract us about attract modes. All this and our gameroom updates. Enjoy!
Episode #95 - Harder, Faster, Better, Stronger
It is our game of the episode episode and the game is Millipede. Hear about the growths, all the bugs, Conway’s Game of Life and our scores and rates of this arcade classic. Enjoy!
Episode #94 - When To Leave A Conversation Be?
In this update/feedback episode, we talk about Brian and Jordan’s trip to Galloping Ghost, rotating Tapper handles, when to let conversions lie and more. All this and our always exciting game room updates. Enjoy!
Episode #93 - That's a Tactic
This month we are talking all about Reactor. And you can’t talk Reactor without talking about it’s designer and programmer, Tim Skelly. Join us as we talk about all aspects of the game and find out who takes second place in the challenge as Jordan reigns supreme on one of his favorite games. Enjoy!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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 make 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!
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!
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!
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!
Episode #84 - Rollin' Hotdogs
In this episode, we answer some listener email about bronze age games, hear about what arcades we have visited lately and go over some long awaited updates. Enjoy!
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.
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.
Episode #81 - Nutting but a 'G' Thang
Emerging from the depths like a wolf in the sea, we are back with an unscheduled ‘Game of the Episode’ as we dive into the Midway arcade game Sea Wolf. We take the game through its paces and talk about all the good and bad features of the game. Do we all give it a Coins Up™? Listen and find out. Enjoy!
Episode #80 - The Cutest Episode
In this snow-bound episode, we return to the Cabaret Kingdom and delve into the zany arcade game that is Parodius Da! Ian gives us an in-depth lesson on the game’s strategy and we talk all about the sound, graphics and gameplay. Hear about our cold-start challenge scores and see if anyone dares to give this 90s Jamma game a ‘coins down’. Enjoy!
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!
Episode #78 - The Trouble with Quibbles
This month we take a deep dive into Marble Madness. Hear our thoughts and our quibbles with this 1984 System 1 classic. Enjoy!
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!
Episode #76 - Space House
This month we play the weird and the wacky Bally Sente game Snacks'n Jaxson. Hear about our strategies, how Jordan acquired this game and our thoughts on this obscure 1984 classic.
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!
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!
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!
Episode #72 - Suck on to the Ceiling
In this episode we play The Glob as the MAME of the Episode. We cover the strategy (or lack there of), sound, graphics and also learn the name of the eponymous Glob. We also learn about the storied history of the game and all the different versions that are available to play. Enjoy!
Episode #71 - We're Worried About Dave
In this episode, we get an earful from listeners about our new format, talk about the state of the hobby, talk about upcoming shows and give you our game room updates. We also throw in a healthy dose of shit talk on repro games and Arcade 1ups. Enjoy!
Episode #70 - Busty
In this episode, we play the 1984 Sega game, Flicky. We talk about the alternate names for the game, which popular game franchise Flicky appears in and what game the programmers were seeking to beat while making the game. Enjoy!