Retroid

One of the busier stands at Game Stars Live was the Joystick Junkies Retro Lounge. Essentially a collection of classic arcade machines - no Star Wars cabinet though - the area was heaving with punters either trying to relive their youth or finding out what dad and mum used to do in their spare time. Of course, the lure of these games lies not only in their nostalgic appeal but in simplicity. Playing a game at an event is a noisy and frustrating exercise. Any game that can't be picked up and appreciated within 30 seconds is usually passed over by punters. But who needs instructions for Defender? Of course, you could argue that the retro trend is wholly unwelcome.