My work involves a lot of travel and I’ve been fortunate to visit multiple arcades around the world, including Japan. I’d easily rank the four Free Play locations in the DFW metro area collectively as the best arcades I’ve visited in the United States. In fact, I think the fact they routinely acquire new games and swap out machines on the floor gives them an advantage over the few remaining retro Japanese arcades.In short, THIS is how you do an arcade right. I hate the term “barcade” but I suppose this is one in the sense they have an impressive bar and kitchen on site. That said, unlike almost every other self-styled barcade I’ve visited, the drinks and food complement the games rather than serve as the primary attraction.What sets Free Play apart is the diversity and rarity of its games. These feature some true gems on original hardware that go well beyond the dime-a-dozen Pac-Man and Centipede cabs found elsewhere. For example, the Richardson location (at the time of this writing) has an ultra-rare Planet Harriers, an Atomiswave running Dolphin Blue, the first Beast Busters, Do Don Pachi, Power Stone 2, and the original Marvel Vs. Capcom…to name just a few. I’m not really into pinball but there are quite a few of those machines on the floor too.Whether you’re a serious arcade enthusiast or just a casual player who wants an afternoon with your kids, I can’t recommend Free Play enough.
Our favorite spot in all of Richardson. Don’t let the low key strip mall location deter you- this place is as groovy as it gets! They have a wide variety of games: all the arcade console classics, Killer Queen, Street Fighter, pinball, skee ball, and more. They are always adding new games as well. They also have some really good drink specials and tons of craft beer (mostly cans with some drafts too). Bartenders are awesome.
Place needs a deep clean. The pinball machines facing unshaded windows with no blinds is mind boggling. Expect two to three games to not be working and wear a tank top cause it will be hot.
Love this franchise. I've been to three so far and nothing but awesomeness ensues. Old school as well as some new video games plus pinballs galore, good drinks, and food. Keep it up, FP!
I had a lot of fun here with some friends. It got pretty busy and loud at about 7 on a Saturday (totally understandable). The drinks were a little pricey, but I get it. Looking forward to going back!
Fun place for drinks, games, and social times with friends. Bartenders are super polite n respectful and patient haha. The pinball machines might be my favorite!
This arcade is absolutely a fun Time. I totally recommend it.
We came here for my son's bday. It was awesome! The games are super fun. They have really good food too! We had the buffalo chicken pizza, turkey club and grilled cheese (with bacon) and they were all amazing! Will definitely be back.
The Richardson Free Play is my very favorite vintage video game arcade. The staff is very cool, and has several games I like, including Gyruss, Mrs Pac Man, Area 51, and Tapper. I wish for GORF, POLE POSITION 2, XEVIOUS, HANG ON, and POLICE TRAINER. These games on my want list may be hard to find, but my dream arcade includes these old classics. Richardson Free Play is still a FUN place to go, and only go to this location. The other 2 locations I had a frustrating experience, and did not bother to tell any staff members about being upset about how my visit went. Chances are, they are just going to tell me to get out and not come back, even though I would like to be polite and peacefully try to resolve and patch things up. I am not going to leave a review on the Denton location, because it will do no justice and will not warrant my time. I wish that I could purchase a membership in the arcade instead of going online to get it. I was upset at this inconvenience, but that is how FreePlay operates. Also, you must set up your membership on an automatic monthly renewal basis, which makes me feel like they are putting a ball and chain device to my feet. You can back out of it after the first month, but you must remember to do so before the process starts all over again should you decide not to have another month of membership. I don't get to tell them how to conduct buisiness operations, but I sure can let others know how I hate some of their buisiness practices! One of their competitors I go to has the convenience of buying a monthly membership at their arcade customer service counter, and I appreciate that. At the end of the day, I still like this arcade a great deal, and think highly of the owner. FreePlay of Richardson takes me back to my quarter spending youth, and is a great atmosphere with 1980's music playing. I do not personally know the owner, but watched his videos on YouTube. He has compassion, and does like video games a great deal, and he turned it into a successful business. During the first 6 months or so of the COVID-19 pandemic, I worried that FreePlay would have to close their doors. They probably were financially high and dry for a while, but they came back because the owner cares, and he worked hard to save FreePlay. Many customers sadly missed this arcade for months, and so did I, but IT CAME BACK.
If you like arcade games, then you will love this place. For 12 bucks you can spend the whole afternoon and most of the night with a big smile on your face.