Originating from Japan, Round 1, a state-of-the-art entertainment company, just opened at The Parks Mall. It includes the traditional arcades, bowling alley and billiards as well as darts, ping pong and karaoke machines. This arcade is unique because it focuses on the Japanese culture where photo booths, karaoke and claw machines are popular.

Once you step inside, the first thing you see are the rows of claw machines holding cute little stuffed toys, illuminated by the white fluorescent lights. Behind them are the photo booths and the arcade games. Some include the popular Mario Kart DX, which originated from the Nintendo DS System, which now enables you to be in the driver’s seat and steer instead of the constant smashing of buttons. Another exclusive includes Beat Mania II DX, which is a rhythmic video game that allows you to recreate the musical scores of available songs like a DJ. There are also rows of fighting games like Tekken 7 and shooting games like Dark Escape, in which you battle against mutant monsters.

The bowling alley, ping pong tables, billiards and darts are located in the back. The bowling shoes start at $3.50 per person, and it is possible to rent a locker to hold both your shoes and any personal bowling balls. The shoes system is automated, which can save time.

Round 1, also contains a food counter and bar, which offers the traditional menu of food items like pizzas, burgers, hot dogs, nachos, Buffalo wings, salads, etc. However, there are some unusual snacks like Chile Poppers, which are fried Chile peppers stuffed with cheese, ground meat and spices.

Since it is a great place to hang out with friends, the only negative thing I would have to say is the place is pricey. When you first visit, you buy one of two cards, either normal or membership. With a certain amount of money, you get a number of points ($5 equals 20 points), which is then used to play games. Here lies the problem. Some of these games are expensive to play because they cost more then four points to play. The prizes in the ticket redemption center are also pricey. They may be cool and cute, but it takes numerous tickets to get them. Even the smallest prizes cost more than a hundred tickets.

Round 1 was enjoyable because it had more activities that are popular to young adults than Alley Cats and Dave & Busters. Though it is a one-stop place of fun, the only advice I would give you is to watch how much you are spending because it may be better to get those prizes elsewhere.