Ready, Aim, Arcade Fire: A Neon Bible to Montreal Gaming Scene

With all the hullaballoo surrounding the most recent release by Montreal's Arcade Fire, Neon Bible, one might be tempted to forget their roots. But don't. Montreal's Arcade Fire wouldn't exist without Montreal's arcades, oases of pixelated violence, zitty testosterone and sweaty frantic victory.

After the jump. Gridskipper rounds up what makes the Arcade Fire tick, the best of Montreal's arcades.

Amusement Pinocchio:Pinocchio has a few locations throughout the city each with a different selection of games. All arcades have pool tables, video games, air hockey and pinball machines. Our favorite highlights include DDR, World Cup Soccer '94, and an old game of Buster Bros.

Legends of the Forum: The Legends of the Forum arcade is a little pricey but has some great features. It is located in the former home of the Montreal hockey team and now has cosmic bowling, pro pool tables, awesome pinball machines, and a number of restaurants.

Amusement 2000+: Amusement 2000 Plus has a large selection of well maintained games. Their specialties include Lord of the Ring pinball and lots of driving games and simulators.

Amusement 222: Amusement 222 has three locations in the city and is one of the city's major amusement chains. It has any of the major modern arcade and video games.

Palason: For those not content with simply playing the games in bars and malls, Palason stocks a large number of games to buy and take home. They have pinball machines, arcade games, and video games, all available to purchase.

La Ronde Amusement Park: The Montreal outpost of the Six Flags empire, La Ronde, is the biggest amusement park in Quebec. It's Ferris wheel can be seen from all over the city. The park has all of the typical roller coasters and rides, but they also have some sweet arcade games.

Peel Pub:: A favorite among drunken McGill students for it's weekly specials, Peel Pub is a great bar with a cool Pac Man machine. They have a large beer selection and a tasty menu of typical pub food--burgers, club sandwiches, and steak dinners.

Place Versailles: Montreal's first enclosed mall, The Place Versailles has of stores, restaurants, spas, and most importantly arcade games. Our favorites are Ms. Pac Man and Galaga- Class of 1981

Amusement Cross Corner: The Amusement Cross Corner has both a restaurant and a large arcade. They have a wide selection of games, but the arcade isn't as popular as the other main places in the city.

Cinema Quartier Latin Movie Theater: The movie megaplex has over a dozen screens and a surprisingly large arcade and bar. It is often crowded with people waiting for their movie or waiting for friends. A lot of gamer organizations throw mixers here.

Previously: The Hunt for the Club Chasse et Peche, Pop! Goes the Vino, Montreal's Hotel Gualt, Adult Day Care in Montreal