Creative Arcades - Lake Forest, California

Sara Collins

Over the last 10+ years, I have left many positive reviews for companies. Unfortunately, I feel that my interactions with this company merit only my second ever unfavorable review. I ordered a specific smaller size arcade from this company over the phone. I was clear that I needed the smaller size arcade (versus the full-size model) as the larger size would not fit in my basement. I received an email confirmation that stated the order was for the smaller model. Later, an employee contacted me by email with a question. I responded with the answer and also reminded him that I need the smaller size machine, which he acknowledged. The company sent the larger machine, which was unable to fit in my home arcade. I had several conversations with the owner and an employee over the weeks that followed. They admitted their mistake and assured me that they would resolve it if I gave them more time. My preference was to return the larger model (that I didn’t order and that doesn’t fit in the space) and I kept all packaging to facilitate a return. However, it became apparent that the owner was unwilling to do an exchange (due to high shipping costs and “logistical challenges” with shipping outside the country). Instead, they urged me to either hire a handyperson to remove baseboards and mouldings and wedge it in, or put it somewhere else in the house. I was sympathetic and grudgingly agreed to consider a partial refund rather than a return/exchange which would be too expensive for them. However, the owner offered me only $300 (on a unit that cost over $6,000)! The company stopped taking my calls and answering my emails and I had to file a dispute with my credit card company.

There were two additional issues. The arcade was supposed to come with 36 free game downloads – it did not. Also, the price was supposed to include all shipping and duty/customs charges. I was charged $465 for duty/customs. The company admitted this mistake and on two separate occasions told me they had processed a return that would appear on my credit card in 7-10 business days (the first time) and 3-4 business days (the second time). I never received this refund and the company is unresponsive. I would be happy to remove this unfavorable review if the company contacts me and agrees to (and actually follows through with) a reasonable resolution.

Lisa Boyd

We purchased an Arcade from Creative Arcades at the end of 2023 as a Christmas Gift for our children. It arrived as promised. However upon setting it up, the unit continuely said “No Signal” and went to a power saving mode. I was able to get in touch with a service person at the company and said they would send a new Mother Board. Over a year later and we have still never received this. No one answers the phone or returns calls at this point despite leaving multiple messages and having a “warrant.” I would run the other way if you are considering purchasing anything from Creative Arcades. Not worth a single penny of the stress and headache that you’ll experience.

Dave Peters

Great purchase so far! When I was researching and asking them questions by email, they got back to me within 24 hours every time. Creative Arcades is in California and from purchase to delivery to my house in New York was exactly 14 days! Very efficient. My arcade arrived WITHOUT a single scratch on it, and was simple to put together. Another google review said the 2 stools that come with the arcade are cheap, but I am 6’6 275 lbs and I sit on them comfortably and think they are super strong and sturdy. My only minor critique is that some of the screws fell out and were in the bottom of the cabinet so I’m still looking around to see where they belong. Otherwise, great product and DEFINITELY recommend !
**ADDED REVIEW 11/21/23:
I recently bought the light gun kit from Creative Arcades and integrated it into my cabinet. YouTube instructions were pretty accurate. I did experience a software glitch and incompatibility with some of the games the current software loaded on the hard drive. I contacted the TECH SUPPORT staff from Creative Arcades. Greg from their team responded quickly and professionally and walked me through some software fixes. After nothing seemed to work Greg sent me an entirely new compatible hard drive and upgraded my game list at no additional cost. I CANT stress how vital it is when considering purchasing a gaming cabinet from a company that they have good tech support. It’s electronics, something will go wrong eventually. 5 additional stars to Creative Arcades for their excellent tech support service AFTER purchase! Well done.

Gerald Roux

Amazing experience. Brian is super responsive…answering emails within minutes. Machine is great. The stand up arcade machine is great. Everything I expected and hoped for.

Jeff Owen

Great product - we bought the 4 player and my kids love it. Easy to work with and they even customized the graphics on the wrap.

Dave Krambo

Overall great experience with this company. Delivery did take a while, which is to be expected. There were a couple of hiccups along the way, (missing keys, stools) however, with just an email everything was taken care of very quickly. Shout out to the whole staff which is fantastic. The game machine is Awesome! I would definitely recommend and buy from again.

Reagan Hillier

Fantastic service from several team members here and went out of the way to get a delivery done on a Saturday. Wonderful at communication throughout my sales process. Highly recommend.

Michael S Palopoli

I had to write a review for my arcade. I bought the top console cherrywood arcade with 4800 games. It’s pricey but worth every penny. I’m a fully disabled veteran and professor. I rarely can leave the house. I spent another year in hospital through Christmas and New Years. While in hospital I googled the internet and came across Creative-Arcade I didn’t want to turn one room into a so-called fun room till I saw the Cherrywood console. Let me tell you; it’s the best. Done exquisitely. I can’t tell you how much fun it’s been and how others love it and the games. It’s the Classics. All that see it get so excited stating how I played my brother all day on this or that game. I love Galaga. It was one of my favourites in my younger days. I’m hoping someday I could purchase the Cherrywood Stand-up Pinball machine. I bought the 32 inch screen. It’s outrageous.
Now for the company. They were great! I went through Mary Ann to purchase. She’s a sweetheart. Always willing to help and explain. The other day I spoke with Tom. He’s an ex- military man, as myself. He is a top gentleman. Guided me through my questions. He’s even sending me a new upgrade with another 300 plus games. That will give me over 4800 classic games. Just know that many games are just different versions of the same. They are the original graphics but that’s the beauty of the games.
Finally I had the white glove delivery which I recommend. The head man in charge was Ed! His partner Steven. They were a hoot. Ed is super knowledgeable and one terrific guy. I also have PTSD. He kept me calm through the process of putting machine together. Basically….I loved the guy. He’s precise in assembly of machine and funny to boot. He’s a great asset to the company. If he lived in my area I would be friends with him. Thank you Ed!!!
Just want to reiterate that Tom is super knowledgeable as the top tech at Creative-Arcade. You can get Tech help anytime from 12-8pm EST.
Lastly….being fully disabled I have a terrific Doctor that comes to my house. See the picture I attached. It’s my super Doctor Nathalia. She was trying to help me as I was having an anxiety attack and said let’s play a few games. She loved the Console and wanted their number to get her own. I wish you heard her play and compliment the machine. It was but ten minutes of total fun and laughter.
I’m so glad I purchased from Creati-Arcade. Please know I bought extra stools and wheels for the console.
I hope this review gives you a true assessment of machine, creative-arcade personnel and my delivery by Ed! Thanks to all !!!
Best to all….Thanks for putting some fun back into my life
Prof. Michael S. Palopoli DAV