In this round of our review series, we check out Gamebox at PLQ Plaza, the first (and biggest) neon and gamified playspace in Singapore. What’s our verdict on this gaming concept? Read on to find out…
I’ve never considered myself a gamer. Sure, I’ve played Among Us and Candy Crush on my mobile phone, Tetris and Pac-Man on vintage console games, Street Fighter at the arcade… I doubt that makes me a gamer. However, when the invite for this event came in, I volunteered to attend. Why not, right? It sounds fun, and I’m all for fun.
What is Gamebox?
Are you familiar with iconic events such as Artbox and Shilin Night Market Singapore? Those are the brainchildren of Invade! This time, the cool creatives have collaborated with Lendlease and conceptualised Gamebox, the first and biggest neon gamified playspace in Singapore. The event is on from now until 6 November at Paya Lebar Quarter (PLQ) Plaza.
Before you get your game on…
Keen to take on the games? Awesome! But before you do that, you’ll need a base pass. The free pass lets you enjoy five free game plays, and there are two ways you can redeem it:
- Shoppers must spend a minimum of $80 ($60 if you’re a Lendlease Plus member) at PLQ before redeeming the complimentary base pass at Level 4 Concierge.
- Or, head to the Lendlease Plus booth at the event space to sign up as a member. You’ll automatically receive 10,000 Lendlease Plus$ and a base pass. Easy peasy! (Psst, input referral code ‘GAMEBOX2010’ during registration, and you’ll receive a $60 e-voucher in your Lendlease Plus app after signup!)
Alternatively, you can redeem one free play with no minimum spend required on a single receipt. Want to skip the queue? Spend $20 on a single receipt, and you’ll be welcomed into the express line.
What to expect at Gamebox
The main attraction is obviously the games! There are ten games across three arenas where you can give your best shot and go wild. If you manage to hit the objective of your selected game, you’ll win Lendlease Plus$. (The Plus$ credits can be used at all Lendlease malls, which include PLQ Mall and 313@Somerset.)
1. Solo Arena
As the name suggests, this gaming zone is where it’s only you versus arcade video games. You can take on four games: Turbo, Timeout, Froggie, and Gone Fishing. All you have to do is pick two and race against time – and the leaderboard.
Turbo is a fighting game reminiscent of Street Fighter. This action-packed game tests your reflexes and how well you can control the joystick. Sadly I wasn’t good at this… my final score is too abysmal to be shared here… If you have pent-up anger, I reckon this game is an excellent one to unleash your rage.
Don’t let Gone Fishing fool you! It may look easy and relaxed, but all hell may break loose once you’ve caught a fish. Be prepared to slam your hands hard on the buttons! Psst, it’s also probably the easiest game to attain a top score and earn some Lendlease Plus$.
Froggie is all about manoeuvring and staying alive for as long as possible. This is also another easy game to win Plus$ credits.
2. Hyper Arena
Adjacent to Solo Arena is Hyper Arena, Gamebox’s second gaming zone. Here, you’ll get to play three arcade favourites: Drum Mania, Bishi Bashi Channel, and Up and Away. The organisers recommend teaming up with family and friends to play the games here. However, you can probably get away with solo play at two of the arcade games.
You may have seen Drum Mania and Up and Away at the arcades; the gameplay is pretty straightforward if you’ve not played them before. Up and Away may be noisy to play due to the shooting pellets, but seeing as it’s within the Hyper Arena, noise and chaos is to be expected.
Bishi Bashi Channel should be the poster child for this zone. A staple in amusement centres worldwide, this competitive video game comprises myriad mini-games where players challenge each other and, at the same time, work together to emerge victorious. It’s a lively, jubilant game – you’ll have to hit various button combinations and master your hand-eye coordination.
3. Party Arena
The third gaming zone at Gamebox is Party Arena. This is another arena where you can pair up with a friend or family member and take on three multiplayer games: FNAKBALL, Go Kart Go!, and Tower Game.
I only managed to play Tower Game. My take? It takes patience, skill, and a lot of luck to reach the top score. By the end of the game, I was sweating buckets! (It didn’t help that the play area is not well-ventilated.)
Compared to the other two zones, Party Arena is more ‘modern’ in its set-up. The three games are telecast on flat-screen televisions, and participants play them on the available iPads or their own smartphones.
4. Games Bazaar and Beats Mania
If you’re not keen or don’t intend to play the games in the arenas, you can still immerse yourself in Gamebox by exploring the Games Bazaar. There’s a selection of stalls that sell gaming-related merch and conduct workshops. Pop over to the Layangman booth, where you can create your own wooden gun! Else, you can purchase its ready-made rubber band guns.
Besides the games, there are live performances by local artists that take place over the weekends. From 7pm onwards, grab a drink, settle down, and enjoy soulful performances by music acts such as Marcus Lee, Jason Yu, Joy & Ryan, Joie Tan, and more. A perfect way to unwind after all the fun and excitement at the arenas!
5. Light installations
When you’re done with the main event, check out Kaleidoglobes across the road from PLQ Plaza. This light installation consists of bright neon globes dotting the lawn of PLQ Parkside along Sims Avenue. Deffo IG-worthy! Psst… there’s a $100 Lendlease e-voucher waiting for you! All you have to do is take a photo with the Kaleidoglobes and post it on your IG with the hashtag #PLQGamebox by 6 November.
But wait: that’s not the only light installation at Gamebox. ICYMI, there’s another one right within the playspace itself! Pose and take pictures under the Prism Portal (pictured up top), a six-metre tunnel that lights up in various neon streaks. The Prism Portal is located between the Solo and Hyper Arenas.
What’s our verdict?
It’s a YES from us! Whether you’re a gamer or not, Gamebox is a fun-filled event that brings people together. There are plenty of things going on here – nostalgia for the adults, discovery and joy for the littles, and fun for everyone. Undecided about the base pass? We recommend heading to the booth and signing up as a member. It’s free, it’s easy, and you get Lendlease Plus$ credits upon confirmation. What’s not to love?
Gamebox at PLQ Plaza, until 6 November, 12 to 10pm (Fri and Sat) and 12 to 9pm (other days).
Let the games begin!