Play it! at MOSI

Manchester’s Museum of Science and Industry is set to host its first ever gaming event, featuring some of the most popular video games and systems of the last 30 years.

PLAY it! Manchester is set to run from Saturday 25 July to Sunday 9 August and is presented in partnership with leading games specialists Replay Events.

The event looks set to appeal to all ages, generations and experience levels. Younger audiences may well despair as their older counterparts reminisce about the technological triumph which was the BBC Micro; Minecraft, Halo and the Wii will also be featured.

Over 120 games and consoles will be available to play during 90 minute pre-bookable gaming sessions which run set set times throughout the 16 day event. PLAY it! Manchester will be split into six different zones, featuring the most loved and popular games and systems linked by theme, content and brand, offering a unique opportunity to experience the very best in contemporary and retro gaming culture within the museum’s Great Western Warehouse.

PLAY it! Manchester also plays tribute to Ocean Software, one of the most recognisable names in gaming. Established in Manchester in the 1980s, this globally renowned software development company are responsible for some of the world’s most iconic systems, such as Commodore, Amstrad, Nintendo and Sega Mega Drive. A selection of these family favourites will be available to play throughout the event.

Visitors will also be invited in to the 1980s computer room and challenged to produce freestyle BASIC programming, to work classic arcade games and use that classic BBC Micro.

So what zones are available?

Celebrations
Themed tributes to the very best gaming franchises, offering hands-on play of video games old and new: from Mario & Sonic to Tomb Raider, Star Wars and Lego Games.

The Ring: Modern Games & Tournaments
The Ring – a 16 screen gaming carousel hosting both casual and competitive head-to-head LAN gaming on some of the best “FPS” and driving games of recent times. Drop in and out of a round of Halo, or race your mates across the streets of Los Angeles in Blur.

Replay AGES
A knockout selection of the very best games and systems from the last four decades, beginning with home computer classics Manic Miner, Chuckie Egg and Sensible Soccer on the Spectrum, BBC Micro and Commodore.
Next up are the games and systems that formed the “Console Wars” of the 1990s. Consoles include the Megadrive, SNES, Nintendo 64 & Dreamcast, boasting favourites such as Street of Rage, Pilot, Pokemon Stadium and Crazy Taxi.
Replay AGES concludes with a selection of games and consoles from more recent times including PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Wii systems.

Multiplayer Gaming Lounges
Clusters of four player, single-screen games where all players sit next to each other nudging and laughing their way through a lap of Mario Kart, a round of Goldeneye or a battle on Super Smash Brothers.

Minecraft

Our Minecraft creative build server offers a world where players are encouraged to explore, build and survive the nights and the deepest caves.

PLAY it! EXTRA
Freeplay Arcade
Relive the glory days of the great British arcade with the PLAY it! selection of arcade cabinets. Each machine features a selection of free-to-play classic arcade games, so no need for a bag full of 10 pences!
Move and Grove
The best music, dance and rhythm-action based games from all over the world. From classics like Donkey Konga and Parappa the Rapper, to hidden gems like Taiko Drum Master and modern favourites Rock Band and DJ Hero.
Air and Space
Both simulator-based and arcade-based flying games, which can be controlled with authentic flight sticks. With its revolutionary 3D graphics and open-ended environment, Elite – the space-based trading game – set a new standard in terms of depth when it arrived on the scene in 1984. The original BBC Micro version will be showcased alongside the very latest version in the franchise: Elite Dangerous.
Ocean Software tribute
A showcase of some of the best and most popular titles that emanated from the leading, Manchester-based studio, Ocean Software.
The 80s Classroom
A unique opportunity to experience life in the 1980s computer room. Fun programming challenges, freestyle BASIC programming, educational software and classic arcade games on the original educational computer – the BBC Micro.

Whether you’re a family dropping in for a 90 minute session, a seasoned gamer making the most of PLAY it! Manchester’s full-day pass, or a night owl visiting the twice weekly adult-only evening sessions, there are plenty of opportunities to test your skills, show off to your kids or play something new for the first time.

PLAY IT! Manchester runs from Saturday 25 July to Sunday 9 August at the Museum of Science and Industry. Tickets available via www.mosi.org.uk/playit

25 July – 9 August
Daily sessions, 10.15am–11.45am, 12pm–1.30pm, 1.45pm–3.15pm, 3.30pm–5pm

30 & 31 July, 6 & 7 August
Special adult-only evening session, 7pm–9pm

Tickets and prices
Full day pass £10 – Entry to all timed sessions on a specific day, for one adult or child. Excludes evening sessions.
Family session £12 – Entry to a specific timed session during a specific day, for up to 4 people.
Up to 2 adults with children aged 16 or under.
Individual session £4 – Entry to a specific timed session during a specific day, for one adult or child.
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Individual evening session £5 – Entry to a specific evening session, for adults aged 18 or over.
Refreshments are also available to purchase on site during each session.

Play it! at MOSI

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