A sad, yet triumphant memory: I went to Disneyland when I was 6 years old. It's a common conundrum to figure out at what age it is best to take a child on their one-and-only trip to Disneyland. Too old and they don't enjoy the whimsy of the park; too young and they don't remember the experience when they get older. The only definite memory I have of that trip is beating the Simpsons game with my brother in the arcade of our hotel.

Regardless of your location, I think it's safe to say that a lot of people have memories of their victories over impossibly hard and time-consuming games. For those of a certain disposition (read: dorks), these experiences are inexorably linked to arcade games. Oh, but if we could count the multitudinous coinage that went into vanquishing these games. Then, after a certain period, the phenomenon of the arcade slipped into obscurity.

There are those who seek to revive this sensation. In Tacoma, those somebodies reside at Dorky's Arcade.

Ever since a sign-provocatively featuring Pac-Man and his ghosts and emblazoned with the words "Dorky's Arcade"-appeared on a brick wall in downtown Tacoma in mid-2010, the air was abuzz - especially for anyone deprived since their childhood of a truly soul-enriching visit to an arcade. Opening slowly, with just one room filled with vintage arcade games, Dorky's has expanded over time into a large space accommodating a myriad nostalgia-inspiring games. Some of the games are common and easily recognizable, and other appeal to the true diehards and those curious for a unique gaming experience.

Dorky's roster of arcade games ventures into the dozens, and giddy announcements are frequently posted on Facebook of new arrivals and rarities. At a recent visit, I tackled an absurd arm-wrestling game that threatens to separate arm from shoulder of any unsuspecting contestant. Such weirdness can be expected at Dorky's.

The most exciting recent addition to Dorky's Arcade has live rock shows. Most weeks, Dorky's will host an all-ages show on the weekend, followed by a later 21+ show (youngsters have to clear out by 9 p.m., due to Dorky's newly acquired liquor license - 21+ shows continue after). So far, the focus of the shows has leaned toward punk, with a predictably dorky slant. Perennial punk nerds, the Cutwinkles, have been heavily involved in Dorky's, including Cutwinkles member Louis Messina taking over the booking of bands for the up-and-coming venue.

Regardless of whatever sweetener Dorky's Arcade may add to its repertoire (word has it the food is pretty awesome), the real draw of the place will always be the arcade games. The arcade is something of a mythical entity in the hearts of many. It has the ability to transport even the most hardened of us back to a wide-eyed kid.

[Dorky's Arcade, 754 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.627.4156]