Review of The Mind Cafe (Prinsep Street).

The onslaught of computer/video games in the 21st century has pretty much infilitrated into most homes in Singapore, leaving minimal space for ‘old school’ board games.

I myself have to admit that my days of gleefuly buying houses at Mayfair or Park Lane (and even better, laughing manically when someone lands on them) became extinct upon introduction of more heart-pumping adrenaline games like Diablo 2, Halflife, Dungeon Siege or even Manhunt.

Therefore, when Claire invited me along to the Mind Cafe (Prinsep Street) for some ‘old school’ board game action, and mentioned that it will be free (Tuesday night is Ladies night!), I couldn’t pass up the chance as I couldn’t help but feel nostalgic. You know, like the feeling of discovering something which you had when you were a child, or revisiting a location you used to go everyday – that kind of feeling.

The building housing the cafe itself wasn’t particularly hard to find; just walk down Hotel Rendesvous towards the Rex restaurant and you’re bound to see the huge ass sign indicating the cafe (located on second floor of a two storey shophouse, by the way). If let’s say amongst your group of friends there are wet blankets refusing to participate in such ancient games, no worries. He/she can station himself at one of the many lan shops around the area, or grab drinks at the bars alongside.

As for the cafe’s interior, I felt it was very cosily decorated, with low lighting and soft colors. There was a choice between high (dining) tables and low tables, and arranged in such a way that if you come in a big group, most likely the friendly staff will be able to merge them for you.

The other players can be a tad too loud with their excited squeals echoing in the rather small area, and this might cause some irritation initially, but once you’re in your zone, I can safely bet you’ll join them in the sqealing.

Like they say, “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!“. hahaha.

According to sources, the cafe boosts around 380 games in its collection, many of which are on display right where the cashier counter is. There are staff on hand who can explain the workings of the game for you, thus you can even try out games which you have never in your entire life heard about.

A note here, however, that although the impression is that all staff should know their games, they tend to give the basic information to you and leave out the rest due to time constraints and there was even one staff who bullshit his/her way through. This, of course, kind of sucks as you play the game all wrong, so I suggest you read through the information booklet first, only asking for help if you still don’t get it.

By the fact that it’s a cafe, food and drinks are a necessity here and I daresay the menu is rather extensive for a small shop, and the prices are cheap as compared to other cafes. Our table came with a free Munchies (we chose caramel popcorn) due to the Ladies’ Night promotion, and we ordered coffees, french fries as well as a chocolate brownie with ice cream. I didn’t taste much, but Claire the Foodie says it’s good, so you can take her word for it :)

We played a couple of games during our 3 hour stay there but I would say that the must try game is MAD (above, right). It was damn freakin’ hilarious, I tell you. I recall having the boardgame in my possesion when I was younger but darn, I think I threw it away. The objective is actually to lose all your money, and the things that you have to do are hilarious!

For example, there was a card which said “Stand up and boo the person on yourleft. Also, lose $1 000” and also, “If you can jump up and stay airborne for 37 seconds, you can lose $5,000. If not, jump up and lose $500.“. The stupidest instruction of all would be “If your name is Alfred E Neuman (that’s the guy on the MAD board), take the $1,329,063-dollar bill from the bank“. I know, what the hell right? Hahaha.

Overall, I enjoyed my stay there and coupled with the benefits of being a lady on Tuesday night, I would say that it’s really worthwhile. Claire, Ashrithaa and I have finally found a place to hang out rather then walking around aimlessly on the streets of Bugis. Yabadabadooo!

Oh before I forget about the most important bit, the prices. According to the staff I spoke to, its $2/hr per person on weekdays, and $2.50/hr per person on weekends. I personally feel that’s definitely a better way to spend your money then watching a movie.

For more information on bookings, promotions or whatsoever, you can call the above hotlines for the respective shops or alternatively, check out the cafe’s website. Like vintage clothes, it’s time that vintage games make a comeback! Hahaha.

If let’s say you find the prices of playing the boardgames on the high side, and buying board games is a waste of money, then I suggest you do what middle-incomed people like me do – create our own board games using cardboard and paper :D

P/s. This is not a sponsored post, but if you’re from MindCafe and you liked this pimpin’, please give me a free membership or something haahhahahaha. Oh and if anyone wants me to do a review (any kind) for you, feel free to contact me or alternatively, leave a comment :)

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