Round 1, an arcade-type entertainment chain that is expanding into new locations has recently opened in Sunvalley Mall. The Japanese company now has six locations in California and is sure to attract large crowds in tandem with the opening of the mall’s new food court.

The entertainment center is the first location in the East Bay, with 52,000 square feet of activities for any age, ranging from pool, ping pong, and even a bowling alley.

It is a family friendly spot, and is very busy on the weekends, with loud and blaring music and colorful lights creating an exciting atmosphere similar to the games section at a carnival.

“We’re covering a lot of demographics here,” said manager Joe Snyder. “Weekends are flooded with people here, but weekdays are not so bad.”

Round 1 also features a bar, and serves “pub-grub” like burgers and wings.

Visitors can also enjoy several arcade games, and there is a large selection dedicated to games originally only featured in Japan.

Snyder considers the games to be the “money-maker,” as fighting and music games, along with the Japanese style cranes are popular with visitors.

One of the unique features of these games is that players are able to save their progress on a card so they can keep coming back to play.

This whole new level of gaming also features 10 different games on one machine, thanks to a new system and servers from Japan.

Gamers win tickets that can be used in the prize store, where prizes range from small toys to electronics.

Another popular attraction at Round 1 are the Japanese photo booths, where people can decorate their photos with stamps and decorations.

Diablo Valley College students Devin Livasco and Jovan Tjahyadikarth, both 19, had been to Sunvalley Mall several times and noticed the construction going on.

Once Round 1 opened, they visited two days in a row, experiencing the arcade, bowling alley, and playing ping pong.

Both have recommended the place to friends, and believe it has “good, normal prices.”

For example, an hour of karaoke will cost 1-6 people $7.

Club memberships are also offered, giving discounts the more a member visits.

During the evening, there are age restrictions in place due to the bar serving alcohol, with only 18 and over after 10 p.m., and 21 and over after midnight unless accompanied by someone 25 or older.

Round 1 is open Monday – Saturday 10 a.m.- 2 a.m., Sundays 10 a.m. – 12 a.m. and is open on all major holidays.