I wanted to share this after seeing the excellent
@Charles Kline deal for working Joust boards.
The year had to be 1984-5. I have no idea what I told my mom, but friends of mine and I rode our bikes to a town that had to be 10-15 miles away, to go play arcade games, escape, whatever. It was all downhill the way there.
We went up to the arcade door, and I instantly saw the ostrich that we all know. These same friends and I were all playing D and D at the time, and that game just imprinted. We also went to a store called the Days of Knights, that sold D and D dice and accessories. I can't tell you today what other games were in there, but I still clearly see the Joust in my head.
The ride back, now all UPHILL, was pure Hell. If any of my kids asked to do that today, I'd say no way for MANY reasons. But alas, it's one of my best arcade memories, ever. Thanks to that day, I now own a Joust..