In a previous guide, I’ve given lipservice to Tilt, the arcade at the Metreon. However, the beauty and wonder that is Tilt deserves its own special highlight. Once upon a time known as the “Airtight Garage”, the arcade featured art from Silver Surfer artist Mobieus. Despite the awesomeness of virtual bowling (bowling with a trackball, really) the arcade quickly closed and was replaced by “Portal One”, which was something of a low rent Dave and Busters. Full bar, flashing lights, uninspired games. Portal One closed quickly. Tilt has recently filled the void. Leaning heavily on the gimmicky games with light guns and steering wheels, Tilt’s real claim to fame is their claw game. Normally the claw game is just for rubes, but this one is special. Sure, it’s still rigged, but it’s also one of the biggest you will ever see. Totally worth it!

Yes, I am aware that hiding in a mall during a zombie outbreak is cliche. But the Metreon is a special kind of mall. The entertainment center of San Francisco, the Metreon is chock full of trendy gadget stores and an Imax movie theater. How does this help you survive a zombie outbreak? Well, between the fancy food court (called the “taste of San Francisco”, the food court features tiny versions of San Francisco hotspots) and the video arcade (a glittering calvicade of first person shooters and video bowling), you’ll have plenty to do until the army comes to take care of those pesky zombies. The enormous glass wall that faces out into Buena Vista Gardens does present a challenge when it comes to securing the entrances, but it does give you a beautiful view into the heart of the SOMA district.