Taipei is game-crazy. From pinball machines to toy dispensers, the gray city blocks are sprinkled with the neon glow of mini arcades, with enticing names such as “Happy Moments” and “Sweet Box” (?).

A crane with a claw hand hovers over your desired prize. You're armed with nothing but a joystick to help maneuver it left and right, and a button that drops the claw. It lands as you wait to see if ...