Party tips

[brad808]

Just thought I’d share some of my tips for having people over to play my arcade machine and see if anybody else has any tips to offer that I might pick up. Unfortunately most of this is from experience and I learned these the hard way

1)   Make sure you turn the machine on about an hour or so before people show up. This removes the possibility of it not working at the last second and making you look stupid. An hour usually gives me enough time to sort out any minor problems and do some trouble shooting incase something isn’t right.

2)   Keep a spare hard drive at the ready that is a plug and play replacement of the one in the machine now. I’ve had it happen before where something stupid happens (corrupt boot sector, etc) that renders the machine useless and takes too much time to repair while there are people waiting. With hard drives being dirt cheap and most people having spares around anyways why not set it up and just leave it in the machine ready to plug in if need be.

3)   Remove any easy ways to exit out of your front end. When I first setup my machine it happened a few times where I would go to the arcade room to find it sitting at the windows desktop and people frantically pushing buttons and clicking things. Hyperspin has a nice feature that allows 3 different keys be pressed at the same time in order to exit. Definitely a huge help and now only I know which buttons to press to exit.

4)   Make sure all the admin buttons are well hidden. People get trigger happy with the button pushing when they don’t know what’s going on and before you know it mame controls are reprogramed. I’ll add favorites and genre lists (hyperspin) to this as well because I can’t count the number of times people have ended up in there and cant get out.

5)   Keep the escape key away from where people lean…. I had mine at the top left of my cabinet thinking I will never accidently hit that while I’m playing a game…. Until I had people over and the natural place for people crowded around the machine to lean is with their hands at the top left and right corners of the machine (Doh)

6)   Keep a huge list of games around. At first I only had a few games that I knew I would play and removed any of the ones that looked crappy. Turns out a bunch of the games that looked crappy were some of the most played and games that people loved the most. I have to admit I would have never played Atari RBI baseball had it not been for my cousin saying its his favorite game and now that I have it’s pretty damn fun.

7)   Make sure you have lots of alcohol, and places to put that alcohol such as tables around the arcade machine which helps prevent alcohol being ON the arcade machine.


That’s just about all I can think of right now that I go through before people come over. Any other helpful tips?

[eds1275]

Have a plan - for example, friends and I were sitting around the other day [drinking of course] and I exclaimed "I challenge you to Super Bishi Bashi!" to which he replied "Are you asking for a challenge?" At which point someone else who had no clue what was going on screamed "20xt6!" Having the machine on is good but having ways to get people to play something for longer than a minute as they try them all out is frustrating.

I keep all my games in lists. Lists by genre, I have my own favourites, my fiance has her favourites - and then I hide the master list with all games. It can be too daunting even though I have thinned it out a bunch.

4 player games if you can! If not, tournament style games for example UMK3 has a tournament mode. Or there's always fighting games where you choose more than one player, just play in teams and when one person switches then trade off players.

NBA Jam!

Have the guys bring their wives/girlfriends now and then - then they get some "girl time" and if they hit it off it might mean more quality game nights. Of course, if your lady is into games as well you might get some of the other girls into it.

[shateredsoul1979]

From my 80s party last Halloween I learned

1. Button mash player 1 and 2 buttons to make sure some combination of those buttons don't force exit or something, in testing you probably didn't do that

2. Avoid having extra features, I had an option to show the controller configuration before launching a game.. man button mashers would mash while it showed that screen and then weird stuff happened

3. Leave out any untested system, I would even go as far as to suggest only having one list available (i.e. mame, or nes)

4. People love Nintendo more than arcade games, I swear people always go back to that list of games, they didn't care about the controller . Everyone and their mother played nintendo, not everyone played arcade games as much. At my party I couldn't get mame working so I switched to only NES, people were excited as hell to play.

5. Take out games your arcade can't play, if you don't have a gun, then remove duck hunt, and all shooters.

6. Most people will button mash , so be prepared to be strong as they smash those buttons

[yotsuya]

These are all good. I would add to this to keep your coin door lock keys on hand if you use tokens, as someone will inevitably jam your mechs.

[brad808]

Have the guys bring their wives/girlfriends now and then - then they get some "girl time" and if they hit it off it might mean more quality game nights. Of course, if your lady is into games as well you might get some of the other girls into it.

That actually reminds me to make sure there are lots of non-gamer friendly games around that girlfriends, and other folks not into gaming at all can easily pick up and join in the fun. Games like bubble bobble where they are still 2 player vs but don't take a genius to figure out how to play it.

Try and avoid "continue" games as much as possible and keep it player vs player. As much as some people want to play Battle toads or Golden axe all the way through the hype around the machine quickly dies down as its simply two people feeding tons of credits in the machine without any real challenge or way to lose.

Yes tournament style games are also a huge hit, UMK3 gets played a lot because of that feature. I haven't really found to many other games with a tournament mode though. Am I missing some?

[Cynicaster]

When you're right into this hobby, you really see how clueless most people are about it, even if they are casual gamers.  I don't know how much more clearly I can tell people that "this machine plays arcade games only, that's what I built it for, no console games".   Then I say, "so, what do you want to play?"  I've already lost count of the number of times this question has been answered with "do you have Mario Kart?" or something similar.   

Other than that, I think it helps to have a game list ready that has all the fluff removed (the 4 million Mah Jongg games, the crappy trivia games, etc.).  Also, keep a running short list of games that tend to have pick up and play appeal but might not be widely known.  For example, everybody knows Pac-Man, Galaga, and Frogger but not everybody knows Mappy, Pengo, and Amidar. 

Another thing I find keeps interest is get people using the different types of controls.  Trackball games on my cabinet are a hit because so many of my friends never had the chance to play them back in the day, and these days everything is d-pads and analog sticks.  People really seem to like Major Havoc and of course Centipede.  Then there is the obvious thing, playing games like Golden Tee, Shuffleshot, and Shuuz, and getting the smack talk going strong.

[gabe]

Make sure you have lots of beer. Most people don't really give a ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- about your arcade cabinet. They are just there to drink beer and socialize.

[eds1275]

Yes tournament style games are also a huge hit, UMK3 gets played a lot because of that feature. I haven't really found to many other games with a tournament mode though. Am I missing some?

Hmmm I dunno - that's the only tournament feature I know of built into a game, however I have a white board I got at the dollar store that I use for my tournaments. Many times I don't compete and just drink and keep score - after all, I play these games a lot. It's easy to make up a tournament.

And then there's always trading off. We do that alot as well, everyone plays a stage [or credit!] and then trades off and has a drink while they await their next turn. Beat-em-ups are good for this; we play a lot of Sengoku 3 that way. Gi Joe is a good one as well. I really wish there was a Thundercats, Transformers, and Ghostbusters [the one with Jake, Eddie, Futura, and that monkey Tracy!] game.

[Donkbaca]

Pick a theme, like say 80's games, or fighting games.  Limit people's choices or they will get overwhelmed and disinterested.

Ten tokens for a buck, high score/last player standing wins the pot - easy way to add interest

Have lots of beer, as, indeed, most people do not give a ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- about the arcade machine you spent hours to create, they just want to have a few beers and have a good time.  Keep the process simple.

[shateredsoul1979]

Pick a theme, like say 80's games, or fighting games.  Limit people's choices or they will get overwhelmed and disinterested.

Ten tokens for a buck, high score/last player standing wins the pot - easy way to add interest

Have lots of beer, as, indeed, most people do not give a ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- about the arcade machine you spent hours to create, they just want to have a few beers and have a good time.  Keep the process simple.

People were actually pretty interested in the arcade cabinet at my party before the booze, but definitely even more excited after the booze. Maybe it's because my friend range from  about 25 to 30?

In smaller get together's I noticed that people who played video games would go to play a game on systems they were familiar with. I.e. a friend of mine loves games, but when he wanted to play NBA Jam he went to the sega genesis games instead of just choosing the mame verison (which looks and plays way better).

BTW, a random thing just happened, I sat near some paramedics (at a coffee shop) and they were talking about how cops tell them "He fell down the stairs" when they abuse people who were arrested. He said he could clearly see baton marks. :<

[Nephasth]

LET your guests win a few...

[scofthe7seas]

Most people don't really give a ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- about your arcade cabinet.

Whenever somebody is not impressed with my cab, it annoys me. What kind of sick person isn't excited about an arcade cabinet with just about every game imaginable on it?!!? Before having one, if a friend of mine did, I would have shazzed my pants.

[Donkbaca]

you aren't most people. 

[Nephasth]

Whenever somebody is not impressed with my cab, it annoys me. What kind of sick person isn't excited about an arcade cabinet with just about every game imaginable on it?!!? Before having one, if a friend of mine did, I would have shazzed my pants.

The biggest responses I have gotten have been for my NES and most recently my skeeball machines. The arcade machines don't get much notice...

[emphatic]

My tips:

1. Keep cold beer around
2. If you want people to play on your cabinet(s), have a game that most people can get into without much hassle, like Puzzle Bubble or Tetris
3. If people ask if you have other games just say no. Nothing takes the mood away like drunken people arguing what game to play IMHO.

[shateredsoul1979]

Whenever somebody is not impressed with my cab, it annoys me. What kind of sick person isn't excited about an arcade cabinet with just about every game imaginable on it?!!? Before having one, if a friend of mine did, I would have shazzed my pants.

The biggest responses I have gotten have been for my NES and most recently my skeeball machines. The arcade machines don't get much notice...

Told yah, Nintendo games are much more likely to get people interested. Setup your arcade to play Nintendo games and everyone will love you and spill all there beer on it! They won't be able to keep their sticky batting mashing hands off!

[Thurman]

2. Avoid having extra features, I had an option to show the controller configuration before launching a game.. man button mashers would mash while it showed that screen and then weird stuff happened

Totally agree.  After a few drinks, nobody cares about your frontend presentation, artwork, game controls, or a pause button.  They just want a little nostalgia when each game boots up and then mash buttons for a few minutes.  Then on to the next game.

[jimfath]

So correct about the mashing... It's like you just have to stand there while someone beats your child.

Lists are great. I keep fighting games (street fighter, MK, etc) off the list until a tourney later in the evening. Otherwise I get campers and, depending on how big the party, a lot of people usually want to check out the machine.

To quell any  feelings about street fighter being put away I usually mention coming over another time for a "Fight Night" where I'll have MK and Street fighter on the cabinet and Golden Eye on my big screen.  Add a little 311 on the stereo and it 1997 all over again.

I've had luck leaving 4 player games up at the onset of the party without having to change the game for a while. Particularly the Simpsons and TNMT.  A list of ONLY 4 player games works too.

[SavannahLion]

Most people don't really give a ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- about your arcade cabinet.

Whenever somebody is not impressed with my cab, it annoys me. What kind of sick person isn't excited about an arcade cabinet with just about every game imaginable on it?!!? Before having one, if a friend of mine did, I would have shazzed my pants.

How about when someone sees your cab(s) and starts suggesting ways to "improve it".

[leapinlew]

I have multiple cabs to limit controller confusion.

[tcleary]

I have a ridiculous variety of games.  here are my tips.  label stuff.  for example I have a MK x360 cabinet that has the labels for MK, High Kick, low kick, etc.  navigating on the xbox 360 is really hard even for me, so i labeled what all the buttons do on the 360.  I also have a SF4 x360 cab but that one uses TE fightsicks I took apart, so it's labeled and easy to navigate.  for arcade games (not mame) use free play mode if you can.  if you can't make it as easy to credit as you can.  I also turn off attract sound but some people may want that on, i just find it annoying for the most part. 

for the mame cab an easy to use front end is good and limiting the games is also good.  but also ask people if there are any particular arcade games they want to play that are not in your list.  you may find a few to add. 

make it as easy as you can to see what games you have available.  I have a 12 xbox 360/ 12 tv setup and I have all the games in a big folder.  so people really didn't know what I had unless they wanted to flip through that thing.  so I got the idea to have the game box for each game I can run on a little media shelf in both rooms (have 6 tvs/360s in 2 rooms) so people can easily see what games I have and can check out the back or whatever.  I also store instructions in the boxes in case anyone wants to figure out how to do something in the game.  this is the first time I"ve done this and I'm hoping it will help people decide which games they want to play.  before I would pretty much just say "ok we're running gears 2" or whatever and hope we get enough interested to get a good game going. 

this tip probably only applies to me and is another new thing that I'm not sure will catch on or not, but I think it will.  people like to have some sort of identity in multiplayer games.  when we would get 10-12 player games going in the past it was hard to keep track of who was using what profile at any given time.  this time we plan on making up a name and sticking with it for the weekend. (using cheap usb flash drives people can move around to whatever console they are using)  actually having other people suggest names for someone then somehow picking the best, which should work out.  it's just a little more interesting when you know who "nads hurt" is when they wreck you in burnout or kill you in halo.

be sure to run some games most anyone can jump in and play even if they are not gamers.  for this I have 4p tetris on the wii, along with new super mario, most anyone can play those.  i think littlebigplanet 2 fits this too, but next party will be the first time I've tried it. 

of course beer is good.  we like to do some drinking games before the gaming. 

[eds1275]

I have a 12 xbox 360/ 12 tv setup and I have all the games in a big folder.

Post a pic of this madness!!

[jimfath]

I have a 12 xbox 360/ 12 tv setup and I have all the games in a big folder.

Post a pic of this madness!!

Yes... After reading this post I wanted you to adopt us.

[skewba98z28]

How the hell do you keep 12 working xbox 360's at one time?  

Anybody know some good casino style games on mame that are good for parties?

[tcleary]

here's some pics of my setup as it was a little while back.  not much has changed, just added another screen/x360 in each room.  i think 12 pretty much maxes out my space so it will probably stay at that #.

i have had some x360s fail because at first I bought them used.  wal mart had a killer deal on the new slim 4 gig ones so I got a bunch of those.  i have 1 spare at the moment in case one screws up.

http://forums.arcade-museum.com/showthread.php?t=174759

[tcleary]

couple of pics from that thread.

[brad808]

couple of pics from that thread.

 

Wowsa that is quite the collection you got there

[eds1275]

If someone's good at a game, I bet you give them the CRT to even the odds!

[tcleary]

And not a woman in sight.... 

you didn't look at the pics in the other thread.  some females come out but as you probably know most women are not gamers.  some of my friends come out to get away for a little while.  there are not many women who really care to be part of a good game of gears of war or something like that.  Anyway what is your point.  there aren't a lot of women on this forum but I see you post here.

[shateredsoul1979]

why so defensive? He was just pointing out the obvious.

[tcleary]

it's just a tired comment someone always feels the need to say whenever I post about my setup.  It took a fair amount of work to get all the stuff I have in working order.  you guys must know, people spend a ton of time on just one mame machine.  Anyway, sorry about that.  

I'm having a party this weekend starting today.  will probably have some video which I'll post if anyone cares to check out my setup, even if no women make the video.  

[shateredsoul1979]

yeah, I wouldn't care that it was all guys personally. Awesome setup

[RayB]

The only kind of guy that cares there are no women at a party, is usually the guy with no woman to go home to. 

[scofthe7seas]

I'm having a party this weekend starting today.  will probably have some video which I'll post if anyone cares to check out my setup, even if no women make the video.  

Claim that they were taking the videos

[TopJimmyCooks]

Have you seen the "ladies" that like to play xbox 360/gears of war?   

[Donkbaca]

I don't know about you guys, but every now and then its good to do something without ladies around.  That's why most of my friends play golf, to get away from their wives for a few hours a week.

PBJ, are you so p-whipped that you have to do everything with your wife?

[Nephasth]

I don't know about you guys, but every now and then its good to do something without ladies around.  That's why most of my friends play golf, to see who can finish in the fewest amount of strokes.

Fixed.