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Blue Gene
ButterGuns:
I think this is my final CP layout for this build, it took a while to get to this point (again, i left the construction lines so one can see).
This design features 4 player postions (for Gauntlet and Simpsons), player 3&4 are at 90 degrees, 1&2 have straight/perpendicular orientation and decent palm rests.
The button layout I call a "squashed hexagon", because that's what I did, it's a hexagon grid I squashed & rotated slightly , then centered the buttons on that grid. I really like it so far -though I've never used it. It makes sense with the hexagon theme, it closely matches other 6 button configurations AND... it's also (kinda) matches the button layout for Toobin' -which is a prerequisite game.
Here's the other designs I went through along the way
#1. First I wanted to design a "staggered" CP so that 4 players could fit comfortably and more compactly -I had been working on custom van seating with the same idea. But this doesn't workout and causes more problems. I had tilted 1&2 orientation towards the middle of the screen for elbow room, but it wasn't enough.
#2. Then I made a staggered design that was slightly wider so that 1&2 had enough elbow room. I was thinking STRAIGHT orientation would be nice for 1&2, and again, not enough room.
#3. This is my favorite -but it has issues. In this radical ROUND design, all players share the same aspect AND there's PLENTY of room. I just have this NAGGING feeling that I'm gonna want straight/perpendicular orientation to the monitor.
#4. And the winner is -just like all the others :( oh well I tried. P1&2 have enough room AND straight/perpendicular orientation. P3&4 have gone to 90 degrees -exactly the same as Simpsons and Gauntlet. We sport nice'n'comfy palm rests for 1&2, and the trackball magically aligns in the center of the board. -originally I had the track ball down low but the P2 stick was dangerously close. this new centered orientation is way better IMO.
Your critiques are welcome! -The only way a designer can get better is to take in the critiques of others and BUILD upon that.
ButterGuns:
A couple more planing images.
Gonna go buy some wood now. (2 sheets) 3/4" MDF, (1 sheet) plywood, and wood for homemade cutting boards.
madmatt:
Wow... I love the visual lines..... Great thinking!!! :applaud:
One question.... how about adding a spinner? I know you don't want to mess up the "flow" of your
CP, but you clearly have enough room to slip one in at the top. Also love the theme. I look forward to
more updates.
MM
out
ButterGuns:
Should I add a spinner? Oh YA, I have plenty of room for a spinner. The only game I ever remember playing with a spinner is Tempest. I do like the Tempest sooo I dunno if it's currently worth it. What do you think? ALSO I'm bummed I can't play Assault (a tank game) which requires 2 topfire sticks...
So I was thinking maybe of making a SMALL cp with 2 flight sticks, that suction-cups to that large blank area of my CP??? would a spinner look good in the middle of that?
ButterGuns:
HOLLY CR*P MDF IS HEAVY! I mean I knew it was -but having to pick it up... my cab is gonna weigh like 300+ pounds.
I purchased my wood, like I said I wood -laugh out loud.
Ya know, right next to the MDF at Home Depot was a nice looking pile of 3/4" "cabinet grade" plywood that was looking pretty sweet on sale at $25 a sheet. I bought one for my build, but after weighing the MDF -maybe 100% ply might have been the way to go (I'm laminating btw). I'll play it safe though, and follow in the footsteps of those before me. My first build will have mostly MDF and structural plywood. I also picked up some drawer runners, 1 5/8" deck screws, cp cabinet hinges, and a countersink bit.
I'm gonna start building. The only things I'm missing are leg levelers (HD didn't have them?), and the cp overlay, marquee, and sideart.
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