Main > Main Forum

Let's make a "Well-Designed Cabinet Guide"

Pages: << < (9/12) > >>

CheffoJeffo:


--- Quote from: AGarv on August 01, 2013, 10:16:44 am ---If "best" design includes whether or not to make a 4-player panel and similar control choices... well that is like saying in car terms that a 2-door coupe is universally "best" versus a 4-door coupe, truck, SUV, etc.  It is Build your _OWN_ Arcade Controls.  If there is a "best", why don't we all just buy a Tankstick?  We don't buy Tanksticks mainly because we either 1) want custom control setups for our favorite games/systems, or 2) want custom aesthetic style (e.g., ONDs Retrofuture or any other cabinet you and I think is cool).

If "best" it is based upon "non-crapmame" principles, then it is really about AESTHETIC design, and maybe we can keep it focused on that.  People can put together Frankenpanels that play like a dream ergonomically, but the aesthetics (e.g., "wing" panels overhanging the sides, Defender button layouts, dedicated Wico 4-ways etc.,) are what is lacking.  If someone wants to sacrifice dedicated controls over aesthetics, that is their call, however we can still help them in other areas to make the cabinet look more pleasing.

Foremost, crapmame cabinets LOOK stupid (i.e., aesthetics).  There are plenty of topics to help reduce crapmames without getting into 4-player joystick angling, trigger sticks, and other nuances that people argue over.

Non-crapmame topics that may be useful:
1) Color schemes & coordination (garish colors that don't match, a crapmame staple)
2) Wing panels (these are plain ugly and often avoidable even for frankenpanels, a crapmame staple)
3) Monitor size vs. cabinet size (small LCDs/CRTs just don't cut it typically, another crapmame staple)
4) Overuse of existing video game art/characters/clip art, particularly if artistic styles are different (e.g. Donkey Kong right next to SF2, classic crapmame)
5) Cabinet naming ("Moms Arcade", MAMECade", other cringeworthy names that make no sense, yet another crapmame staple)

--- End quote ---

This.

With 2 alterations:
- Monitor size was an issue when CrapMAME came out, but properly sized monitors are not an issue any longer.
- Will it fit in my basement?

yotsuya:

Well-said, AGarv! :cheers:

Monkeyvoodoo:



--- Quote from: CheffoJeffo on August 01, 2013, 10:41:03 am ---- Will it fit in my basement?

--- End quote ---

Can it be moved out of my basement?

This could actually be an important issue. I've heard of people building something and not being able to move it.

Vigo:

You make a really good statement there AGarv. :applaud: You are right. I really don't want this to cookie cutter people into what to build, just help guide through the finer points of the build. I would hate to do any work that stomps out creative choices.

I still want to keep the "ideal cab" flowchart as a side project, but the intent of that one is to more help someone determine the genre of cabinet that would work best for their needs. It would ask a series of questions like how much floorspace you have, how much woodworking you want to do, etc and recommend a cab style for you, like cocktail, bartop, slim cab, etc. Nothing to do with specifics.

And thanks to everyone else for their input. Its been really good. Le Chuck, I was really hoping you would be able to provide some of your experience to this project. Thanks.  :cheers:

I also want to apologize to you, X2. (Really.) I still stand by that I don't like where your comment was heading, there was no intent to use this project this to press my opinions on anyone, or dictate what they should be building. You caught me when I was grouchy and I admit I did over-react in my response. Sorry.

I personally have a busy day ahead of me, so it will be a little while before I can update the list with all the new ideas brought up so far. I think it should not take too long to decide what topics are worthy of covering, but I think a lot of us are thinking along similar lines.

DaveMMR:


--- Quote from: Monkeyvoodoo on August 01, 2013, 11:57:18 am ---

--- Quote from: CheffoJeffo on August 01, 2013, 10:41:03 am ---- Will it fit in my basement?

--- End quote ---

Can it be moved out of my basement?

This could actually be an important issue. I've heard of people building something and not being able to move it.

--- End quote ---

That's why mine was ultimately destoyed.  :'(

Anyway - good points AGarv! Though I don't know if the intent here is simply to make a "nicer version of CrapMAME."

The way I see it, any given person's definition of 'good cabinet' is subjective. Some people want looks over functionality; others prefer to have the versatility over presentation. Don't see why the guide couldn't address both.


--- Quote ---If "best" design includes whether or not to make a 4-player panel and similar control choices... well that is like saying in car terms that a 2-door coupe is universally "best" versus a 4-door coupe, truck, SUV, etc.  It is Build your _OWN_ Arcade Controls.
--- End quote ---

Well that's the thing - there's no "best". But if you're a new builder on the fence as to whether or not it's worth the time/room/expense, I think some 'to-the-point' info from those who've been down that path would be invaluable. I think there's an understanding there's no "one size fits all" solution.

Pages: << < (9/12) > >>

Go to full version