Concept - Thoughts Please

[maffewl]

Hey everyone... looking to start preparing for my second build.  First build can be found here (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,128354.msg1313234.html#msg1313234).

The first one never got "completely" finished although I've had and am still having a blast playing it.  However, we've moved twice since the last photo and now all of my tools are in storage.  So my mind is needing something to focus on.  That being said, I decided to start preparing for another build. 

Looking for thoughts on this design... it's somewhat similar to my previous one (don't know if I want that or not) but the new design has a 4 player CP, which is something I want.  I have many times had parties and had a line to play the arcade when a 4 player CP would have worked perfect.

Anyways, I'm happy to hear thoughts on what would make this cabinet hall of fame worthy, even if its "Start Over".  I'm used to constructive criticism, so feel free to comment your thoughts.

(Please ignore the Black and White color scheme, that was just contrast to see the shape of the cabinet.  I would create a theme and add art, but for now just wanted thoughts on the shape, layout, etc...)

[DaveMMR]

Everyone thinks that the answer to a long line of gamers waiting to play an arcade cabinet is to make it a four-player cabinet. That's not entirely true. You'll find people want to play Street Fighter II or Pac-Man or practically anything that's not a four-player game.

Yeah, you may get some action with NBA Jam or Gauntlet or TMNT but I've found, at my gatherings, that was the exception rather than the rule. Unless you have on your list a MUST PLAY game that's 4P simo, save the time/money/space.

That being said, if you insist on going four-player, reconsider angling the sticks. All* commercial multi-player games only angled the button arrangement while the joysticks remained parallel with the screen (or, up perpendicular to screen if that helps.)

(*There were a few oddball titles that angled their joysticks; strangely, they weren't even 4-player games.)

[yotsuya]

The only thing I would ask is how many cabinets did you have on hand? If the answer is "One", of course there will be a line.

If you want a four player, go with one. But DaveMMR speaks true words.

[mgb]

I agree with the others about the 4-player thing.
To me it seems that 4 player just adds more to the budget and makes for a big ugly control panel that's of limited use.
At a party, I would think you'd have more people in line to play fighters than you would for Simpsons or gauntlet.
  Of course it's your cabinet, maybe for you, the 4 player thing is well worth it.
Remember to look into player 3 & 4 stick angling.

The cab renderings look great. That's a very nice design.

[BadMouth]

Yeah, P3 & P4 joystick angle....the eternal mistake.

Look at the bolts and "up" arrows on real 4 player arcade panels.
(gauntlet, gauntlet legends, nfl blitz, nba showtime, the simpsons).

We need to make a "do not angle P3 and P4 joysticks, here's what we mean and why" thread that we can just link to every time.
Half the time, people don't get what we're talking about and think the buttons or player position would change.

I don't agree with the people that say you'll never use a 4 player panel.
Build what you want (except for angling the sticks!).
I wouldn't let the additional controls affect the placement of P1 and P2 controls though.
IMO, having it look balanced for 4 players isn't worth being crammed together for 2 player fighting games, which will probably be played much more often.  Looks like you have plenty of elbow room.

EDIT: You might consider a 4/8 way switching joysticks instead of a separate stick.

[DarakuTenshi]

Of course another option would be to add a couple USB ports to the front of your cabinet for 3/4 player games where you can just plug a game pad in. The other thing I saw in your last build and couldn't quite tell on this one is the angle of the top of your control panel. It gets rather uncomfortable playing for extend an extended period of time if the CP is parallel to the floor. But, I love the design.

[leapinlew]

The problem with 4 player games is they lose a lot of fun with unlimited quarters. Even Smash TV and total carnage, which are 2 player dual wield games, lose a lot when a quarter has no meaning. I have 5 arcade machines and people usually choose to play single player classics.

The trackball got people to gather around the machine. Shuffleshot was a lot of fun with 4 players.

[yotsuya]

Excellent points, Lew. What good does 4 joysticks do when a person wants to play Galaga?

As I've said before, if I were ever to get a 4 player cab, it would be a Midway/Konami-type, no bigger. All this concern about space to me is a non-issue. I've played on those machines with other adults, and the space is fine. But honestly, I don't ever see myself needing a 4 player at all. A two-player horizontal and a 1 player 4-way vertical took care of most party situations. The other 9 machines I ended up with were overkill. 

[opt2not]

The problem with 4 player games is they lose a lot of fun with unlimited quarters.

Agreed. Some games could be set to turn off Continues in the dip switch settings. I haven't checked to see if any of the typical 4-player games have it, but it could be something to check out.

But if this cab is for kids, then don't worry about the unlimited credits. They'll keep playing and playing and playing regardless...

[paigeoliver]

With 4 player machines, the kids will keep playing and playing. While the adults will quickly start only playing 2 players at a time because they just don't like being cramped in like that.

[PL1]

We need to make a "do not angle P3 and P4 joysticks, here's what we mean and why" thread that we can just link to every time.
Half the time, people don't get what we're talking about and think the buttons or player position would change.

Use this link to the new FAQ.   

LMK if you have any suggestions for improving the wording or the image.


Scott

[BadMouth]

We need to make a "do not angle P3 and P4 joysticks, here's what we mean and why" thread that we can just link to every time.
Half the time, people don't get what we're talking about and think the buttons or player position would change.

Use this link to the new FAQ.   

LMK if you have any suggestions for improving the wording or the image.


Scott

I'd add buttons to the CP for clarity.  Quite a few times when we criticized someone for having the joysticks angled in their design, they came back with a revision where the entire layout for each person was parallel to the screen and all users face forward.

[PL1]

I'd add buttons to the CP for clarity.  Quite a few times when we criticized someone for having the joysticks angled in their design, they came back with a revision where the entire layout for each person was parallel to the screen and all users face forward.

Yeah, the image is just a temporary placeholder whipped up in MS Paint.   

Anyone have a good layout with buttons that we can use in place of this one? (P4 joy angled, if possible)   




Scott
EDIT: Changed link so original image would be shown instead of the new file that replaced it.

[yotsuya]

I'd add buttons to the CP for clarity.  Quite a few times when we criticized someone for having the joysticks angled in their design, they came back with a revision where the entire layout for each person was parallel to the screen and all users face forward.

Yeah, the image is just a temporary placeholder whipped up in MS Paint.   

Anyone have a good layout with buttons that we can use in place of this one? (P4 joy angled, if possible)   




Scott

One that shows 4-6-6-4 button amounts, preferrably.

[maffewl]

Wow... I didn't expect to see so many comments.  Thanks everyone.  I'll revise the control panel to straighten the joysticks (I'm still leaning towards a 4p cp though as most of the games my friends play are NBA Jam, Simpsons, Golden Axe, TMNT, and NHL.)  Although not sold that it's the best idea since I grew up on MK and MKII, and those would be my go to.  However, curious about the cab design... what are your thoughts on it, it just seems a little plain to me I guess... maybe because it's so close to what I already have.  Who knows. *shrug*.  Also, I feel if I could settle in on a good theme I might be able to redesign towards that. Something like theming it after Sub-Zero and making led-icicles, crackle glass accents, etc...

I very much appreciate the help from everyone as this is such a great resource and community, and maybe I can help in return... PL1 and Yotsuya - see the attached image.

Anyone have a good layout with buttons that we can use in place of this one? (P4 joy angled, if possible)   

One that shows 4-6-6-4 button amounts, preferrably.

[BadMouth]

Joystick placement on P3 looks a bit off.  See how the other sticks line up with an imaginary line through the center of the buttons.
Well, I guess you do have to imagine it first. 
Keep that alignment, but keep the sticks parallel with each other.

[maffewl]

Well, I guess you do have to imagine it first. 

I guess no good deed goes unpunished... 

BTW... this isn't for my CP... just as an aid for PL1 and Yot

[yotsuya]

That is PERFECT, my friend. I got what you are trying to do there. Just move the P3 joystick up a bit.

Good luck with your build.

[PL1]

Thanks, Maffewl.

Here's a slightly modified version.

How does this version look, Yotsuya?

I wasn't sure if all 4 sticks should be in one line, or if sticks 3 and 4 should be at the same level but higher than 1 and 2.


Scott

[yotsuya]

Thanks, Maffewl.

Here's a slightly modified version.

How does this version look, Yotsuya?

I wasn't sure if all 4 sticks should be in one line, or if sticks 3 and 4 should be at the same level but higher than 1 and 2.


Scott

Between you and Maffewl, that's a winner!

[PL1]

Thanks, Maffewl and Yotsuya.   

Wiki updated with new image -- included an acknowledgement to Maffewl and link to this thread on the image page. 


Scott

[yotsuya]

I repped you both for your work, BTW.

[maffewl]

Wow guys!     Thanks!

I feel like I've just been knighted.

[wp34]

With 4 player machines, the kids will keep playing and playing. While the adults will quickly start only playing 2 players at a time because they just don't like being cramped in like that.

Lew makes some great points but this is why I want a 4-player cabinet at some point soon.  Kids seem to love playing 4-player games and don't get bored as fast with the unlimited credits.

To the OP.  I really like the design of your cabinet.  4-player comments aside the cabinet is big enough that the CP doesn't overwhelm it and it all looks proportional.  The angles you have by the coin door look great as well.

[yotsuya]

Yeah, I agree with wp34. I'm not big on 4p cabs, but yours is nicely proportional. It doesn't look like a surfboard, nor like an afterthought tacked onto a cab. It's got a lot of potential! 

[leapinlew]

My idea is to build the 1 stop control panel.



Obviously you would want a rotating screen....

[yotsuya]

My idea is to build the 1 stop control panel.



Obviously you would want a rotating screen....

YOU FORGOT THE STAR WARS YOLK, BRO!!!!!!11!!

[Generic Eric]

My idea is to build the 1 stop control panel.



Obviously you would want a rotating screen....

YOU FORGOT THE STAR WARS YOLK, BRO!!!!!!11!!

How can a person be expected to play Robotron on this?
Placeholder for moral righteousness.  This is wrong guys! guise!1!

[wp34]

My idea is to build the 1 stop control panel.



Obviously you would want a rotating screen....

YOU FORGOT THE STAR WARS YOLK, BRO!!!!!!11!!

How can a person be expected to play Robotron on this?
Placeholder for moral righteousness.  This is wrong guys! guise!1!

This CP is perfect.  Everyone knows the only correct way to play Robotron is with trackballs.

[BobA]

Love it Leapinlew

[Ond]

leapinlew is giving me evil ideas     

[eds1275]

I entertain way more than I should (all my friends live in apartments.) I am thinking of making some p3 and p4 pedestals that get tucked away when not in use.

We play 4 player trackball games all the time. If I had the space for a 4 player cabinet, in the centre of a wall instead of in a corner, and if all my friends were at least as in shape as I am... I would consider a 4-player machine.

[DaveMMR]

I entertain way more than I should (all my friends live in apartments.) I am thinking of making some p3 and p4 pedestals that get tucked away when not in use.

I think that's an idea that gets explored too infrequently: have a 2-player cabinet with hook ups for separate P3/4 pedestals. It also solves the problem of space and angling (since you can move the pedestal to any position you want.)

[Unstupid]

My idea is to build the 1 stop control panel.



Obviously you would want a rotating screen....

Not good... You forgot steering wheel, gas pedal and shifter...  How ya gonna play Sprint or Pole Position?