Definitely can't change the Dream Machine theme or I will hunt you down, and I WILL kill you...lol. Build it for all us East Coasters who enjoyed many dark lighted days pumping our paper route money into these wonderful buzzing machines! As for the side art, it's a toss up. I kind of like the multi-characters, but I think the Dream Machine logo on the side with the stars all over the cab would be pretty cool.
Hahaha. No hunting and killing required.
My main inspiration for this build is the Dream Machine theme.
So the arcade characters are definitely out. I'm just playing around with different ideas for the sides and the control panel. I don't want to rush it. I don't want it to end up something I get tired of looking at.
Thanks guys for the critiquing. While I might not use everyone's advice I do appreciate the input.
So this is the layout I've chosen for the CP. The artwork is still a w.i.p.:
I like the Neo-Geo button pattern for the bottom row buttons and all black for the top row. I'm using the new Ultimarc "Goldleaf" buttons for the action buttons. They feel awesome but I haven't actually played any games with them yet. The joysticks are Happ Perfect 360's with blue and red ball-tops. I'm using the 3" U-Trak trackball and above that will be a SlikStik Tornado spinner. I'm using these cool little "angel eye" buttons for the admin buttons. I don't want a lot of crazy LED lit controls. There's nothing wrong with LED lit controls but I really want this to be classic arcade-like. The "angel eye" buttons have a subtle lit ring around the button. Here's what they look like lit up: