Would Donkey Kong original button config be able to play all vertical classics?

[Rockstead]

I’m having a 4p pedestal built, but I caught the bug and I’d like to have at least one stand-alone cabinet.

Going by [mention]paigeoliver [/mention] list of the best vertical games to play, would a DK Cabinet be able to play all of them using a 4-way and the original button config?

And without going crazy, what other stand alone cabinets would you build to capture a specific layout that would encompass many games? I can only think of needing a vertical Classic cab and a DK cab is so classic, it would be a great piece in a game room.

I figure a classic vertical games could even be played using just a PI, I’m not against building a PC but I just assume it doesn’t need much for those games, and do they make a 60 in 1 type thing that is just classics or if that not worth bothering with considering a PI, my decision would not be based on cost.

[UnclearHermit]

I have a list of these somewhere that I made when looking for my own project.  The conclusion I reached was that there were a number of games that needed a second button and a number that needed a 8-way joystick (including Bomb Jack, which was a key game for me).  DK only has one button.  If you want to go with genuine then Popeye has two buttons but is horizontal.  So you’ll have to compromise somewhere, or live with the smaller game list.

[thomas_surles]

My last cab was a vertical galaga themed caberet. There are a ton of good games. A 4 way and 1 button is all you need. 2 if you really need to play those couple extra games. I used page's list for the games. You will have most the classics covered and not have a bunch of crap and extra buttons for games that don't need them.

[javeryh]

You can get about 20 or so "classic" vertical games that use 1 button and a 4-way joystick.  My DK+ has this exact set up and I went through lots and lots of games at the time to get a decent list of playable games.  For example, a classic like 1942 is not playable but something like Pac-Man is.

[Howard_Casto]

Yeah that's what I was going to say.... limiting yourself to 1 button and a 4-way eliminates the ability to play all those vertical shooters, which, imho are the vertical games that held up the best after all this time. 

Imho 4/8 switchable and two buttons is what you need.... three if you like gun smoke and some of the newer vertical shooters.  The 60 in 1 kits come with usually an 8way (which might be switchable) and three buttons if that tells you anything. 

[BadMouth]

IIRC there was a thread years ago where we came to the conclusion that you needed at least 2 buttons for a 4-way classic cab.
There were only a few games that required 3, but if using MAME you can map the third button=both buttons being pressed.

[bobbyb13]

All good advice- contingent on what you consider classic of course.

You'll do yourself a disservice unless you spend the time and list the games that YOU really want to play- and then design from there.

You would need at least 8 cabinets to please 70% of who ever came over to your game room so don't bother trying
 

Vertical cab only?
I agree with both Badmouth and Howard

A pair of 4/8 way switchable joysticks
2 buttons each.

It's all very easy unless you also want to play Centipede, Tempest, Gorf, Quantum...

And I would consider all of those classics.

[BadMouth]

I agree with both Badmouth and Howard

A pair of 4/8 way switchable joysticks
2 buttons each.

Actually, I'm all for a 4-way only since they have another cab to play 8-way games on.

[thomas_surles]

I agree with both Badmouth and Howard

A pair of 4/8 way switchable joysticks
2 buttons each.

Actually, I'm all for a 4-way only since they have another cab to play 8-way games on.

I agree. I say keep it 4 way vertical 1 button to keep with the dk theme.
I dont think the 2nd button is necessary

[bobbyb13]

I agree with both Badmouth and Howard

A pair of 4/8 way switchable joysticks
2 buttons each.

Actually, I'm all for a 4-way only since they have another cab to play 8-way games on.

I agree. I say keep it 4 way vertical 1 button to keep with the dk theme.
I dont think the 2nd button is necessary

I should have been more clear!
Agree with Howard about 4/8 way and Badmouth about 2 buttons.

However-
I guess the 4 player pedestal already accounts for 8 way games, doesn't it?!
And that will teach ME to read more closely...

[Rockstead]

I agree with both Badmouth and Howard

A pair of 4/8 way switchable joysticks
2 buttons each.

Actually, I'm all for a 4-way only since they have another cab to play 8-way games on.

True, I keep getting caught in that trap in trying to turn this in to another pedestal, yes I have the pedestal coming that even has it’s own 4-way too, and a Reunion 4-way at that! I just got hung up on it being cool to have a classic cabinet to compliment the pedestal, I figured a Nintendo Cabinet would be nice to have, I’m open to other suggestions

In terms of controls, in the hundreds of threads I’ve read here, those 4/8 way switchable sticks always seemed to be way inferior to a dedicated stick, if that’s changed then I’m certainly open to it.

Wait, I just re-read and you said a pair of sticks, did any classic Nintendo cabs have a pair of sticks?

[meyer980]

The Nintendo Vs cabinets had a pair of joysticks, and so did the Mario Bros. cabs. The dedicated Vs cabinets were almost identical to the classic Nintendo cabinets, and many donkey kong style cabinets were also converted to Vs cabinets with factory made kits.

[javeryh]

In terms of controls, in the hundreds of threads I’ve read here, those 4/8 way switchable sticks always seemed to be way inferior to a dedicated stick, if that’s changed then I’m certainly open to it.

The ServoStik?  Seems to me that people like that choice a lot.

[Rockstead]

The Nintendo Vs cabinets had a pair of joysticks, and so did the Mario Bros. cabs. The dedicated Vs cabinets were almost identical to the classic Nintendo cabinets, and many donkey kong style cabinets were also converted to Vs cabinets with factory made kits.

That’s great info, certainly gives me more options.

I took a look at the vs control panel, I can’t believe how hideous it is, but it has two buttons and two sticks and the Mario Bros has the two sticks but one button.

[popsicle]

If you keep a 4-way, do two buttons. Buttons are cheap, take up very little room, and plenty of 2-way games (like Phoenix, and Road Fighter off the top of my head) would be missed without a 2nd button.

edit : Just scrolled through my cocktail cab and found a few more quality 4-way (or 2-way) games that need two buttons...

Armored Car
Astro Blaster
Kicker
Pinball Action (use buttons for left and right flippers, joystick for bump and launch ball)
Punchout (button 1+2 together is uppercut)
Qix
Roc N Rope
Satan's Hollow
Super Space Invaders

[Vocalitus]

You only need one button for vertical games.  The fire button is the most important. 

Your game will be more exciting without the shield/warp button to save your bacon.