Dedicated SHUMPS Build

[csnow]

I am going to build a dedicated 8-way vertical, CRT SHUMPS build.  First, let me preface that I am not a bullet hell guy.  I am 51 and the SHUMPS of my era are Gorf, Time Pilot, 1942, etc.  With that said, I have grandchildren who love to button mash and the more carnage on the screen the better.  Either way, I am going with a dedicated 8-way vertical CRT build.  I bought a cabaret Galaga/Ms Pacman at a steal that I thought would make a good platform but that would be single player only.  That is fine for me, but some of the later shootem ups were two player but to be honest I have never played any of them.  What would you guys recommend?  I can flip the Galaga reunion for a profit, but I happen to have a love for cabaret machines or I found an Aero Fighters cab local for a decent price that is a two joystick cab. 

What say you?  Do they make a dual controller CP for those Midway cabs?   That would be ideal.  Let me know our thoughts fellas.

Chris

[Beretta]

The only correct answer is to build this one and then buy/build another for the kids.

but ya that cab wont' make a good 2p setup.

You could rationalize it by making the 2nd cab horz which will open up a ton more games.. verticals could still be played although it's not nearly as nice as a proper vertical setup..

[BadMouth]

For me, having to play all the one player shmups (and one player games of two player shmups) while standing off to the left of the screen is not worth the benefit of occasionally playing two player simultaneous.  I guess it depends on how often they'd play two player simultaneous.

I did a sliding control panel using T-slot tracks, but not sure how that would work on a classic cab.

Edit: you could add USB ports to give the option of playing 2 player with gamepads.

[csnow]

You could rationalize it by making the 2nd cab horz which will open up a ton more games.

I have a horizontal cabinet as well.  This would just be 8 way vert which is mainly shumps but other 8 way verts like Commando would be included.  I try to stick with a handful of games per cabinet vs the one or two with a gazillion games.

For me, having to play all the one player shmups (and one player games of two player shmups) while standing off to the left of the screen is not worth the benefit of occasionally playing two player simultaneous.

That was my thought too - glad I am not alone.  I don't like being off center when I play.  I think I will just build it as a one player cab.

[Jimbo]

Bullet hell games suck imo.  You have NO way of completing them unless you memorise everything.   At least the older ones (classic Toaplan I'm looking at you) you could still have a good run with dexterity/good reactions and actual skill alone.

I have the same idea, one day I'll do a dedicated 8-way vert shooter cab.  It'll def be single player though, joystick in the middle.  Do it properly, and choose a really good joystick and original leaf switch buttons.  I can recommend the Australian MCA joystick, best 8-way shmup stick I've ever used.

[csnow]

Bullet hell games suck imo.  You have NO way of completing them unless you memorise everything.   At least the older ones (classic Toaplan I'm looking at you) you could still have a good run with dexterity/good reactions and actual skill alone.

I have the same idea, one day I'll do a dedicated 8-way vert shooter cab.  It'll def be single player though, joystick in the middle.  Do it properly, and choose a really good joystick and original leaf switch buttons.  I can recommend the Australian MCA joystick, best 8-way shmup stick I've ever used.

Agreed, I don't like the bullet hell games either but I do like the older 1942 type games.  I plan to use leaf buttons and Wico sticks.  I have never used the MCA stick.  You like it better than the WICO leafs?

[Zebidee]

I have never used the MCA stick.  You like it better than the WICO leafs?

The MCA stick is a stalwart of most Australian arcade machines. It's strength is its simplicity with the stick built into a rubber boot. Uses normal "cherry" switches. Might not be the most responsive, but no bouncing and the dynamics are very predictable and reliable. Almost never wear out. If you grew up using them, like I did, you might not imagine another stick feeling better. That might not necessarily be true, but they are a pretty decent joystick.

[Jimbo]

I have never used the MCA stick.  You like it better than the WICO leafs?

The MCA stick is a stalwart of most Australian arcade machines. It's strength is its simplicity with the stick built into a rubber boot. Uses normal "cherry" switches. Might not be the most responsive, but no bouncing and the dynamics are very predictable and reliable. Almost never wear out. If you grew up using them, like I did, you might not imagine another stick feeling better. That might not necessarily be true, but they are a pretty decent joystick.

Yeah I grew up using them too.  Really thick rubber grommet means it will last ages, and it feels nicer than a spring-centering stick.  It has a short throw and is very consistent so great for shooters.  You should definitely try to find one and see if you like it before making a decision.

[Zebidee]

Yeah I grew up using them too.  Really thick rubber grommet means it will last ages, and it feels nicer than a spring-centering stick.  It has a short throw and is very consistent so great for shooters.  You should definitely try to find one and see if you like it before making a decision.

On a couple of occasions where I've made custom cabs for mates, they have complained about the fancy new joysticks I gave them (Magsticks, Happ Competition), and I've had to replace them with 2nd-hand MCA stick = happy players