WANTED: Arkanoid multikit

[ChadTower]

I know I've seen reference to these but can't find one now... I need an Arkanoid multikit to install in a Revenge of Doh cab.  Anyone have any leads for me?

[wfg97079]

Do these really exist?
Sounds cool but Ive never heard of one

[MonitorGuru]

I seriously doubt there will be a such thing. Reasons?

There are 4 'official' arkanoid games (plus rom variances due to country)
Arkanoid 1 and Tournament Arkanoid use the same circuit board with only a variation in the roms, color roms and programmable CPU (anti-piracy). Technically there were 2 different versions of these boards as well, one with integrated parts and one with a daughter board.

Arkanoid 2: Revenge of DOH is a totally different board with enhanced graphics abilities and a Jamma interface instead of proprietary.

Arkanoid Returns: Again, different board, even more advanced graphics and Jamma interface.

There are also other games like Goindol that are virtual-Arkanoid rip-offs that would be nice to have in a multi-system, but again, totally different architecture.

In actuality, the best thing to do is to just get a Clay Multi-Jamma kit, and then convert the 2 (or 3) non-Jamma boards to Jamma and just use that as a switcher.

Since inputs are the same over all 3 and limited, you might be able to build your own switcher yourself without the need for full Jamma connector switching. I may do this myself as I own all these boards (including Goindol) except Arkanoid Returns, so I have 4 games.

The only 2 that would have any potential at being combined are Arkanoid and Tournament Arkanoid.  But that has the problem of the programmable IC and extra security protection in it that has to be handled.


Ark boards run for about $10-20 untested and $20-$35 tested

Tournament boards run for about $20-$30 untested and $30-$50 tested, however all you need are about 5 game roms, 3 color roms and 1 programmable IC and you can plop them on a working Ark board.

Ark 2:DOH boards run about $20-$30 untested and $30-$40 tested

Goindol are rarely seen, though I just picked up one for $10 fully tested.  


All in all you could have 4 great ark games for about $150 shipped plus another $150 for a Clay multi-kit and 4 plug in cards.  Or if you're lucky get all 4 boards around $100 plus roll your own input/power switcher for $50 or so if you're technically inclined.

[ChadTower]

After doing some more research, I realize you are quite right.  Thanks for the detailed info!