go with design #1- everyone else does this for a reason. For example- one problem with #2 is- look at pl4- the corner of the CP is dug right into their chest/stomach- not a comfortable position to be in during a game! Not to even mention having your hands all jacked in different/weird positions trying to SQUEEZE it all in.
Think about Simpsons. Think about Gauntlet. Think about any 4 player game- they're all angled on the sides, and, are VERY LARGE cp for that matter. There's no way 4 adults can play at the same time COMFORTABLY on any 4 player, unless the CP is twice the size of the normal.
Like I said in my other thread- I have a 4pl CP that I changed my mind and made it into a 2pl instead. So now, it's the same SIZE as a 4pl, but is only 2pl. 2 of us can fit comfortably shoulder to shoulder- and that's just 2 of us. In fact, when I built this CP, I actually INCREASED the size of the thing above the standard size- so I can't imagine squeezing 4 players in at the same time on a SMALLER CP. Take my advice from someone who's just finished building one- either keep it 2 player, or, you DEFINITELY want to angle the sides if you insist on going with 4player, and angle the controls to see the screen.
D