Proof you NEED a trackball.

[DEVz]

http://www.theveaseys.com/wordpress/?p=195

This is a video of my kids putting my trackball to use.  At ages 6 and 4 this bowling game is one of the only games they can play without any help.  If you watch the video you can see from the series of strikes and spares that they are pretty good too!

A little info on the trackball.  It is an electric ice from www.groovygamegear.com.  I have it running with an animated loop of blue/red/purple pulse.   It is smooth as glass and works a charm.  The enhanced optical encoder wheel inside makes for a very responsive ball, and you can see that the kids can send the ball down the alley without having to fling at the trackball too hard. 

If it sounds like I am trying to sell you an electric ice ball, I guess I am.  Sales is my profession and when I find a product that meets exceeds my expectations I like to let others know about it.  I have had the arcade going for 5 months now and the ball has not only held up to rigorous use, but it has actually gotten smoother! 

PS Randy at groovy game gear was super nice and helpful when I was working on installation of both the ball and the accompanying LEDwiz.
 

[unclet]

I would believe you kids would like Shuffleshot when they get a little older as well ....

[Moose13]

I like how the title of the video you state that you made the cabinet for THEM.     

I'm using that exuse too, while I'm building my (I mean my kids) cabinet.

Which bowling game is that?

[Hoopz]

I like how the title of the video you state that you made the cabinet for THEM.     

I'm using that exuse too, while I'm building my (I mean my kids) cabinet.

Which bowling game is that?

World Class Bowling.  It's a great one for kids. 

http://www.klov.com/game_detail.php?letter=W&game_id=10471

[FrizzleFried]

Shuuz! baby....Shuuz!

World Class Bowling also works at getting wives to accept this hobby!  My wife consistently kicks my butt at it.

EDIT: That is cute...your girl seems to effortlessly get spares without really even looking...and from the side....

 

[DEVz]

Shuuz! baby....Shuuz!

World Class Bowling also works at getting wives to accept this hobby!  My wife consistently kicks my butt at it.

EDIT: That is cute...your girl seems to effortlessly get spares without really even looking...and from the side....

 

Iris (my daughter) still holds the number one slot in high scores for the "flash" version of the game.

[QuixoteQuest]

My four year old loves World Class Bowling, too. He also enjoys Shuffleshot and Golden Tee--though he's not stellar at the latter he can still do it. The trackball games are always a hit with visitors too.

So tell me: anyone know if the electric ice expansion ball for the Happs works well? Is GGG's trackball hardware substantially different than the Happs?

[MPTech]

Glad to hear you say that DEVz.
I built my cab a little over a year ago and I'd like to upgrade the Contol Panel, adding a trackball and a spinner.
I was looking at the Electric Ice and was strongly considering it.  I think you convinced me.

That looks like a nice CP layout, any PICs?  What key-encoder and other sticks / buttons did you use?  Looks like some ICE buttons as well(?)  Did you use a LED-Wiz too?

Thanks!  Nice job and looks like the kids like it a bunch! 

[shorthair]

I've been thinking about this for a long time, too. Hell, even a Golden Tee Fore I saw at Sears, which looked to have an Imperial, spun great - better than my Happ.

[RandyT]

Seeing a video like this warms the heart and really makes the effort we put in on these things feel worthwhile.  It's been a long time since my kids were that age and I never really got to share the arcade machine bug with them.  But my oldest and her husband do still enjoy a go at the classics on occasion ( and they gave me a granddaughter, so for some reason I see the building of a mini-cab in my future )

Thanks for sharing it and, of course, for the kind words about the trackball.

RandyT

[bleargh]

Oh, that looks like a blast... I'll have to add that game to the cab when I get it finished... My 3yr old already loves playing with the trackball, and I haven't even got it mounted to the CP yet!  Woot!   

[btp2k2]

World Class Bowling also works at getting wives to accept this hobby!  My wife consistently kicks my butt at it.
 

League Bowling by SNK was the one that did it at my house. When I worked at Nintendo, they had a League Bowling cabinet in the break room and I was addicted.....A few years later I show it to my wife on the home cab and now she is hooked.

[amerish]

Don't forget about Mini Golf. A bit of a challange for the young kids but at 5 my son was able to play it.

[DrumAnBass]

Great video!  Can't wait until my 2 year old twins get the hang of it!

[RayB]

Why does it look like you've disabled the X axis? 

[DEVz]

Why does it look like you've disabled the X axis? 

I didnt, they are that good!  (game is kinda easy too)

[KenToad]

That video is awesome.  Thanks for sharing. 

A trackball is the only think my bartop lacks.   

[leapinlew]

Don't forget about the dozens and dozens of chicks who dig guys with trackballs.

[KenToad]

Don't forget about the dozens and dozens of chicks who dig guys with trackballs.

 

Oh wait, I'm married.   

[Dudeman]

That is so cute. Man... if only my daughter wasn't 16 and too concerned with boys and cars.