Looking for some ideas or help

[pconn5]

So me and a few of my friends are building a MAME arcade. Right now all we have built is the control panel that I built and I have the pc all set up. My friends dad is a carpenter and they are building the box this summer. So right now this is a little broad. I am trying to think of a name/theme for the arcade machine and was looking for some ideas.

I started with a lightning theme but my name was corny and I don't think it really fit. Thats the marquee posted.

Right now I was thinking about the name, Pixel Battleground, or something along those lines. I wanted Pacman chasing the blue ghost kind of like the pictures shown with the middle white dot being the trackball to kind of blend in. I was then thinking of the rest as being an assortment of other characters kind of fighting amongst each other. But I'm not sure how to go about doing this (I am not artistically inclined) I was thinking maybe one of the white dots having a wick coming off being lit by bomber man or bomber jack or something and I want some street fighter character somewhere too.

So what do you guys think and any ideas how to start this up or any drafts maybe?

I haven't really thought of a good marquee idea yet. Just figuring some pixelated text with something else.

[smalltownguy]

Welcome to the forum! Always nice to have fresh blood.

As far as artwork goes, it's a tough one to answer, b/c everyone has their own idea about what constitutes a great art design. But I will give you some of my opinions, FWIW:

• Less is more. Opt for tasteful placement and clean lines rather than a cluttered, confusing look
• If you're using arwork that will span accross controls on your Control Panel (rather than frame them), then consider modifying the transparancy to help the controls stand out better.
• Try to hone in on a singular theme, and stay consistent with that theme throughout your CP, marquee, bezel, and side art. It looks more professional.
• If you need design work assistance, try Scott at www.gameongrafix.com (see banner ad above). If you're doing a whole cabinet with him, he'll give you some time and attention into assisting in the design. He really does do great work.

Just my humble opinions 

[pconn5]

Ok thanks for the help!

I figured I will keep it simple and went with the pacman idea. I think I will keep the pixel battleground name and just put a few of the classics on there. Pacman and the ghost on the control panel, dig dug on the marquee, galaga on one side, and street fighter on the other side.

I did some painting on the cp. I think it looks good, I'm going to add some blue lines across the top and a strip on the bottom to make the maze look. Not sure how others would feel about the design but I like it so far.