Comments on my idea for Reactor convert CPO

[Stobe]

Hello all,

I just picked up a Reactor cab from a fellow BYOAC'er last weekend, and have debated over design ideas.  As much as I dislike the halloween color theme, I feel almost obligated to at least try to keep the cab somewhat original.

The original metal CP was cut to death.  I can't even figure out what holes were ultimately used.  But luckily it came with a new metal CP with a simple 2 player / 6 button layout.  Since I don't expect to stumble upon the innerds to a Reactor anytime soon, I figure this CP will be fine for a mame convert.

If the cab didn't come with the original speakerbox marquee, I would probably be more apt to re-theme the whole thing.  But here's what I came up with as a compromise.  Let me know what you think so far.  I still need to add some 'bubbles' for the 1P/2P buttons, but have not measured the holes yet.

Thanks for any comments in advance.

-Stobe

[Bones]

I like it but for some reason I am obsessed with symmetry. I feel like one of the graphics around the joysticks needs to be mirrored or something....

[koolmoecraig]

Dude.

Please tell me that you are eventually restore that Reactor. Don't hack it up.

That game is super rare. Hell, i'll buy it off you if you are near me.

[Stobe]

I know what you mean BrokenBones.  I got the 'explosion' graphic from arcade art, and I'm probably going to smooth out some of the sharp edges from the original logo.

As far as restoring it?  I'm not sure if I could find the original PCB, since it is so rare.  I don't plan on hacking the cab any.  At least nothing non-reversable.  I've got the original CP, but like I said, it was hacked to death from someone before me.

-Stobe

[Crowquill]

I like it. It's simple enough to not be overcrowded while still showing everything neccessary. I like the "V" in the back too. It looks like it could have been part of the original graphics.

As far as the mirroring thing goes, I'm not sure it would look right. On the other hand, it looks like the original graphics were mirrored between the left and right "bursts" around the trackball:

http://images.webmagic.com/klov.com/images/10/1054713531.jpg

I say try it and see.

[Stobe]

Thanks for the input.  That's what makes this place invaluable.

I grabbed the burst graphic from ArcadeArt.com, and it was actually from the REACTOR name logo.  I need to touch it up a little bit, I'm just avoiding that part .

I'm just trying to get a layout look first, and trying to match the graphics to the pre-cut CP I was given.

Also working on the color scheme for the sticks/buttons.  Best thing I have available right now would be black sticks with a column of red/white/yellow buttons for each player.  When I get working on the overlay again, I'll play around with the colors some more.

Thanks again,
Stobe

[RayB]

It looks great. Try to restore it. If you wait long enough, a board will appear.

I waited 2 years for a Dominos original manual to appear on Ebay. It finally did 2 weeks ago. No one bid on it but me.

[tbombaci]

Looks like you're using the reactor explosion from my logo. I kind or rigged the white since you really didn't see it under the logo. You may want to touch that up. Looks sort of odd.

-Tom

[Stobe]

Ya, Tom.  Thanks.  I've been too lazy to look up the thread and give credit to the right person.  But I was suprised and excited to find a piece of Reactor artwork.  Have any more?  lol

When I get bak to work after the Holiday, I'm going to play around with the hard angled areas of the explosion.

Thanks again,
Stobe

[Deefish]

Do any of you guys have the trackball graphic vectored? I want to print that out and put it around my trackball. I do like the added explosion effects around those joysticks. If someone could post or email me the photoshop file so I could play around with it, I would be very greatfull.

Thanks,
deefish AT cox DOT net

[clok]

Reactor, MAN! i remeber when that game came out (yep I'm old) its the first game that the music made me come look at it. Made by the same guy who made most of the Cinamotronic games (space hawk, Star Castle) he was kinda a video game stud, and Golotib (spelling?) teh pinball maker was getting into video games and hired him, Reactor was his first game (a flop, sorta)...

Anotehr VOTE for a total restore!

Clok