Author Topic: How many years does arcade gaming have left? (Read 18964 times)

cagey · « **on:** January 29, 2006, 06:32:10 am »

Most of the arcade community (as far as I can tell) is made up of people who, at a young age were familiar with arcade machines and the games. Considering that this generation could be something like 50 years old to maybe 25 years old it seems unlikely that the arcade community will last forever.

I am not certain of the plight of arcade gaming especially considering I am a 16 year old soon to buy my first arcade machine. Even so, I will never be able to feel the same nostalgia of playing an arcade machine that I played when I was young.

How many people do you know who have left the BYOAC community because they felt they were too old for it (Or maybe that will only begin to happen for another decade or so) and how many BYOACers are post arcade-classics generation?

Possibly the community will continue to develop as people buy old TimeZone machines (Not sure if this modern equivalent of an arcade is anywhere other than Australia), but the classics will only be around for so long.

Cagey.

CheffoJeffo · « **Reply #1 on:** January 29, 2006, 09:09:07 am »

Quote from: cagey on January 29, 2006, 06:32:10 am

How many people do you know who have left the BYOAC community because they felt they were too old for it (Or maybe that will only begin to happen for another decade or so) and how many BYOACers are post arcade-classics generation?

In my experience, it doesn't happen ... "you can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave" ...

Cheers.

Hurray Banana · « **Reply #2 on:** January 30, 2006, 04:23:19 am »

I've been playing arcade games since pong was out, I can't ever imagine a time when I won't be playing these games.

It's in the blood, it was a big part of me growing up, seeing the evolution, the new concepts and ideas.

More Cowbell · « **Reply #3 on:** January 30, 2006, 11:28:21 am »

Everything goes in cycles. You know the saying, "Everything old is new again." Generation X-ers will be looking to relive their younger days throughout their lives. Also, there will always be a link to the classics as video games get more and more advanced. Just look at the popularity of old movies, old music, etc. It can be appreciated by more than just the generation that created it.

SirPoonga · « **Reply #4 on:** January 31, 2006, 02:06:14 pm »

Quote from: More Cowbell on January 30, 2006, 11:28:21 am

Everything goes in cycles. You know the saying, "Everything old is new again."

Exactly, look at all these tv games and led game remakes!

GGKoul · « **Reply #5 on:** January 31, 2006, 02:18:39 pm »

Quote from: Hurray Banana on January 30, 2006, 04:23:19 am

I've been playing arcade games since pong was out, I can't ever imagine a time when I won't be playing these games.

It's in the blood, it was a big part of me growing up, seeing the evolution, the new concepts and ideas.

I'm with him..

fredster · « **Reply #6 on:** January 31, 2006, 03:20:08 pm »

It will evolve into computer camps.

There won't be stand up arcade machines. Just flatscreens on walls and headsets.

People paid for Pacman when they couldn't play it at home. They will still pay for a gaming experience they can't get in their house now.

Simulation and 3-D surround will replace the standard Jamma rig.

Games like Beatmania and golf simulators will get more complex and diversified. Driving simulators and more advanced gun games will emerge.

Wetworks · « **Reply #7 on:** February 02, 2006, 06:31:56 am »

And in ten or so years time some guy will be trying to restore his street fighter/mortal kombat machine and end up starting a forum like this!!!

SuperGunGuru · « **Reply #8 on:** February 02, 2006, 12:08:38 pm »

Quote from: Wetworks on February 02, 2006, 06:31:56 am

And in ten or so years time some guy will be trying to restore his street fighter/mortal kombat machine and end up starting a forum like this!!!

I agree with you on that. I actually grew up playing a lot of MK and SF2, though my collection is 90% classics. It seems to me that the price of some common JAMMA boards like the MK and SF2 games has gone up when you browse ebay.

grantspain · « **Reply #9 on:** February 02, 2006, 04:50:36 pm »

hope arcades go on a bit longer or im out of a job

,but there again someone said the same in 1990 and im still here

fredster · « **Reply #10 on:** February 02, 2006, 04:57:45 pm »

Nice Gameroom SuperGunGuru!

CheffoJeffo · « **Reply #11 on:** February 02, 2006, 05:03:30 pm »

Quote from: fredster on February 02, 2006, 04:57:45 pm

Nice Gameroom SuperGunGuru!

Agreed ... this is an official request for SGG to create a thread in AM with pics of the gameroom ... wanna see more of that CC cabinet ...

/end hijack

Cheers.

SuperGunGuru · « **Reply #12 on:** February 02, 2006, 08:50:11 pm »

Quote from: CheffoJeffo on February 02, 2006, 05:03:30 pm

Quote from: fredster on February 02, 2006, 04:57:45 pm
Nice Gameroom SuperGunGuru!

Agreed ... this is an official request for SGG to create a thread in AM with pics of the gameroom ... wanna see more of that CC cabinet ...

/end hijack

Cheers.

Hehe I have my buddy Tony to thank for the pic of my gameroom. I have a digital camera but it simply sucks. He did take a few other pics of room

Wetworks · « **Reply #13 on:** February 03, 2006, 05:11:50 am »

Quote from: SuperGunGuru on February 02, 2006, 12:08:38 pm

Quote from: Wetworks on February 02, 2006, 06:31:56 am
And in ten or so years time some guy will be trying to restore his street fighter/mortal kombat machine and end up starting a forum like this!!!

I agree with you on that. I actually grew up playing a lot of MK and SF2, though my collection is 90% classics. It seems to me that the price of some common JAMMA boards like the MK and SF2 games has gone up when you browse eBay.

When I went to buy my first dedicated cab back in 2001 I was so gutted that they were either converted or unrecognizable.. i ended up buying a complete original MK2 .. I was a tad disappointed that I was not coming home with a Galaxian or Asteroids cab but was relieved when i could plug in a PC and play all my Mame games on it. Now its been a few years people actually like the cab and say it reminds them of being young! They all reckon its a classic! Its 13 years old now which Pacman was in 1994 a year after MK2 was released! Anyway its what you dig!!!

Can't wait for the Mr Driller generation to start buying cabs!! he he

Anyone got a Galaxian Control panel!

Mark70 · « **Reply #14 on:** February 03, 2006, 10:59:00 am »

Quote from: cagey on January 29, 2006, 06:32:10 am

...I am a 16 year old soon to buy my first arcade machine. Even so, I will never be able to feel the same nostalgia of playing an arcade machine that I played when I was young...

My god. You are young. You are the age that most of us 30 year olds are being nostalgic about.

I think, as time goes on you will see fewer people who spent their youth in video game arcades. Home consoles weren't really all that great in the hayday of arcades. People went to arcades because that's where the high end gaming was. Now it's on your PC or in your living room.

I think that kids from urban centers will be less likely to turn into the nostalgic arcade builders. You may still have people like me who are nostalgic about certain games and pinballs because they spent their summers going to the trailer park on the lake and it had two or three games that you played the hell out of because you were a bored teen and there's no game console in the cottage/trailer etc.

cagey · « **Reply #15 on:** February 03, 2006, 07:17:30 pm »

Quote from: Mark70 on February 03, 2006, 10:59:00 am

My god. You are young. You are the age that most of us 30 year olds are being nostalgic about.

I just love all the classic arcade games. They're nothing like the modern generic FPSs and even though I have been to an arcade less than five times in my life yet I'd still love to build a machine. We all know there is no better way to play.

Quote from: Mark70 on February 03, 2006, 10:59:00 am

I think, as time goes on you will see fewer people who spent their youth in video game arcades. Home consoles weren't really all that great in the hayday of arcades. People went to arcades because that's where the high end gaming was. Now it's on your PC or in your living room.

Well there will most likely always be games like DDR and light gun games in arcades because that type of thing is expensive and/or difficult to set up at your home. It seems that many people go to the arcade as a social thing aswell especially for games like 8 player daytona.

97thruhiker · « **Reply #16 on:** February 07, 2006, 12:24:44 pm »

Basically Mark70 relayed my own thoughts. I'm 35 and my youth was spent (when I could get there) at the arcade playing all those classics. Its a very stong pull of emotion for me to play DK Jr, Time Pilot, Dragon's Lair, etc. The dimly lit arcade glowing with all those machines, having your friends around, hoping to pick up that girl playing Ms. Pacman all led to an experience thats just not around today (its around just in other places / activities). Speaking for myself, and probably for most here, building a cabinet gives us a chance to capture a bit of our youths. To be brought back to a time not much younger then you are now. These machines will always be around but I doubt that after this generation to a great extent. Mostly the hardcore collecter of electronics / games (As example how prevelent are all those mechcanical machines that could be found in the penny arcades of the early 1900's today?) I'm sure people still collect them and play them but not to the exent of say 50 years ago when they were only 20 years old.

SlyDog · « **Reply #17 on:** February 07, 2006, 01:25:08 pm »

I agree with most of the posts here. Just a way to relive our happy days when the only thing we worried about is where is my next quarter coming from. I feel these will never get "old" everyone has their item to help rebuild the past.. My Father is rebuilding is 55 Studebaker to remember his... grandpa is making homemade fishing poles to remember his. I am playing games to remember mine. I can see in years to come people will be modifying there VR gear to play halo or socom games. I admit not everyone loves games I am 30 i love the classics. My friend from high school loved playing guitar so he has his 80's guitar collection. It just boils down on taste and what makes you happy. Ironically a couple years back i thought i was getting too old for this so i left the seen a bit. And now coming back i couldn't be happier (of course hours seem shorter).

ArcadeNoob · « **Reply #18 on:** February 08, 2006, 10:53:35 am »

Im 16, as well.

I have two arcade games, local finds. Right now Im mostly into the arcade thing because a) Its the most fun way to play games, and b) I would love to learn the mechanics of repair.

But, unlike yourself, I have been to an arcade many times....I go to this kickass local one that specializes in classic games. Its 5 dollars an hour, or 10 dollars for the whole day..........and usually, I am the only person in there when I go(which is why I go at least once a week).

Good times

rackoon · « **Reply #19 on:** February 08, 2006, 06:15:21 pm »

I agree that eventually the retro arcade scene will mostly die off as the memory of arcades die.

YET! There will always be a hand full of people building cabs and playing the classics because modern games are drastically different playing experience.

Example: tempest, centipede, pac-man, donky kong, they are simple, fast paced and can only truly be appreciated when played on a cab. You just don't get the same gaming experience with the new system games.

FINAL EXAMPLE: Some folks still play Chess, Checkers, Dominos, Monopoly Etc.

NEED I SAY MORE

aumameman · « **Reply #20 on:** February 09, 2006, 04:33:48 am »

I Think commerically Arcade games are dying as a direct result of ps2, xbox, xbox 360, etc...

How hard is it to find a brand new original arcade cabinet?? Theyre mostly all generic, except for your Driving and Shooter, which have pretty much stayed dedicated cabs.

I know that its hard for us to think about, but the Arcade as we know it probably wont exist in as little as 5, maybe 10 years, which is why MAME exists and why people like us are building and/or restoring Arcade machines.

Yes it does go in cycles, like movies or fashion, but everytime the cycle happens something is "better", or in our terms "LOST".

RayB · « **Reply #21 on:** February 09, 2006, 12:37:39 pm »

Quote from: aumameman on February 09, 2006, 04:33:48 am

I know that its hard for us to think about, but the Arcade as we know it probably wont exist in as little as 5, maybe 10 years,

I guess it depends on what generation you're talking to. Arcades as *I* knew them DO NOT exist in every city anymore. It used to be that every city and town would have at least one video arcade in the town center, or mall. Or at least a billiards/arcade shared location.

Arcades as I knew them were found in most malls and city centers. In the small city (population 75,000) I lived in during my teens, we had 4 arcades within a 4 block stretch of the main downtown core. When I moved to Montreal (1987) my friends and I would "arcade hop" along the main downtown artery. We'd hit 5 to 7 arcades along about a half-mile stretch.

Now I live in a city of over 100,000 people and the closest thing to an "arcade" is Chuck E Cheese or Sportsworld in the next city over. (The "arcade" there, if you can call it that, is lousy. Half the machines are defective in some manner. You can tell their main business is the golf driving range, go karts and mini-golf).

I could drive 1 hr to Toronto and play in one of those expensive "entertainment centers" such as Playdium or Dave & Busters. But those are not arcades as I knew them. Those are all-in-1 entertainment centers (restaurant, pool, shuffleboard, bar, redemption, and, oh yes, over-priced video games).

There is one traditional arcade left in Toronto's downtown core, and last time I was there, a portion of their space had been re-allocated to a new business next door. In 1996 there were 4 arcades along the main shopping street, but 3 of them closed down before 2000. There might be a couple more spread out through Toronto, but it speaks volumes that I would have to drive an hour to a major mega-city just to find what used to be in every town.

If arcades as I knew them are not dead, they certainly are an endangered species.

ChadTower · « **Reply #22 on:** February 09, 2006, 12:44:35 pm »

Small city of 75,000? Dude, I grew up in a town of 40. The town I live in now is about 8000.

RayB · « **Reply #23 on:** February 09, 2006, 12:49:41 pm »

Quote from: ChadTower on February 09, 2006, 12:44:35 pm

Small city of 75,000? Dude, I grew up in a town of 40. The town I live in now is about 8000.

Notice how you used the term "town" rather than "city"?

ChadTower · « **Reply #24 on:** February 09, 2006, 12:57:21 pm »

There aren't many "cities" over 75000 in most of New England if that is better.

RayB · « **Reply #25 on:** February 09, 2006, 02:33:16 pm »

I'm still left wondering what your point is. You havent added anything of value to this thread.

ChadTower · « **Reply #26 on:** February 09, 2006, 02:56:19 pm »

It's true.

tetsu96 · « **Reply #27 on:** February 09, 2006, 10:28:26 pm »

Quote from: Mark70 on February 03, 2006, 10:59:00 am

I think, as time goes on you will see fewer people who spent their youth in video game arcades. Home consoles weren't really all that great in the hayday of arcades. People went to arcades because that's where the high end gaming was. Now it's on your PC or in your living room.

Heh, I just had a scary thought - does anyone else here think that in 20 years people that grew up playing today's games is going to be nostalgic for the simple yet engaging replay they had with their xbox / ps2 / etc?

Hurray Banana · « **Reply #28 on:** February 10, 2006, 05:24:54 am »

When I was growing up, the arcades I liked the best were the little ones where people had converted small shops into mini arcades with a couple of coktails and 5 or 6 standups.

Even the little newsagents and video shops and a couple of arcade machines.

I never liked the big commercial places, always had too many slot machines.

Now your lucky if you can find a couple of arcade machines (usually big dedicated cabs) among the slot machines, very sad

Havok · « **Reply #29 on:** February 10, 2006, 11:31:29 am »

Quote from: tetsu96 on February 09, 2006, 10:28:26 pm

Quote from: Mark70 on February 03, 2006, 10:59:00 am
I think, as time goes on you will see fewer people who spent their youth in video game arcades. Home consoles weren't really all that great in the hayday of arcades. People went to arcades because that's where the high end gaming was. Now it's on your PC or in your living room.

Heh, I just had a scary thought - does anyone else here think that in 20 years people that grew up playing today's games is going to be nostalgic for the simple yet engaging replay they had with their xbox / ps2 / etc?

Maybe that will be the Flashback 10.0?

WaRpEd · « **Reply #30 on:** February 10, 2006, 10:11:39 pm »

I grew up playing asteroids and donkey kong which were new technology then I'm 41 my son and I still play the (old) classics and enjoy the time together. I guess as long as people game together either in an arcade or at home. the games will live on.
I hope.

Dave_K. · « **Reply #31 on:** February 14, 2006, 01:23:34 am »

Check out Akihabara Japan if you want to see the latest in real arcade games. Its still very much alive.

RayB · « **Reply #32 on:** February 14, 2006, 09:40:55 am »

Quote from: Dave_K. on February 14, 2006, 01:23:34 am

Check out Akihabara Japan if you want to see the latest in real arcade games. Its still very much alive.

Yeah ok.
Let me see, where did I park my private jet...?

ChadTower · « **Reply #33 on:** February 14, 2006, 11:25:23 am »

I sit and play stuff like Namco Museum with my kids all the time. My 4 year old is a Galaxian nut and the older one loves Mr Do.

If you want to get your kids to love the classics you just have to start them before they care what their friends think and before "cool" is defined.

RayB · « **Reply #34 on:** February 14, 2006, 02:55:20 pm »

Quote from: ChadTower on February 14, 2006, 11:25:23 am

If you want to get your kids to love the classics you just have to start them before they care what their friends think and before "cool" is defined.

You mean UNTIL they care what their friends think. Just watch. When that time comes, those games will be "those baby games I used to play".

spocktwin · « **Reply #35 on:** February 19, 2006, 08:33:09 pm »

Hey I am one of the oldy moldy who marveled at Pong when I first saw it and actually played Space Race when it was around. I believe the home entertainment explosion is just starting. These cabs will always be a curiosity and people will want them. Just like people who collect old toys or baseball cards something just go on. I will be 46 this Tuesday and a good friend of mine brought over his 14 year old and two of his buddies and they stayed and hung out with the old men and we never got near my cab. They loved it and they want Dad to bulld one. If anything I felt vindicated in my pursuit.
Regards,
Spock (one of the few people older then me)

whatzcrackn · « **Reply #36 on:** February 20, 2006, 10:12:08 pm »

Man it is not going anywhere!!!

I have been playing games since Pacman was Black and White and did not even turn. Yeah............push up and he would go up without turning. Push back and he would eat from the back of his head. And that unforgetable munching sound.......womp womp womp.

(those were the days)

And being that games are forever looking better, keeps me and the kids going..........

Man it is like the Energizer Bunny....................... It will keep goin and goin and goin.

RayB · « **Reply #37 on:** February 20, 2006, 11:35:30 pm »

So we've gone to discussing how long ARCADE gaming has left to how long VIDEO GAMING in general has?

flashiv · « **Reply #38 on:** April 21, 2010, 01:33:20 pm »

Both of my nephews (age 10 & 17) want me to build each of them an arcade cab. The 10 y/o loves Dig Dug and the 17 y/o actually holds 2nd place on Sky Diver on MAME at Twin Galaxies. So no I don't think the sun has set on arcade gaming just yet.

/Shameless plug/ Course their uncle holds the World's Record for Space Zap on MAME at TG. /End Shameless Plug/

eclipso · « **Reply #39 on:** April 21, 2010, 01:40:33 pm »

Lots of great thoughts that I agree with, too many to quote. Seeing how I will be 34 in a few days I obviously share the sentiment of us "older" folks.

HaRuMaN · « **Reply #40 on:** April 21, 2010, 01:40:59 pm »

Way to necro a 4+ year old thread...

Malenko · « **Reply #41 on:** April 21, 2010, 02:37:08 pm »

and those 16 year olds are now 18

eclipso · « **Reply #42 on:** April 21, 2010, 03:50:18 pm »

Whoops, didnt notice that flash had dug up an old thread, either way my comments stand

flashiv · « **Reply #43 on:** April 21, 2010, 04:51:53 pm »

I dug it up on purpose, just to show that the younger crowd still can and does enjoy the classics. I hope arcade gaming outlives me by a long time.

Dartful Dodger · « **Reply #44 on:** April 22, 2010, 01:43:16 pm »

When I was 16 I was interested in muscle cars. I was a generation to late, but ended up buying a car that was a year older than I was.

I bought a house sold the car and now I drive a 4 cylinder compact.

I know after I die(or am committed) my love ones will try and make some money off of my cabinets, but after no one responds to their classified ads they'll go in the alley where some punks will set them on fire and then all that will be left of my work/youth is the shaky 3D YouTube video of the fire captured by one of the punk’s iTricorder.

eclipso · « **Reply #45 on:** April 23, 2010, 08:58:44 am »

Quote from: Dartful Dodger on April 22, 2010, 01:43:16 pm

When I was 16 I was interested in muscle cars. I was a generation to late, but ended up buying a car that was a year older than I was.

I bought a house sold the car and now I drive a 4 cylinder compact.

I know after I die(or am committed) my love ones will try and make some money off of my cabinets, but after no one responds to their classified ads they'll go in the alley where some punks will set them on fire and then all that will be left of my work/youth is the shaky 3D YouTube video of the fire captured by one of the punk’s iTricorder.

TheGameFan · « **Reply #46 on:** April 25, 2010, 09:43:46 pm »

Quote from: Dartful Dodger on April 22, 2010, 01:43:16 pm

When I was 16 I was interested in muscle cars. I was a generation to late, but ended up buying a car that was a year older than I was.

I bought a house sold the car and now I drive a 4 cylinder compact.

I know after I die(or am committed) my love ones will try and make some money off of my cabinets, but after no one responds to their classified ads they'll go in the alley where some punks will set them on fire and then all that will be left of my work/youth is the shaky 3D YouTube video of the fire captured by one of the punk’s iTricorder.

That doesn't make me feel good about all of my hard work. Then again, I'll be dead, so what do I care?

Back on the original (4 year old) topic though. I'm another ~40 year old. I think for the most part, the appreciation of these games will disappear with us. Since I plan to live to 150, I'll give them another 110 years!

Beretta · « **Reply #47 on:** April 27, 2010, 03:50:26 pm »

i think arcades as a business in America is pretty much already dead.. all the arcades have either died or incorporated other things, the arcade units are'nt business enough on their own anymore.

one arcade that opened up is more a pool hall then a arcade, another that opened up has a lot of nice units.. but they also have playstation/ xbox tournaments and such.. the arcade units still have a place but are'nt the star's anymore.

other arcades shift into a pay-to-enter sort of policy where the games are on free play but 5-10 bucks might get you in for the day or other similar business models.

of course teh lone machine at the corner store will be around for a long time because people will blow a quarter here or there while buying a 6 pack or something.. of course they're not pulling the money in with both fists but they're just a side attraction to the store's usual business anyway.

as time goes on you will see interest diminish.. most people want a arcade unit for nostalgia, however i believe....

Quote from: More Cowbell on January 30, 2006, 11:28:21 am

Everything goes in cycles. You know the saying, "Everything old is new again." Generation X-ers will be looking to relive their younger days throughout their lives. Also, there will always be a link to the classics as video games get more and more advanced. Just look at the popularity of old movies, old music, etc. It can be appreciated by more than just the generation that created it.

eventually arcade popularity will surge again, i understand it's still quite strong in japan.

Quote from: fredster on January 31, 2006, 03:20:08 pm

People paid for Pacman when they couldn't play it at home. They will still pay for a gaming experience they can't get in their house now.

to true, many games never made it to the early consoles, and if they did rarely was a good port, often radically changed from the arcade concept.

the graphics early on was unmatched by anything at home, today pc's and console games can match and exceed the arcades.. but it's not all about graphics.

the whole arcade exp starts with inserting the quarter (or token).. there was something special about the feel of a big arcade unit. the joy stick in your hand the way the slick concave buttons felt on your finger tips.

the large monitor in you face that your mother would have scolded you for at home, later games offered big booming bass that rumbled the whole cabinet, the arcade filled with the sound of chatter, yells and game music.

there was nothing like meeting a stranger at the MK's machine, beating them to a pulp and then executing them in a most brutal fashion all the while with a smirk and some trash talk for good measure.

like wise there was nothing better then getting 4 buddies.. or even complete strangers together to kick some turtle ass on TMNT.. or one of the other many beat'em up's, or playing one of the wrestling games that will have you soaking wet from the button bashing, cabinet rocking, joystick twisting marathon.

of course not all that can be captured these days.. arcades are sparsely populated even at peek hours, no strangers to vanquish or team up with, the sound may be there but there the white noise of a empty arcade filled with only attract sounds, is distinctly different from that of a busy one.

at home the quarter experience can be had.. but is ultimately diminished knowing you haven't really lost anything.. it's still your quarter, or even worse the game is set to free play and you can just mush your way though games designed to eat quarters.. this really takes the challenge out, in the arcade i rarely seen the ending of a game.. with mame it's cake usually.

there is still one thing that holds true, the one thing that can not be taken away from arcade machine..

controls. oh sure you can get a box with real arcade controls.. not the same.. it's close but not he same.

no nothing will ever match the feel of standing next to someone at a upright.. mashing the buttons and making that arcade rock with fury, you can take a lot of things away from the arcades but not the feel.

this is especially true for cockpit racer/flight games, or anyone remember Suzuki 8 hour? bike racer you got on a mock motorcycle.. or the authentic driving exp of hard driving.

delta88 · « **Reply #48 on:** May 29, 2010, 02:49:49 am »

Right on!!

I got the little ones in the family started on the pacman cocktail and the goal was to hit the ghosts...

Then when the oldest was able to make sense of what was going on I sent him home with a NES and a stack of the old games. I thik he has a DSi but he was started out the right way.

Ive been saying that my little ones cant have the new stuff until they beat a game on all the systems leading up to said newest system out...

Im still stuck @ Sega Saturn

Malenko · « **Reply #49 on:** May 29, 2010, 09:12:25 am »

Quote from: delta88 on May 29, 2010, 02:49:49 am

Im still stuck @ Sega Saturn

---That which is odiferous and causeth plants to grow---, I know for a fact you have a dreamcast. Ask me how I know....

WhereEaglesDare · « **Reply #50 on:** May 31, 2010, 11:44:15 pm »

Quote from: Malenko on May 29, 2010, 09:12:25 am

Quote from: delta88 on May 29, 2010, 02:49:49 am
Im still stuck @ Sega Saturn

---That which is odiferous and causeth plants to grow---, I know for a fact you have a dreamcast. Ask me how I know....

<(--- Needs to dig up a DreamCast

Unit504 · « **Reply #51 on:** June 01, 2010, 08:36:47 am »

im still fairly new to building your own arcade cab, but its a great joy that i can now have all the arcade game i used to play all in one place!
its like recapturing my childhood! i remember playing from about 9 and im now 33! so i doubt that the experience will ever die for me!

solidteezme · « **Reply #52 on:** June 04, 2010, 07:38:10 am »

Quote from: Malenko on April 21, 2010, 02:37:08 pm

and those 16 year olds are now 18

What were you smoking.

ShoLouie · « **Reply #53 on:** June 04, 2010, 10:14:35 am »

Im 25 now and grew up in a village of 200 people. I remember growing up driving 450km and playing at an arcade in the mall in st. john's; it blew my 10 year old mind. I consider myself to have missed the arcade scene during the days of SF2 and MK but now in university my friends and i are nearly failing out because of my half build cab at my apartment, haha.

The classic arcade gaming won't die off anytime soon in my honest opinion.

Malenko · « **Reply #54 on:** June 04, 2010, 10:52:06 am »

Quote from: solidteezme on June 04, 2010, 07:38:10 am

Quote from: Malenko on April 21, 2010, 02:37:08 pm
and those 16 year olds are now 18

What were you smoking.

2 years ago, an 18 yr old would have been 16. This thread is actually over 4 years old.

solidteezme · « **Reply #55 on:** June 06, 2010, 08:22:15 am »

but like you say if they were 16 four years ago its more likey their 20.

Malenko · « **Reply #56 on:** June 06, 2010, 05:57:29 pm »

I meant the 14 yr olds

shateredsoul · « **Reply #57 on:** June 06, 2010, 07:28:37 pm »

I think not too long.. the last arcade games that would have drawn me to an arcade were blaz blue, kof XII, and street fighter IV... but those came out to console rather quickly (less than a year?). I don't even know if all of those were in cabs or even around me.

About 3 weeks ago I was visiting my alma mater and they still have an arcade but they added another room just as big housing pc game, xbox 360 and ps3, it's a pay by time deal. The arcade still had more people.. all guys. They had a street fighter IV cab. They used to have a bunch of older games too.. but they got rid of those.

I remember that as a kid I really loved the arcade in the mall and I remember being astonished by the arcade at disneyland... it was huuuuge (at least in my eyes at that time).

You'll still see arcades at theme parks for a while I bet.

solidteezme · « **Reply #58 on:** June 08, 2010, 01:10:35 pm »

Saw one in coventry, UK at the weekend.

saddly it was mainly grabbers and penny pushers, but a few good cabs.

shateredsoul · « **Reply #59 on:** June 08, 2010, 04:01:24 pm »

You know what though... I just remembered that in San Francisco some of the hipster bars have 2 to 3 arcades plus pinball cabs. The one I went to had a bout 5 (ms packman, galaga, evilra pinball and about 3 other machines plus about 3 of the coctkail tables arcades. It's retro, so it's popular among them. It was nice to be able to play without having a bunch of little kids around.

I passed by another bar and you could see a table ms pacman in there.

Most other bars I just see in souther california have bartop touchscreen arcades .

this is a hipster and an article here http://4coolthings.wordpress.com/2009/01/30/the-coolsuck-spectrum/

tykenfitz · « **Reply #60 on:** July 06, 2010, 12:04:51 am »

I'm 15 here and, unfortunately, almost no one in my generation is interested in arcade games anymore. I asked a friend if he wanted to go the arcade once and he said "Why would I pay $.25to play an old stupid game when I can play my xbox for free?"
Me =

SavannahLion · « **Reply #61 on:** July 06, 2010, 12:55:33 am »

Quote from: tykenfitz on July 06, 2010, 12:04:51 am

I'm 15 here and, unfortunately, almost no one in my generation is interested in arcade games anymore. I asked a friend if he wanted to go the arcade once and he said "Why would I pay $.25to play an old stupid game when I can play my xbox for free?"
Me =

Not 360 related but....

Penny Arcade 2010/6/30

tykenfitz · « **Reply #62 on:** July 06, 2010, 01:26:30 am »

Quote from: SavannahLion on July 06, 2010, 12:55:33 am

Quote from: tykenfitz on July 06, 2010, 12:04:51 am
I'm 15 here and, unfortunately, almost no one in my generation is interested in arcade games anymore. I asked a friend if he wanted to go the arcade once and he said "Why would I pay $.25to play an old stupid game when I can play my xbox for free?"
Me =

Not 360 related but....

Penny Arcade 2010/6/30

lol makes sense

shateredsoul · « **Reply #63 on:** July 06, 2010, 02:45:50 am »

Quote from: tykenfitz on July 06, 2010, 12:04:51 am

I'm 15 here and, unfortunately, almost no one in my generation is interested in arcade games anymore. I asked a friend if he wanted to go the arcade once and he said "Why would I pay $.25to play an old stupid game when I can play my xbox for free?"
Me =

This reminds me of when they had Mega Man Collection as a demo display at gamestop. Two brothers were playing it, one was about 11 and the other one about 8. The little one was playing and frustrated (he was playing Mega Man 1), and after losing yet another life he said, "this game sucks.. the graphics are so bad." The older brother told him, "But it's a classic. It's retro!" and the young kid, "I don't care, it still sucks".

It was sort of funny that an 11 year old called a game a classic when he is way younger than the game itself.

It reminds me of another time my dad brough home an old atari that they gave him at work. We had a nitendo already but we were still excited because the system had about 50 games. We were bored really quick.. we didn't get what the dots represented.. and to this day, I still don't get Atari. We ended up stacking the games on the carpet and doing a sort of domino rally thing with them. We spent more time doing that than we played those games. lol

leapinlew · « **Reply #64 on:** July 06, 2010, 12:13:16 pm »

Quote from: shateredsoul on July 06, 2010, 02:45:50 am

It reminds me of another time my dad brough home an old atari that they gave him at work. We had a nitendo already but we were still excited because the system had about 50 games. We were bored really quick.. we didn't get what the dots represented.. and to this day, I still don't get Atari. We ended up stacking the games on the carpet and doing a sort of domino rally thing with them. We spent more time doing that than we played those games. lol

BANNED!

Osirus23 · « **Reply #65 on:** August 21, 2010, 08:44:22 pm »

Quote from: shateredsoul on July 06, 2010, 02:45:50 am

It reminds me of another time my dad brough home an old atari that they gave him at work. We had a nitendo already but we were still excited because the system had about 50 games. We were bored really quick.. we didn't get what the dots represented.. and to this day, I still don't get Atari. We ended up stacking the games on the carpet and doing a sort of domino rally thing with them. We spent more time doing that than we played those games. lol

I love classic games but the one thing I really have no respect for is the Atari 2600. All that POS did was demonstrate that video games technology was in no way ready for the home market. Disasters like Pac-man and ET on that thing played a big part in causing the crash.

VespaGuy · « **Reply #66 on:** August 22, 2010, 02:54:15 pm »

Quote from: Osirus23 on August 21, 2010, 08:44:22 pm

I love classic games but the one thing I really have no respect for is the Atari 2600. All that POS did was demonstrate that video games technology was in no way ready for the home market. Disasters like Pac-man and ET on that thing played a big part in causing the crash.

I disagree.

Sales volume, popularity and longevity showed that the technology in that "POS" was more than adequate for the home market at the time. Sure, the notoriously bad games that you mention helped cause the crash, but the horrible gameplay wasn't caused by limitations of the technology - they were caused by greedy developers rushing an underdeveloped game to market to "cash in". For every game like PacMan and E.T. there were games like Pitfall and Yar's Revenge that proved that the technology at the time was enough to create engaging, fun games.

leapinlew · « **Reply #67 on:** August 23, 2010, 02:02:33 am »

Quote from: Osirus23 on August 21, 2010, 08:44:22 pm

I love classic games but the one thing I really have no respect for is the Atari 2600. All that POS did was demonstrate that video games technology was in no way ready for the home market. Disasters like Pac-man and ET on that thing played a big part in causing the crash.

How can you love classic games but have no respect for the Atari? What were you playing when Atari was out? If your answer is "NES" we may have a different idea of what constitutes
classic.

Some of my atari favorites:
Kaboom
Air & Sea Battle
Combat
Pitfall
River Raid
Joust
Yars Revenge
Warlords
Space Invaders
Asteroids
Adventure

For a while I enjoyed going to yard sales and picking up 50 cent titles to play. One of my favorite finds was a game called Subterrania. I'll admit there was a lot of bad titles out there.

Good times

Mikezilla · « **Reply #68 on:** August 23, 2010, 02:12:22 pm »

Berettas post brought a tear to my eye.

In a good way though. Kids now adays are so introverted, its sad really. They will never know the thrill of ruining some kids night by beating the crap out of him at a good round of Marvel Super heroes, or Street Fighter 2 championship edition. The feeling of vanquishing people over and over until they run out of money. He wont know the feeling of running out of quarters when you are fighting shredder on TMNT and someone says "I got you man!!" and pops one in a quarter for you so you can beat it. All he knows, is wearing his headset, chatting with some child molester from god knows where, playing Halo or MW2 or some other FPS cause they have such bad ADD they cant do anything else.

Its sad really... My kids wont get as much enjoyment out of the arcade expierence as I have, probably any, but oh well, Im sure they will have something else.

Oh and King Kong for Atari rules your face. I love those games. Some of my best memories with my dad before my parents got divorced was firing up the 2600 and seeing how far we could get on River Raid.

ragnar · « **Reply #69 on:** August 23, 2010, 08:38:52 pm »

I think as us 35-40 year old folks enter retirement, we are going to see orignal arcade cabinets that work with original hardware going for 5-6 figures. You have seen what happens when people retire these days. They want the cars from their teenage years. Alot of us will want the game cabinets from our teens.

Luckily, we still have places like FunSpot in NH. I really wish it were a chain. It would work in higher population areas. Arcade + bowling + miniature golf. Make it a destination and teens will go there! What has killed arcade games though is not technology, it is cost. I am not about to dump $1 in for 2 minutes of gaming. Factor in rental costs and one can see why 25 cents doesn't cut it anymore. I am fairly convinced that older games would work, but hte arcade has to be large enough to be a destination in itself or part of something big enough to make it a destination.

And to be honest, todays games other than racing games look stupid.

CheffoJeffo · « **Reply #70 on:** August 23, 2010, 08:54:10 pm »

Quote from: ragnar on August 23, 2010, 08:38:52 pm

I think as us 35-40 year old folks enter retirement, we are going to see orignal arcade cabinets that work with original hardware going for 5-6 figures. You have seen what happens when people retire these days. They want the cars from their teenage years. Alot of us will want the game cabinets from our teens.

While I wish that were so (it would mean that I am typing this while surrounded by literally hundreds of thousands of dollars!), I completely disagree.

Prices are falling and have been falling for quite a while. There is a reason why places like FunSpot, which typically AREN'T successful in higher population areas, are few and far between. We've been watching a guy with a collection to rival Funspot's try to put together a similar venue here in a major metropolitan city and he has been unable to make it work.

I don't see even the opportunity to have any expectation of recouping my costs from my collection.

EDIT: I should say that I totally agree that, in order to succeed, any venture would need to be "part of something big enough to be a destination in itself". That is, to my mind, mostly correct, but should be amended to read "part of something big enough to be a self-sustaining destination in itself".

Malenko · « **Reply #71 on:** August 24, 2010, 08:28:19 am »

Quote from: leapinlew on August 23, 2010, 02:02:33 am

How can you love classic games but have no respect for the Atari? What were you playing when Atari was out? If your answer is "NES" we may have a different idea of what constitutes
classic.

Some of my atari favorites:
Kaboom
Air & Sea Battle
Combat
Pitfall
River Raid
Joust
Yars Revenge
Warlords
Space Invaders
Asteroids
Adventure

No Barn Storming? For SHAME

Rick · « **Reply #72 on:** August 24, 2010, 08:50:39 am »

Quote from: Malenko on August 24, 2010, 08:28:19 am

No Barn Storming? For SHAME

(You're gonna love my comment, then...)

"Hey, what's this 'Uhhhh-tarrr-reeeeah' you boys be talkin' 'bout?"

MikeDeuce · « **Reply #73 on:** August 25, 2010, 11:45:49 am »

Quote from: Malenko on August 24, 2010, 08:28:19 am

No Barn Storming? For SHAME

I was thinking the SAME thing!

An early embroidery project from the GF:

RayB · « **Reply #74 on:** August 25, 2010, 06:25:27 pm »

Quote from: CheffoJeffo on August 23, 2010, 08:54:10 pm

While I wish that were so (it would mean that I am typing this while surrounded by literally hundreds of thousands of dollars!), I completely disagree.

While you're probably insinuating that you're retired already (I didn't know that!) I believe he meant when we're all 55- 65 years old and truly retiring. Interesting theory, and one I couldn't even begin to guess about.

ChurchOfSolipsism · « **Reply #75 on:** November 05, 2010, 07:26:59 am »

Reading this thread makes me feel blue... you see, in Germany, we never had anything comparable to British or US arcades. Since German politicians never understood the difference between gambling machines and arcade machines, cabs could largely only be found in gambling halls that were forbidden for minors. Arcade games have always had that seedy reputation and consequently never were as popular here as they were in other countries.

Luckily (and strangely - weren't they restricted to over 18s?), there were two cabs standing in my local swimming hall - Donkey Kong/ Yie Ar Kung Fu (they changed the PCBs sometimes) and Track and Field. I remember we learned the attract sequences by heart so we could at least pretend we were playing the game; 50 cent (1Deutschmark at those times) was just too much money for one or two minutes of fun. Sigh.... today, there simply are no cabs around. Sometimes you stumble upon old pinball machine, mostly in bars, but most of them are damaged. Oh how I envy you Americans....

codecrank · « **Reply #76 on:** November 09, 2010, 11:56:54 pm »

good to see a great thread still kicking

At 31, I'm probably in the 2nd generation of arcade players, spending my teenage years playing cps1, cps2, neo-geo , etc games I only wish my SNES could run. ( as a matter or fact I bought my snes when SF2 came out for it , then cursed at the controllers for weeks ).

Anymore when I stop to the lame arcade at the mall, the main quarter munchers seem to be dance dance revolution and other games I just can't get into.

Anyways, one point to be made: fighting games will always bring players back to the arcade. That's just the best way to play them, especially if you are lucky enough to live in Japan, where players from different neighborhoods challenge each other at neighborhood arcades where operators hook up 8 machines in tournament modes.

Btw, I just got my 13year old step son hooked on a arkanoid2 cocktail cab I just bought

all hope is NOT lost.

Mikezilla · « **Reply #77 on:** November 10, 2010, 11:32:40 am »

I had REALLY hoped Capcom would put Marvel Vs Capcom 3 into the arcade, I would DEFINTELY prefer that over the stupid Xbox/PS3 versions... Im still pretty bummed about that. Im not saying one game could single handedly revive the arcade market, but damn. It sure would feel good to challenge players in real life again as opposed to some punk kid online...

CheffoJeffo · « **Reply #78 on:** November 12, 2010, 07:14:37 am »

I recently spent an afternoon with my elder son at Playdium and there are some decent new games out there, but they require a destination type of venue to host them.

We totally loved Deadstorm pirates:

codecrank · « **Reply #79 on:** November 13, 2010, 12:05:07 pm »

Nice ! will have to go look for it, hopefully it's easier to find than SFIV !

That reminds me... I need to add pistols to my stand up cab...

Gray_Area · « **Reply #80 on:** November 13, 2010, 10:45:08 pm »

Quote from: codecrank on November 13, 2010, 12:05:07 pm

That reminds me... I need to add pistols to my stand up cab...

Make sure they're automatic-fire pirate guns......

I wonder, did they have to license some of the scene concepts from Universal?

CheffoJeffo · « **Reply #81 on:** November 14, 2010, 08:47:50 am »

You do have to suspend a little disbelief about the rapid fire fast reload flintlocks, but it is easily done -- the game is well-paced, fun and, somewhat unfortunately, sucks credits very quickly.

codecrank · « **Reply #82 on:** November 21, 2010, 11:54:07 pm »

Quote

sucks credits very quickly.

worst than Metal Slug ?


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