Posted by David Nelson on 25, 2000 at 12:32 PM:
In Reply to: Just Bought an Arcade posted by Rockin' on 24, 2000 at 12:26 AM:
Glad to hear you're going to be running an arcade, especially if plan to carry classics. I live in NH so my local arcade Funspot has always been home to me. If you haven't heard of it, it's the site of the annual Classics Tournament that all the big name superstar gamers turn out for, like Billy Mitchell, Steve Krogman, Dwayne Richards, just to name a few. Funspot is the second largest arcade in the world, it's also the only arcade in the world that boasts over 100 classic video games. Check it out at www.funspotnh.com
I can suggest some must-have classics based on games that get played MUCH at the Classics Tournaments. Of course Pac-Man is a MUST, as well as Ms. Pac Man; other Pac-Man games are nice to have like Super Pac and Jr. Pac, but just those first two are a definite must. Galaga is certainly a must, along with Donkey Kong, Frogger, Dig Dug, Centipede, Pole Position. I think those are the MOST popular. Now other classic games that get lots of play (at least by the pros): Tetris (atari), Mario Bros. (not super), Space Invaders, Tapper (gets played a lot), Burgertime, 1942, Marble Madness (maybe), Asteroids (suprisingly doesn't get much play but is a game that I would definitely like to have in my arcade), Star Wars (great game), Joust (another great one, especially in a two-player cocktail), Robotron (another super classic), Defender (never got much play at Classic tournaments but in my mind another excellent game to have), Track & Field, Time Pilot, Zoo Keeper, Tron. Good enough list for now.
I hope you can budget some pinballs in there as well. Some pinballs that have had success that I can remember are : Addams Family, Funhouse, Star Trek the Next Generation, Attack from Mars (BIG hit, as well as it's 3D follow-up), South Park, some older popular classic pinballs would include : Superman, Playboy, Xenon (one of my favs), KISS (this one's not cheap).
As far as new games, unfortunately my local arcade isn't quite as up to date as others, but the new Star Wars Trilogy arcade is a great game, Silent Scope is very popular, the RUSH series of racing games are a big hit, oh and if you've got the room an Air Hockey table always gets played a TON! Hope this rabble of games helps in your quest to create a fabulous arcade, hope I can visit some day. Good Luck.
-David Nelson : captain NH Video Warriors, NH's Pro Video Game Team
: Hey all you arcade fans out there, got a question for you. In your local arcade, besides Ms Pac Man and Galaga, what classics do you think would get played the most? I just purchased the local arcade here in Columbia, MO and as soon as I give the current game setup 30 days I am gonna be trading out some of the unproductive games with my favorite CLASSICS! Would also be interested in what the hot NEW game is in your area.