Posted by GadgetMan on 3, 2001 at 1:27 PM:
In Reply to: Definition of a classic posted by saint on 3, 2001 at 11:31 AM:
Availability plays a tremendous part. MAMEing a machine that is near impossible to replace is disastrous, to say the least.
In order of importance:
1. Availability to replace
2. Original # of the machines made
3. Date of release/manufacture (subjective)
4. impact on the industry
Impact on the industry can possibly be interchanged with Availability to replace. NeoGeo cabs had a trememdous impact on the industry, but they're modular and all over the place. Namco's Ms Pac/Galaga machines (Which I saw and played in London at a Namco Arcade, BTW) is a perfect replica of the original, and may very well have an impact on the MS Pac and Galaga machines' availability, and may or may not affect their "classic" status.
The other word we have avoided here, and maybe applies more so, is the word "Vintage". There's a vast difference between a Vintage machine (say Original Ms-Pac cab) and a classic. The new Namco machine can be considered classic, by virtue of the games installed and not Vintage, because of its age.
Vintage Classics ?? New Clsassification?? (OK, I'm getting crazy here) should be preserved without exception, without question.
Do we MAME updated classics, like the new Namco machine? No, why? We can come up with a dozen or more reasons why, but how available for replacement are they??
I think, Classic means groundbreaking, industry affecting and memorable. Not necessarily a term used to protect the destruction of said machine. Vintage, better, since it represents the obvious age factor and unavailability. Vintage Classic, that's the real killer. Irreplaceable part of our unchangeable history, not to be trifled with, but to be displayed and revered and protected above all costs.
I leave you all with the question:
Identify Which machines fit these categories:
Classics:
Vintage:
Vintage Classics:
Good luck!!!