Best way to play classic early 80s arcade games?

[MrOldSchoolCool]

I wanted to play some classic arcade games like Donkey Kong, Burger Time, etc. and I was looking at some systems (particularly Colecovision).

However, I'm starting to think it might be better to just use my computer attached to a TATEd tv (already have that set up) to run the games off of MAME and use a good arcade stick.

Thoughts?

[Captain]

Its your choice man.

There is something slightly dishonorable about using mame, but since you have a good setup, its just as good I guess.

[GaijinPunch]

You're opening pandora's box asking such a question around here.

Generally the best way to play a game is to get the original setup. Old games pretty much look like shit on flat screens though. There are ways around this.

0) Get an XRGB-2 and simulate scanlines
1) Buy a CRT
2) Buy an RGB capable CRT (if you're anywhere but North America this isn't such a bitch) and RGB capable console
3) Get an RGB CRT + an arcade VGA, and use emulators that support the arcade VGA driver.

The arcade VGA is pretty dope. I must say.

[Mortificator]

However, I'm starting to think it might be better to just use my computer attached to a TATEd tv (already have that set up) to run the games off of MAME and use a good arcade stick.

Sounds like a good idea. MAME kicks the shit out of almost all arcade ports, especially for golden age games.

[Bananamatic]

onacon+oculus rift

accept no substitutes

[cools]

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?board=52.0

[louisg]

I really enjoy a lot of the oldschool ports. The Coleco is a great system to have, though I recently got an Atari 8-bit home computer and some of the ports on that are pretty fantastic as well. Also, some of the games go easier than the arcade versions .. good for if you're like me and you suck.

One thing that does bug me about MAME is just that there can be a lot of judder if it's not set up well.

[cools]

One thing that does bug me about MAME is just that there can be a lot of judder if it's not set up well.

GroovyMAME fixes this.

[BrianC]

The homebrew Pac-Man collection for CV is nice, though it's probably hard to come by now. Not to mention that it's an unofficial port using actual arcade code.

As far as older ports of DK go, the Atari 800 version is my favorite. CV version was impressive for the time it came out, but is lacking compared to other ports due to missing the pie stage and no springs in the elevator stage. I like a lot of the GCC ports to Atari systems quite a bit. Ms. Pac-Man for the 5200/800 and Jr. Pac-Man for the 7800 are especially impressive.

[MrOldSchoolCool]

I really enjoy a lot of the oldschool ports. The Coleco is a great system to have, though I recently got an Atari 8-bit home computer and some of the ports on that are pretty fantastic as well. Also, some of the games go easier than the arcade versions .. good for if you're like me and you suck.

One thing that does bug me about MAME is just that there can be a lot of judder if it's not set up well.

Most games seem to run fine (especially the really old ones) but I know what you're talking about. I can't seem to do anything to get Sunset Riders to run smoothly.

[Stevens]

1 - Move to Hill Valley.
2 - Become friends with Dr. Emmit Brown.
3 - Steal DeLorean.
4 - Travel to 80's year of choice.

[Obiwanshinobi]

I prefer GB(C/A) versions played on GBA SP: BurgerTime Deluxe is what it says on the box and Donkey Kong is MUCH more than the original game. You'll find many more of those on Game Boy: Qix, Tetris, Side Pocket (not "early" this one, so what?) and its "native" first-gen titles of similar appeal (Motocross Maniacs looks like it could run on Speccy). Also, Game & Watch collections. Then there's Antarctic Adventure; do I want this one even if it's technically not an arcade game. Konami Collector's Series: Arcade Advanced (different titles in other regions than U.S.) isn't bad (separate button for jump and co-op wich just one cartridge in Green Beret).
Not saying all those versions are faithful, but most are good enough and playable in the majority of places where I can use my SP.