i decided im going to start my own arcade...................

[takumi906]

taken from a topic i made on killercabs. this involves more than just shmups, but im posting it here to find out what the long time or new shmup players are playing.

pretend right now, i decided im going to start my own arcade. arcade would be located in SoCal.

tell me what Cabs and Games you would want to see in it and how many. also events you would want to happen every now and then (tournaments?). my games would be priced from $0.50 to $1.00 USD, cabs and PCBs would be maintained and cleaned every 2-3 weeks, and i wont tolerate anyone damaging ANYTHING (what i mean by damaging is people kicking and punching the cabs when they lose for example. if its an accident, I'll understand). evrything from the cabs to even the bemani games (beatmaniaIIDX!!!) will be straight up japanese. as far as the version on IIDX is concerned, ill try to make sure the DistorteD is unlocked or a network hack can be put on because we will miss out on all the cardinal gate songs ('waxing and wanding' for example). Since americans and europeans have big body frames (we're not as thin as the japanese ya kno Wink) i might see if i can have some cabs linked together (ppl that have been to AI should kno what i mean) so ppl arent scrunched up together. it will be an arcade that I hope evryone will enjoy and want to come frequently (like how I felt when I first went to AI). lets make this place up to KillerCabs standards!
Ill start the list off. I left obvious decisions out so ppl can fill them in

Cabs:
?x Astro City 29 cabinet (dunno how many)
?x Astro City 2 cabinet (dunno how many)
?x Blast City cabinet (dunno how many)

(will try to find tri-rez monitors for all cabinets if possible)

Dedicabs:
2x beatmaniaIIDX (1x HAPPYSKY 1x DistorteD)
4x Initial D arcade stage ver.3 (double units) (USA and JPN ver. due to card comaptability issues)
2x Battle Gear 3 double units (hopefully nesys enabled)
1x Keyboardmania 3rd mix
1x beatmaniaIII: The Final

PCBs
1x Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter
1x Marvel vs. Capcom
1x Marvel vs. Capcom 2
1x Capcom vs. SNK 2: mark of the millenium
1x Guilty Gear XX Slash
1x Z Gundam: AEUG vs Titans
1x Gundam Seed: OMNI vs. ZAFT
1x Gundam Seed OMNI vs. ZAFT 2
1x Mushihimesama

any other games that i have in mind that arent posted will be added to this list in a few days.

Also. Would you like the credits to be quarters or tokens? and suggest a cool name for this arcade.

[cigsthecat]

If you put Ibara in a Socal arcade,

customer +1


Also:

Armed Police Batrider

Dragon Blaze

[Specineff]

"Wakka-Wakka."

"ZOMG!"

"Blazing Lazers"

"l337 ARCADE, FTW"

"Super Dimension Fortress Arcade"

"Takumi's Kickass Arcade. (Definitely not deathtraps)"

"Vertical Dimension" or "V-Dimension" for short.

[Blade]

Aw man, that would be like heaven to me. I just wish I lived near a decent arcade....stupid Wisconsin with practically nothing.

My suggestions (besides Guilty Gear of course):

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
TNMT: Turtles in Time
Virtual On 4 Player Booth (I forget where I saw this, but it's expensive).
Ikaruga on PCB
Radiant Silvergun on PCB
ESPRa.De/ESPGaluda II Cab
Shikigami no Shiro III Cab
Ibara/Pink Sweets Cabs
Psyvariar Complete (M Unit/Revision)
Psyvariar II

A NeoGeo Cab with every single Metal Slug on it. And Blazing Star/Zedblade for kicks.

Another NeoGeo Cab with Samurai Spirits II, III, IV, V Special, and VI.

Last Blade 1 and 2

Anything else:

Arkanoid
Simpsons
X-Men (Bemup)

Street Fighter III: Third Strike

And that's all I got for now.

[Twiddle]

If you put Ibara in a Socal arcade,

customer +2

Fixed

[Middlemoor]

If you can fit D&D: SOM in there somewhere, your arcade will really be elite.

[BBH]

PCBs
1x Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter
1x Marvel vs. Capcom

who plays these nowadays? replace these with SFIII 3rd Strike and Tekken 5 Dark Resurrection and you'll get more business.

A NeoGeo Cab with every single Metal Slug on it. And Blazing Star/Zedblade for kicks.

Another NeoGeo Cab with Samurai Spirits II, III, IV, V Special, and VI.

Neo-Geo cabinets should be a necessity, but ugh, they need more variety than a bunch of Metal Slugs and Samurai Shodowns. Random Neo-Geo games I'd recommend:


Shock Troopers
King of Fighters '98
Puzzle Bobble (for the females)
Shock Troopers
Windjammers
Super Dodge Ball
League Bowling
Shock Troopers
Magical Drop 3
Twinkle Star Sprites

oh yeah, and Shock Troopers.

maybe an Ultracade cabinet for old-school Street Fighter goodness too?

[Icarus]

If you put Ibara in a Socal arcade,

customer +3

Fixed

Fixed again. If I ever make it out there on holiday, of course ^_-

Also anything Raizing gets my thumbs up. Might scare off potential customers, but at least you know the most masochistic players would be camping in your arcade. ^_-

Like this photo of a Japanese arcade. Can you name them? ^_-

[takumi906]

awesome job guys keep it up. maybe i can lock up one day and hold a shmupmeet myself

[Dave_K.]

my games would be priced from $0.50 to $1.00 USD

Not to question your business model, but good luck with those prices (especially with shmup games).

IMHO, buy as many Sega Naomi tri-res sitdown models as you can get.

[Axon]

If you put Ibara in a Socal arcade,

customer +3

Fixed

Fixed again. If I ever make it out there on holiday, of course ^_-

Also anything Raizing gets my thumbs up. Might scare off potential customers, but at least you know the most masochistic players would be camping in your arcade. ^_-

Like this photo of a Japanese arcade. Can you name them? ^_-

The leftmost one that someone is playing is Ibara, next to that Battle Bakraid, Armed Police Batrider, the other guy is playing Battle Garegga, and Souky is next to him. Are those little containers on every cab for cigarettes?

[takumi906]

Like this photo of a Japanese arcade. Can you name them? ^_-

now that what i would sorta want mine to look like except a lil darker and UV (black) lights instead of regulars

[takumi906]

my games would be priced from $0.50 to $1.00 USD

Not to question your business model, but good luck with those prices (especially with shmup games).

IMHO, buy as many Sega Naomi tri-res sitdown models as you can get.

suggest prices as im not good at pricing things (i either go too high or too low)

[stuffmonger]

any arcade in the us would need mvc2 and sf:3st. I don't like these two alot, but everybody seems to want them... go figure. I'd say get a ddp also... gotta love teh classic cave.

shooters should really be 25c though... honestly, most people will be pumping quarters into them quickly anyways.

[GunSpike]

Gunbird 2 is a great game.

And of course the DonPachi series (most notably DoDonPachi and DaiOuJou).

[takumi906]

shooters should really be 25c though... honestly, most people will be pumping quarters into them quickly anyways.

make sense

[iatneH]

Wow, I would have to bring spare undies for IIDX.

But does anybody honestly play beatmania III? If you're going to have two DJ machines, the money might be better spent on an EZ2DJ for a shred of variety.

[takumi906]

well i just threw BMIII out there to see how ppl would react.

[Fighter17]

Let me give you my pointers:

Lets get real, we can't make a whole arcade a shmup only arcade. We must have a selection of many different games. Let start talking about the shmups first:

If I'm running a arcade, I would have at least 15-20 arcade machines just for shmups. My idea for the shmup section of the arcade would be each shmup company games will be together. For example I would have all three or four Cave shmups machines together so people will know that these games were made by the same people. The games, well I figured of this:

Four machines for Cave: The reason why because Cave is the leader of the shmup arcade business so that's why I believe they should have at least four machines for this games. If I'm running a arcade I would have:

DoDonPachi: The shmup that made Cave famous.
ESP Ra. De.: Gameplay is the reason.
Guwange: A Japan-only game with great gameplay elements.
Ketsui: The Moden day Cave shooter

You can change these games later for Mushi or Ibara, but if I'm running a arcade, I would have these Cave shooters. Note that DoDonPachi and ESP Ra. De. PCBs have a international versions so you can play them in English. All of these games are in PCB form.

Three Machines for Raizing: Raizing games are just great, but they don't make shooters anymore. If I'm running a arcade, I would have these games:

Battle Garegga Japanese version: The orginal Japanese version plays the correct way as seen in the Sega Saturn port. It's not a good idea to get the other countries versions, get the Japanese version.

Armed Police Batrider: A popular pick with Raizing fans for its gameplay. When having this machine, please set the options for guest players to be on.

Soukyugurentai / Terra Diver: Runs on Sega ST-V hardware, great game.

Three machines for Psikyo: They are not what they used to be, but their shooters are a pain in a ass. If I'm running a arcade, I would have these games:

Strikers 1945 II: Better than the first (that's what I believe).
Gunbird 2: For the sake of cute 'em ups!
Dragon Blaze: Because it was different.

All of these games are in PCB format and all have international versions.

One machine for Treasure: If I'm running a arcade, I would have this:

Ikaruga: Easy to play, lifetime to master, not a long game as Radiant Silvergun. Runs of Naomi GD-ROM system.

Three machines for Taito: Taito shooters are to me the most interesting of the bunch, I would have these shooters in my arcade:

Metal Black: It's weird and good.
Rayforce: Great music and gameplay
At least one 2.5D Taito shooter (G Darius, Raystorm, Raycrisis).

Others: I would have to add more shooters in my arcade. Some games I would think about adding are:

Raiden Fighters Jet
Toaplan shooters (Fire Shark, Outzone, and more).
Vasasa
R-Type
Raiden
In The Hunt
19XX
and god knows how much more there is.

For the shmup section, I would add old shmups from the 80's and early 90's like the Toaplan shooters, and more. Try to keep it max at 15-20 because that's good enough.


Fighting Games: It's wise to invest in fighting games because fighting games can make a lot of money if have the correct games. Some games includes:

Neo-Geo fighters like the Samurai Shodown series, KOF, Last Blade, and more.

Capcom fighters like Street Fighter Alpha 3, Street Fighter III Thrid Strike, Darkstalkers and more.

Capcom VS. SNK 2 and Marvel VS. Capcom 2 is a must. Other games like Guilty Gear is also good.

Puzzle: Invest in puzzle games, because puzzle games do make good amount of money. Some games includes:

Super Puzzle Fighter 2 Turbo
Puyo Puyo
Tetris
Magical Drop
and gods know how much more.


Racing: Racing games are very good if having a lot of money to buy the games. I see you have Initial D machines, but to tell you the truth one machine is better than that:

Daytona USA 2001 machine link up: My arcade near by has a Japanese Daytoan USA 2001 machines link up together for two player play. Both of the machines were together and look very good. According to the guys who run the arcade, that's the game that makes the most amount of money. The only problem with the game is that it cost a lot of money for two machines, and one credit must be at lest 75 cent thru a dollar (for profit and repairs).

The Rush series.

Action games: Since I'm going to bed, I can't think that many action games:

Strider
N.A.R.C
Total Carnage
Smash TV
and gods know how much more.

Retro games: Invest in classic games, because they can still make money.

Before I go to bed, let me talk about the hardware:

Most of these games are in PCB format so they shouldn't be that hard to take care of. The NAOMI GD-ROM hardware are a little crazy at times and can break down is not handle it correctly. The CPS2 and CPS3 boards has the battery issue, please make sure you replace the battery in those units before using (Street Fighter III Third Strike is a CPS3 game).

That's all I have to say right know. I'm going to bed, I'll talk some more some other time.

[takumi906]

"l337 ARCADE, FTW"

OMG i love that name

[Edge]

I'd say more variety in fighting games would be nice. I am missing something from SNK like KoF and SF3 3rd Strike and SFA3 are pretty famous 2D bemus. Not all people like the Capcom vs series, so don't only rely on them. You could also try to have a 3d fighter like Tekken or Virtua Fighter.

Any shmup love is always very nice offcourse.
And I think Mushihimesama or another newer shmups like Ibara would be a good idea. And one or two classics like the Metal Slug games or a good old horizontal shmup.

One or two good puzzler like Bust a Move might be a good idea. Not only for possible female visitors.

shooters should really be 25c though... honestly, most people will be pumping quarters into them quickly anyways.

I'd rather pay more on a shmup credit than on a fighter, since you can lose your money pretty fast in a versus match.


Good luck with your arcade.


EDIT:
Ok, I couldn't resist I had to start a list:

Fighters:
-Street Fighter 3 3rd Strike (This one is a must)
-Garou Mark of the Wolves (This is very famous, long term gameplay)
-King of Fighters XI (it is the latest KoF most people get more excited about the newest)
-Street Fighter Alpha 3 (One pretty famous classic)
-Tekken 5 Dark Resurrection (Awesome 3D fighter which even convinced a lot of VF people
-Guilty Gear XX Slash (Pretty good new game, esspecially very unique gameplay)

Other good bemu choices
-King of Fighters'98 (A classic, one of the most anticipated SNK games)
-Last Blade 2 (great samurai themed fighter with a lot more long term motivation than the Samurai Shodown games)
-Capcom vs SNK 2 (Not so famous anymore, but has still a large backup)
-Marvel vs Capcom 2 (I don't like this game, but it has it's fans)
-Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution (If you don't want to place Tekken than get this one, or best cover both)

Puzzler or cute games
-Twinkle Star Sprites (Pretty unique fun game which also attracts females because it's simple and cute)
-Bust a Move (don't have to be the newest part of the series)

Shmups / Action Games
-Mushihimesama or Ibara (good choice, people can't know this one from MAME so they are more excited)
-Dodonpachi (or any other manic shmup from the shmup top 25 vote)
-Battle Garegga, Giga Wing or any other from the vote, but not only cave games.
-Gradius 4 (or any other classic gameplay hori shmup, not all people like bullet hell)
-Metal Slug (real classic, also doesn't matter that much which part)


I don't know the music and dance games, but I think it's good to cover them. I liked your idea with the mech games too and a racer I dunno how the initial D game is like.

Overall I personally think a good variety of games is pretty important. This also goes for the games in the same genre, so don't put "only" Capcom vs Marvel games to cover fighting games.

So that is offcourse just my humble opinion.

[mannerbot]

Sure, or if you're better than the people you're playing you can play forever. Pretty much the same as with shmups.

[The Coop]

Well, an idea I had would be to have an area specifically set aside for a given genre. A fighter section, a shmups section, etc. I mean, putting a shmup machine next to a cab with two people jostling about as they do moves and whatnot in a fighting game that's four inches away from you is a bit distracting (God help you if it's next to a dancing game). Anyway, just a thought.

As for suggestions...

Viper Phase 1- This game got so little attention, it deserves some lovin' (I've only ever seen it in one arcade).
Darius- Yes, the orignal tri-screen monster. This trait alone would get people to at least try it. Its having multiple endings would too.
Galaxy Force II- There's supposedly a stand up version out there, and this is a fun, quick game.
Asteroids Deluxe- Classic stuff here. More strategy than the first one, and a better challenge.
Sonic Arcade- I've never gotten to play this one, but I've heard it was pretty fun. It'll be something different, that's for sure.

And try to grab a few classics like Stargate, Battlezone, Pole Position II, Mario Bros. and Tempest. Hell, parhaps even make a specific section for classic, older games (say, pre-1985 stuff?).

Anyway, there are my thoughts.

[Axon]

shooters should really be 25c though... honestly, most people will be pumping quarters into them quickly anyways.

I'd rather pay more on a shmup credit than on a fighter, since you can lose your money pretty fast in a versus match.

Or if you're playing the computer in X-men:Children of the Atom.

[BeauZilla 002]

Ahhh the arcade dream.Best of luck.Not sure what funds you have at your disposal,but it would be nice to have these...

F-Zero AX
Mario Kart Arcade GP
Hokuto No Ken (Atomiswave fighter)
Progear

and some old school love....

Moon Patrol!

[takumi906]

Well, an idea I had would be to have an area specifically set aside for a given genre. A fighter section, a shmups section, etc. I mean, putting a shmup machine next to a cab with two people jostling about as they do moves and whatnot in a fighting game that's four inches away from you is a bit distracting (God help you if it's next to a dancing game). Anyway, just a thought

i had that in mind. i remember playing a fighter next to a group of lil kids screamin and stompin on a DDR machine. not cool at all

[Edge]

Sure, or if you're better than the people you're playing you can play forever. Pretty much the same as with shmups.

But the thing is with fighters, there is always someone loosing his money fast. So if I am better than the others in the arcade, THEY are loosing their coins pretty fast. Also this gets people more motivated to challenge someone unknown. Resulting in more versus matches which is the real fun of fighting games. Well, that's what I think at least.

[takumi906]

the way i pretty much see it right now, i would have to start with fighting games then work my way up. love how the suggestions keep comin in. nice job guys

[Edge]

Viper Phase 1- This game got so little attention, it deserves some lovin' (I've only ever seen it in one arcade).

Oh yeah, that's also a pretty cool choice and I think this one is mor appealing to non hardcore shmuppers like the latest bullet hells.

[fl0w]

I was going to list a few fighting games, but Edge's list is almost perfect. You have to have GGXX/, KOF XI and SF3.3.
Also consider getting the new Virtua Fighter, everyone will want to see it.
Where I live, many people also play CVS2 but it might be a local passion ^^

Good luck!