Robotron 2084 vs Smash TV.. which one is more worth it?

[redeyeguy_KIO]

Say if you were to have your own arcade, and you wanted a really nice multidirectional shooter, one that is fun, addictive, is great for scoring, makes good money, AND will stand the test of time, meaning that people won't get bored of it for a very long time..... which one would you choose?

Robotron 2084 vs Smash TV


Pros and cons of each..

ROBOTRON PROS:

- basically a neverending amount of waves
- top 50 scoreboard, plus daily top 10 list
- very challenging, addictive, and manic
- very fast paced
- extra lives are easier to get
- has a gradual learning curve
- appropriate for all audiences

ROBOTRON CONS:

- less enemy variety, no powerups
- outdated graphics and sound
- no simultaneous 2-player, only turn based
- doesn't allow a second player to join if player 1 is already playing; both must start a new game together


SMASH TV PROS:

- very challenging, addictive and manic
- tons of enemy variety, including bosses
- plenty of levels, with tons of different paths to choose
- different ways to score
- simultaneous 2-player
- greatly improved graphics and sound over Robotron

SMASH TV CONS:

- scoreboard only allows top 10, plus daily top 10
- game ends eventually, along with a rather corny ending
- some people complain this game is TOO hard
- extra lives are harder to get
- not appropriate for kids, due to blood and gore (LOL!!!)


So which one wins the multi-directional shmup war?

[cools]

Robotron.

Does SmashTV save high scores?

[ncp]

I'm a Smash TV man, myself.

edit: Smash TV is probably more well-known, which is probably very valuable for an arcade game. I would imagine the better graphics can go a long way in arcades, too.

[redeyeguy_KIO]

Does SmashTV save high scores?

Hmm, I believe so. I know it saves scores on MAME. And both Robotron and Smash TV were made by the same guy, so I guess both would save scores.

Smash TV is probably more well-known, which is probably very valuable for an arcade game. I would imagine the better graphics can go a long way in arcades, too.

That's a tough one.. Robotron is legendary as well. I know of many people who never heard of Smash TV, and only know Robotron. I also know of vice versa. I dunno man, both games have tons of fame. The thing about the graphics is a good point, although Robotron still makes quite a bit of cash even with shitty graphics, just because of the incredible fun factor.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

And let's not forget the SmashTV sequel of Total Carnage as well. ^_~

[jonny5]

both these games would collect dust in an arcade....nobody would play them other than maybe some dads when they bring there kids.....

thinking about opening an arcade in toronto?

i would support that for sure

but you need newer games if you want people to be interested.....

and out of curiousity, you say robotron still pulls lots of money.....where?

[lgb]

Get both, and Total Carnage.

[redeyeguy_KIO]

both these games would collect dust in an arcade....nobody would play them other than maybe some dads when they bring there kids.....

thinking about opening an arcade in toronto?

i would support that for sure

but you need newer games if you want people to be interested.....

and out of curiousity, you say robotron still pulls lots of money.....where?

I am not opening up an arcade, this is just a game vs game thread, lol. Though I sure wish Toronto had more arcades, as now it's pretty much just Orbit.

Robotron still does ok in places that have em, although not in Toronto (never seen it here). For example, a few years ago, I was at some place in New York, and Robotron seemed to be doing alright. Wasn't nearly as popular as Street Fighter or Time Crisis, but it still had some regular players. I don't remember where the arcade was, or what it was called. I doubt the place is even there today, as every year more arcades go out of business. I blame fat, lazy, antisocial internet gamers for the worldwide decline in arcades.

From what I've heard, Total Carnage was not that good. Is this just a mainstream opinion, or something that is generally true? Most people say it sucks compared to Smash TV.

[E. Randy Dupre]

I take issue with the claim that Robototron's visuals and sound are outdated.

The correct term is 'timeless'.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

To listen to the Robotron2084 creator, Eugene Jarvis, talk about what kind of hardware it took to create the actual PCB at the California Extreme 2005 show, it was a fascinating story unto itself. There was a cool impromtu Q&A session from the audience afterwards following Mr. Jarvis' background story of how Robotron2084 came to be. ^_~

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[cools]

Robotron doesn't look or sound dated. With the current "retro" trends going on it's practically modern.

Massively distinctive game.

It's more immediate than the others, faster paced, and a rawer experience. One of the few really old games I absolutely love.

[Mortificator]

From what I've heard, Total Carnage was not that good. Is this just a mainstream opinion, or something that is generally true? Most people say it sucks compared to Smash TV.

Total Carnage shits all over Smash TV.

[antron]

2 player Smash TV, I'll buy that for a dollar!

Love Robo, but so hard!

Did I read somewhere that the Smash TV creator is now anti-violence in video games?

[Dave_K.]

Get both, and Total Carnage.

Agreed. I've had all three of these PCBs running in my garage arcade at the same time! Although sold Total Carnage as a deal with one of my cabs. Still working on a SmashTV link cable to play on two Astro Citys.

Between Robotron and SmashTV, Roboton has superior replay value. And its not that SmashTV is harder, its just more random (less predictable) which make it frustrating.

And you forgot to add "Pleasure Dome" under the Pros for SmashTV! I'd place it right before your "different ways to score".

[Smraedis]

I believe Smash TV had a really bad rank system, based on the how high a score is on the 'Today's' score table. But then there were many versions of the game, so they might not all be that bad.

I like Robotron more, as it felt more enjoyable when playing.

[Rozyrg]

I think I'd want Robotron if for no other reason than being able to blast those amazing analog sfx at a ridiculous volume.

I'd just as easily take Llamatron over either, though. I remember hearing someone talk about making a dedicated cab for it once, too. I wonder if that ever came to be.

Total Carnage shits all over Smash TV.

Agreed 100%. That game was intense! I'll never forget watching someone fight the first boss (Orcus?) in the arcade... that fucker just doesn't die!

[it290]

Total Carnage does shit all over Smash TV, but Robotron kills the shit out of Total Carnage.

[Doctor Fugue]

Another vote for Total Carnage over Smash TV.

Of course, Robotron happens to be the only perfect video game in existence.

[P_HAT]

Robo.84

[charlie chong]

lolz@johnny 5

I WOULD MUCH RATHER PLAY AN OG ROBOTRON CABINET THAN ANY CAVE GAME AVAILABLE TO THIS DATE
THANGS

[charlie chong]

THIS IS NOT A JOKE

[Elixir]

Can we just ban animated avatars already.