Should I get a 360 or go for the Supergun/PCB route

Domino · Post by **Domino** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 6:35 pm

I been thinking a lot as of late of what to buy next, and I've been thinking between a Japanese 360 and the Supergun route.

The 360 has the shmup ports, but IMO the hardware sucks, and I know I'll be buying a lot of games that the more I'll buy the less playtime it'll get. Plus I hate DLC to boot.

The supergun route while the supergun will cost a lot (depends, I own a XRGB2 and I would like to get one that outputs Composite, S-Video, Component, and EU SCART) the PCB prices aren't too bad (I won't be getting the newer PCBs but I can afford Ibara at least with my budget). Of course I'll own just a few PCBs whch I know I will play the hell out of. But of course with PCBs they are a pain to travel with (I'm in college so I do move around).

Honestly I don't know what to buy next. I had tons of shmup ports and I sold most of them since I never get to play most of it. I'm leaning towards the PCBs since I would love to get into cabs in the future and having my mouth getting watered up with the idea of owning a Toaplan board.

But I don't want to make a mistake so I really would like to go thru with this with some input.

jpj · Post by **jpj** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 6:39 pm

supergun

do your homework though. look at what you can budget, and how much it will cost you with a couple of boards that you really really want, and go from there.

look at all those guys complaining in the dojblex thread - owning a japanese 360 doesn't look like a lot of fun

pcb collecting is addictive as crack though. you have been warned ^_~

Domino · Post by **Domino** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 6:45 pm

jpj wrote:supergun

do your homework though. look at what you can budget, and how much it will cost you with a couple of boards that you really really want, and go from there.

look at all those guys complaining in the dojblex thread - owning a japanese 360 doesn't look like a lot of fun

pcb collecting is addictive as crack though. you have been warned ^_~

Oh I won't go overboard if I go with the PCB route.

Khan · Post by **Khan** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 6:56 pm

go for the pcb route most of the time they never lose their value!

Fire-bug · Post by **Fire-bug** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 7:08 pm

jpj wrote:supergun

Khan wrote:go for the pcb route

Theres your answer, now Im going to brutally honest about something.

Most people use the phrase 'arcade perfect' far to loosly. There is ALWAYS something that detracts, it depends on how hardcore you want to be.

I have waited years and years for an arcade perfect conversion of mortal kombat 2, and just when I thought the ps3 had it sorted, no button configuration, and the music crashes in the end credits...EVERY TIME!

The only 'arcade perfect' console game I have ever found is R-Type 1 on psone, but its to hard to finish, so something may be missing later. 2D games look better in low rez anyway (scanlines!), because the image looks closer to that of an arcade cabinet. You will not get this effect of 360, promise.

Elixir · Post by **Elixir** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 7:08 pm

I have had an AV7000 supergun for a few years now, and I use it with an XRGB2+, but I use my JP 360 more. PCB collecting is great, but not in this economy. Whereas, a $60-70 (new) import is nothing in comparison. I like Xbox Live and I like the way everything is set out, so I'm going to recommend that. You're looking at $250-300 for a good Supergun, $100-200 for an arcade stick, $100-200 for an XRGB2+ and anywhere from $100-2000 for a PCB, depending on what you want. Stuff on MAME is cheaper, things which don't have ports are obviously not. Also, you're pretty much limited to Fujita and Yahoo Japan, the latter meaning deputy fees and the former meaning PayPal fees.

However, the chances of things like Futari, Espgaluda 2 and Daifukkatsu being ported are slim to none. I'm lucky. I managed to get this shit up and running before the economy nosedived into hell. I wouldn't get into PCB gaming in this economy, but before it, sure. However I did end up getting Futari during the economy's crash, and it financially hurt me for a few months. I'm still recuperating from it, and that's the economy's fault.

And uh, no offense or anything but honestly, you're in college, I doubt you'll get your money's worth out of what little you can afford. Plus, college and all, you're gonna be busy.

Domino · Post by **Domino** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 7:12 pm

I have a good job that pays me good in college, plus I already own a XRGB2. I'm not going after the later Cave boards, most of the mid-90s boards and before that. Stuff like Truxton II, Outzone, V-5 from Toaplan, and Thunder Dragon II, and Rapid Hero from NMK. Also I would like to buy many of the Psikyo boards.

Plus I been selling shit like crazy as of late.

Fire-bug · Post by **Fire-bug** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 7:15 pm

Domino wrote:I have a good job that pays me good in college, plus I already own a XRGB2. I'm not going after the later Cave boards, most of the mid-90s boards and before that. Stuff like Truxton II, Outzone, V-5 from Toaplan, and Thunder Dragon II, and Rapid Hero from NMK. Also I would like to buy many of the Psikyo boards.

Plus I been selling shit like crazy as of late.

Then you will need a supergun that supports -5volts. I made a gun for some recently, and their St Dragon board had no sound. Adding -5v fixed it.

Anyways, PM coming.

jpj · Post by **jpj** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 7:15 pm

toaplan stuff is still wank in MAME isn't it?

i say go for it

although some of the boards you're after might take a bit of hunting down

Domino · Post by **Domino** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 7:17 pm

jpj wrote:toaplan stuff is still wank in MAME isn't it?

i say go for it

although some of the boards you're after might take a bit of hunting down

When it comes to shooting games I'm more of a fan of the Toaplan shooting games. Of course Psikyo games are also my cup of tea as well.

Fire-bug · Post by **Fire-bug** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 7:18 pm

jpj wrote:toaplan stuff is still wank in MAME isn't it?

All mame is wank, second best, and something people use to make themselves feel better. And its NEVER perfect.

jpj wrote:although some of the boards you're after might take a bit of hunting down

Contributes towards the fun. This is specialist stuff, it wouldnt be as much fun if you could judt walk into your local games store and buy it.

PC Engine Fan X! · Post by **PC Engine Fan X!** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 7:37 pm

For Domino,

If you can get a cheap-ass Supergun, a MAK one is great for the asking price...between $125.00-$150.00 USD for one custom-made to suit your needs. ^_~

Or by aiming for a Matt Ross made Supergun, you can't go wrong with one of those cool custom-made "Tech God" Superguns.

The Psikyo PCBs listed below are great to play on a Supergun setup:

Gunbird - USA region PCB variant w/ all English language for the ending character stories.
Strikers 1945 II
Strikers 1945 III/Strikers 1999
Gunbarich - exists as both JPN & USA versions

Good luick on whatever decision you decide to start getting your feet wet with the arcade PCB hobby...you'll never want go back to the console ports ever again. ^_~

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

Domino · Post by **Domino** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 7:42 pm

PCEFanX I would love to run it in RGB via EU SCART on my XRGB2. I'm already running my Saturn and PS2 via RGB and it's fantastic.

For the Psikyo games I was planning to get Strikers 1945 I/II, Sengoku Ace (Sengoku Blade's Saturn port was great, no need for the PCB on that one), Gunbird most likely, and Dragon Blaze.

PC Engine Fan X! · Post by **PC Engine Fan X!** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 7:55 pm

Domino wrote:PCEFanX I would love to run it in RGB via EU SCART on my XRGB2. I'm already running my Saturn and PS2 via RGB and it's fantastic.

For the Psikyo games I was planning to get Strikers 1945 I/II, Sengoku Ace (Sengoku Blade's Saturn port was great, no need for the PCB on that one), Gunbird most likely, and Dragon Blaze.

If you have access to a 15kHz CRT-based analog RGB monitor, you'll be glad of the present scanlines and pure razor sharpness by going with that particular monitor setup. Plus, you wouldn't need to use the XRGB-2 anyways.

If you can pick up the famous Raizing/8ing's Armed Police Batrider PCB, that one PCB will keep you busy for weeks on end. ^_~

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

Domino · Post by **Domino** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 7:57 pm

PC Engine Fan X! wrote:
Domino wrote:PCEFanX I would love to run it in RGB via EU SCART on my XRGB2. I'm already running my Saturn and PS2 via RGB and it's fantastic.

For the Psikyo games I was planning to get Strikers 1945 I/II, Sengoku Ace (Sengoku Blade's Saturn port was great, no need for the PCB on that one), Gunbird most likely, and Dragon Blaze.
If you have access to a 15kHz CRT-based analog RGB monitor, you'll be glad of the present scanlines and pure razor sharpness by going with that particular monitor setup. Plus, you wouldn't need to use the XRGB-2 anyways.

If you can pick up the famous Raizing/8ing's Armed Police Batrider PCB, that one PCB will keep you busy for weeks on end. ^_~

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

My XRGB2 is close to a RGB monitor, plus its fake scanlines is excellent. And I can run it on one of my CRT monitors I have in my dorm room.

Sonic R · Post by **Sonic R** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 8:11 pm

Domino wrote:I have a good job that pays me good in college, plus I already own a XRGB2. I'm not going after the later Cave boards, most of the mid-90s boards and before that. Stuff like Truxton II, Outzone, V-5 from Toaplan, and Thunder Dragon II, and Rapid Hero from NMK. Also I would like to buy many of the Psikyo boards.

Plus I been selling shit like crazy as of late.

So why even bother to make this thread? You already have your mind set…

Domino · Post by **Domino** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 8:13 pm

Sonic R wrote: So why even bother to make this thread? You already have your mind set…

To see if someone could tell me that going for PCBs is not a smart idea and give me plently of reasons why I shouldn't do it. Elixir's post is a good example.

Sonic R · Post by **Sonic R** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 8:17 pm

Domino wrote:
Sonic R wrote: So why even bother to make this thread? You already have your mind set…
To see if someone could tell me that going for PCBs is not a smart idea and give me plently of reasons why I shouldn't do it. Elixir's post is a good example.

I guess you should then also ask your self what genre of games beyond shooter do you enjoy to play? and also if online gaming is meaning anything to you… (i would usually pose these questions to folks choosing between PS3 and 360)

Of note,
This forum is heavy in bais and most replies will push you to their postisons…

Domino · Post by **Domino** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 8:24 pm

Sonic R wrote:I guess you should then also ask your self what genre of games beyond shooter do you enjoy to play? and also if online gaming is meaning anything to you… (i would usually pose these questions to folks choosing between PS3 and 360)

Of note,
This forum is heavy in bais and most replies will push you to their postisons…

I play arcade games only. I don't do online gaming.

My three main games that I play are:

Shooting games (incuding run 'n gun stuff like Nitroball, Outzone, and others).
Puzzles (Magicial Drop III, Tetris Grand Master)
Platformers (Edward Randy, Dyna Gear, Osman/Cannon Dancer, ThunderFox, and others).

Sonic R · Post by **Sonic R** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 8:39 pm

Domino wrote:
Sonic R wrote:I guess you should then also ask your self what genre of games beyond shooter do you enjoy to play? and also if online gaming is meaning anything to you… (i would usually pose these questions to folks choosing between PS3 and 360)

Of note,
This forum is heavy in bais and most replies will push you to their postisons…
I play arcade games only. I don't do online gaming.

My three main games that I play are:

Shooting games (incuding run 'n gun stuff like Nitroball, Outzone, and others).
Puzzles (Magicial Drop III, Tetris Grand Master)
Platformers (Edward Randy, Dyna Gear, Osman/Cannon Dancer, ThunderFox, and others).

So there again, it look like your mind has been set, and I cannot even gather understanding on why you are having a difficulty in decision…

You are ask the forum that you need to decide between an arcade hardware and a home console… Thats like saying I like basketball but should I play baseball or basketball? or I enjoy eating apples but should I purchase some apples or oranges?

Domino · Post by **Domino** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 8:41 pm

Alright I guess my mind is set. Hearing people's opinions doesn't hurt.

Sonic R · Post by **Sonic R** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 8:45 pm

Domino wrote:Alright I guess my mind is set. Hearing people's opinions doesn't hurt.

I mean no offense

These topics are usually fuel for flames.

Domino · Post by **Domino** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 8:47 pm

Sonic R wrote:
Domino wrote:Alright I guess my mind is set. Hearing people's opinions doesn't hurt.
I mean no offense

These topics are usually fuel for flames.

So far no flames, that's a good sign.

bcass · Post by **bcass** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 9:51 pm

Fire-bug wrote:The only 'arcade perfect' console game I have ever found is R-Type 1 on psone, but its to hard to finish, so something may be missing later. 2D games look better in low rez anyway (scanlines!), because the image looks closer to that of an arcade cabinet. You will not get this effect of 360, promise.

Errm, you do realise you can connect a 360 to a CRT/monitor via RGB scart, don't you?

PC Engine Fan X! · Post by **PC Engine Fan X!** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 9:59 pm

Domino wrote:
PC Engine Fan X! wrote:
Domino wrote:PCEFanX I would love to run it in RGB via EU SCART on my XRGB2. I'm already running my Saturn and PS2 via RGB and it's fantastic.

For the Psikyo games I was planning to get Strikers 1945 I/II, Sengoku Ace (Sengoku Blade's Saturn port was great, no need for the PCB on that one), Gunbird most likely, and Dragon Blaze.
If you have access to a 15kHz CRT-based analog RGB monitor, you'll be glad of the present scanlines and pure razor sharpness by going with that particular monitor setup. Plus, you wouldn't need to use the XRGB-2 anyways.

If you can pick up the famous Raizing/8ing's Armed Police Batrider PCB, that one PCB will keep you busy for weeks on end. ^_~

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~
My XRGB2 is close to a RGB monitor, plus its fake scanlines is excellent. And I can run it on one of my CRT monitors I have in my dorm room.

You one half of the puzzle solved & that is needed to play arcade PCBs properly. Then the other remaining half would be to procure a Supergun + a few PCBs to get started. You will be quite pleased with getting into the arcade PCB hobby.

As the ol' saying goes: Once bitten by the arcade PCB bug, there's no known cure for it. ^_~

Good luck Domino...

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

Domino · Post by **Domino** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 10:01 pm

bcass wrote:
Fire-bug wrote:The only 'arcade perfect' console game I have ever found is R-Type 1 on psone, but its to hard to finish, so something may be missing later. 2D games look better in low rez anyway (scanlines!), because the image looks closer to that of an arcade cabinet. You will not get this effect of 360, promise.
Errm, you do realise you can connect a 360 to a CRT/monitor via RGB scart, don't you?

If you run it via RGB it'll be 480i only. Not true low-rez.

bcass · Post by **bcass** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 10:13 pm

Domino wrote:
bcass wrote:
Fire-bug wrote:The only 'arcade perfect' console game I have ever found is R-Type 1 on psone, but its to hard to finish, so something may be missing later. 2D games look better in low rez anyway (scanlines!), because the image looks closer to that of an arcade cabinet. You will not get this effect of 360, promise.
Errm, you do realise you can connect a 360 to a CRT/monitor via RGB scart, don't you?
If you run it via RGB it'll be 480i only. Not true low-rez.

No, but you do get scanlines.

Elixir · Post by **Elixir** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 10:20 pm

Yeah it does seem like you have your heart set on collecting PCBs. Just don't expect miracles (CStarFlare did this with Mushihimesama, if I recall correctly) and you'll be fine.

I still stand by my previous statements though, I don't recommend this hobby for college students.

jonny5 · Post by **jonny5** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 10:28 pm

odd question but i gotta ask....

why do you need all the different connection types on the supergun? if you have scart or some other type of RGB line, what do you need anything else for?

are you ever going to say, 'as nice as this RGB is, lets try composite today....huzzah'

just adding to the cost if you want all those connectors...just go with scart

and if you are mostly into classic/retro games like 2dshmups and the like, what point is there in getting a next gen HD system like a 360?

it doesnt display in the res's you seem into, any games of interest on it are inferior ports, and its gonna die on you eventually

get a supergun and play the games you love in their original form...

just be advised that, as jpj said, PCB collecting is like crack

Acid King · Post by **Acid King** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 10:29 pm

It really depends on how much quantity matters to you. I mean, you could buy a 360 and all of the shooters for the price of a gun and one or two PCBs depending on what you get. I'm glad I got in to PCBs because it made me focus on one particular game at a time. The cost of PCBs kinda prevents you from just buying a game, giving it a cursory play and letting it sit on the shelf. The games may cost more but if you're anything like me, you may wind up getting more out of them.