Ideal Screen Size

[thaIllsburyFlowboy]

Hello all,

I'm just wondering if anyone has done any extensive testing as to the ideal screen size for high-score runs, or if there is a one-size-fits-all solution. It seems like there is a certain tradeoff involved between eye movements and/or generally being cognizant of what is elsewhere on the screen versus trying to maximize the distance between yourself and bullets/other harmful objects. What do the pros do?

[thaIllsburyFlowboy]

Take for instance Strikers 2:

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=182

It seems like the vast majority of people clearing both loops of the game are using MAME, while only Ex_Mosquito and stuminator managed it with a PCB, which I would think implies the use of the standard arcade machine. This suggests to me that a nonstandard size is better, but of course this is pretty unscientific since I don't know hours practiced, the natural talent of each player, and etc. etc. which are probably better predictors of high performance.

[pja]

Take for instance Strikers 2:

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=182

It seems like the vast majority of people clearing both loops of the game are using MAME, while only Ex_Mosquito and stuminator managed it with a PCB, which I would think implies the use of the standard arcade machine. This suggests to me that a nonstandard size is better, but of course this is pretty unscientific since I don't know hours practiced, the natural talent of each player, and etc. etc. which are probably better predictors of high performance.

I think the only thing this suggests is that getting ahold of the PCB is harder than just emulating the game in MAME.

[Starfighter]

I don't think there exists any ideal situations in screen sizes, or hardware as a whole, since we are humans with physical and psychological differences. But I think it's an interesting topic nonetheless, because I was just thinking the other day that I've changed in my preferences regarding screen size. 10 years ago I wanted the biggest screen possible to be able to see even the smallest details and have an easier time micrododging. But now I find myself not even utilizing the fullscreen option in some games because it's easier for me to take in the whole play area when I don't have to move my eyes too much.

Edit: ...perhaps I just need new glasses

I think the only thing this suggests is that getting ahold of the PCB is harder than just emulating the game in MAME.

You're probably right. I can also see the ease of use (and save states for practice) being a factor as to why people gravitate towards MAME.

[PerishedFraud ឵឵]

At least 6 inches

edit: image removed. just picture a huge rocket going up the screen.

[Rastan78]

6 inches or more feels just right for tate, but what about horis?

[Jonpachi]

Size jokes aside, I'd focus much more on performance...

Seriously though, work to get either the best CRT set-up you can, or a monitor with the fastest refresh rate available. You can find modern flat-panel monitors with a refresh at sub .5 a frame, and that should really be your main goal. Too many people flip some shitty LCD TV on its side and call it a day, only to suffer through awful input lag that may be hurting their performance as a player more than they know.

[MidnightWolf]

A bad workman always blames his tools.

Screen size doesn't matter, unless you do something really stupid, like try to play Ketsui on a 5-inch pocket TV screen.

[Rastan78]

I agree there's no one perfect solution. Just use common sense and get what's comfortable for you, has low lag and easily connects to the format you'll be using. What's a good size screen will of course change with your normal viewing distance from where you sit.

If there is any kind of a gold standard it would be Japanese style cabs, which are a great way to play. I'm 6'4" though and they're definitely not designed for people that tall. They make me feel slightly like I'm at a preschool sitting on a toddler chair. They're still pretty comfortable, but I always preferred to sit on a full sized bar stool at an American style cab.

Another thing that might impact your choice is if you play a lot of older 240p games on an LCD. In that case I'd go a bit on the smaller side. On a cab with CRT you can play on the big 29 inch monitor right in your face, and it's easy on the eyes bc of the way a 15 kHz CRT will soften the image. Try the same large screen size and viewing distance with a 240p game on LCD and the image will probably look like a mess due to being so pixellated.

[Creamy Goodness]

A bad workman always blames his tools.

Screen size doesn't matter, unless you do something really stupid, like try to play Ketsui on a 5-inch pocket TV screen.

I was getting hammered in Mushi Original on the Switch then one day decided to play in handheld mode. Somehow I ended up getting the 1cc there. I didn't even have it flipped on its side.

[o.pwuaioc]

A bad workman always blames his tools.

Screen size doesn't matter, unless you do something really stupid, like try to play Ketsui on a 5-inch pocket TV screen.

I agree with Creamy Goodness about his size...

I had a huge rear projector TV and sat about 10 feet away and started to really suck at shooters. I downgraded to a 27" CRT and saw immediate and marked improvement. I'm talking about like dying early in Kyu-Kyoku Tiger bad. While I'm still a bit out of practice from a few years of minimal play, I no longer feel as if the viewing distance is a problem. Now it's just about getting back to remembering patterns / not being letting my reaction times dwindle. If I fuck up now, it's on me (mostly).