Personally, I wouldn't hack a $7000+ machine, and I'm sure it's at least partially custom components since its dedicated to one game. It would be easier and far cheaper just to set up a really high end PC with racing setup and cock pit. It wouldn't be quite as slick, but it would still look and be cool, and be entirely customizable. I think cockpit cages are even sold, so it would just be a matter of mounting everything.
I've been intrigued by this: http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=369040&itemid=7... but haven't had a chance to ever try one in person [EDIT: It looks pretty good though! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qke66DCMiFc and especially http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UKTfgn08dM&feature=related , which shows the virtual versus real side-by-side]. I'd be curious how closely it mimics real pinball with its video screens. The physical sensation is critical in pinball, especially something like that. Regardless, if they get it right, that would be the MAME equivalent for physical pinball, obviating the need for multiple machines. In other words you could have one good MAME cabinet and one good Video Pinball and pretty much have it all for an arcade-at-home. At least "have it all" from my perspective. Obviously others may have other priorities.
I've been kind of thinking of someday getting a cocktail cabinet as well, like this: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&i... though of course it would be rather redundant given my current setup. So really I'm probably better off someday getting something like that Virtual Pinball machine assuming it plays well. Of course I'm still not giving up hope that I can't do a decent video pinball setup on my MAME machine, as I specifically added pinball buttons for that purpose.
I've also been intrigued by the concept of using a projector-based system for a different type of experience, as well, like this: http://www.dreamarcades.com/120inch.shtml . I just think it's terrifically cool, though you do need sufficient distance between the platform and the wall to get the largest image. Ah, if only I were rich and had more room!
Anyway, I think I'm going to go through my software collection and see what pinball games I have that are hard drive installable (i.e., don't require a disc in the CD-ROM drive, though that is an option if need be) and have configurable controls.
I don't think there's an easy solution for the laser disc situation outside of trying to monkey with Daphne again. The Digital Leisure products are all over the map. I may try this though, particularly since that's the gun on my machine: http://www.amazon.com/CRIME-FIGHTER-PACK-PATROL-JOHNN/dp/B0000D8L6D/ref=...
Vintage Games book!
Xbox 360: billlog | Wii: 1345 2773 2048 1586 | PS3: ArmchairArcade Bill Loguidice, Managing Director | Armchair Arcade, Inc.
*************************** Bill Loguidice, Managing Director
Armchair Arcade, Inc.
Did you guys see this? EA Sports™ NASCAR Racing Arcade Game
I wonder how hard it'd be to hack this thing.
Personally, I wouldn't hack a $7000+ machine, and I'm sure it's at least partially custom components since its dedicated to one game. It would be easier and far cheaper just to set up a really high end PC with racing setup and cock pit. It wouldn't be quite as slick, but it would still look and be cool, and be entirely customizable. I think cockpit cages are even sold, so it would just be a matter of mounting everything.
I've been intrigued by this: http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=369040&itemid=7... but haven't had a chance to ever try one in person [EDIT: It looks pretty good though! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qke66DCMiFc and especially http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UKTfgn08dM&feature=related , which shows the virtual versus real side-by-side]. I'd be curious how closely it mimics real pinball with its video screens. The physical sensation is critical in pinball, especially something like that. Regardless, if they get it right, that would be the MAME equivalent for physical pinball, obviating the need for multiple machines. In other words you could have one good MAME cabinet and one good Video Pinball and pretty much have it all for an arcade-at-home. At least "have it all" from my perspective. Obviously others may have other priorities.
I've been kind of thinking of someday getting a cocktail cabinet as well, like this: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&i... though of course it would be rather redundant given my current setup. So really I'm probably better off someday getting something like that Virtual Pinball machine assuming it plays well. Of course I'm still not giving up hope that I can't do a decent video pinball setup on my MAME machine, as I specifically added pinball buttons for that purpose.
I've also been intrigued by the concept of using a projector-based system for a different type of experience, as well, like this: http://www.dreamarcades.com/120inch.shtml . I just think it's terrifically cool, though you do need sufficient distance between the platform and the wall to get the largest image. Ah, if only I were rich and had more room!
Anyway, I think I'm going to go through my software collection and see what pinball games I have that are hard drive installable (i.e., don't require a disc in the CD-ROM drive, though that is an option if need be) and have configurable controls.
Also, I'm going to look into this for my pinball needs: http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Pinball-Arcade-Pc/dp/B00001LDBZ/ref=pd_b...
I don't think there's an easy solution for the laser disc situation outside of trying to monkey with Daphne again. The Digital Leisure products are all over the map. I may try this though, particularly since that's the gun on my machine: http://www.amazon.com/CRIME-FIGHTER-PACK-PATROL-JOHNN/dp/B0000D8L6D/ref=...
Vintage Games book!
Xbox 360: billlog | Wii: 1345 2773 2048 1586 | PS3: ArmchairArcade
Bill Loguidice, Managing Director | Armchair Arcade, Inc.
***************************
Bill Loguidice, Managing Director
Armchair Arcade, Inc.