Spinner for me. When it's dialed in, the control feels razor-sharp, Tempest and Arkanoid basically come alive with one. Trackball's great, but the spinner has that pure, direct momentum I can't resist.
Man, I feel that. Between work, bills, and rising parts costs, it's tough to keep up. Seems like every game I own is waiting on something too. If anyone finds a supplier for extra time and energy, I'll take a bulk order.
You might look into a small HDMI splitter or capture box, that way you can mirror the game output to a projector. Depending on your cab, a Raspberry Pi or small LCD driver board might fit nicely up top too.
Ah, Crabtowne... great spot! Like walking in and hearing all those cabinets humming at once. Definitely one of those places that makes you feel like a kid again.
Stopped by a small bowling alley today and caught a faint hum from an old Cruis'n USA in the corner. You know that sound, that soft CRT buzz mixed with burnt dust and popcorn oil. Instant time warp. I was 12 again, pockets full of quarters, trying to stretch $5 into an afternoon. The glow, the...
For me, it's all about the visual wow factor. I've always loved Gorf, Tempest, and Tron, the colors, the lights, the cabinet artwork…just mesmerizing.
There's something about a game that grabs you the second you walk up to it.