buying my first game tips?

cbrian929

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I'm going to be buying my first arcade game soon. but I am a huge fan of the games from late 80's to early 90's. right now I have a Terminator 2 shooter in my sights

So my question is what do i need to know and look for when i go check out the game? I don't want to be burned on my first buy.

I hope i posted this in the correct area.


Thanks

Brian
 
Fill in your info about where you are and get to know some of the local collectors. They will really help to hook you up with something.

Otherwise, find a game you like and check it out. If it looks really clean on the outside AND on the inside then there's a good chance you will have a good machine. If it's fully working then take it home and enjoy it. If you enjoy working with electronics or open to learning them, then you can get much better deals on broken machines and then fixing them yourself.

If you have to pay someone to repair them, then that works too. But it can get very expensive.
 
Always, always scrutinize the game to check for any damage to the cabinet. Yes, average wear-and-tear is completely normal and expected. However, when buyign your first game, it could be easy to overlook more serious damage such as severe swelling (from exposure to water). Also, check to make sure the cabinet artwork is at least in decent shape... replacing that can be very costly and is time consuming to track down the pieces of artwork.

Of course, make sure the game is complete. It would kind of suck to buy the game just to realize a vital part is missing (boardset, wiring, etc). It never hurts to get a look inside of the cabinet before you purchase it. That is, assuming the game is not currently working.

If the control aren't working 100%, the marquee light is not working, the metal harware and brackets are kinda rusty, etc, don't worry too much. Stuff like that can (generally) be easily fixed. However, use even little things like that to your advantage in order to get a lower price. However, don't point out every little flaw... this could be quite irritating. Simply mention that fixing up those things is going to cost you extra money.

Last, but certainly not least, get a price in your mind and stick with it. It is easy to get lost in the moment and over-pay for a game you would later regret purchasing for that price. Think of a reasonable value for it (what you are willing to pay) and don't gp over that price.
 
Don't be afraid to try to haggle down the price of the game if you deem it too high.Just because these games were worth a lot back when they were new doesn't mean that they are worth a lot now.Also ask whoever you are buying from what all they have done to the game,if anything.
 
With T2 Make sure the guns censors work perfectly. Thats the Major problems with these Gun games.
I'm going to be buying my first arcade game soon. but I am a huge fan of the games from late 80's to early 90's. right now I have a Terminator 2 shooter in my sights

So my question is what do i need to know and look for when i go check out the game? I don't want to be burned on my first buy.

I hope i posted this in the correct area.


Thanks

Brian
 
since you like 90's games, you should buy a good street fighter cabinet if you can find one. Then buy the boards you want to play in it.

I suggest getting a cabinet that has front access to change the boards. So with a Z back red cabinet, a
http://superbowen.com/dan/arcade/red1.jpghttp://www.arcade-museum.com/images/11/1181242065310.jpg

dynamo hs cabinet or
http://www.arcade-museum.com/images/11/1181242177154.jpg

my favorite atari drawer cabinet.
http://www.arcade-museum.com/images/11/118124215112.jpg
 
I think T2 uses potentiometers (instead of optical sensors) for the gun motion, so you shouldn't have to worry about bad sensors... but maybe bat pots. :)

I belive there's a way too test the boards but someone that owns one of these could tell you about the problems with the gun censors
 
I think T2 uses potentiometers (instead of optical sensors) for the gun motion, so you shouldn't have to worry about bad sensors... but maybe bat pots. :)

Agreed the game doesnt have sensors works like a track ball. Make sure both guns have working feedback this was an issue with the one I bought and I had to wait for parts to pop on ebay to fix. Also play the game and make sure the flash lamps work these are lights that flash when you get shot making a bullet wound flash on screen. Great game also the first one I purchased as well.
 
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