Cocktails that are more desirable than the upright?

joeycuda

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Cocktails that are more desirable than the upright?

So, how many cocktail games are considered to be more desirable than the upright version? I realize some just like cocktails, but for which games is there really an advantage to owning the cocktail?

I'd guess some like Joust, in that it's a little different, side by side, etc..
The BZ prototype comes to mind, although it's not really obtainable.

What else?
 
Warlords is probably the most obvious.

I also think the tank games of the 70s were better in cocktail form - they feel more like games which should be viewed from a top-down perspective.

You mentioned the BZ cocktail; the advantage there would purely be from a rarity perspective. If that's fair game, there's a lot of ground to cover...
 
I would toss Eliminator into the ring as well. As with Warlords, the Eliminator cocktail is 4 players while the upright is only 2 player.
 
I think any top-down bowling games work well in cocktail form. Capcom, Coors Light, the old B&W bowling games, etc. I think only the Midway B&W's were actually dedicated cocktails, the color ones were mostly conversions, but I think they work better in that form.

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Hat Trick makes a good cocktail game. So does Birdie King and Birdie King II.
 
The Demolition Derby (Bally Midway) cocktail is a better presentation than the upright IMHO. The top down view is perfect for this game, and it's a lot more fun with 4 players.
 
Defender cocktals have a 13" monitor and, since Defender is sort of a "serious gamer's" game, you'll see people favoring the UR for good reason.

But the cocktail is gorgeous. It's well-built, has classic graphics on the CPs, and it lights up like a Christmas tree in a dark room (or bar).
 
I think any top-down bowling games work well in cocktail form. Capcom, Coors Light, the old B&W bowling games, etc. I think only the Midway B&W's were actually dedicated cocktails, the color ones were mostly conversions, but I think they work better in that form.

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I had never seen that one before. That would be neat to find based on the cabinet design. Reminds me of the egg chair for some reason.
 
I'd say Joust is one of these cocktails that are more desirable.

And, the Nintendo Red Tent. :)
 
Defender cocktals have a 13" monitor and, since Defender is sort of a "serious gamer's" game, you'll see people favoring the UR for good reason.

But the cocktail is gorgeous. It's well-built, has classic graphics on the CPs, and it lights up like a Christmas tree in a dark room (or bar).

I think a major detractor for the Defender cocktail (and one reason why I sold my restoration piece) is that it is very uncomfortable to sit at to play.
 
I think a major detractor for the Defender cocktail (and one reason why I sold my restoration piece) is that it is very uncomfortable to sit at to play.

It's not the best, that's for sure. I think I'd rather play a Defender cocktail than a Robotron cocktail but, either way, the neck hurts a bit afterwards.
 
In almost every case I can sell a cocktail for more than an upright, because many people only have room for a cocktail (or so they think). I've got people begging me for cocktails right now.
 
I'd say Joust is one of these cocktails that are more desirable.

And, the Nintendo Red Tent. :)

I have the cocktail but also want to restore an upright. If that's not hoarding, then I don't know what is. The cocktail is great in that you sit side by side, but it takes SO much space!

I do think that Williams made the cocktails look really good.
 
that's the thing, almost every cocktail takes up more space than an upright. People just don't think they do! I guess they're easier to move upstairs and that's what a lot of people like. Also I think ladies like the way they look in their living room better, lol.
 
Tempest is a great cocktail as the monitor is offset, that way you can have your pizza on the table without it blocking your view. Besides pretty much everyone that has a tempest has the upright, and tempest is a game that takes well to sitting.

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Edit:
Isn't that what cocktails are for? Eating?
 
Most of my friends tell me that, if they owned a game, it would be a cocktail. The reasons are usually the following:

*They look more like furniture, so it's nostalgia + decor in a room
*They didn't frequent arcades, but instead frequented bars and restaurants with cocktail machines, and have fond memories at those places
*They like sitting across from someone for 2P rather than standing side by side
*They want someplace to put their beer/drink

I get asked "Do you have the ones you sit at" more than "do you have x game?"
 
Some people like the Track and Field cocktail. Personally, I hate cocktails. They are uncomfortable to play and take up as much room as three uprights once you put chairs on either side.
 
I get asked "Do you have the ones you sit at" more than "do you have x game?"

This exactly. I say I have a Ms. Pac-Man machine I'm restoring, they ask, "Is it the sittdown thing?" I ask, " A cocktail table?" They respond, "No, the sit-down game!" :p

I feel Galaxian and Galaga are really fun as cocktails. The scrolling ship for 2P on the Galaga is a nice touch.
 
I really like my Millipede cocktail. It's fun to play and you can extend the legs to bar table height, which works well in my bar area. I wouldn't want a ton of cocktails, but one or 2, set in the middle of the room work well. There's always someone playing Millipede or Centipede at my parties.

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That brings up the point is that what we are calling cocktails are really just tables, cocktail tables are tall tables. We really should call a sit down table just a table. Nintendo did.
 
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