Essential Game for a New Collector??

[TheBasement]

When I started collecting and people would find out about it, I would always be asked if I had a Galaga, a Ms. Pacman or a Donkey Kong. Always. Always one of those three. I'm not saying its crucial for a new collector, but those are the ones Joe Public are going to ask you about.

 

[SuperGunGuru]

Yeah, Karate Champ is a great choice. Only "fighter" worth owning (except maybe Primal Rage)...

Gotta disagree with that. Street Fighter 2 started the whole fighting craze and without it, I don't think Atari would have made Primal Rage. Karate Champ is fun, but it didn't have the same impact as Street Fighter 2 did.

 

[rainman154]

Put me on the "we collect what we want, there is no must have" list.

I agree with this. Hell, I have an ALIENS.... not the most popular game, but I love it!

 

[rainman154]

When I started collecting and people would find out about it, I would always be asked if I had a Galaga, a Ms. Pacman or a Donkey Kong. Always. Always one of those three. I'm not saying its crucial for a new collector, but those are the ones Joe Public are going to ask you about.

Gotta agree with you there. The surprising thing is that Mrs. Pac Man is more popular than Pac Man. I never realized that growing up.

 

[alejandromad]

One word - VECTOR

 

[pacman71]

Galaga. It's a classic and still holds up today. I love the game and have one myself.

Les hit it on the head. Galaga just transcends age. I loved it and my 21, 12, and 8 years old children all enjoy it.

Galaga is the game for sure. If you have to choose one game try to find a 20th anniversary or 25 anniversary pacman. They have galaga, pacman, and Mrs. Pac. This machine covers the Big 3.

If your looking for an original dedicated machine Galaga is the way to go for many reasons. Its a game that can found, maintained, and sold if need be easily. Easy one to restore as well. You'll get lots of joy from doing it yourself even if its just cosmetic.

 

[Black Matrix]

All of 'em. Better get crackin'. But if I had to throw up a vote. Gaplus since I think its superior to galaga. But Galaga is universally popular except by the few who believe Galaxian is superior. Alternates are Ms. Pac, Donkey Kong, Asteroids Deluxe, Battlezone, Star Wars, Robotron, Defender, Tempest, Warlords cocktail,..........................................................

 

[xxstatic]

If he's anything like me essential better be a favorite or it's going to be a short stay in the collection.

 

[rainman154]

This is cool. Lot's of different opinions. Some of these games I have never played.

 

[fatherpain]

If we're not limited to just dedicateds, then I'll say 2 japanese candy cabs are essential. Better than a mame machine imo (but you can have mame running in it). They are JAMMA so you can plug just about anything post 1986 in them as well as classics via jamma adapters. best thing is you will be playing the original pcbs but on more reliable hardware. Having 2 is nice so you can play both verts and horiz games. these are what got me into the hobby, the most versatile and would be the last to go if I was ever forced to sell off.

Tom

 

[MasterFygar]

I'll be honest here, it's really all just opinion. If you want a game that everyone will recognize get a Ms Pac, if you want a game everyone can play get a Puzzle Bobble/Bust a Move title. But every time I think I have all the essentials, someone else asks "Do you have Asteroids?" or "Where's your Tower of Druaga?" You really can't please everyone (some people keep telling me to get a Trio the Punch...), so I suggest collecting the machines you enjoy

 

[ASilver76]

Collection suggestions

Rainman,

Like may of the posters have said, there is no such thing as a "definitive" essential game list. However, the way I see it, you have three basic collection options:

1) Collect the titles you personally want, period. If you remember it, like it, and can afford it, go for it.

2) Collect a genre you like: fighters, shooters, puzzlers, drivers, sports, golf, imports, vectors, cocktails (etc.) or a particular company or system lineup (Taito, Neo Geo, etc.).

3) Collect things that make you go "ooooh". Things that catch your eye, things you can fix, things you can show off, things you can gift, or things you can sell. Whatever floats your boat.

If none of these options appeal to you, then consider building or buying a dedicated MAME cabinet.

 

[metahugh]

What do you guys think is the essential game for a new collector. This is a game that should be in everyone's collection. What would it be??
I know it can be personal preference, but what would you say?

Gyruss! Probably the best sound package of all arcade games in the 80s. Easy to pick up and play and pretty challenging.

 

[bottlejunkie]

playchoice (selection)

primal rage (great 2 player fighter)

 

[Robomayhem]

Tough call really. I am contemplating this very question for a friend of my girlie. This friend has asked her, to ask me, what game she should get her husband for Fathers Day. The difference between this request and the OP's request is that I do not think he (they) intends on being a "collector." They presently do not have any games.
So not knowing if he prefers a certain title or not, I said probably a 60-1 or a pinball machine. But I have further asked to get an answer wether or not he might prefer a video game or a pinball machine. Hopefully I'll have that answer by the end of the week so I can get the ball rolling!

 

[rainman154]

Playchoice is a good option, however it's basically the regular 8 bit nintendo games.
Ms Pac Man seems to be the one everyone collects. I never really had a thing for her, so I probably will not have one.
I have always felt you need one good fighter, one good racing or flying game and a great classic. Just my opinion.

 

[fatherpain]

I think in addition to collecting what games you like, its always a good idea to sprinkle in some games with wider appeal. I guess that means you're collecting for others in a sense. This holds true if you frequently entertain.

Tom

 

[modessitt]

Gotta disagree with that. Street Fighter 2 started the whole fighting craze and ruined game creativity for years to come. It started a genre responsible for crappy classic conversions.

Fixed that for you...

 

[sosage]

Fixed that for you...because it's not as if there were a ton of uncreative mediocre maze chase, beat em ups and space shooter clones before Street Fighter II amirite or amirite!

Fixed x 2.

Where's my flame suit oh no too late! AAAARRRRRRGGGGGHHHHhhhhhhh.....*

 

[Black Matrix]

Well, I think your quandary is much easier than the original post. You have 2 options. First, put her up to asking the person what was there favorite arcade games they played as a kid. Say its for a pop culture survey at school or something. Then, either look for the favorite, or find a multigame that encompasses the majority of the titles. Either a 63 in one, a multiwilliams, Multi Neo Geo, Multi CPS-1, or if he liked new Street fighters and the like a 1069 in one. Just a few ideas for the guy who almost has everything in his man cave.

Tough call really. I am contemplating this very question for a friend of my girlie. This friend has asked her, to ask me, what game she should get her husband for Fathers Day. The difference between this request and the OP's request is that I do not think he (they) intends on being a "collector." They presently do not have any games.
So not knowing if he prefers a certain title or not, I said probably a 60-1 or a pinball machine. But I have further asked to get an answer wether or not he might prefer a video game or a pinball machine. Hopefully I'll have that answer by the end of the week so I can get the ball rolling!