Yes, the game next to it is a Eagle with a Galaxian bezel crammed up into it.
http://www.klov.com/game_detail.php?game_id=7686
Im surprised that you guys missed the two lockbar holes drilled into the front. There are three actually. Those would be your clear indication that this peice is not HUO.
That BZ is not HUO at all. Ive owned several true HUO peices including Dr. J's Pole Position upright and I can generally spot a HUO peice a mile away. Notice how the white on the sideart is not really a bright white anymore. Its been somewhat yellowed like its been smoked around a good bit and has some nicotine damage.
Of course, I suppose it could always be possible that a slob owns a game from new and then trashes it. Lots of people live like pigs and trash stuff they own. Kind of like the difference between someone who owns a new console system and keeps all of the boxes and packaging and really takes care of it compared to someone who buys a new console system and then proceeds to not give a damn about it and spill stuff all over, handle the sticks with dirty fingers and just beats the hell out of it. Then again, a relatively cheap and common console system is one thing as almost anyone can afford one of those. If you had the extra funds to afford a multi thousand dollar peice of coin op equipment then you most likely wouldnt have let it get torn up as easily. Most people that Ive come across that originally purchased these machines new live in nice houses and the machines are treated accordingly, along with the rest of the stuff they own and take care of. Out of the three HUO buys Ive had, one was a new car dealership owner, the other was an attorney and the last was a NBA legend.
All in all I would say that this BZ is just a decent MAYBE slightly above average condition BZ. The control panel is nice enough, although it looks as if it might have had a small touch up on the far right and on the top carraige bolts. It does have some pitting at the bend and some pitting(w/ rust) under the start button. The one side of art he shows is really nothing to write home about, sure its not bad but it does have several nice scratches along with the nicotine yellowing I already mentioned.
Oh, it also looks as though the game has been exposed to the elements at some point. The bottom edge side of the cab with the ruffling of the sticker clearly shows it. It doesnt look bad but pictures can be deceiving and you could have more pronounced some oatmealing of the side from water damage. Also, the closeup of the serial number tag shows some evidence of general humidity type water damage to the left of it where the back meets the side.
My standards are usually pretty high as I like to get games as nice as possible but when you slap HUO on something it goes through a pretty high set of checks. The designation HUO, just like the word NOS, tries to indicate the level of condition. You could have a HUO game stored out under a tarp in the back yard for 20 years and it could be a huge pile of crap. HUO doesnt really mean anything unless the game is nice enough. Ive come across my share of non-working games(especially vectors) stuffed in the back of clean dry operator warehouses with only a couple thousand plays on them and they were like new. A lot of times big operators are running such a huge buisness that they dont have time to repair something or feel like screwing with it. Especially flakey vectors. The ops usually have other stuff they are taking their time with like vending machines, that were much more profitable and worth their time to figure out. With NOS parts the same can hold true to a certain degree. Ive pulled many mint marquees and bezels off of games Ive junked. The game may have had some bad water damage on the bottom or other problems but it still had mint like new parts. Conversely, Ive come across plenty of NOS items with the paper still covering the front but the back was all scratched to hell due to it being improperly stored and slid around.
So, what ultimately matters is the items present condition. Not whether it is HUO or NOS. HUO and NOS items can be nice as Ive owned my share but they are definitely words that are probably thrown around way too much, as is the case with this Battlezone. This Battlezone is nice enough or can made even nicer with not too much work but dont buy it and run around thinking you have gotten a HUO gem. I would say that in todays economy $400 is probably on the higher side but if you are local to somewhat local and looking for a decent Battlezone then go for it. I sure wouldnt pay to have it shipped across the country thinking you are getting yourself a HUO item though.
YMMV.
Ken.