Namco 25" Donkey Kong Multi cab

khabbi

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Just wondering what you guys think of the Namco 3 in 1 Donkey kong- Donkey Kong Jr - Super Mario Bros cabinet in the 25" version?

Donkey_Kong_junior.jpg


I have been thinking of getting one but I'm a long time DK player from when I was a kid, and I'm wondering what the game would be like on the Namco cab..

My main reason for wanting it? So I can potentially get rid of my DK and DKjr cab and free up some space, but I'm afraid the original feel would be gone and while the gameplay is there.. it just won't be the same. Has anyone played one? Thoughts?

The machine appears to get no love on ebay, one recently closed at around $450 with the reserve not met.. somewhat low considering they were selling for $3K originally.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Donkey-Kong-DKj...ultDomain_0&hash=item20b0dc56fc#ht_720wt_1139

Not sure if I should go for one or not... ugh...
 
I honest to god think it looks awesome as hell. It also looks like a bowl of rainbow sherbet, lol.
 
This might seem silly, but when I've played these I always feel like the picture is too big and looks a bit strange. I guess I'm just used to the 19" standard version; I'm sure you could get used to it.

I do like the cabinet.
 
I hate (despise) the 25" monitors in the full-size cab.

It's just wrong.
 
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HAHAH, I KNEW you guys were going to shit on the 25 inch monitor. Why, oh why, do you guys do that? I love big monitors. I've got the galaga/mrs pacman cab, and it's standard with a 25 inch monitor, and I think it's awesome. I remember first seeing the 25th anniversary cab of pacman, and I was blown away by that monitor in it. I don't get you guys, sometimes... erm, MOST the time.
 
I played this at Dave and Busters... The screen was weird. The quality of the monitor seemed kinda bad. It was also way to big.

I noticed the other multis they had like this, all the monitors like that one were curling on the bottom right.
 
When I first saw one of these, I believe it was at Epcot, I naturally wanted to try it out. I don't know if it was the 25" monitor, or if the controls were sketchy, it just felt like the magic was gone. I'll take a beat old DK or DKjr over this thing any day.
 
I think it looks pretty neat, but I played one and couldn't stand it.
1) Cabinet is too short
2) Monitor is too big for the cabinet... I like big monitors but in this case it contributed to the poor ergonomics
3) Joystick is nothing like original
4) Mario Bros gameplay was bad, part of screen cut off, stretching was weird, etc.

They are much better on paper than they are in reality. I like the concept but there were just too many annoyances. I decided it'd be better to build a MAME in an original DK cabinet, or get a DK/JR and the double kong upgrade kit.

Wade
 
Dont they have a cabaret version of this. Wouldnt it have a smaller monitor in it. If so then it wouldnt be to big for anyone.
 
HAHAH, I KNEW you guys were going to shit on the 25 inch monitor. Why, oh why, do you guys do that? I love big monitors. I've got the galaga/mrs pacman cab, and it's standard with a 25 inch monitor, and I think it's awesome. I remember first seeing the 25th anniversary cab of pacman, and I was blown away by that monitor in it. I don't get you guys, sometimes... erm, MOST the time.

I like the big monitors. I'm running a 27" vert setup for classics and shooters, and I love the in-your-face factor of it.

I don't really care for the new DK cab. The art on it is a bit overdone, but has a very fun vibe. The thing I hate is the blue/orange combo. If it was solid in either color, I think it'd look cool.
 
Dont they have a cabaret version of this. Wouldnt it have a smaller monitor in it. If so then it wouldnt be to big for anyone.


Mario Brothers would look even worse than it already does. I kinda like the 25" monitor. Makes me think my eyesight got better instead of worse. LOL.
 
In my opinion, the whole thing would have been better if they'd use the 25" monitor horizontally. Then MB could be the correct ration, not cropped and stretched... and DK/JR could just be fit on screen and still be about the correct size compared to the original 19" monitor (with black space on the sides).

Wade
 
Plus that thing is hideous. It looks like it was designed by a 5th grader with ADD....

It's really not that bad - the side-art could use some work, there's really no balance to it. The shooting stars are a little much and if you have to have stars spend more time on them. The whole thing is just a little overdone, some art director/designer out their wanted every character represented on this thing.
That being said the front of the cab is pretty cool, and this art beats any arcade legends or bullshit MAME art I've ever seen.
 
Monitor is too big. Controls absolutely suck ass. Artwork looks pretty bad...

... what more can you ask for?
 
The company I work for operates one of these games in a theater arcade. The cabinet is deeper and wider than an original Donkey Kong Nintendo cabinet. Plus the wood is thicker and overall the cabinet is very sturdy. Considerably heavier too.

The 25" monitor in the one I service is an older NeoTec. It is mounted vertically and Mario Brothers is displayed horizontally on it. The coin door is bill acceptor ready (cutout and blank plate already installed) and the wiring harness is already there for a stackerless Mars bill acceptor.

Here's the manual for it:

http://arcarc.xmission.com/PDF_Arca...s/DK_DK-JR_Mario_Bros_Combo_by_Namco_2005.pdf
 
I hate it, but then I still watch TV on a 13" black and white... it's the way TV was SUPPOSED to look!
 
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