Q*Bert Serial #1 / Prototype!

koolmoecraig

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Unbelievably, I just scored the 1st Q*bert machine ever made. Complete with hand-drawn marquee artwork and one-off CPO artwork, the machine was purchased by a Gottlieb executive after being out on test and stored in his basement for the past 30 years. The cabinet is a 9.5 out of 10.

Notice that Q*bert wasn't even in his final stage at this point. He still looks roughly drawn and more similar to concept drawings. He even looks different on the CPO artwork. Also, the Gottlieb trademark is above the "How To Play" instructions on the left side of the CPO. On production games it's within the instructions.

The prototype cabinet has stencil painted side art. I assume they hadn't decided on side art yet. There are no graphics on the monitor bezel. Just black paint on glass.

Lastly, I noticed the Gottlieb trademark on the attract screen itself. I'm pretty sure this is different than production versions but I have to confirm that.

Dig it!

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Holy crap!! Congratulations!!! That is seriously amazing, and it looks immaculate!!! Don't ever do anything to that machine. It is absolutely beautiful. I can't believe you have this, I really want to know what you paid for it, but don't feel obligated to tell me.

....now if only I could find DK SN 1.
 
THIS is a true museum piece. Congratulations! Many Q*Bert fans will be eagerly awaiting a thorough break-down of this thing.

Does it have a knocker?
 
HOLY SHIT!! (pardon my French)

Is there any difference in gameplay? I heard the very original prototype actually had it so Qbert could shoot balls out of his nose! Although I think that version was called "Snots and Boogers" and probably never got further than being on a board or two without cabs.

BTW, scan the marquee so we can repro it! :D
 
The game works perfectly, even after the long journey! There is no knocker firing so I'm not sure if it even has one. Unfortunately, I have to drill out the locks tomorrow and see what's up inside. Details to follow!
 
The game works perfectly, even after the long journey! There is no knocker firing so I'm not sure if it even has one. Unfortunately, I have to drill out the locks tomorrow and see what's up inside. Details to follow!

Suggestion: because it's a one-of-a-kind machine, you might want to be patient and get a lock pick kit instead of drilling.
 
Gameplay through level 1 seems to be the same. I haven't really had time to get into it too much. I will take it to level 9(the highest) tomorrow and see if there is anything different.

Can someone with a Q*bert tell me if the Gottlieb trademark shows up on their machine while it's in the attract mode while it's showing the pyramid? I'm pretty sure standard Q*bert's don't have that. In MAME it doesn't. In fact, this machine shows the Gottlieb trademark through the entire attract mode. Pics below:

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Damn! I was looking into buying that. I was wondering who got it. Nice score! The price was right, too.

Dude. How did you not jump on it?

I'm not one of those people that doesn't like to reveal price but this will make you guys sick..............

$450.
 
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