Stern Moonwar pickup

TOK

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Got this earlier in the week. I was a pretty major arcade rat in the 80's and never saw this game. I'm also having a hard time finding info on it. I think its similar to Super Cobra and Scramble, so I've been using that for reference.

It starts up to a 2f ROM error. Other than the fact that its not working, its pretty un-molested. Has a switcher in it, but original monitor, all the art is really nice and it even had the warranty card in the bottom. Check out the controller, its like a smaller version of the Major Havoc roller.

I played it in MAME just to get an idea what it was like. Sort of like a cross between Blasteroids, Sinistar and Time Pilot.

mwside.jpg

mwfront.jpg

mwcontrols.jpg
 
Ok, that is about the coolest controller I have ever seen! It does look a lot like the Major Havoc roller. Moon War definitely looks like it could be a fun game. Never heard of it until today, though.

Awesome score!
 
That is pretty cool looking. How's the game play with that roller? Take some more pics, preferrably under the cp...is that a wico roller?
 
That is pretty cool looking. How's the game play with that roller? Take some more pics, preferrably under the cp...is that a wico roller?

I did take some, wasn't sure how much interest there would be, so I only posted the main pics. The controller has a metal housing and markings on the board, but they are on the top and didn't think to look at the manufacturer while I had it open.

mwcpback1.jpg

mwcpback2.jpg


I remember at one time there was some confusion about Moonwar and Moonwar II.
This game is actually labeled as Moonwar II on the tags and ROMs even though its just called Moonwar. The first iteration of the game was apparently completely different and didn't make it past the prototype stage or something.
I did see screenshots of that version, so the ROMs are probably available.

mwidtag.jpg


I have only played the game in MAME with a standard spinner, the real board stops at the ROM error.
 
pretty cool. So far I've liked most stern games I've played. Most are pretty challenging. The roller is definitely interesting.
 
That roller is a monster. I don't think its wico. Pretty cool pickup, you should take some pics and submit them, the klov database could use some color.
 
Nice score!!!!! I picked up one a few months back at auction. I had board issues but have gotten that taken care of. It is presently in the shop getting a fresh paint job before I set it between Gaplus and Scramble in the arcade......Enjoy!!!!!!
 
Hey spacebaby, did you fix the board yourself or send it out to someone?
I was going to just try checking voltages and reseating ROMs, possibly going through the basics, but I'll send the board out if I get stuck.
 
The Flyers usually hit about $40-$50 on ebay.... Last 2 I saw anyway... I think I got mine for around $25 a few years ago.

Cool looking game, I always wanted to try one of those.
 
wow congrads i've never seen that before. It does look like a Scramble cab that might have been converted too Super cobra and then this?
 
wow congrads i've never seen that before. It does look like a Scramble cab that might have been converted too Super cobra and then this?

Not sure, but based on the various tags on the harnesses, I think it came from Stern just like it is, simply because I can't imagine an op doing a conversion then tying Moon War tags onto various bits of existing harness wiring.

Maybe I should send this in and tell them it has a ROM error. :D

mwwarrantyfront.jpg

mwwarrantyback.jpg
 
I remember when this came out way back when - our local arcade had one (and is the only one I ever saw (other games I saw in only one location ever include Magical Spot, Challenger, and Wacko)). I thought it was an interesting game but very hard to master the controls. I think that may have held it back a bit. I'll be curious in your experiences with this.
 
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