The more I collect the more I get interested in more specific areas or maybe a collect a series or type of game. I was curious to hear what other people collect in a systematic way as in putting together a series or set of games.
For instance maybe collecting all the games in the Donkey Kong series.
Maybe collecting all the games that came in a certain cabinet style or from a specific manufacturer like Williams games that all look awesome in a row.
Its a different kind of collecting than just acquiring whatever games show up on Craigslist, and theres a real thrill and sense of achievement when you add to or complete a set.
I would love to hear what other people are working on putting together or have collected.
I have had several "get all the same type" yearnings in the past.
My first "full series" quest was to get all the parts/pieces (marquee, control panels, manuals, PCBs) for Atari System I games. I did complete this, but found myself never changing out from Marble Madness (although Indy Jones is a very good game).
Getting the Atari System 1 games was fun, so then I decided (and was close to obsessed) to finding all the parts for the Bally/Midway "Six Pack" series (Up 'N Down, Mr. Viking, Flicky, S.W.A.T., Water Match, Bull Fight). At the time, there were no known examples of Water Match, not even a boardset (and it wasn't in MAME). Some non-collector guy just happened to search the internet and found where MAME was looking for that boardset. He happened to have the game as a hand-me-down from his operator dad. I ended up landing that game. I didn't care for it. Then I tried the other games in series and didn't care for them either. So I gave that up and was happy I did.
Of course, I tried for all 13 production Atari vectors. I got 12 (never had an Empire Strikes back, not even a boardset).
I don't like the cabinets, but I did try for all the parts for the 5 Sega vectors. I got all the parts for 4 of them, but never got anything for Zektor besides the manual and marquee.
I happen to have a Williams Blaster in duramold, dedicated wood cabinet and conversion cabinet (this one since sold). Now to just find the cockpit.
I tried to get the Williams duramolds (Blaster, Bubbles, and ??? Robotron? Sinistar?). I got Blaster. Had a line on a Bubbles dura a couple of times, but fell through and since gave up on this one.
I was after the Williams classic boardset series of whole games (Defender, Stargate, Bubbles, Joust, Robotron, Splat). I'm close, but I am facing the music that I'll never find the Splat at a price I'd pay.
I half heartedly went after the series of cabinets for the Gottlieb classic style boardset (Q*bert, Mad Planets, Krull, Reactor and a few others), but didn't get far at all on this one and have long since given up.
I do have an interest in the Bally/Midway MCR I/II/III series, but it's more of a PCB & control panel & marquee type thing.
I came back to edit this post. I forgot an obvious (for me) one. I tried to get all versions of my all time favorite game, Missile Command. I got the upright and cockpit, but never got the cabaret or cocktail. And now, I can't say I'd want them either. I hate cocktails and Atari cabaret art work is boring (more like non-existent).
Wow, there are probably others if I thought more. Good interesting question. Upon review, I am one sick collecting individual. At least I didn't try for any of the laser disc series. That's crazy rare/expensive/maintenance nightmare!