Arcade Cabinet n00b / questions before purchase

[Nintendork666]

Okay, so there's a SEGA Buck Rogers arcade cabinet at a pawn shop not too far from my house. From what I can tell, it seems to be in very nice condition (sorry no pics, I didn't have a camera handy) aside from the fact that it looks like that the image may have been slightly 'burned' into the screen (I've heard of this happening before but have never seen it until now). But other than that, everything appears to be in excellent shape.

I asked if the cabinet works, and got the response, "I'm pretty sure, yeah. We wouldn't have taken it if it didn't." from an employee unfamiliar w/ the item. I would've had him try and plug it in, but from where it was on display, it would've been a pretty big hassle and I'm not 100% I want it just yet.

That's where you guys come in; as I have a few questions.

They want $470 for it. Is this too much, or a good deal? Arcade cabinets seem to vary a lot in price. I'd haggle, but I plan to put this on their layaway service and make payments.

Is there anything I should look for when taking a closer look at the cabinet the next time I'm there? What about the 'burned' image in the monitor? Is that likely to present a problem? Is it easily fixable?

And last but certainly not least, this is a fun game, right? I haven't played it, but from the clips I've watched on youtube it definitely looks like a fun shmup. I know, I know.... a $470 blind buy - but it looks great, and it isn't every day I come across a local cabinet for sale - especially not one that is likely to be in full-working order.

So, Racketboy community: what say you?

[EllertMichael]

Boot it up in MAME and see if you like the game.

Judging by the CP I wouldn't get it because it doesn't look friendly to other JAMMA games. but if you like the game enough to keep around a dedicated cab then go for it. Personally I want to go the Neo Geo MVS route, it just seems the most logical...

[noiseredux]

seems kind of a lot man. I mean if it was like your favorite game ever, then that would be one thing. But most likely yo'ure going to need to repair the monitor, and you'll probably then want to swap out the innards for a game you want or for a MAME setup. Pretty pricey.

Why you don't just put a PS3 on layaway?

[CRTGAMER]

I played this game on the Atari 5200 and also in Mame. An okay shooter with dated scrolling worse then Space Harrier. I think you would get bored with it after playing for a day. Now if it were a sitdown Space Harrier Arcade, that would be a killer deal! Agree with EllertMichael, test out any Aracde game first in Mame to see if you like it and worth the investment. The cab is a little pricey for a Mame conversion, lacks all the extra buttons needed.

[fastbilly1]

Thats a bit high for that kind of cab. It is not that rare.

First off test to see if it work. Take an extension cord to the shop - heavy gauge. And go test it. If it does, and you like the game, then haggle with them. Typically I dont pay more than $300 for a standard upright cab.

Buck Rogers was released in 82, so it is pre Jamma (85), and as far as I know there is no conversion kit for that cab - aka you are stuck with Buck Rogers). On the flipside, if I remember correctly, it has a 19inch Wells Gardner monitor in it. SO you can still get parts, a replacement, or an LCD conversion.

[chupon]

Unless you are loaded with cash I wouldn't bother. That's a lot of money for a cab yoour not sure works and for a game you've never played. Think about what roughly $500 could go for instead.

I got my Neo Geo 6 slot in good shape, extra PCB board, and 18 MVS carts for under $500.

I know cabs might not spring up too often but I'd say hold off on this one.

[gradualmeltdown]

Way too expensive there is not way you should pay that. That machine if working and in great shape is really only worth $300 and only if you really like the actual game. I wouldn't spend a dime on a random game like that.

Arcade games are becoming overpriced as the distributors slowly but surely are selling them off to collectors. Just know there are way more machines out there than you'd ever know.

[bryan_65]

Look on Craigslist in your home state and try to find a jamma cab. You can add what ever buttons you like and then play MVS, CPS, Naomi and so on. Surly you can find a better jamma cab with no burn in, even if you have to drive a few hours you will thank you self.
You WILL get board being stuck to just one game.

[Nintendork666]

Thanks for the feedback guys!

I think you're right, as tempting as my very own cabinet may be, there are much wiser collecting purchases I could make with that kinda cash.