I remember playing the first Mechwarrior on PC – it was a game that was ahead of it’s time with excellent 3D graphics (as always, for the time), a detailed storyline and overall a technical complexity that gave the game it’s own unique depth. While I haven’t played Mechwarrior 4, I am familiar with other installments in the series so when I first learned that Mechwarrior 4 had made it’s way to the arcade I was a little bit surprised and while I still have not had a chance to play it, I knew that they would have to modify the game to play perfect for arcades. I think that mech games can work well in an arcade setting as long as the game is tailored to the “arcade” genre – I wouldn’t mind seeing more in fact. Anyways, I hadn’t seen Mechwarrior 4 in action until I came across a video of it on youtube today. I am familiar with the hardware – it’s running on a Tsumo motion cabinet without the acrylic bubble. I once considered getting a Tsumo cab for my arcade – until I learned the price tag to come along with it (between $18k-$21k w/ the bubble). I do have one local arcade that has a Tsumo cab but they do not have Mechwarrior on it which is too bad as I would enjoy MW much more than Beachhead. Video by youtube user souzamerica.
I remember the Tsunami version of Mech4 – but I worked with the guys at FASA who made the best version. Now only found in the hands of the hard core player/collector the ‘Teslar’ cabinet was a dream machine – http://www.virtualworld.com/
Yet another example of a LBE product that was killed off – and could live agin.
Huh, I had never heard of the Teslar cabinet before – how much do these go for, then and now? It looks cool, almost like those Gundam pods in Japan. This is something that definently could live again – there is no better mech experience than what an arcade can offer.
My one arcade had this before they shut down in the normal Tsumo motion cab. The game is fun but WAY too easy. I could get close to ten minutes out of one credit. The same goes for that SHMUP Air Strike, WAY too easy.
Sadly many arcades don’t have it because all of them stick to the newer upgrade units of it. I hate the Star Wars Episode 1 game and the other mech game they have isn’t that good as well.
VWE had over 20 LBE sites with the Teslar Battle Tech network cabs. It was a heavily themed experience and had thousands of fans. But due to mis-management and some other issues on hardware cost the chain collapsed – brought up by Dave & Busters and then by fans.
The whole LBE sector is ripe for a return – the VWE concept was very popular in Japan, and the Bandai PODS are a rip of the Teslar concept.
The dave and busters in Charlotte has this played it yesterday. I agree it is a bit to easy as I had the second highest score the first time I played…planning on going back to get the first today after I see if I can find the controls on the websomewhere…can’t seem to figure out how to fire missles in game for some reason.
I found the plane game mentioned here much more difficult but that was because I have no 3-d situational awareness shown by the fact I keep crashing when I play that game…
As for the cost of the cabinet just charge people 2 dollars per game (as my D@B) does and problem solved.
Good day
I come from Germany and have bought a Tsumo Mega Kit . The hardware does not work in the machine , but unfortunately the games . In Germany I have written many arcade machines museums , but I could no one could help me .
I would get it to work again this arcade very happy .
Now I wennde me hopeful to you . Maybe someone can help me further ? For example, where I could get the software and so on ? I would be very very very grateful for any help .
PS : forgive my bad english : -)
Many dear greetings from Germany