What’s it all about?
We’d like to go over a few things based on cocktail table arcade machines and help explain the differences between the various models.
Cocktail table arcade machines refer to units that were low lying and rectangular in shape. Their design by nature looked just like a tabletop or coffee table so were a perfect height for users to place drinks on, hence the term ‘Cocktail Arcade Machine’ or ‘Table Arcade Machine’.
Arguably one of the best features of cocktail table arcade machines was the use of 2 opposing joysticks. Games at this age weren’t as advanced yet so simultaneous play was uncommon. The game was programmed to flip it’s screen 180 degrees depending on whose turn it was. This created fun interaction between 2 players as you could watch each other go through the stages.
These machines were extremely popular in the late 70’s and early 80’s and is now known as the ‘Golden Age of Video Arcade Games’
Original Asteroids Cocktail cabinet & Ms. Pac-Man Cocktail cabinet
Cocktail Table Arcade Machines Today
With today’s technology we’re able to provide the original look and feel of the classic games but offer so much more. When purchasing an arcade machine it’s important to think about the space this machine will take up in your house. The way we see it, if you’re going to be investing the ‘real estate’ then why not have a machine that can do so much more. An example of one such machine is our Cocktail Classic which is a replica of an original Pac-Man cabinet but features 60 games! All of your faves right there on one machine, to play as you choose.
My Games Room Cocktail Classic Arcade Machine
A New Direction
During the mid 80’s there were many advances in video gaming technology and one fine example was simultaneous game play. Prior to this games were strictly solo play, or turn based for 2 players. Upright cabinets had the ability to position 2 joysticks side by side, with both players watching on the same screen. The same game released in a traditional cocktail cabinet would mean one player would be watching the screen upside down. Upside down gaming, we can assure you, is no easy feat. This marked the end of an era with cocktail cabinets becoming less popular than their upright counterpart. Until now…
So here we are, in the new millennium. We love the retro look and feel of tabletop gaming but we want options. Options like simultaneous play, and choice of games. The Cocktail Mark II (MKII) is here to solve the problem. By re-positioning the 2 controls so that they’re next to each other rather than opposite each other we’re able to convert an upright cabinet into a tabletop one. Still with over 1000 games you’ll be able to play all the games, with no limitations.
My Games Room Cocktail Mark II (MKII)
It’s Just not the Same!
Here at My Games Room we’re all about ‘keeping it real‘. There’s just something about sitting opposite your mate playing classic games. In our opinion, the actual game itself is just half the fun. The experience and nostalgia makes up the other half. We knew that by re-positioning the controls it would take a little bit away from the original look and feel. Yet again, there was a problem… and yet again, we found the solution…
The Cocktail Pro brings the best of both worlds to tabletop gaming. It features opposing controls just like the original, as well as the side by side controls of the MKII. The machine can recognise which games are to be played on which side so you’re not missing out on the gaming aspect and you’re not missing out on the retro feel.
Where to from here?
We hope you were able to gain a better understanding of the whole cocktail table top arcade world. We’ve got a few different designs of machines and there’s a reason for each of them. We hope that with this understanding you’ll have a better idea on which machine would be suitable for your household.
For us though, it never ends and when we finish one project we open another. So where to from here? Well check out our new Ultra Edition Arcade Machine Platform to see where we’ve taken it!