Restoring the classics…
Archive for May, 2008
Dig Dug Repair Log
May 9th
Inquiring minds often wonder how much work goes into a complete restoration of an arcade cabinet. I maintain a “log” on each machine I restore and keep track of the total spent on new parts and how many hours have gone into the restoration. Since the Dig Dug restoration is essentially complete, with the exception being a new back door, I’ll use it as an example:
Missile Command Flyers
May 9th
You know the drill by now, after acquiring a new game, I post the original marketing flyers here for your viewing pleasure. Up today, the original flyers for Missile Command. Click on each image for a larger view:
If you’re looking for more cool information, atarigames.com has a great collection of official Atari documents and memos available for download. To download the original three page Missile Command proposal document, click here. Wondering how much it cost to build each Missile Command upright? Click here for an official cost sheet.
All About Me
May 8th
By popular request, I finally developed an “About Me” page. Click on About in the menu above. Warning, this page is probably not safe for work as you might find yourself asleep at your desk before reaching the end. If sleeping on the job is allowed at your place of employment, have at it.
Nintendo Wii Pole Dancing
May 6th
Here’s a Nintendo Wii game that’s in development that I’m sure everyone will be lining up to purchase. To bad it’s still in development, it would be the perfect Mother’s Day gift…
A COMPANY that makes pole dancing equipment has announced plans to develop a videogame for Nintendo’s motion-sensitive Wii console.
“We are pleased to confirm that Peekaboo is in talks to develop a game for the Nintendo Wii that meets mainstream demand for the fun and fitness benefits of pole dancing,” the company said.Peekaboo is best-known for selling a range of pole-dancing products for use in the home – including the “Electra”, a pole inspired and endorsed by former Playboy model Carmen Electra.
The company denied rumours Electra would be involved in the videogame, which will be promoted as a fitness product in the same vein as the recently-launched Wii Fit.
“With pole dancing classes springing up in gyms and health clubs across Europe and the USA, the number of women seeking the body-sculpting and fat-burning effects of this aerobic form of exercise has never been greater,” Peekaboo said.
“Men and women of all shapes and sizes will be encouraged to work on improving their skills, with the firm focus on fun and fitness as per the core brand values of Nintendo Wii.”
The Wii is best known for its family-friendly, movement-based games including Wii Sports and Wii Fit, which lets players perform physical exercises on an electronic balance board.
The announcement of a pole-dancing game means Wii players may see another type of peripheral for the console – an electronic pole controller.
“Peekaboo and its partners are focussed on using Wii-friendly hardware to make aerobic pole dancing instantly accessible just as Guitar Hero did for rock’n’roll,” the company said.
A spokesman for Peekaboo told MTV’s Multiplayer blog that the company was also looking into a mobile phone version of the game.
Peekabo caused controversy in 2006 when its home pole-dancing kit was sold in the “Toys” section of UK retailer Tesco. The store responded by moving the product into the “Fitness” section.
Peekaboo’s pole dancing game is in a “developmental phase” and does not yet have a title or release date.
I’m not sure that my idea of fun and fitness would be a pole dancing video game. I think I’d rather jump on the mountain bike for a few miles.
Monday Morning Updates
May 5th
Well, it’s been a while since my last post, so I’ll try to bring you up to speed on some restoration progress. I spent a bit of time with Missile Command swapping out all of the EPROMS, the 6502 CPU and the pokey (a custom sound chip) and still get the same results after powering it on. There are two RAM chips that have quite a bit of corrosion, my guess is they are the culprit. Unfortunately, my soldering abilities aren’t good enough to solder in new RAM sockets so the board is being mailed out today for repair. The turn around is going to be around two weeks.
