The Fun Factor 05.07.07: An Arcade Revolution, Part 2
Posted by Cory Moore on 05.07.2007
While nostalgia is never a bad thing, the arcade needs new ideas to spice things up for old and new school gamers alike. Part 2 of ‘An Arcade Revolution’ focuses on just that.
Last time, I began telling you about my idea to bring back the arcades to masses. It seems like arcades go in cycles, disappearing for a few years and then bursting back onto the scene with exciting new ideas. With all the advances in technology, what better time for another reformation than the present?
But like all advances, you can't just live off nostalgia forever. While the ideas I presented in the last column may attract the old fanboys, you still have to introduce new ideas to make them come back plus snare new gamers who have been spoiled by today's console-driven gaming scene.
So here are some ideas to breathe new life into the arcades…
An Arcade Revolution
Part 2: The New Kids in Town
Since arcades have become an afterthought, there have been a lot of great games that have succeeded on consoles thanks to their unique style. Sometimes, this style has us thinking, "Man, that would've been an awesome arcade game…" So here are some franchises – albeit with some minor modifications – that could adapt the traditional (read: fun and fast-paced) coin-op style for a new generation…
Super Smash Brothers
Ever since the original N64 title came out, I always thought this is one of those games that should've…and could've…started out in the arcades. But alas, it debuted on the Nintendo 64, which wasn't a bad choice in itself. Still, think of the realm of possibilities in an arcade setting. The control scheme wouldn't be too difficult to adapt, either: have a button for a strike, another for a projectile, and another for your jump. Tap the former two buttons at the same time for a special move. Set up two side-by-side screens, involve 6 or 8 players, and you have crowds waiting to happen.
Rock Band
If you haven't heard already, Harmonix Music Systems – the studio behind Guitar Hero – is coming out with a full-scale band version of its popular franchise, now incorporating lead guitar, bass guitar, drums, and a microphone into one package. The console version is sure to be a blast, but think of the arcade possibilities. Instead of having mini-replicas, you could have full scale models of the instruments. It would take some skill to master it – especially if you had a buffoon willing to wreck the experience for the rest of the ‘band' – but it's a much less expensive alternative to starting your own music group. Plus, a lot less talent is required here.
NBA & NFL Street
Okay, so we've come a long way from the days of NBA Jam and NFL Blitz in the early-to-mid ‘90s. Today, EA is the king of the ‘arcade' sports experience, with two of the best arcade style games on the home systems. While they're flourishing on the home consoles, I still think there could be a lot of potential bringing the ‘Street-style' gameplay back to where it originated. Why not combine the frantic, 2-on-2, 3-button layout of Jam and Blitz and replace ‘on fire' with gamebreakers of the Street series? I think that would be awesome.
So those are a few newer franchises in the vein of the traditional arcade style. But the revolution needs even more than that. To attract new players, you need revolutionary ideas that new gamers are familiar with, yet could wow them at the same time. Some of these ideas are really out there, but I think they'd be great ways of reviving the unpredictability and interactive environment of the arcade…
Nintendo / Sega Kart Racing
Kart racers never got their due in the arcades. The reason for it is that Nintendo – the leader of the genre – has always been more focused on its console wars with Sega, Sony and Microsoft than anything else. That's understandable. I've heard Mario Kart Arcade GP is great fun, but it wasn't released in quantities that could have made an impact. So go back to the drawing board and expand it. Since Sega is all buddy-buddy with Nintendo now, include Sonic and friends in the excitement. And instead of a 2-player head-to-head game, include online multiplayer functionality, with the ability to hook up in simultaneous matches with different arcades around the community. Then, when the race is done, record the highest scores on every cabinet in the area. I could see serious rivalries being developed from an idea like this. Is it different? Yes. Is it impossible? Hardly.
Wrestling
Sure, the WWF had arcade games back in the day, but nothing to the caliber that I'm talking about. Remember Royal Rumble, which also came out for Dreamcast a few years back? My concept is a lot like that. Incorporate a 4-player arcade board and then hook it up with online play similar to the kart racing game above. Depending on which mode you decide on, you could jump into a 30-man rumble, 8-man tag elimination match, and so many other possibilities. I think it could be a huge success, especially if they licensed older superstars so fans over the years could get their own nostalgia kick. I'd love to lay the smack down on 20 or more jabronis at the same time playing as The Rock.
American Idol-esque singing competition
Okay, okay, laugh all you want. I admit, I've caught myself watching American Idol, but only when there's hot girls on it. And trust me, there are some fine women on that show if you catch it at the right time. Everybody says they hate the show, but deep down, it is the ultimate guilty pleasure. So here's what I propose. Set up a giant stage in the arcade that resembles Idol's set, plus a micro monitor for song lyrics (ala Karaoke Revolution). Then, set up three judge positions off to the side and have three players who don't want to embarrass themselves judge the brave soul. Have the three ‘judges' input scores and – once again – hook it up online to keep records of high scores via community leaderboards. Then, hold a "best of the best" competition to determine who the champion of the community is. American Idol is a glorified talent show, so why not treat it like one? An arcade environment would be the perfect place, and it would ensure girls, parents, and even young kids get in on the historically testosterone-driven gaming centers. It's unique, it's crazy, but it could even be a stepping stone for some lowly performer to get noticed. If executed properly, I think it could attract A LOT of people.
The 411
The suggestions above are just some of the great, innovative ways developers could reenergize the arcade scene for a new generation. None of these ideas would be impossible, nor would they be overly complicated, especially considering the vast amount of technology that could be incorporated now.
It doesn't take a whole lot to convince us gamers to buy into new concepts. Heck, turnover is what the video game industry is all about. At the same time, we love our nostalgia, just like everyone else. If you combine the best of both worlds, you have us hooked. So go ahead, developers, shock us. I'm daring ya.
