What would YOU get?

[o2william]

Here's a question I asked eons ago on rec.games.video.classic that I thought made for some interesting discussion.

Say that your eccentric, but rich, uncle passes away. He liked you, and knew of your obsession for gaming. His last will and testament says that his estate will pay for you to obtain any ONE video game-related item, regardless of price, with the following qualifications:

1. You can't resell the item or use it for trade fodder or as an investment piece, etc. Your uncle wanted you to get something you'd enjoy for its own sake.
2. It must be one item, by a "reasonable" definition. So a shrinkwrapped Swordquest Waterworld qualifies, but the entire 2600 library shrinkwrapped does not. 1000 arcade machines isn't acceptable, but one MAME cabinet with 1000 ROMs on it is OK.
3. It has to be something currently known to exist. No wishing for unverified prototypes!
4. If it IS known to exist, assume you can get it. Even if it's a one-of-a-kind item the owner said he'd never part with, the estate has enough money to change his mind.

All you have to do is pick the item and the estate's lawyers will handle the acquisition, etc. So, what would you pick?

[digitalpress]

You gave my answer in your question!

A MAME-dedicated cabinet with all the existing ROMS. For me, no single game would ever do. But 2000 games? Yeah, OK. Plus the swanky arcade-style stick and monitor. That would keep me happy (though not satisfied) for life.

[retrogmr]

Actually, this will be a little off-base, but....

A 50's style diner with a checkerboard floor and those metal-flake red vinyl stools, and sufficient space in one corner for my arcade game collection. I've always wanted a cool place to hang out and play the stuff I have now. Getting something new would be one more thing I don't have shelf space for :P

That should count as one item!

[Atariguy]

Could it be custom built/modified? My idea: I heard that a special version of Virtual On: Oritorio Tangram was released in Japan that moved, rocked, etc. with the onscreen character. My idea would be to have one of those altered to look like the cockpit of a Virtualoid. It would practically be its own little room.

If that is too much, then I guess I'd settle for a Robotron 2084 machine (somehow a mame cabinet seems to cheepen it in my mind).

[scooterb23]

This may sound really cheap, but quite frankly, right now, if I could only get 1 item, it would be a brand new Colecovision. It's the one main piece of my collection I've always wanted, but have never found.

[Griking]

I'd have to say a mint condition Stargate Arcade machine.

God, I loved that game.

[pontifex_maximus]

A mint cocktail version of Burgertime would be fantastic. Anyone got one they want to donate to the church of burgertime. :D

[Achika]

Um, how about a Space Channel 5 Ulala cosplayer. But she has to be cute and have a good personality.

That or 6 Slot MVS cab.

[Double Ugly]

Probably Eyeful Home.

If he is going to die, now would be a good time. (http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Eyeful-Home-Sega-Saturn-Japanese-/310098277031?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Video_Games_Games&hash=item48334c32a7)

[alec006]

An original Pac-Man arcade,I've always wanted one,just don't have the money or room to get one.

[buzz_n64]

Super Mario 64 II (N64 DD) 1 level prototype confirmed to have been sitting at Miyamoto's desk at one point.

If not this, then Michael Jackson's Moonwalker (arcade)

[shawnbo42]

Tough to say. Being as in your qualifications you state it has to be something YOU will enjoy for the sake of the item, then it would depend on a. What is in your current collection, b. What are you really interested in acquiring for your collection, and c. What is the LEAST likely thing you'll ever find out in the wild, or on Feebay?? With the exception of one game (NTSC NES Stadium Events), my entire collection (systems, games and accessories) has all been found in the wild. Granted, it took a LONG time for some of it to come about, but it IS out there.
So, I guess what I'm getting at is to not get something just because it's rare. Grab something that has a special attachment for you, and you will appreciate it (and where it came from) that much more, rather than just looking at some thing on a shelf when guests are over and going, " Yeah, I got that when (relative) passed away as my inheritance. I never play it, just picked it up because it was rare." Just my take on it.

My personal? Medieval Madness Pinball. I would have no reason to leave the house anymore, other than to put the kid(s) on/off the school bus.

[buzz_n64]

An original Pac-Man arcade,I've always wanted one,just don't have the money or room to get one.

If I was you, I'd get the original Japanese cabinet that says Puck-man all over it! Win! :band: I'm a Puck-man! "I've got Puck man fever, driving the girls crazy..."

[mobiusclimber]

Either a Splatterhouse cabinet or an FM Towns Marty. Probably the cab, tho.

[Octopod]

Four player Hot Rod cab.

[CMA Death Adder]

A Super A'can development kit.

[portnoyd]

That or 6 Slot MVS cab.

And we got a 4 slot cab without anyone dying. Yay!

For me, a dedicated, 100% mint Juno First cab.

[Baloo]

An Environmental Discs of Tron cab.

[Malon_Forever]

N64 Millennium controller

[Enigmus]

The clear Ms. Pac Man cabinet they used for display purposes.