Game Cabinets - A Newcomer's Guide

Game cabinets are basically cabinets that contain low-end computers and are sometimes painted and decorated to look like real retro arcade machines. The computer is hidden inside the cabinet, opening with a lock and key; if the PC needs to be taken out for some reason. Often a joystick or game pad is firmly attached to the cabinet as controls. But if those are not available, a keyboard or mouse may be used as substitution. A sort of cabinet frame is built around the monitor, which is set slightly deep in the cabinet at an upward angle, to resemble the authenticity of an arcade machine and for easy viewing as well.

The actual computer itself need not have impressive specs or hardware - only the basics will do. Any second-hand computer, or an old one that's lying around will work. All such a 'cabinet computer' needs is:

1) A basic monitor that can fit in the cabinet. (a television can be used for better authenticity)

2) A simple, working keyboard and mouse.

3) Any old processor (even a 166 MHz Intel Centrino Processor would do)

4) A CD-ROM drive to install the operating system.

5) A USB port to transfer files in, or use the CD-ROM Drive.

6) A set of speakers to render the game sounds and music.

7) A 10 or 20 Gigabyte hard disk.

And that's it - no internet capabilities such as wireless bluetooth, a modem, or ethernet ADSL broadband are needed. After all, did arcades have internet access in those days? ;)

Now on such a computer, a low-end operating system with low system requirements will do, such as Microsoft Windows 98 or Windows Me, or a minimal distribution of Linux (such as Zenwalk). Microsoft no longer supports Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows Me, so you can either buy a used copy of Windows off eBay or any local computer shop. Old or unused copies of Windows 98/Me should cost around $30 to $50. However, if you want to cut down on expenses, you can download a free Linux distribution from the internet. A few examples of good, minimalistic Linux distributions are Zenwalk, SLAX, Zipslack, or Debian. Read up on them on websites like Distrowatch or Wikipedia to see which one best suits your needs, but Windows is still a safe bet.

Once the machine has been set up with an operating system, you should now load it up with Emulators and ROMS. Emulators are software programs that run ROMS (the arcade games). You need emulators as these games do not run natively on Linux or Windows just like double clicking an EXE file (an executable).

The best known emulator for all sorts of arcade games is known as MAME, which works for both Windows and Linux and ROMS for such games can be searched for on the internet. The ROM file sizes usually aren't all that big, taking up a few megabytes each. If you want to play laser disc games like Dragon's Lair, Dragon's Lair II, Space Ace, etc. you will have to use another emulator known as DAPHNE. Do note that the ROM game files for laser disc games take up a lot of memory, being anywhere from 200 megabytes to 1 gigabyte for each game, so you want to watch your hard disk space there.

When it comes to actually building the game cabinet, you will need plenty of large wood materials and carpentering tools, or you can order such custom parts from companies specialising in selling game cabinet parts, including wooden frames, special televisions, joystick controls and more. You can even buy a complete game cabinet frame plan from them, or order an empty cabinet pre-built, shipped and delivered to you. The second alternative seems to be a cheaper solution instead of buying new materials, but the choice is all yours.

Sites like GroovyGameGear and the BYOAC Wiki can help you out and give you more authentic information and details on how to build your dream game cabinet. So go out there and build your own arcade machine!

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Cabinets

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Where Can I Download Or Play Rummikub Online?

Admit it there's been a few games you've heard of at least once in your life, and the name alone made you wonder what in the world the game was about. Like Rummy, Kalooki, or the age old Kick The Can (no I wasn't born in the 50s, but I do have a mom). But even though these games sounded odd at first, they were actually a lot of fun and quite addicting. I'm sure you can think of a few more from your time as well. When I first heard about Rummikub I was very confused as to what it was, let alone how to say it. Apparently no one really knows how its supposed to be pronounced, everyone has a different pronunciation, who knows what's right! Here are a few examples of the way different people think its pronounced:

Rummy - Cube
Rummy - Cub
Rummy - Coob
Rumm-I-Cube
Roomy-Cube

Other people absolutely insist that the way you say it depends on your location in the world. So, I guess in this matter, it doesn't matter how you say it, as long as you're in the right country when you're saying it!

The point of Rummikub isn't the pronunciation, the point is that it's a game and it's a game you can play online when you need a break from every day life, which is always a nice thing huh?!?

"Rummikub is a tile-based game for two, three or four players. It won the 1980 Spiel des Jahres award (German Game of the Year) and the Spel van het Jaar award (the Dutch Game of the Year) in 1983. Also, known as Rummy-O or Rummycube."

It sort of reminds me of Mahjong, Sudoku, and Rummy all mixed together. Nonetheless, it's a fun game to play and I think everyone should give it a try! If you're like me, and you enjoy playing games online here are a few sites which you can download it and play it whenever you want to! I haven't had much success when it comes to finding sites where you can actually play this game, but I'll still list the ones you can go to for downloads as well as sites for other info!

Download Rummikub Online:
Dos Games Online
Download That
Brother Soft
Game Album
Blue Chilies

Information about Rummikub:
Rummikub
Pagat
Board Game Geek

Another great information type site is Wikipedia. I go to Wiki for almost any information I need, and checking it out for Rummikub info is no different!

This author is a huge fan of Rummikub Online

AP - The Aspen that James Chester Blanning knew as a competitive skier, lumberjack and truck driver was nothing like the swank resort town it is today, and friends and family say it ate at him.

The Top 10 Most Underrated NES Games of All Time

Everybody knows all the classics that came from the NES console. You know your Marios, Zeldas, and Metroids. What about the great games to come out for the NES that nobody ever talks about. So here is my top 10 most underrated games of all time for the NES:

10) Hogan's Alley - Sure. Everybody remembers Duck Hunt as THE Zapper Game. But Hogan's Alley was no slouch either. Plus, it taught the kids a good lesson. Don't ever shoot at the cops.

9) Rygar - The arcade game might have had better graphics but you can't deny the NES version had a lot more depth. The only setback was no password or save capability. That sucker took a while to beat.

8) Robocop - Very 80s for sure. Partial credit goes to the movie, but the game has some entertaining brainless fun.

7) Hudson's Adventure Island - It may not be in the same league as Super Mario Bros. when it comes to platforming, but the video game had an irresistible charm.

6) Ice Hockey - Certainly primitive by today's standards, especially considering the generic name of it. But the game had such a childlike simplicity (I mean that in a good way) that you couldn't put the controller down.

5) Golgo 13 - The game is a bit of an acquired taste, which is why I personally loved it. I always admire when game developers take chances. Here is an 8-bit video game that involved the KGB, Russia, sex, etc... Talk about an eye opener when you're only 10 years old.

4) Life Force - Its beyond me why this game didn't get more publicity or have a bigger following. Stunning graphics for its day, this space shooter took pieces from games like Gradius and R-type and created its own unique gaming experience.

3) Maniac Mansion - This game always got more respect for the PC version, but the NES version was possibly even better. I believe it was the first video game I ever played that made me laugh out loud.

2) Crystalis - Only takes a backseat to The Legend of Zelda as far as action-RPG games are concerned.

1) Zelda II: Adventure of Link - I know what you're saying. "How could a Zelda game be considered underrated". Because to many people, this was the low point in the series. Sure, the game takes a little while to warm up to but once you get going, I think it holds up to any Zelda game to ever come out.

Jon Ferraro is the owner and operator of NESNintendogames.com For more details about Nes video games make sure to visit his website.

AP - President-elect Barack Obama will meet with congressional leaders to discuss his economic stimulus plan and other legislative issues soon after his arrival in Washington in the coming days.

How to Find Unique PSP Themes

Feeling bored with your old PSP themes? Sick of the same old sites that are offering the same PSP themes? If you are going to an official Playstation site, you are likely to find any fresh unique themes. There are places which offer unique PSP themes made by PSP gamers.

Places such as Groups and Forums are the best place to find unique themes because almost everyday people are making and sharing their own PSP themes. To join Groups or Forums, it's free and you can search for it on Google.

One of the ways to have a unique theme is to create your own PSP themes. Yes, it may seem complicated. But recently, there are releases of PSP custom theme freeware that you can download on the internet. The freeware is to easy to use even your grandmother can do it. The only thing is, if you're sharing your PSP themes, make sure the pictures are yours and not copyrights. You don't want to get any trouble just for a PSP theme.

Usually you'll see normal theme layout which changes the icon and wallpaper, but do you know that you can change the whole layout of the theme? Even the boot scene of the PSP can be changed. It is the coolest customization from what I've seen so far. There are more high end themes which some people are selling for their unique themes. It's not that easy to change the whole layout, but with the help of developers, I'm sure anyone can do it.

Find out things that you didn't know about what you can do with the PSP and how you can fully utilize it - PSP Utilize

AP - Falling snow and a high threat of avalanches prompted officials to close three main east-west mountain passes in Washington state on New Year's Day and at least two of the highways were expected to remain shut down into Friday.