Cabaret style questions

[+RangerG]

I visited an arcade this weekend and as usual I searched for any classic machines. There were two classics that were in more modern cabinets, but then all alone I saw a true classic, a Ms. Pacman cabaret style. I didn't realize how short these machines are (with a smaller monitor), but it was great to play on (I used a stool they had in front of it, good idea!). I searched around and figured out that this style is the "cabaret" or "mini" style. How popular was this style and what games came out in this style? Also, most of the picture I found seem to show machines with just plain woodgrain on the outside and no side art - was this common and the how they came originally? Any information or interesting facts on these little machines would be great?

 

Thanks!

[jammajup]

I visited an arcade this weekend and as usual I searched for any classic machines. There were two classics that were in more modern cabinets, but then all alone I saw a true classic, a Ms. Pacman cabaret style. I didn't realize how short these machines are (with a smaller monitor), but it was great to play on (I used a stool they had in front of it, good idea!). I searched around and figured out that this style is the "cabaret" or "mini" style. How popular was this style and what games came out in this style? Also, most of the picture I found seem to show machines with just plain woodgrain on the outside and no side art - was this common and the how they came originally? Any information or interesting facts on these little machines would be great?

 

Thanks!

839705[/snapback]

 

 

Hi Ranger!

Several dedicated games could appear in a cabaret (3/4) cab and i have seen a few with jamma connectors inside which increases the games available to use inside of one.But i understand that they saved space because of the cabarets narrow dimensions which meant perhaps an arcade operator might be able to fit more games into his arcade,but i personaly do not recall ever seeing any arcades with many cabarets in (not here in the uk anyway.).

Like most things its really personal opinion,the general opinion i have found is that they are useful if you are a collector with a problem with space but on the whole Cabarets are considered tobe ugly! at least thats what i have found.

I do not mind and have a cabaret Vanguard of my own,inside it has a mains plug(uk) and a light socket which i thought was kinda qute!

U can see pics of it and its insides on my webpage:

cabpics including Vanguard cabaret with front open( on chain)

 

I did find a collectors site sometime ago and he collected just Cabarets if i find it again i will post the link

[Zonie]

I usually saw them in Bars and Nightclubs, pizza resturaunts, etc.

 

I like the cabaret machines. I Think my Wife would actually tolerate one in the living room. IIRC, they were mostly woodgrain on the sides. They were usually tucked in between cigarette machines and the payphone, so they weren't visible anyway.

[+RangerG]

Thanks for the replies. I really don't remember seeing cabarets in the arcades. I also see how they would be considered ugly in that they seem plainer and more generic without the side-art. I noticed that they tend to sell for less. There are some positives - less space needed and easier to cart around. Does anyone remember actually seeing these minis in arcades? I understand the more common near payphone/pizza joint location - that makes sense.

 

 

Jammajup - cool pics and do post any cabaret pic links, thanks.

Edited April 21, 2005 by RangerG

[frank_c]

i used to see the cabarets in convenience stores and hardly anywhere else.