The Mystery Man Revealed – Bill Cravens 1942 – 2007

 

How we could do with someone so inspirational now, some to push the arcade back to the forefront of the gaming world, I’ll be honest and say I don’t know much of this man but it’s a sad day to lose someone like this.

[via Barcade]

Date: 3-30-07 By: Ryan Cravens

In the arcade industry, the names that are famous amongst the players are Jarvis, Suzuki, Okamoto and more. Very rarely do you hear the names of the people that sell the games and get them out to the bars and arcades. There was one person that did rise above the many salespeople and earn a cult status of sorts, and that was Bill Cravens. In the original Street Fighter by Capcom, he was painted on a wall in the background while his name was under the picture in graffiti. This lead many to ask, “Who is Bill Cravens?”     He was much more than an oddity in a video game. He sold one of the first Pong machines, helped introduce the kit to arcades and marketed and sold such games as Mr. Do, Super Punch Out, Final Fight, Street Fighter and Golden Tee 3D. He is an icon of the industry that helped bring the industry back after the arcade crash of the early 80’s and the slump in the 90’s.     Bill Cravens passed away in his sleep on March 29th, 2007 and I already miss the man that helped foster my love for video games and life.     Thank you, Dad.

[Thanks Shaggy]

New MK Movie In The Works

The original MK movie has to be one of my all time favourite cheesy films, so I was pleased to find out there’s another one in the works. As long as it still has the same music I’m happy. Also the film could do with a bit more violence, I always kind of felt they censored it a bit in comparison to the games. Read on…..

Just like the long-gestating “X-Files” sequel, the third “Mortal Kombat” movie has been swimming in the Development Hell Channel for quite a few years now. Apparently, and again like the former, it’s delay can mainly be attributed to legal issues.

Insider ‘Rayden’ gave us a quick run-down on what the deal is with it- whilst confirming that the film won’t actually be a prequel or a sequel but more of a restart.

“The movie is not going to be a prequel, sequel, or in any form be related to the previous 2 movie. Pretty much like Batman Begins, is going to restart the series with new concepts, stories,etc.

“Threshold had to wait till around early 2000 for the contract with New Line Cinema to end (Threshold blames New Line for the disappointing Annihilation, talking about forced release dates, limited budget, no understanding of anything, etc.)

“The reason it is taking so long is the script, so many parts are involved. The team at Threshold (the ones that holds the right to MK) are constantly writing drafts (along with the director), which they have to send to Midway (makers of the game) so the creator of the game (Ed Boon) adds notes and some input to the draft, then to the studio (rumored to be Lionsgate at this moment).”

The director of the film, Mink, has also been fielding fans questions on the IMDB Boards, we’re told;

[read on at Moviehole.net]

[via GayGamer]

Uemura – Sega's Hidden Game Design Power?

I have always found the whole Love and Berry play the game, wear the clothes thing a little creepy. However I cant help admire anybody that creates such a phenomenon, so I found this profile quite interesting. Read on……

 Over at the Daily Yomiuri, there’s a cute little profile of Sega game designer Hiroshi Uemura, who, of course, “…gave birth to two mega-hit children’s card-based video games, “Mushiking: The King of Beetles” for boys, and “Love and Berry Dress up and Dance!” for girls.”

When I was last in Tokyo last September, these CCG-based arcade machines were _everywhere_, and there was even Love & Berry dress-upfor little girls at Sega’s Joypolis – and the numbers on just the arcade versions alone bear this out: “”Mushiking” has sold 420 million cards since January 2003. “Love and Berry,” which substitutes fashion competitions for bug battles, has sold 240 million cards since October 2004.”

There’s some cute commentary on how the game was designed, too: “Uemura says the goal in designing the games was to let children and parents enjoy playing together. It was a concept adapted from past mistakes. Before “Mushiking,” a cutting-edge attraction designed by the team frightened an elderly person and grandchild at a theme park. “Mushiking” was born out of reflection on that failure. Uemura said the game allows adults to use their intuition to help children with the games. “For example, when playing “Love and Berry,” parents can advise children by saying, “You don’t wear jeans at dance parties,’ and by doing so, parents can enjoy communicating with children.”” Yeah, no jeans!

[via GameSetWatch]

Uemura – Sega’s Hidden Game Design Power?

I have always found the whole Love and Berry play the game, wear the clothes thing a little creepy. However I cant help admire anybody that creates such a phenomenon, so I found this profile quite interesting. Read on……

 Over at the Daily Yomiuri, there’s a cute little profile of Sega game designer Hiroshi Uemura, who, of course, “…gave birth to two mega-hit children’s card-based video games, “Mushiking: The King of Beetles” for boys, and “Love and Berry Dress up and Dance!” for girls.”

When I was last in Tokyo last September, these CCG-based arcade machines were _everywhere_, and there was even Love & Berry dress-upfor little girls at Sega’s Joypolis – and the numbers on just the arcade versions alone bear this out: “”Mushiking” has sold 420 million cards since January 2003. “Love and Berry,” which substitutes fashion competitions for bug battles, has sold 240 million cards since October 2004.”

There’s some cute commentary on how the game was designed, too: “Uemura says the goal in designing the games was to let children and parents enjoy playing together. It was a concept adapted from past mistakes. Before “Mushiking,” a cutting-edge attraction designed by the team frightened an elderly person and grandchild at a theme park. “Mushiking” was born out of reflection on that failure. Uemura said the game allows adults to use their intuition to help children with the games. “For example, when playing “Love and Berry,” parents can advise children by saying, “You don’t wear jeans at dance parties,’ and by doing so, parents can enjoy communicating with children.”” Yeah, no jeans!

[via GameSetWatch]

Arcade Heroes Forum

Just a reminder to all you arcade lovers out there that Arcade Heroes has a Forum. So head over there now and sign up, we have some regular posters over there already. It’s a great place to talk games, suggest ideas for the site and give me tips on arcade stories and news. Let’s keep this site going because there’s not many of us out there to protect the arcade from the big console bullies! Hit the Arcade Heroes Forum banner above to check it out and enjoy.

ebay listing of the week…..

Starting Price: £0.99p!

End Time: 07-Apr-07 12:51:25 BST

This game is generally not recognised as an outstanding game, however this has to be one of my all time most played games. Mainly because my local bowling alley and Pool hall both had it. It got to the point where me and my friends played it so much we were able to complete the game TWICE with one credit each. Even if the game was set on easy, which it must of been, it’s still quite an impressive achievement. Not that I like to blow my own trumpet or anything. Anyway back to the auction, description follows;

Don’t miss the opportunity to have some fun with this amazing arcade video game!You can attack, kill and destroy aliens all in the comfort of your own home! Using optical guns you must complete all the missions! Hours and Hours of fun!!!Only selling due to lack of space!The machine is used and does have some scratches and damage, however it is not major and I can email you over pictures if you are interested in bidding!

[Area 51 Auction]

Game of the Week….

Nintendo’s arcade version of their Super Nintendo home game system. Players insert credits to buy time which allows them to pick and choose from a list of available games to play. This system allowed players to try out new games before buying them. I can’t say I ever saw one of these myself, maybe it was US only, but I’d love to have (onfree play of course). I should imagine that ones of these don’t come cheap. It shows how popular Nintendo was back then that they could charge people, and get away with it, to play console games, where as now you have console pods in most shops that are free to play

The only games ever made for this system were Pushover, Lethal Weapon, Robocop 3, The Addams Family, Act Raiser, NCAA Basketball, Super Soccer, Skins Golf, Super Tennis, Super Mario World, and F-Zero, Contra 3: Alien Attack, and Ultimate Tennis.

[Thanks KLOV & MetaFox]