I primarily collect 6-inch (1:12 scale) action figures, and when the opportunity presented itself to supply those action figures with in-scale classic arcade cabinets, you better believe I did not waste a second.
I LOVE classic video games, and I mean everything about them: from the straightforward game play to the design aesthetics and everything in between. I am a big fan of classic arcade cabinets as well because their giant clunky designs housed the games perfectly, and the pressboard exteriors were often works of art all on their own. I don’t own an actual arcade cabinet (yet), so if I cannot spend hours playing some classic video games, at least my toys can.
FREEing has teamed up with Namco to produce these 1:12 scale replicas of five classic games, and if I had to boil it down to one assertion to describe them, these are a hell of a lot of fun. The graphics and overall look of these are definitely cool, but the fact that I can have everyone from Bruce Lee to Obi-Wan Kenobi kick alien ass in Galaga is something I probably cannot live without. I am not sure how much I can say about these as actual products, save for a few things I will get to, but I cannot say enough about how fun these make my collection.
Joining the aforementioned Galaga is Rally-X, Tank Battalion, Galaxian, and, likely the most popular of set, Pac-Man. These have been modeled after the original cabinets, and while the plastic portions are identical in terms of sculpt and form, the various colors and graphic really make each one of these unique. Now, these are not functional in the fact that they do not play the actual games like some small arcade machines I have seen, but, instead, these go for accuracy to the cabinets themselves, and these do a good job doing so. All of the screens have mid-game graphics that capture the iconic feel of each of games. I really only have sentimental attachment to Pac-Man and Galaga, but all of these are colorful and interesting to look at, especially when Lupin III or Freddie Mercury is taking a turn.
Now, even though I find these to be a lot of fun, they are not perfect, and, really, it all starts with the price tag. I got these directly from Japan and they came to about $25 a pop, which, in my opinion, is about ten bucks too much. These are cool, but they are really just display pieces, and with no moving parts (I thought maybe the joysticks would move) or functionality, most of the fun comes from the interaction of you action figure collection. Also, most of the graphics are accomplished via decals, which was unexpected. I understand that this was likely a better method to get the tiny detail accomplished over paint or prints, but I had to smooth out some bubbles on a couple of these right out of the box. Also, YOU must apply the side cabinet decals and coin price stickers. I get that some might want to keep the sides solid colors, but I wanted the decals on there and it was REALLY stressful to get on there perfectly. Again, these points work together to make me wish these were a bit cheaper, but they already have my money.
Listen, if you like fun for your action figures, and you like classic video game arcades, I think it will be hard for you to pass these up. Despite some flaws, these are just too much fun, so if you can be okay with the price, you should go get at least one of them to try them out. BBTS has them up for pre-order now, so I expect they will be in stock soon. Now we need Good Smile to team up with other classic game publishers and get us some more of these babies. I mean, could you imagine Burger Time? Eep!
PAC-MAN
GALAGA
GALAXIAN
RALLY-X
TANK BATTALION
Hah, ya call them newfangled games classic? Come on, where’s Pong? Asteroids? Sea Wolf? Space Invaders?
It looks like you’re correct about these being modeled on the original Japanese cabinets. Still, I’d have to figure the U.S. versions are more iconic today and would likely sell better…But your point is valid about Japan being the intended market on these, hence this deco choice.
I, too, kinda want a little Galaga cabinet for my Marvel Legends to chill with but that $33 price tag easily quells that urge.
These appear to be based on the original Japanese machines, which did have different graphics than the U.S. versions, and used a more uniform all-white with color trim design. It makes sense, seeing as these are designed to be sold in Japan. Still, they really do seem overpriced for what they are… but I kiiiiinda want at least one for my Figuarts, haha.
love leonardo from the turtles playing one of these things and yoda also looking on waiting for his turn. hope they do another wave like burger time or donkey kong if they can get the license
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/209613e14064cb896bbd414101210000b6f6cfe77c66bb9d924a23510891d3bd.jpg
I only got the Pac-man one. The side-stickers were stressful. Like, actual sweat trying to get it lined up just right. Sweat! But it looks great. I ain’t afraid of no ghosts!
Thank you!
Hmmm, they don’t light up and they are the same price as the ones sold by bonsai master on ebay. I think I’ll stick to Bonsai Master.
I got them from amiami.com, but they look to be currently sold out of the Pac-Man piece. I did link BBTS in the article, PM is still up for preorder there. The cost is more, but he saving in shipping will likely balance it all out since it is not coming directly from Japan.
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/menu.aspx?menu=741&company=480
Wonder why they went with Galaxian instead of Galaga.
The Bruce Lee/Freddie Mercury interaction is priceless!!
So much wasted potential on these…Besides the base cabinet colors being wrong, the artwork isn’t even authentic (at least with the Galaga cabinet and I suspect with the others, as well). A quick Google search will show what original Galaga cabinets and controls looked like, and it’s NOT this.
Heck, even Hallmark issued awesome holiday keepsake ornaments several years back (2008 and 2009) that featured much closer to authentic likenesses and illuminated screens with actual gameplay sounds with the push of a button…And at a price point of a few bucks under $20. These scale on these was perfect for 3.75″ figures, too.
Excellent idea but extremely poor execution on these classic ’80s arcade cabinet replicas, especially for the $33 each that BBTS wars for these.
Hi, Veebee! Can you post a link where you got yours, please instead of BBTS (it’s the shipping and potential customs that make me look for other options)? I’d love to score one of those Pac-Man cabinets!
Cheers!
Peter