Game Center Saru series #10: Groove Coaster cab inspection and gameplay/mechanics breakdown

Описание: As of this video's release, Groove Coaster is unfortunately a sunsetting game. Due to hardware limitations and complications with upgrading them all, they've decided to end the arcade version of the game. The short rundown is, they are out of hard drive space. The way the hardware security is, it's not easy to just send out a replacement, and isn't really worth it, as the hardware is old/prone to burning out, so a replacement would end up just being better put on a newer platform. That is costly, and with monitors failing too, Groove Coasters are currently better thrown away than fixed. Finally, some of the more complicated charts from the Switch version have animations purportedly more than what the Type X Zero can handle. All of that combines with the decline in regular arcade games like this, to make ending support a better option. The game will be online for as long as they support games, but there will be no new content. The Switch version will still be supported, though! Eventually I plan to build an adapter to play that on cab.

Enough about that! The game itself. It is relatively simple enough; 2 boosters with a button and an 8-way essentially joystick. The charts are linear and single lane, which is simple enough to be very approachable for casual play, and lends enough space for a high difficulty, as demonstrated by our guest exhibitor. Visually, it's gorgeous as well, and while this cabinet has a brand-new monitor and I can't demonstrate it, even though most of these get horrible yellowing, the way the game animates, yellowing is virtually indistinguishable for all gameplay, only being noticeable on solid color screens. The game is a visual pleasure, and quite a lot of fun to play! Unique aspects like the AD-LIB notes are really interesting as well; it works for Groove Coaster, and isn't something you'd see in other games. The Groove Stage and Groove Partitions really complete the aesthetic and give the game that last bit of flair as well! The shaker in the stage in particular is pretty influential. Definitely give the game a play with one if you ever have the chance!

I still consider Groove Coaster one of the staple rhythm games of our era, even if the arcade version won't continue. It overall stands out in many ways, and anyone can enjoy it!