Handheld devices are best for time wasting games. I.e. Casual games.

PC's/Consoles are best for more intense/indepth video games.

Arcade games allows the entire box to be devoted to one game, which means there is more "aptmosphere" for the game.

I'm creating an arcade cabinet, with a custom game for a local arcade, and looking for areas and ideas that can make a game more fitting in the arcade, or what features play best in an arcade, or just make it better here.

I know the games need to be fast to play. I.e. No long level loading, no long intros, get to the game play quick.

I know they games should be fast to end. I.e. Playing a 30-60 minute RTS, like Star Craft would take too long.

What else? What can I add to make a game better? what would make an arcade game worse?

- Thanks!

One recent cabinet style game that I have heard people jealously wishing they could play (since there isn't one near them) is that VR "you are a bird" game where your arms are on hinged panels and you flap them.

@SunAndShadow, I like that concept. I'm imagining moving your arms in different ways and flying/swooping through a canyon and various obstacles. I'm considering other potential VR ideas as well. If I were to do VR, do you think I should also have a screen for onlookers, or keep the game isolated so they have to try it to understand? if I don't have onlookers, I suppose it loses any social appeal.

"I've got to keep playing or else I lose OUR progress"

I really like that mentality. "Our progress". That brings up the social appeal quite well.

it's good if people can help each other out without getting in each other's way

Also a great point. Promoting team work. I just had ideas popping into my head to use the notion of their interference with each other. For instance, I'm imagining Mario and Luigi running through a level. Normally they would run by each other without interaction, but what if Mario Jumped on Luiji, and if they press jump again, it smushes luigi, Mario goes flying up higher than a normal jump, but they are tethered together then. As soon as mario lands on the higher platform, Luigi is quickly tugged behind, and lands next to mario in his original health. I'm liking this notion of interactions, but only positive. Of course there is the idea that if mare misses the platform, he could pull Luigi into the pit. So it would need mechanics/fun considerations.

@SunAndShadow, I like that concept. I'm imagining moving your arms in different ways and flying/swooping through a canyon and various obstacles. I'm considering other potential VR ideas as well. If I were to do VR, do you think I should also have a screen for onlookers, or keep the game isolated so they have to try it to understand? if I don't have onlookers, I suppose it loses any social appeal.

Yeah screen for onlookers, this is what motivates people to try the game, it's better than still screenshots or something.

I just thought of putting on a Kinnect, and getting a count of how many people are watching. The more people start showing up, the more it adds effects. if people start walking away, add some boost to sound effects to draw them back. I never really thought of crowd manipulation before.