Defender 40th Anniversary Partycade Plus from Arcade1Up - Home Arcade Hardware Review

[@vodkatonic814]

Best review yet... thanks! Mine arrives tomorrow. $239 delivered! =) These horizontal games are the perfect addition to my full size coin operated Galaga cabinet with the iCade 60-in-1 board.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Thank you for the kind words, and for taking the time to watch and comment. I'm confident you'll enjoy it. Please stop back by and let me know!

[@ChantingInTheDark]

Defender might be my all time favorite classic arcade game. It sounded amazing and the simple graphics and variety of enemies made it truly different, especially when you saw the Space Invaders alien! Sinistar was genuinely terrifying when it came after you!

[@GenXGrownUp]

I HUNGER! 😃 Thanks for watching, Chanting.

[@MWC72]

I hope they have Stargate Defender II

[@Tuscarora21]

I Love this classic collection got it a couple months ago. Gorf and Wizard of Wor rules

[@GenXGrownUp]

You speak only truth! Thank you for watching.

[@adamchoi8136]

That’s nice that you’re opening up to Arcade1up again. I loved the Simpsons arcade machine recently purchased. I feel the homer button placement although not great, is still playable.

[@GenXGrownUp]

This time around was a much better experience, too.

[@Tim_York]

I’ll never forget walking into Funland at Panama City, Fla. At the time all machines were black and white. The visit before I was amazed by a pretty simple vector graphics driving machine. This time I rounded the corner and heard this new sound and to my astonishment DEFENDER, in glorious color! I was blown away. To this day, that was my awakening to modern video games. 🖖🏼

[@KTPurdy]

Thanks so much for the review. Defender is my most favorite game of all time. I played it so many hours that I am pretty good.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Glad you enjoyed it! I have a feeling I'd be jealous of your Defender skills. 😀

[@thecomedian6920]

Just received mine after buying it on eBay. Spent a fortune due to the fact that I live in Japan but after finding it almost by accident online I knew right away that I needed it.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Dare I ask how much of a premium you had to pay to get it to you in Japan? I mean, it's great, but it's not thousands great. 😁

[@thecomedian6920]

@@GenXGrownUp the unit I paid 300 for, the shipping was 225 via USPS. DHL and FedEx was quoting 600+.

[@GenXGrownUp]

@@thecomedian6920 I see. So you had to pay a little over double. I'm sorry about that. At least it should be enjoyable enough to help you forget what it cost! 😀

[@RetroDawn]

@@GenXGrownUp It was $225 for shipping and $300 for unit, so less than double.

[@rickhoes6326]

Nice that these new Partycades are getting some spotlight. Along with this stellar Defender cab, the other three - Galaga, Super Pac-man and Ms. Pac-man black - are equally phenomenal. They have the better games lists when compared to their stand-up cab counterparts. I purchased all four of them and honestly, they're the finest offerings from Arcade1up to come out of 2021.

[@GenXGrownUp]

I'm glad I suspended my A1U moratorium for this one. 😀

[@bryansteele832]

Is this the only way to play this game now? The arcade 1ups

[@agirlyman]

I always loved video games but it was Defender that got me hooked.

[@GenXGrownUp]

I'm guessing you were much better than I ever was. Always felt like a waste of my token because I was so bad at it, but I just couldn't stop myself. It always somehow felt like a "more mature" arcade game, if that makes any sense. Somehow more realistic? Anyhow, one of my favorites either way.

[@PeBoVision]

For me that was "Moon Patroi'. With the advent of 8-bit computers though, it became "Jumpman", "Lode Runner" & "Boulder Dash"...games that I still play at least once a week - now for over 40 years, AND on the same computer!

[@agirlyman]

@@GenXGrownUp I'm still horrible at it🤣🤣🤣

[@cxk7127]

Awesome!! I've never played Bubbles, but I did see it on an episode of Starcade.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Oh, yeah. I forgot about seeing it there. I guess I'm gonna have to figure it out now, huh? 😉

[@RetroFett]

I have this unit myself, mainly because it is the ONLY WAY to get legal/licensed GORF arcade ROM outside of the $3,000 Arcade Legends 3 multicade machine. I was pleasantly surprised how nice it is!

[@GenXGrownUp]

Me too, Chris. Thank you for watching.

[@weedmanwestvancouverbc9266]

Gorf is hard to find, especially though with a decent joystick. There is one on the internet archive, but sadly it lacks the speech synthesis the original has

[@grimtooth2336]

I'm 2 days away from getting my cab. I'm so excited to play #1 Sinistar, #2 Gorf, #3 Wizard of War, #4 Defender. In that order. Your video showed me more positive attributes than I expected ex.2nd player USB port, excellent screen qualities, all direction joystick. Thanks for your excellent video GenXGrownUp! Coming from another GenXNeverGrowUp 1player.

[@GenXGrownUp]

I'm almost certain you're going to enjoy it. Thanks for watching, Grimtooth.

[@Emceemur]

Another great review. I really love the lineup on this thing. They really went an extra mile or two on it. I’d actually consider this one for Gorf, Rampage, Gauntlet and Wizard of Wor. Great look at this!!

[@GenXGrownUp]

Thanks, Mur. I had a good idea that you would dig it! 😀

[@rickhoes6326]

Defender, Gorf, Sinistar, Bubbles and Klax are my go-to's on this Partycade. Love me some Wizard of Wor, but the right-sided player one joystick orientation of the original arcade cab is better retained on the stand-up Defender cab, which I also have, so I play it there. Love me some Rampage as well, which is why I will forever keep my dedicated Rampage arcade1up cab - only place to play 3 players in the original arcade control scheme!

[@rclutsam2112]

I use to play Defender in the local grocery store where I worked. Every break, lunch hour and then I would play in my off time. I turned the machine over three times. Once you get to a certain level, you start really building up your ships (lives), smart bombs, etc. - Good review!

[@GenXGrownUp]

Thanks for watching!

[@jeffr23817]

Got this bad boy in the mail last week.... MAN! I love this thing!!! So much fun!!!

[@mikecarter8880]

From where? Havent been able to find it.

[@jeffr23817]

@@mikecarter8880 I wanna say that I got it from Arcade1up, cause I kinda remember getting an e-mail notification from them when it shipped. But I just went to their website and couldn't find it anywhere.... I wonder if I got lucky and just happened to get one before they all sold out....

[@jeffr23817]

One year later and I STILL don't know how I was lucky enough to get this thing!!!! It's like I was fortunate enough to see this video, find it online and buy it, and then it just fricken disappeared.... Cause I cannot find it ANYWHERE now!!!!

[@andromedaone3640]

Looks good, i put plumbers mate in my ball top on my Galaga partycade and swapped it after a while for a batstick screw on and changed my buttons for Sanwar clone's These partycades are a really good idea if you don't want a full size machine, in the arcade's there have allways been all different shapes and sizes. The marquee are very good only one gripe, the control deck's are not deep enough, very uncomfortable on the wrist after a couple of minutes if not at the wright angel, you either have to put it on the wall or if you want it on a table it needs to be lower so your hands are facing down apart from that i think they are the best thing in a very long time.👍

[@GenXGrownUp]

If my glue ever gives way, Teflon tape was my backup plan. Good to know it's effective - thanks! I've not had any trouble with comfort and the depth of the control deck myself, but I also have it on an adjustable table where I can set the height right where I want it, so that likely helps. Thanks for watching!

[@geribaldi2]

Holy wow, the selection of games of this is terrific

[@GenXGrownUp]

I know, right? It would've been easier to resist if it were recycled stuff already on a dozen other units, but such a great line-up!

[@myk_artist]

I got the full size 40th anniversary cab, which will be a ton of fun and will suffice me for now with the new springs and ball tops I purchased for the Joysticks. Someday I'll buy this one too and limit the joystick to two way so it's pretty much exactly like the arcade.

[@GenXGrownUp]

I initially chose this one over the 3/4 scale specifically because of the control layout. The turning this into a dedicated two-way joystick defender would be a super easy and satisfying mod. Thanks for watching!

[@larrysmith5989]

I bought this a while back just for GORF!

[@GenXGrownUp]

Have you been GORF'ing it up ever since, then? 😀

[@larrysmith5989]

@@GenXGrownUp Yep! It was my go to game as a kid. Didnt have a lot of quarters back then. It was like playing 4 games on one quarter! 🙂

[@ButterSpider3]

I really really want one of these. Looks awesome. And I am terrible at Defender. Lol

[@GenXGrownUp]

This would fix that!

[@BenjaminGib]

Wow thank you for a super high production value video! I’ll be checking out your other Arcade 1up videos, and I definitely want a Defender Partycade! Also really want a Galaga Partycade.

[@GenXGrownUp]

I appreciate the kind words, Ben. The Defender is the best of the series I've seen so far, for sure. 😀

[@BenjaminGib]

@@GenXGrownUp oh good to know, Jon! And you’re welcome. I’m currently binging on your Atari playlist. 😍 BTW I was born in 1973 and love your channel.

[@GenXGrownUp]

I'm thankful that you found the channel and stoked that you're digging what I do, Ben. I'm a '69er myself. BTW, I don't know if you enjoy podcasts, but I'd like to invite you to sample our regular weekly audio pod where we focus on the GenX perspective. genxgrownup.com/pod 🎧😀

[@BenjaminGib]

@@GenXGrownUp cool I already did! 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@BenjaminGib]

@@GenXGrownUp and I also already watched your BTS on how you make the podcasts. 😁😁👍🏼👍🏼

[@Fungib1e]

The 80s Williams titles is my jam and I have ZERO space for this. Still hoping for a Robotron/Joust countercade.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Surely you've got an empty wall just begging for that sweet Defender to hang on it, don't you? 😉

[@TheRetroManRandySavage]

Love the game's on this. I went with the galaga one first, but I'll definitely be grabbing this too.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Too good to miss if you're ready for some more classic titles in your collection.

[@timmarshall2062]

use Teflon tape on the threads for your joy stick ball works perfect

[@GenXGrownUp]

That was my backup plan if the glue fails. Good to get verification that it's effective. Thanks.

[@TheOnlyOneStanding8079]

I love this game even though I had a hard time staying alive but I love rapid fire lasers games...

[@ToddTube1]

I just got this today, it's awesome

[@GenXGrownUp]

Very cool, Todd. Weeks later, and I still have no buyers' remorse! 🕹

[@DKOG73]

Great vid - Defender is a classic. The USB controller option is awesome!! The game collection is solid!! Will have to pick this up!!

[@GenXGrownUp]

Thanks for the visit!

[@bm63]

Built my arcade control panel to fit Defender / Stargate / Robotron. The only change is I flipped the reverse to use with my right thumb where the smart bomb is and that button is diagonally lower.

[@GenXGrownUp]

How have you found those skills affect you when you play a real Defender cabinet? Don't you keep having to think about where Reverse is located?

[@bm63]

@@GenXGrownUp tbh I always found it hard playing the control stick with reverse next to it. But I’ve not played a real defender for decades I was and still am no good at it! I’m better at Stargate. There are no arcades now anymore around shame as I miss my weekly trip 35+ years ago…

[@seany84uk]

It frustrates me why we have not got a new midway classic collection on steam or consoles!

[@GenXGrownUp]

It does seem about time for that.

[@cryptocoffee13]

Looks like a great offering by Arcade1Up. I have the Pac-Man wireless console from them and I love it. I think given the games on this Defender unit, they could've left off Joust only because that is a game that could be it's own Partycade and they could replace Joust with another game. I LOVE that Gorf is on this! That alone makes me want it.

[@GenXGrownUp]

It is nice. I liked having Joust here. I would've liked to have seen Stargate or Robotron here, but with only one stick, Robotron would be a non-starter.

[@danebeavin4294]

If you can find an asteroids partycade, that's a good one too. Good enough spinner for tempest

[@GenXGrownUp]

Noted, Dane. Thanks.

[@JRthepyroguy]

I have the ms.pacman 40th anniversary. So far so good. I got it from hsn for the same price as you did. Looking into getting this one next. Thanks for the video.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@JRthepyroguy]

@@GenXGrownUp yes I do. It plays very well. Thank you.

[@ThomasGrillo]

Enjoyed this video. I have this PartyCade. It really was well thought out, and nicely presented. I've thought about building a 3/4 scale Defender cabinet, and porting the controls, bezel, and marquee over to it. Pretty sure all I'd have to do is buy a couple of Defender 4th side panels, and the other parts to assemble the cabinet, and done. :)

[@GenXGrownUp]

Me, too. Thanks for watching, Thomas! 😀

[@timmarshall2062]

i got me one i love it my top score so far is 393,825 to me it feels like the old Defender or it is as close as you can get i give it a 9 from 1 to 10 the only real problem is the reverse button is about two inches where it should be but i still love it

[@GenXGrownUp]

400k?! You are crushing it, Tim!

[@nicknack1063]

Elmer's Glue??? 🤣🤣🤣 Teflon tape works good too... Great videos. I played Defender in the arcades. I turned it over. (Yeah...I'm old)... Finally a proper control layout. The A1up MK legacy cab has Defender in it for only $250 at Walmart. I didn't waste my $$$ because of the controls...

[@GenXGrownUp]

I thought about that. Teflon tape was my first choice, but not one I had on hand. I also had my eye on the MK Legacy, but helpful friends in our Discord server pointed out the non-Defender controls, so I also passed and chose this model.

[@weedmanwestvancouverbc9266]

As for the joystick knob coming off, a little bit of blue Loctite works really well

[@GenXGrownUp]

I know you're right and a couple other commenters mentioned Loctite. I just had Elmer's handy and it worked, though perhaps not the most elegant solution. 😉

[@weedmanwestvancouverbc9266]

@@GenXGrownUp Elmer's has water in it and you don't want it around switches. I remember our old arcade on her Mr Black use some to glue some trim on and it drip down into the circuits and as it skinned over it covered a few copper wires and they broke because of corrosion

[@jodyjohnson265]

I really love defender I bought midway origins on the Xbox one yesterday and I knew that defender and Stargate was on it but the changed Stargate to defender ll I guess the devs where trying to avoid copyright issues but I really like the mini arcade cabinet I never knew thay made those!

[@GenXGrownUp]

I'm slowly getting better at it thanks to this gadget, too! Thanks for watching, Jody.

[@videogamevegasYeOldeAccount]

GenXGrownUp, Yeah, I was wishing Arcade1up would put out a Defender Partycade. Before it was announced, Arcade1up brought out the Midway Legacy cab in a Defender Variant and I jumped on that one. The control scheme isn't accurate like the Defender Partycade for Defender, but I give props to Arcade1up for mapping the buttons so well that I could play Defender amazingly! I was doing as well as I did in the arcade, which is saying something! I at first was having a bit of buyers remorse when Arcade1up did finally bring out the Defender Partycade, but after playing Rootbeer Tapper with the two joystick configuration on the Midway Legacy, one for movement and one for the tap, I'm glad I got the Legacy over the Partycade. Yes, I would love to have the original button config for Defender, but I love Rootbeer Tapper as a game even more, and controlling it with two joysticks, I can't go back. I'm SO GLAD Arcade1up is now doing Partycades right! I recently purchased the Ms. Pac-Man Partycade with 10 games from QVC and IT'S AMAZING! Just like the one you have, a fantastic light up marquee with no bleed and everything plays as it should! I can fully recommend it and I think it would make up for the horrible Pac-Man Partycade experience you had. I hope you get to check it out :) Thanks for this great review! vgv

[@GenXGrownUp]

Appreciate you watching. I was also eyeballing the Legacy cabinet, but after talking it over with viewers on our Discord server, I realized I was much more interested in proper Defender control layout than anything else, plus it takes up way less space. I do envy your dual-joystick Tapper to simulate the tap, though. Very cool.

[@videogamevegasYeOldeAccount]

GenXGrownUp, Yes, I wish we had room for all :) vgv

[@philiple8890]

That’s awesome that you gave them a chance. Lol. I stayed away from the original Partycade because of your reviews on them. I bought the one that has 8 games that includes Dig Dug, Mappy, Galaga, Galaxian etc . . . Because they made improvements from the original one that had the poor audio on Galaga. But great video, I was never big on playing Defender cuz like you said, it’s a very difficult game, lol, but sounds like you at least had some fun back in the day with this game, awesome review. Keep up the good work.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Many thanks for watching, Philip. I've already improved some on Defender just in the week or so I've owned it. I don't expect to become a world champ, but just to have more fun with longer games.

[@JohnD_M1]

Bubbles is da bomb

[@GenXGrownUp]

I need to spend some more time with it. What should I be looking for?

[@rosstube]

What really sealed the deal on this Partycade was GORF! I cannot think of any other Arcade1Up product that has it.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Agreed. GORF wasn't the primary reason for my interest in this unit, but its inclusion definitely helped push me over the line!

[@grimtooth2336]

Sinistar, Wizard of War and GORF. Where else can you find these jewels all in one Cab?

[@sandal_thong8631]

Nice looking unit! I got to play the arcade versions as an Arcade Classics CD-ROM for Playstation. I discovered that after a certain level in Gauntlet, it goes to random levels with no end in sight. I was looking for the arcade controls of Defender and saw 5 buttons! No wonder it didn't play well on Atari 2600! They say the sequel, Stargate, uses a second joystick for several buttons, probably smart bomb and hyperspace, but not reverse and thrust, which the first joystick can handle.

[@sandal_thong8631]

Also, I beat level one of Sinistar (finally), but level two is impossibly hard and fast! I did love the games that could talk!

[@GenXGrownUp]

Oh, really? I'm sure I never had 2600 Stargate as a kid, but I own a copy now. I'll have to fire it up and explore the control scheme. Thanks for the tip! 🕹️🕹️

[@GearGuy]

From what I read on the Internet gauntlet has 119 levels… After that point it probably randomizes… But someone actually put out maps of all 119 levels… If you do a google search you’ll probably find it…

[@GearGuy]

Stargate actually plays really well on the Atari 2600 considering how old it is… Defender was an absolute mess graphically on the Atari 2600, but Stargate was implemented much much better… Of course no comparison to the actual arcade unit.

[@garogercade7850]

Great review! I waffled on purchasing this unit for a while but finally went for it. I love Joust, Gorf, and Wizard of Wor, but Defender was my game in the early Eighties. I can't wait to start playing again with the correct arcade control panel layout! Lots of good features on this unit. My only concern is the depth of the control panel. It looks a little short, like there might not be enough space to rest the heel of your hands on the panel.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Thanks for watching. I have heard others mention concern over control panel depth, but it's not something that has affected me at all. I hope it works great for you!

[@rickhoes6326]

Yeah it's not really an issue at all.

[@garogercade7850]

@@rickhoes6326 Thanks for the reply, but it does bother me. And the reverse button is NOT in the correct position, because the controls are cramped. I know. I'm anal. But I have a mod in the works!

[@garogercade7850]

@bloop Excellent idea! I'm working on doing that. It will also allow more authentic placement of the controls, specifically the Reverse button, so I won't continue to hit it unintentionally.

[@philipdefibaugh5683]

My girlfriend today bought me a Defender Partycade from QVC and we should get it before April Fools Day!

[@GenXGrownUp]

Awesome! I hope it's not a 4/1 prank on you!

[@philipdefibaugh5683]

@@GenXGrownUp I received it yesterday, it worked perfectly, except that the game is HUGE size wise. The Defender has two button layouts 1: Original and 2: easier to maneuver button layout. The game can be set to multiple lives, I was able to make it to level five using the easiest setting. I made it to the top of the "Hall of Fame". KLAX is my second favorite after Defender. KLAX is very addicting. Bubbles sucks due to the joystick is to the far left and I am right handed. Rampage isn't as fun in one player. GORF is a rip off of Galaxian and Space Invators. One of the games is an Atari game which makes me ask why it was included in a Midway unit. I have played this for hours and have not had any problems with the red joystick topper coming off. All in all a kick ass Partycade.

[@ecwnikos]

jon love that cbs special intro lol

[@ethanshellington9866]

Great review!

[@GenXGrownUp]

Thanks!

[@tedadamgreen]

Best Partycade Ever!

[@Phaota]

Wow, this unit has some great classic games other than the main title. Loved "Gauntlet" back in the day. That arcade game sucked down my quarters. Same for "Klaxx", which I have on my Atari Lynx Portable Game System and plays just like the original. "Joust" looks fantastic, but even better is my all-time favorite, "Rampage". That is the actual ROM. Nice to see "Sinistar" in there as well. Would love to see a My Arcade version of this unit. Put some Loctite on the joystick ball threads. Would love to see a My Arcade version of "SmashTV" and "Robotron".

[@GenXGrownUp]

Robotron actually belongs on here, but that would've required a second joystick which would've likely damaged the controller accuracy for Defender. The game selection made my decision to buy much easier! 💸

[@edwardruff7927]

Great review thanks!

[@GearGuy]

Finally got a Defender Partycade and it us AWESOME !!! The genuine Defender layout REALLY makes this the cat’s pajamas ! The game selection is great. Still want Stargate (and Robotron), but Joust really adds quite a bit. Kkax is a surprisingly in-depth gem of a game I never really delved into before. The USB second player co-op concept works really well for Joust, Klax, Wizard of Wor, Gauntlet and Rampage. Though with my USB controller I need to switch controllers to between the case and USB controller to add health credits in Gauntlet for player 2 (and then I switch back)… a little weird tgat I can just add them via the player 2 start button, but not a showstopper. The demo mode is really cool. One thing I can’t quite figure out is how to get six ships in Gorf with just one player… haven’t read the instructions yet so hopefully it mentioned in there…

[@GenXGrownUp]

Glad you're digging it! I didn't know about the 2nd-conttoller snafu, but it sounds like you found a decent workaround.

[@RetroDawn]

I'm not understanding "switch controllers to between the case and USB controller to add health credits". You can do a settings switch of P2 controller to the 'cade unit (which doesn't have P2 controls other than the P2 start button) and it has to be changed to that for the P2 start button to work? Is that just because you controller doesn't have a button that is mapped to that and other controllers do?

[@GearGuy]

@@RetroDawn it’s not a big deal and it’s probably just my external controller… But in order to add credits to the second player (only when I play gauntlet) I just need to go into the menu and switch the controls between player one and player two (so that player two is now using the arcade controls on the arcade itself)…. Then by tapping the credit button I’m adding credits to player two… So I just add a ton of credits to player 2, and after that I switch the controllers again via the menu so that player two is on the external controller again. Like I said it’s probably the fact that I’m using a certain type of secondary external controller (It’s actually one I borrowed from the PS2 classic). And you’re right it’s probably just because it doesn’t have a button map to adding credits for player 2… either way it’s really not a big deal because even when I have to switch, I just add tons and tons of credits all at once and then I never really have to worry about it again for that game session.

[@RetroDawn]

@@GearGuy Not too bad, then! Very cool that you can switch which player is on the cab and which is on the external (if I understood correctly). Surprised you need to do that, as I would have thought 1P/2P start buttons would add coins to the respective players.

[@shatner99]

GORF on Colecovision was great.

[@Larry]

Strange for a machine dedicated to Defender's 40th anniversary, there's no Stargate in the collection.

[@GenXGrownUp]

It's not Stargate's 40th anniversary. 😉 Just teasing. Yeah, that would've been nice to see on this release.

[@Larry]

@@GenXGrownUp Haha, yeah, I just don't see them having an opportunity to include it on a future midway collection. Unless they're planning a Robotron one or something.

[@Torq_theReal_Brutal_Deluxe]

Well, I know I'm late to the game ... and these aren't available anymore ... but this is one I DO want ...

[@GenXGrownUp]

Not long after I grabbed this one, they went MIA everywhere. I feel very lucky to have scored it!

[@shaynebraid]

Great review. Did find it odd that it was Midway and not Williams on the marquee. Play Bubbles once in a while, it will grow on you…

[@QunMang]

That is unfortunate about Gauntlet being only two players. I did notice though that Rampage still showed three possible players- can you plug in a USB hub and two controllers for three players?

[@GenXGrownUp]

If I can get my hands on a USB hub I'll give it a try.

[@jessragan6714]

Yeah, the CBS special intro is totally my bag.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Thanks. Please visit our sponsor, King of Nerds, on their KZbin channel.

[@thejakewillis]

@GenXGrownUp I saw that you plugged in a USB controller. Can you please recommend one that you like that works well on this Defender Partycade? Thanks!

[@GenXGrownUp]

Pretty much any generic Xbox 360 controller works great. I haven't used this particular one, but use one very much like it: amzn.to/3iAxxmf

[@paulweiss3818]

I would buy this in a heartbeat IF it had Stargate included as well. Once I started playing Stargate, Defender felt a bit empty.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Would have a logical inclusion for sure. 🕹️

[@josephmorello6673]

Hsn has it on sale for $199 free shipping plus a $10 coupon . $189 shipped. FYI

[@GenXGrownUp]

Nice. Save another $20. 💰

[@philipdefibaugh5683]

Some have bezel recreations coolness!!!!

[@GenXGrownUp]

Great stuff, right?

[@philipdefibaugh5683]

@@GenXGrownUp right!

[@maveh221]

Man i use to turn this game over with a million and play all day with a few quarters.

[@GenXGrownUp]

That's impressive.

[@caracticusthirdaisi2986]

Why was there never a co-branded version of Sinistar called Cinnastar where you gather Cream Cheese Icing fragments to build "bites" and little workers gather the ingredients to build Cinnastar which is basically a giant space Cinnabon and when it's fully made it says "YOU Hunger".

[@GenXGrownUp]

And with Tapper-meets-Budweiser/Mt. Dew, we know those sorts of deals were happening in the '80s. Missed opportunity! As a bonus, mist the player with some Cinnabon aroma anytime Cinnistar appears on-screen!

[@jessragan6714]

Wait wait, GORF is in here?! Seriously? I thought that would be trapped in licensing purgatory due to the stages pinched from Taito and Namco!

[@GenXGrownUp]

Yep, and all five stages are included!

[@literallyunderrated]

6:20 you said 4 games in 1. Is the Galaxians level there?

[@GenXGrownUp]

@@literallyunderrated I did, and it is. I was counting four levels plus the boss, which would be five if you count the boss as its own game. However you slice it, this is the arcade version and the Galaxian level is present.

[@literallyunderrated]

@@GenXGrownUp thanks, I’m even more tempted to buy this now

[@GenXGrownUp]

@@literallyunderrated Sorry, maybe? Or "you're welcome" in case you were looking for justification. 😉

[@martinhodge394]

"Don't shoot the food!" hahaha

[@GenXGrownUp]

Excellent advice! 😉

[@gothamcityarcade]

First time subscriber, great review....

[@GenXGrownUp]

Awesome, thank you for watching and for choosing to stick around. 😁

[@gothamcityarcade]

@@GenXGrownUp no plbm..

[@eloysantiagoperez9985]

Love that game!!!

[@mikahundin]

I'm confused by all the partycade versions by arcade1up. Is there a list somewhere of all the different ones including description of differences in monitor, controls, and games? Thanks!

[@GenXGrownUp]

You're not alone. Your best bet might be browsing the list of manuals on the support portal. arcade1up.freshdesk.com/support/home

[@mikahundin]

@@GenXGrownUp Thank you!! Unrelated question: I have a PS2 and PS3 gathering dust. Are there any KZbin or Reddit tutorials on modding any Arcade1Up cabinets to use the controls and monitor to play PS2 or PS3. I've seen some for Nintendo Switch and Raspberry Pi, but I think I would actually play my playstation again if it were in a standalone cabinet... (even the Nintendo Switch and Raspberry Pi Arcade1Up tutorials are not the great/confusing). Thanks!

[@tree_riot]

Saving up my money for their Tron. Take all my money...just take it!

[@GenXGrownUp]

I can pretty easily resist the 3/4 scale units, but maybe a Tron Partycade would get more of my money!

[@nrnoble]

Spot on comment about the controller layout as it relates to any retro arcade cabinet. Hardcore arcade players from the classic arcade era (70s-80s) know exactly what you are talking about. Try playing Tempest without a spinner, or play it with gawd-awful layout Legends Arcade cabinet where they reversed the Tempest controls. It makes me want to get into my car, drive to the Legend Arcade head office and personally present them with the top Razzie Award for not giving a Flying Frisbee about that game control layout. As far as I can tell, they got drunk and threw darts at a wall to determine where to place the game controls, or gave the layout design job to a summer intern that had never played a classic arcade in his life. Needless to say, controller layout is something I am hypersensitive about....lol (PS, these comments are the PG version of my thoughts, I could not post the NC17 version on YT without getting flagged) :)

[@GenXGrownUp]

Haha! (chuckling about the PG comment at the end) You get it, Neal. For some things, don't sweat the small stuff, but for other things, the little stuff matters.

[@nrnoble]

@@GenXGrownUp Take a look at the single player Atari Fight Stick (from Microcenter); it is the only "Fight Stick" model that includes both the spinner and trackball. To use the spinner, your hand rests on top of the trackball. What is up with that? lol

[@RetroDawn]

Does Sinistar have full 49 direction joystick support with that joystick? Or is it only 8-way? Is it analog emulating 49-way (which is fine)?

[@GenXGrownUp]

Good attention to detail, Jerry. It's not a full-range joystick so it lacks some of the more specific and granular control Just an 8-way with some interpolation.

[@GearGuy]

@@GenXGrownUp I have heard that if you hook up an external joystick that has an analog stick on it you can get something like 25 axis movement… I am not sure exactly which controller the person used that posted it.

[@RetroDawn]

@@GenXGrownUp Thanks! Aw, that's a shame! Sinistar is one of those games I love and was/am better than most at (a rarity!). That kinda sinks it for me. Good thing, as these are unobtanium now!

[@RetroDawn]

@@GearGuy That would be half the directions of the original. With an analog there's no reason not to support the full 49-way. Perhaps it does? Would be good to know. I highly recommend using an analog, then, as this game is hard enough with 49-way--I can't imagine playing with 8-way!

[@jpdurr]

Why doesn't it include Stargate?

[@FabioDeLuca-t9x]

yes exactly!

[@GearGuy]

Great review… Seems like they fixed all the weird issues on those partycades…Of course the defender one is almost never on sale and it sold out whenever it is on sale…argh. my biggest quibble regarding this device would be the fact that they did not include Defender 2/Stargate as that is in my opinion an even better game than Defender (in some ways). I mean if you’re going 40th anniversary and you’re gonna have 10 games why would you not have Defender 2/Stargate as well? perhaps they’re waiting for the 50th anniversary… Lol! Joust is definite HUGE bonus but I wish they had a couple of more of the classics instead of some of the other games… But it seems they spread the best ones out among different partyCades for sales purposes… Understandable, just a tad disappointing.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Thanks for watching, Eric. Yes, I also really wish Stargate was included (just needed an Inviso button to flesh it out), and Robotron, too, is one I wish was here, but that would've really compromised the Defender control layout, I suppose. Onward & upward! 😀

[@georgef551]

Actually, "Sinistar" used sampling for the voices, not speech synthesis.

[@GenXGrownUp]

You win.

[@georgef551]

@@GenXGrownUp Nobody's perfect, especially when all else are synthesized.

[@TiltingT]

Looks like a decent grab!..

[@GenXGrownUp]

Most assuredly.

[@GearGuy]

Is the defender partycade discontinued? I haven’t seen it listed anywhere for quite some time. It’s not really even mentioned on Arcade1Up’s site either.

[@GenXGrownUp]

It certainly seems that way. About six months after it appeared, A1U seems to have disavowed all knowledge of its existence! 🥲

[@GearGuy]

@@GenXGrownUp i may be wrong but I think all the partycades may be going that way soon… perhaps they were eating into the sales of the larger machines? Either that or a newer generation is in the works !

[@thehudson769]

Why didn’t they just program it where the two players can switch (Player 2 Get Ready), instead of the usb input for second controller?

[@GenXGrownUp]

That's how most of the games work. The additional USB controller is most useful for simultaneous gameplay like Rampage, Wizard of Wor, or Joust.

[@KoolKatDave]

Jon, this item seems to have vanished for purchase out in the wild. Any idea what’s going on? Did Arcade 1Up pull or disco this unit?

[@GenXGrownUp]

I noticed that just a couple weeks back, Dave. It's like it never existed. As popular as it is, this really surprises me, too. 😔

[@KoolKatDave]

@@GenXGrownUp a huge mystery, Jon! Maybe one of your viewers knows.

[@glenjust630]

Just watched this review from 2 years ago. Really interested in picking this partycade. Do you still have it and how much play does it still get from you now 2 years later? Thanks Jon!

[@GenXGrownUp]

Hey, Glen. I understand what you're asking, and I may be the wrong person to ask, but I'll be candid. As I work on new videos for the channel, I don't keep going back to old products regularly becuase I'm off to the next one, so this is sitting safely in my closet and doesn't get much daily play from me, but then, very little does! What I can tell you is that this is one I purchased outright when it first came out and it's among my favorite units and have zero plan to ever resell it. So if you can find one, I do recommend it.

[@glenjust630]

@@GenXGrownUp Oh Jon, I wasn't seeking to see if you would sell yours to me. LOL! I was curious though how much play it gets from you in light of how much in your review you loved it and had high praise for it.

[@GenXGrownUp]

@@glenjust630 No, I got that, Glen! That was kind of a shortcut to say, I will often sell off things I have reviewed if I don't have a burning desire to keep then in the long run, but that Partycade is something I've hung on to. 😁

[@glenjust630]

@@GenXGrownUp Cool. Continuing to enjoy your content and some of my buddies are now sub'ed as well! See you nexterday!

[@jpdurr]

Wish it had ROBOTRON TOO!

[@jplxlabelle1681]

Elmer’s Glue?? Hahaha. Ever heard of a company called Locktight? They offer a entire line of products that safely accomplish this need. They have varying degrees of stickiness from Permanent to all the way down to nothing. Very cost effective.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Hey, JPLX. I've definitely heard of Loctite (sp) as well as Teflon tape. But Elmer's was already in my cupboard, was free to try, and did the job. Talk about cost-effective! 😉

[@AwesomeBrock]

Cool! Can you review the My Arcade Namco Museum arcade? It's pretty nice and it has 20 arcade games with the original ROM emulation.

[@GenXGrownUp]

I have gotten tons of requests for that. I have the unit still sitting in a box, and I hope to get to it soon. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Speaking of Namco Museum... kzbin.info/www/bejne/qamppHarq8eqrM0

[@literallyunderrated]

I like all the games on here, and the price is not crazy. I’m thinking about it 🤔

[@GenXGrownUp]

It was a surprisingly easy trigger to pull. TREAT YO' SELF! 😉

[@literallyunderrated]

@@GenXGrownUp It came today and its so cool, thanks for talking me into it! 👍🏼

[@GenXGrownUp]

@@literallyunderrated That's great to hear. You're very welcome!

[@kd3446]

The reverse I should be parallel with the joystick which should be just up & down….. Good trying to master it with that set up you’ll need even more luck trying to find one to play one in an arcade today no chance…

[@GenXGrownUp]

I see one at most arcades I visit. 😁

[@Rokosbasil]

Don't use Elmer glue lol. Use some blue loctite. Actually made for this very purpose.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Thanks. I did know there are probably better solutions to the problem, but I had the glue on-hand and it's working. If it fails, I'll try something like Loctite. 🕹️

[@JaimeRodriguez-wx8vx]

I want one after watching your video however, Defender Partycade is nowhere to be found for purchase 😞

[@GenXGrownUp]

Sorry to hear that

[@johnl2613]

Wish they will release Stargate (Defender II)

[@steven-cp6hb]

will this be available in the UK anytime soon?

[@GenXGrownUp]

I'm not aware of any plans for international distribution.

[@andrewrosindale1008]

Hi I've got the super pacman and galaga partycades I'm based in UK they don't sell the defender partycade in uk I've been wanting it since I've seen it was part of the line up and finally found one on ebay shipping to me from America.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Awesome! Glad you were able to obtain one.

[@andrewrosindale1008]

Well I finally got my defender partycade everything works great controls screen sound but marquee isn't lighting up not a huge problem be more annoyed if screen n controls didn't work lol maybe something came loose.

[@charlessalas5294]

Hopefully they rerelease it

[@GenXGrownUp]

I have no idea why it came and left the market so fast. So many people watch this review and ask where they can get it! There's definitely enough demand.

[@mikecarter8880]

Cant seem to find it anymore. :(

[@GenXGrownUp]

Boy, you're not kidding! I can't even find one for sale on eBay. People must be hanging on to 'em! 🕹️

[@padistedor]

They didn’t make this as a stand up version?

[@GenXGrownUp]

Sort of, but not. 😉 They'd like you to think they do, though. The 3/4 scale Defender cabinet is a reskinned Mortal Kombat cabinet, so the controls aren't Defender-accurate.

[@thehudson769]

Where did you buy for $219?

[@GenXGrownUp]

The Home Shopping Network. HSN

[@grimtooth2336]

I bought mine on Ebay $350 10 days ago. It's still worth it for me reliving my youth!

[@CPTcripp]

I would love this how much is it?

[@GenXGrownUp]

In the video at 11:05

[@HenryTaikato]

How much is the one up detender

[@GenXGrownUp]

The Arcade1Up Defender Partycade was $299

[@Extralounge]

So it doesn't save highscores? too bad

[@GenXGrownUp]

Yeah, a small blemish on an otherwise great package.

[@SomeCanine]

Defender is a brutally hard game. You might be a bit of a masochist. Perhaps you got a taste for the game when you were a kid. I remember playing the sequel on my computer when I was young, I think it was called Stargate or something.

[@joegibson6041]

Nice emulators, but the joy stick MUST go up and down only for Defender, in my opinion, for that right feel. 4 way no good. Bubbles was a trippy game back in the day.

[@GenXGrownUp]

If you wanted to hobble this unit to be dedicated to Defender, only a simple restrictor plate would do the job. For me, it controls properly and ignores any left/right input, so I'm able to get the feeling I'm looking for. Thanks for watching, Joe!

[@joegibson6041]

@@GenXGrownUp Hi. I was an original Defender and Stargate fan, which came a bit after asteroids. There were some cool games, Joust, Bubbles, etc, but Defender was unmatched. Crowds would gather to watch those who could fly it well. Stargate was a leap ahead. I always thought there would be Defender 3, but no. I always wanted one at home. In the nineties they came out with what I call an emulator cd. It was pretty good but did not act exactly as the actual 8 bit (I’m not a computer guy, just heard these terms.) Anyway, there was a tabletop control panel made just for Stargate, with the two directional joy stick and all. I bought the cd ,but they were out of the control panel. Never could find it again, not on eBay or anywhere, but I did see the picture for the unit. Not enough of a market maybe? Still have the Cd. Then, I finally broke down and bought a used machine. Paid the guy, as the machine lit up and flew, even if the controls were crappy and loose. Right away, the game would not complete due to Rom and Ram errors, but it was fun to fly a bit. Then, a few weeks later the monitor blew and I’ve had a paperweight for 10 years. Disappointing. I’ve often wondered if someone could hook up my cd emulator to work in the defender cabinet. Have a good day.

[@thetommygunshow]

Never had enough arms for this game.

[@GenXGrownUp]

You only need two, but you couldn't have proven it by watching me play. 🕹️

[@thetommygunshow]

@@GenXGrownUp So true.

[@Albendova666]

Yeah, this will be my first 1Up Cade, but why no inviso button and include Stargate?

[@GenXGrownUp]

I know, right? I expect they're holding that back for the Stargate 40th Anniversary unit! 😉 Thanks for watching.

[@negative1723]

Because they don't have the license for that. the name also changed to defender 2, there is no stargate anymore. later -1

[@trencher7]

No Stargate???? Why?

[@GenXGrownUp]

A great question for which I have no rational answer. 😉