Dragon's Lair Fans - Arcade Lifestyle

General Chat => Arcade Lifestyle => Topic started by: DarthNuno on July 14, 2011, 12:18:40 AM

Title: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: DarthNuno on July 14, 2011, 12:18:40 AM
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/news/Star_Fire.jpg)

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/Star_Fire_roadtrip_1.jpg)  (https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/Star_Fire_roadtrip_2.jpg)

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/Star_Fire_roadtrip_3.jpg)  (https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/Star_Fire_roadtrip_4.jpg)

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/Star_Fire_roadtrip_5.jpg)  (https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/Star_Fire_roadtrip_6.jpg)

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/Star_Fire_roadtrip_7.jpg)  (https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/Star_Fire_roadtrip_8.jpg)

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/Star_Fire_roadtrip_9.jpg)  (https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/Star_Fire_roadtrip_10.jpg)

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/Star_Fire_roadtrip_11.jpg)  (https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/Star_Fire_roadtrip_12.jpg)

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/Star_Fire_roadtrip_13.jpg)  (https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/Star_Fire_roadtrip_14.jpg)

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/Star_Fire_roadtrip_15.jpg)
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: ataritoobin on July 14, 2011, 12:21:06 AM
Very nice!  Great find  :spaceace:
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: Sonic 1992 on July 14, 2011, 01:21:40 AM
Tell us how you made the awesome comic!!!!!  Love it
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: Superully on July 14, 2011, 07:07:33 AM

first of all wonderful job with that cartoon you created, i'm sure there's a nice program for it on that children's computer some of the guys here like so much 8)

but then: star fire? seriously, i had never heard of that game before (*duck*)! did a quick search on KLOV, not a lot of threads to go through. is it a fun game, what's your relation to it, how did you find it, ...

and finally: could you post real pictures of it (and the place from where you got it)? kind of difficult to spot on the comic strips!

once again, nice touch to your roadtrip, thx for sharing.
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: Belike on July 14, 2011, 07:28:42 AM
Cool report, I guess it was easier to carry the cockpit home, than to create this comic. ;D
Real pics plíz! ;D
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: Q*ris on July 14, 2011, 08:40:06 AM
I knew there was a comic book somewhere with your arcade adventures! Where can I find all the other volumes?
Great rescue, that's a very rewarding way to get a cab  :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace:
...like Ully I had never heard about that game before, tell us where you played it back in the days please.
I'll now make myself a nice cup of cocoa, sit on the carpet and wait for you to tell us that story.  ;)
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: Etienne MacGyver on July 14, 2011, 09:10:24 AM
Congrats on the catch bruno

Also i like the comic book report !

And as many here , i also never heard of this game  ;D
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: McVenco on July 14, 2011, 09:25:32 AM
Nice report, I love the Marvel comic style (though I prefer l'ecole de Marcinelle et ligne claire :) )

By the way: did you get a new car? I think I remember a Peugeot from other roadtrips (or is that a LONG time ago?)
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: gyruss on July 14, 2011, 10:24:22 AM
Cool report thanks! As Ully says, it would be nice to see some real pictures.

And is this another laser-disc game?
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: Muerto on July 14, 2011, 02:33:50 PM
Super cool comic style roadrtip! - From the looks of it, it look´s like the creators liked STAR WARS a lot!
Uh - and when youre done restoring the cockpit, upload a pic to KLOV!  ;D

Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: Belike on July 14, 2011, 03:28:56 PM
Uh - and when youre done restoring the cockpit, upload a pic to KLOV!  ;D

Those bastards didn't publish our pics, still no sign of the Space Pirate and the others. :evil:
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: DarthNuno on July 14, 2011, 07:20:54 PM
Hehe, thanks for your comments  ;) I'll reply to all the questions of course.

This road trip report has been done 100% on my ipad2 with a cute application called  "COMIC BOOK!", that I've discovered yesterday, few minutes before starting to work on the report and asking me how I'll publish this one  :P

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/forforum2/ipad2.jpg)
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: Belike on July 14, 2011, 08:18:16 PM
Nice Nintendo Climber you have there. ;)
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: robotype on July 14, 2011, 08:38:06 PM
that's a piece of history you found, congratulations.
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: kroustibat on July 14, 2011, 09:02:54 PM
really great RT story, love it :) i just bought the app because of u ^^
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: Muerto on July 14, 2011, 10:52:23 PM
(http://www.opdenkelder.com/muerto/arc/ubercool.jpg)

BTW, which style did you use on the pictures?
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: DarthNuno on July 15, 2011, 12:01:34 AM
BTW, which style did you use on the pictures?

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/Star_Fire_roadtrip_16.jpg)

 ;)
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: scr33n on July 15, 2011, 09:02:21 AM
Nice catch and story Bruno - congratulations  :spaceace: :spaceace:

Hey... a Star Fire cockpit in CAX 2011:

check  :arrow:

http://forums.arcade-museum.com/showthread.php?t=191494
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: DarthNuno on July 15, 2011, 11:32:45 AM
Hey... a Star Fire cockpit in CAX 2011:

check  :arrow:

http://forums.arcade-museum.com/showthread.php?t=191494

Yes, it's Trevor. I'm already in touch with him  ;)
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: Muerto on July 15, 2011, 02:08:06 PM
hmmmmm, thats strange, maby the comic option isn't available for PeeCee....

(http://www.opdenkelder.com/muerto/arc/nocomic.jpg)
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: Sonic 1992 on July 17, 2011, 07:47:52 AM
This game makes me think of THIS!!   ;D

(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h60/sonic_1992/midnight-madness.jpg)

"Play The Star Fire Video Game....  Beat The Machine And See The Next Clue"

After Beating Star Fire:

.... Greetings Earth People... Congratulations!  The Finish Line is some where..... In The Bonaventure Hotel!



I'll never ever get tired of this movie!!

Let's see..   E    Eeeegle...Eeeegypt...Eeeeaster... Easter Bunny... Easter..... SHUUUUUUTTTTT  UPPPPPPPPPP!
 

Hey Harold, Can I have the van after your father kills you?


LOOK BETWEEN THE TWO GIANT MELLONS!  LOL



Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: muddymusic on July 18, 2011, 12:57:19 PM
Nice report, love the comic style layout  :)
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: DarthNuno on July 24, 2011, 01:28:33 PM
This game makes me think of THIS!!   ;D

(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h60/sonic_1992/midnight-madness.jpg)

"Play The Star Fire Video Game....  Beat The Machine And See The Next Clue"

After Beating Star Fire:

.... Greetings Earth People... Congratulations!  The Finish Line is some where..... In The Bonaventure Hotel!

Well spotted Barry  :)

Here's the full sequence in this video : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3qopPovFos

Note that this is not the original cabinet used in that sequence... the one you see in the sequence is something built for the movie  8)

Watch all the sequence ... only good 80's things in it : Dr Pepper, Arcade, Death Race, Michael J. Fox, ...  ;D :P
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: level42 on July 24, 2011, 04:47:42 PM
What a great find Bruno !!! Now that is one rare beast !

Does it work at all ?

And although the comic effect is great, I too would like to see some real pics of the machine.

About Dr.Pepper: drank it a couple of times in the US because I noticed it and thought of you Bruno. Not bad, not bad at all !  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: Alpha1 on August 01, 2011, 12:14:36 PM
That small kid is Micheal J Fox
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: DarthNuno on August 01, 2011, 03:50:18 PM
More pictures, right after unloading the cockpit :

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/Star_Fire_Cockpit_1.jpg)

As you can see, except dust, adhesive tape remains & 'scratched' stickers, its overall condition is not too bad..

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/Star_Fire_Cockpit_2.jpg)

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/Star_Fire_Cockpit_3.jpg)

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/Star_Fire_Cockpit_6.jpg)

This game was to be called "Star Wars"  :P

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/Star_Fire_Cockpit_4.jpg)

The 'Exidy' yoke ...

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/Star_Fire_Cockpit_5.jpg)

Let's open the back for a quick 'behind the scene' view  :arrow:

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/Star_Fire_Cockpit_7.jpg)

One of the earliest color TV monitor, remember we are in 1979 (but released in 1980) ...

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/Star_Fire_Cockpit_8.jpg)

You can spot the boards, on top and left of the monitor...

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/Star_Fire_Cockpit_9.jpg)

On TV top...

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/Star_Fire_Cockpit_10.jpg)

...and TV left :

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/Star_Fire_Cockpit_11.jpg)

Almost 100000 games played? Impressive  8)  :arrow:

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/Star_Fire_Cockpit_12.jpg)
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: Etienne MacGyver on August 01, 2011, 03:55:41 PM
Almost 100000 games played? Impressive  8)  :arrow:

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/Star_Fire_Cockpit_12.jpg)

nah, its NOS, the counter is always under zero when they come out of the factory  ;D
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: Superully on August 01, 2011, 04:34:14 PM
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/Star_Fire_Cockpit_4.jpg)

i like how they integrated the monitor into the artwork - nice flow of things!
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: DarthNuno on August 05, 2011, 06:03:26 PM
Well, I won't have time to check more on that one until that black baby will be in my game room, so ... what to do with this now?

My first idea was to put the cockpit with some of huge Galaxian Theaters 'in hibernation' parts here  :arrow:

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/StarFire_wait_1.jpg)

Arghh! That room is already full  :o

OK, I'll have to let that cockpit in the Freddy's garage! I can tell you he's NOT happy..and I can understand him   :roll:
But after the promise I won't let it too long (I already said that regarding the Galaxian Theater parts  ::)), he's ok  :P
So let's protect the cockpit against cats or other aggressors...

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/StarFire_wait_2.jpg)

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/StarFire_wait_3.jpg)

That should be enough for a couple of months... :P
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: Superully on August 05, 2011, 06:26:00 PM

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/StarFire_wait_1.jpg)

that picture is priceless!!! :D
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: DarthNuno on September 18, 2011, 08:08:12 AM
Got a package...

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/StarFire_artwork_1.jpg)

...from TrevEB, who managed to make available all the artworks for this game. Damn! I fell lucky on this... Come on, he's the only Star Fire cockpit owner I know so far, and he *fortunately* worked on artworks repro!  :P

Damn! Did you spot the "D" letter on the sticker, at the extreme left of the package... D stands for 'DOUANES'  in French, ant it means 'Customs'  :(
The problem is not *money* this time (no huge fee because package was low value declared on it), but the damages probably done by them when opening/checking/closing the package  :? The artworks have curled up at the edges and wrinkled.
The best way would be to send these artworks in a flat position, but with a such size (at least one of them), it would be more expensive? ... mhhh... anyway, here's the stuff  :arrow:

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/StarFire_artwork_2.jpg)

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/StarFire_artwork_3.jpg)

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/StarFire_artwork_4.jpg)

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/StarFire_artwork_5.jpg)

OK, let's try to fix that. I'm using safety adhesive, the one used to protect during 'paint job' for instance... non aggressive and not really sticky, but just enough...

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/StarFire_artwork_6.jpg)

All repaired now  :arrow:

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/StarFire_artwork_7.jpg)

Of course, I won't roll them up anymore...flat position all the way! :

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/StarFire_artwork_8.jpg)

Now they are ready to ... 'hibernate'  :D

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/StarFire_artwork_9.jpg)

 8)
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: Etienne MacGyver on September 18, 2011, 08:18:45 AM
i cannot believe those people who do that !

anyway, i hope it will turn out good for you by the time you install them  8)
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: Superully on September 18, 2011, 08:24:59 AM
oh, that doesn't look too good. did it come in a tube or was it just rolled up with paper wrapped around it?

btw, i store most of my artwork flat between sheets of laminated particle board, this way you can put a lot of boards (and therefore art) on top of each other thus adding pressure to the art underneath. once i need the artwork, it is totally flat and ready to use in a heartbeat!
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: Q*ris on September 18, 2011, 11:43:34 AM
Great that you found repros for this!
My 2 cents: Just be extra careful with those safety adhesives, if you leave them for too long they get stickier and will be hard to remove.
That happenened to me when I took too long (a month instead of a week) to finish a paint job.
The best would be to use repositionnable "frisquette" (don't know the exact name in english, it's just transparent film used to mask areas when you use an airbrush).
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: level42 on September 18, 2011, 03:20:33 PM
Yes, DEFINITELY get rid of that painter's tape, see the reasons as mentioned by Chris. It will "set" over time and damage the top layer.
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: DarthNuno on October 15, 2014, 10:32:13 PM
Now they are ready to ... 'hibernate'  :D
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/StarFire_artwork_9.jpg)

...and here we are, after a long hibernation time...three years l8ter to be more precise...here's the 'artworks' package  :arrow:

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/StarFire_Exidy_wip_2.jpg)

Let's see if the main 'StarFire' artwork is still usable...

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/StarFire_Exidy_wip_3.jpg)

Although the edges of the sticker are detached from the non adhesive support, it looks that its always sufficiently sticky...but it's not gonna be easy to apply it, due to the numerous waves... and the lack of a protective layer  :-\  :arrow:

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/StarFire_Exidy_wip_6.jpg)

OK, here's how the back of the cockpit looks like before the operation...

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/StarFire_Exidy_wip_1.jpg)

...now after removing the damaged sticker :

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/StarFire_Exidy_wip_4.jpg)

Now after a good cleaning  :arrow:

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/StarFire_Exidy_wip_5.jpg)

Sticker applied!  8)  :arrow:

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/StarFire_Exidy_wip_7.jpg)

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/StarFire_Exidy_wip_8.jpg)

I am rather happy with that result! The sticker sticks much than I thought. This gives me motivation to go further on that 'obscure' cockpit  :)
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: level42 on October 15, 2014, 10:43:30 PM
Wow !
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: Luigi on October 16, 2014, 08:57:59 AM
Looking great, Bruno. Your cleaning job was very effective :)


So are you planning to continue with this cab?
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: Laszo on October 16, 2014, 09:37:21 AM
Did not read this story before ...cool find hope you continue the restore.
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: Q*ris on October 16, 2014, 10:00:08 AM
Good job!!!!
Not easy at all without a protective layer indeed.
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: DarthNuno on November 12, 2014, 09:26:40 AM
Let's continue the cleaning session... it's time for this cockpit to see the natural light outside of the game room :

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/Star_Fire_Exidy_cleaning_1.jpg)

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/Star_Fire_Exidy_cleaning_3.jpg)

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/Star_Fire_Exidy_cleaning_2.jpg)

As dirty as hell as you can see! That's why I prefer to perform the first 'cleaning pass' outside...

Side art stickers are too damaged... I hate to do this... but I have no choice... :-\  :arrow:

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/Star_Fire_Exidy_cleaning_4.jpg)

How to get ride of all that mixing shit/dust....

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/Star_Fire_Exidy_cleaning_5.jpg)

Well, I've mostly used 'thinner', but also sticker removers, usual wash...and a bunch of magic sponges! I'm quite happy of the result :

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/Star_Fire_Exidy_cleaning_6.jpg)

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/Star_Fire_Exidy_cleaning_7.jpg)
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: Luigi on November 12, 2014, 09:53:24 AM
Good job cleaning the sides...this is such an amazing cab :)
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: vernimark on November 12, 2014, 11:20:34 AM
 :spaceace:  :spaceace:  :spaceace:

 Great find, great job, great comics   :D
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: DarthNuno on February 22, 2017, 09:33:23 PM
Ops... forgot to update here  :oops:

Well, board didn't repaired so far so during the wait -and because I was too curious to see/play the game-, I've installed a temporary and dedicated mame setup for this game only. I've used home made connectors for this temporary setup : not a single cable has been cut. 100% reversible and 0 damage to the orginal stuff!
Ok, to make the flight yoke/throttle lever usable, I've installed an U-HID interface. It works great!  :-*

Here's a couple of pictures of the cabinet 'in action' :

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/star_fire_exidy_1.jpg)

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/star_fire_exidy_2.jpg)

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/star_fire_exidy_3.jpg)

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/star_fire_exidy_4.jpg)

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/star_fire_exidy_5.jpg)

 8)
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: Belike on February 22, 2017, 11:20:49 PM
Really nice, the letter type in the monitor reminds me to Star Wars. :D
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: retrocab on February 23, 2017, 02:30:21 PM
very cool
nice cab looks good next to the starblade

Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: Andreas_AUT on February 23, 2017, 04:05:42 PM
Really nice, the letter type in the monitor reminds me to Star Wars. :D

Even the starships ingame did the same to me :)
I like how the backart "shines" with your lights turned on. Did you repaint the flight controls?
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: DarthNuno on February 26, 2017, 07:23:19 PM
More facts which make the game 'special'  :arrow:

Star Fire a first person space shooter arcade game released by Exidy in 1979. It is the first arcade game to use a sit-down cockpit, and the first arcade game to allow a player to enter his or her initials into the high score table. Star Fire is in full color—without the use of monitor overlays—which was still unusual in 1979.

The look and feel of Star Fire is directly lifted from the movie Star Wars, though the game is not officially licensed. The attract-mode displays the name Star Fire in the same swooping sans-serif display typeface used by the Star Wars main titles. The enemy spaceships are TIE fighters and the player's primary weapon is an array of 4 lasers that fire in an "X" pattern, implying that the player is flying a ship somewhat akin to an X-wing. The enemy base looks like the Death Star.
(source wiki (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Fire))

Few words from David Rolfe (creator of the game) about the 'Star Wars' similitudes  :arrow:

question> Your 1979 Exidy coin-op Star Fire is very reminiscent of the Star Wars movie released just prior. The ships look similar to Tie-Fighters, and even the text font is almost identical to the Star Wars logo. Was it Exidy's idea to ride the Star Wars wave, without a license? You certainly beat Atari to the punch!

answer>There's a long story behind the creation of Star Fire. It started in 1977, when I was just out of college. A friend, Ted Michon, had graduated two years ahead of me. He was an electrical engineer and had made some connections in the video game industry; in fact he was the creator of a game called "Night Driver" which was first released by a small company named Micronetics, and later picked up by Atari. In 1977, the movie "Star Wars" came out, and Ted thought it was the best movie ever, and he wanted to develop a game in this genre. Ted was then working with Midway, and he developed a processor-controlled color game unit (at this time, microprocessors were rare and color was even rarer, and they had never been combined in a coin unit). Ted asked me to do the software, which I did. Ted and his wife prepared the graphics, which had a "Star Wars" look to them. He figured that either we would license the rights or we would make whatever changes were necessary to avoid legal infringements. We moved towards completion, but Midway was not satisfied with the game and we couldn't tweak it to their satisfaction; eventually they passed on it and Ted searched for another buyer. Exidy bought the completed game and built a wonderful case for it, and the rest is history. So the succinct answer to your question is that Exidy had very little input into the game play, and Ted was responsible for the Star Wars look. (source (http://www.gooddealgames.com/interviews/int_rolfe.html))
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: DarthNuno on February 28, 2017, 02:24:16 PM
And here's the video that shows the beast in action  :)  :arrow:

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Star_Fire/starfiretube.jpg) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZNj3JdtJ5c)
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: MK1968 on January 27, 2018, 03:18:36 PM
So....Back in  1979-80ish, an Arcade in Tyler, Tx got Star Fire in and I was blown away! I was 11 at the time and since it was the cockpit version, it felt like I was actually in a space ship. Nothing else like it. I made plans to get a job and start saving for one immediately! I actually lived in Dallas, about 100 miles away and would visit my grandparents in Tyler where I’d beg to go to the arcade just for Star Fire. I thought night and day about it. I planed to live in one and thought if I got good enough that I could play long enough to reach a star or planet...lol. A couple of days ago I watched a documentary called “King of the arcades” and saw a cockpit version of a Star Wars game and thought about Star Fire for the first time in many years. I couldn’t remember the name but kind of remembered it was close to Star Wars in name. Eventually after trying searches on Google, I found your post. Thanks for the memories! If I hit the lottery, expect a large offer coming your way.  ;D
Title: Re: >> Miracles can happen : road trip for Exidy STAR FIRE *cockpit* !!! <<
Post by: DarthNuno on January 29, 2018, 11:21:13 AM
Really nice story, thanks for posting it  :)
No need to hit the lottery, game is for sale at the very reasonable (and negociable) price right here (https://www.dragonslairfans.com/smfor/index.php?topic=7202.0)  ;)