This blog post chronicles the restoration of a rare Galaxian³ Theatre 6 arcade machine from 1992. The author details the challenges faced, including sourcing obsolete parts like laserdiscs and CRT projectors, troubleshooting faulty components, and navigating the complex wiring and control systems. The restoration involved meticulous cleaning, repair, and calibration to bring the six-player, panoramic experience back to life. The project highlights the dedication required to preserve these unique pieces of gaming history and the satisfaction of experiencing a fully functional Galaxian³ Theatre 6 once again.
Andrew Tanenbaum, creator of MINIX, argued in 1992 that Linux, being a monolithic kernel, represented an outdated design compared to the microkernel approach of MINIX. He believed that microkernels, with their modularity and message-passing architecture, offered superior portability, maintainability, and reliability, especially as technology moved towards distributed systems and multicore processors. Tanenbaum predicted that Linux, tied to the aging Intel 386 architecture, would soon become obsolete and fade away as more advanced hardware and software paradigms emerged. He emphasized the conceptual superiority of MINIX's design, portraying Linux as a step backwards in operating system development.
HN commenters largely dismiss the linked 1992 post arguing for Minix over Linux. Many point out that the author's predictions about Linux's limitations due to its monolithic kernel and lack of microkernel structure were inaccurate, given Linux's widespread success and ongoing development. Some acknowledge that microkernels have certain advantages, but suggest that Linux's approach has proven more practical and adaptable. A few commenters find the historical perspective interesting, noting how the computing landscape has changed significantly since 1992, rendering the arguments largely irrelevant in the modern context. One commenter sarcastically celebrates Tanenbaum's foresight.
Summary of Comments ( 18 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43735239
Commenters on Hacker News expressed excitement and nostalgia for the Galaxian 3 Project Revival, with several sharing personal memories of playing the massive arcade game. Some discussed the technical challenges involved in the restoration, particularly sourcing obsolete parts and recreating the complex projection system. Others praised the dedication and effort required for such an undertaking, comparing it to restoring a classic car or other piece of significant historical technology. A few commenters also lamented the decline of large-scale arcade gaming experiences and hoped this project would inspire similar restorations. The practicalities of maintaining such a large machine were also a topic of discussion, with some wondering about the long-term feasibility of keeping it operational.
The Hacker News comments section for the Galaxian 3 Project Revival post contains a lively discussion with several interesting points raised.
Several commenters express excitement and nostalgia for the original Galaxian 3 experience. One user recounts their memory of playing the game at a Six Flags park, highlighting the immersive nature of the large, curved screen and the thrill of cooperative gameplay. Another commenter mentions seeing it at a Trocadero center in London, further demonstrating the game's geographical reach and impact. This nostalgia fuels a significant portion of the discussion and contributes to the overall positive reception of the restoration project.
Technical aspects of the game and its restoration are also discussed. One commenter questions the feasibility of emulating the game due to its reliance on specialized hardware, specifically mentioning the DSPs used and the challenges in replicating their behavior accurately. Another user responds, suggesting that while cycle-accurate emulation might be difficult, achieving a playable experience through emulation could still be possible. This exchange highlights the technical complexities involved in preserving such arcade experiences.
There's a discussion around the differences between the various versions of Galaxian 3. Commenters clarify the distinctions between the "Theater 6" version (the subject of the restoration project), the "Theater 5" version, and the console port for the Bandai Playdia. This helps to clarify the specific focus of the restoration effort and acknowledges the existence of other iterations of the Galaxian 3 experience.
One commenter mentions a completely separate project aiming to recreate the Galaxian 3 experience using modern technology, including VR headsets. This introduces the idea of not just preserving the original game but also reimagining it for contemporary platforms, opening up new possibilities for how future generations might interact with this classic arcade title.
Finally, the high cost of the original Galaxian 3 cabinets is discussed, with one commenter suggesting a price tag in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. This underscores the significant investment involved in undertaking such a restoration project and explains the rarity of these machines.
In summary, the comments section reveals a mix of nostalgia, technical discussion, and appreciation for the challenges involved in preserving this unique piece of arcade history. The commenters collectively paint a picture of a beloved, technically impressive, and rare arcade experience that holds a special place in the memories of those who encountered it.