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arcadillo · 12-03-2006, 12:30 PM

Arcade Script Reviews

In the process of planning my arcade, I have been doing some preliminary research on various arcade scripts. I think some of the other members here at Talk Arcades might find the information I recorded useful, so I thought I could share it with you all. Perhaps it will help others in making those first crucial decisions as they set up their own arcades.

The primary factors determining which script I will use are 1) price, 2) user-friendliness, and 3) versatility. As I don't have too much experience in this field yet, I am looking for a script package that is relatively easy to install and set up, which can eventually be customized to my liking after I gain more experience, and which I can afford on my relatively small budget. Of course, the number of preloaded games is also a factor to consider, but of secondary importance. Also, free upgrades are a plus, but not absolutely necessary. Basically, I am looking to set up a nice beginner arcade that can be expanded and customized later if necessary.

Although my preliminary search yielded about a dozen or so script package providers, I found that only half of those were actually worth researching further. I found several defunct sites and some packages that were either simply too far out of my price-range (I am trying to keep it under $100) or of such questionable reliability that I dropped them from my list quickly. So, I ended up researching half a dozen script packages in some depth. Below I present the results of my research. It should be noted, however, that these appear in no particular order.

ArcadeBuilder Game Portal CMS

Profile:

Version: 1.7.0
Last Update: 12.11.06
Number of Preloaded Games: 250 - 2250 (depending on the Package)
Platform(s): linux, freeBSD
Ware-Status: Commercial

Features:

Add/Edit/Delete Games & Categories (Administration CP)
FTP, Browser-Based Uploads, or Direct Server File Transfers
Automatic SWF Dimension Reading
Automatic Thumbnail Resizing/Edging
Maximum/Minimum Game Size
No Encryption or Encoding of PHP Files
Advertisement/Banner Manager
Game Sponsorship
Customizable Look & Feel (HTML Theme Tweaking)
User Comments & Ratings
Member Management and Tracking
Newsletter System
Game Code - Add to Blog/Website/MySpace/LiveJournal
100% SEO Friendly
Built-In Site Search Engine
Link Management and Tracking
Content Pages (HTML)
News System
File Editor (Direct PHP)
Tell-a-Friend

Packages & Pricing:

ArcadeBuilder GPM v1.7 (Download Only) (250 Games / 8 categories) = $47.00
ArcadeBuilder GPM v1.7 + Install (250 Games / 8 categories) = $67.00
ArcadeBuilder GPM v1.7 + Install (250 Games / 8 categories) + 16 Weekly Game Pack Updates (125 games each / 2000 extra games total) = $97.00

Demo: http://demo.arcadebuilder.net/

Comments:

This script package seems to have quite a bit going for it, such as the Game Code Add feature, Game Sponsorship, easy Content Pages and a flexible game-upload system. Possible weak points include the dark standard template (though this can be tweaked) and the somewhat crowded portal layout (though not all features have to be enabled).

____________________

GetMyOwnArcade

Profile:

Version: 1.3.0
Last Update: 03.09.06
Number of Preloaded Games: 1600 (some Videos included)
Platform(s): Linux, Windows, FreeBSD, OSX, Sun
Ware-Status: Commercial

Features:

Administration CP
Integrated Game Script Installer
No Encryption or Encoding of PHP files
Banner/Link/Sponsor Management
Game Code - Add to Blog/Website/MySpace/LiveJournal
Customizable Look & Feel (HTML Theme Tweaking)
User Comments & Ratings
Member Statistics (Who’s Online, Top Users, Total Users, etc.)
Game Statistics (Top Games, Most Popular Games, Top Rated Games, etc.)
Member Game/Video Uploading Feature
Newsletter System
Built-In Site Search Engine
Link Management
News System
Tell-a-Friend
Support Forum

Packages & Pricing:

GetMyOwnArcade v1.3 + Life Time Licence (single domain) + 1600 Games & Videos + Online Support = $50.00
GetMyOwnArcade v1.3 + Life Time Licence (single domain) + 1600 Games & Videos + Online Support + Installation = $80.00
GetMyOwnArcade v1.3 + Life Time Licence (single domain) + 1600 Games & Videos + Online Support + Copyright Removal = $95.00
GetMyOwnArcade v1.3 + Life Time License (single domain) + 1600 Games & Videos + Online Support + Installation + Copyright Removal = $125.00

Video Packs: 2 Packs with 50 Videos each = $6.00 each

Demo: Free Arcade Games - mySpace.com Games

Comments:

This is a fair combination of an Arcade and Video Portal. Membership stats play a big role in the layout. Lots of space for advertisement and banner links. Drawbacks include the fixed template (though modifications are said to be possible), and the lack of member editing from the Administration Panel.

____________________

phpArcadeScript

Profile:

Version: 3.0.0
Last Update: 11.09.06
Number of Preloaded Games: 150
Platform(s): N/A
Ware-Status: Commercial

Features:

Add/Edit/Delete Games & Categories (Administration CP)
FTP, Browser-Based Uploads, or Direct Server File Transfers
Automatic File Sizing
No Encryption or Encoding of PHP Files
Customizable Look & Feel (HTML Template Tweaking)
User Comments & Ratings (5-Star System)
Game Code - Add to Blog/Website/MySpace/LiveJournal
Game Management (add, edit, delete, active/inactive)
Member Management (add, edit, delete, ban, personal profile, etc.)
Advertisement/Banner/Link Management (add, confirm, edit, delete; click, click-through, impression)
Comments Management (edit, delete)
Member Statistics (Who’s Online, Top Users, Total Users, etc.)
Game Statistics (Top Games, Most Popular Games, Top Rated Games, etc.)
Member Personal Message Feature
Newsletter System
Custom Content Pages (HTML)
Visitor Play Limit Feature
Tell-a-Friend
Free Upgrades
Support Forum

Packages & Pricing:

phpArcadeScript v2.0 + 150 Games = $30.00
phpArcadeScript v2.0 + 150 Games + Installation = $50.00

Arcade Demo: phpArcadeScript v3.0 Live Demo - Free Flash Arcade
Admin CP Demo: http://www.phparcadescript.com/demo/admin/ (User: demo/Pass: demo)

Comments:

This script looks to have just about everything you could want at a very reasonable price. The admin cp is well-organized and all the important statistical information is easy to access. The member-related features are good and the visitor play limit feature is worth a special mention. Overall it is a very a very flexible, customizable, and user-friendly package.

____________________

MyGameScript

Profile:

Version: 1.5.0
Last Update: 29.11.06
Number of Preloaded Games: 0 – 2,300 (depending on the Package)
Platform(s): Linux, Windows, FreeBSD, OSX, Sun
Ware-Status: Commercial

Features:

Add/Edit/Delete Games & Categories (Administration CP)
No Encryption or Encoding of Files
Customizable Look & Feel (HTML Template Tweaking)
User Comments & Ratings (5-Point System)
Game Code - Add to Blog/Website/MySpace/LiveJournal
Game Management (add, edit, delete, active/inactive)
Advertisement/Banner/Link Management (add, edit, delete)
Built-In Site Search Engine
Tell-a-Friend
Contact Form Function
Email Support

Packages & Pricing:

MyGameScript v1.5 + Copyright Removal + 0 Games = $14.99
MyGameScript v1.5 + Copyright Removal + 300 Games = $24.99
MyGameScript v1.5 + Copyright Removal + 1350 Games = $29.99
MyGameScript v1.5 + Copyright Removal + 2300 Games = $49.99

Installation Service = $9.99

Arcade Demo: My Game Script - Free Fighting, Shooting, Action and Adventure Flash Games
Admin CP Demo: http://demo.mygamescript.com/admin.php (User: admin/Pass: example)

Comments:

This appears to be a rather basic but more or less satisfactory arcade script. The arcade layout is easy to navigate, though a bit skimpy on space for ads and banners. The admin cp leaves a lot to be desired as there is no stat information and game management is made difficult due to there being no overview. However, the stand-alone script is very nicely priced and can be customized.

_______________

ArcadeScript CMS

Profile:

Version: 1.1.0
Last Update: 04.08.06
Number of Preloaded Games: 1000
Platform(s): Linux, Windows
Ware-Status: Commercial

Features:

Administration CP
Game Uploading through Admin CP
Customizable Look & Feel (HTML Template Tweaking)
Game Management (add, edit, delete)
Advertisement/Banner/Link Management (add, edit, delete)
Game Ranks (Top Games, Recently Added Games)
Built-In Site Search Engine

Packages & Pricing:

ArcadeScript CMS v1.1 (1000 Games) = $19.99
ArcadeScript CMS v1.1 (1000 Games) + Installation = $68.99

Example Site: Arcade Script Online Arcade Games

Comments:

This is a very streamlined and simple arcade script package. No extras or frills whatsoever, so some prior experience may be necessary to get the most out of it. However, the 1000 games that come with the basic package present a good mix.

____________________

onArcade Arcade Script

Profile:

Version: 1.0.0
Last Update: 14.05.06
Number of Preloaded Games: 500
Platform(s): Linux, Windows, FreeBSD, OSX, Sun
Ware-Status: Commercial

Features:

Add/Edit/Delete Games & Categories (Administration CP)
FTP, Browser-Based Uploads, or Direct Server File Transfers
Automatic File Sizing
No Encryption or Encoding of PHP Files
Customizable Look & Feel (HTML Template Tweaking)
User Comments & Ratings (5-Star System)
Game Code - Add to Blog/Website/MySpace/LiveJournal
Game Management (add, edit, delete)
Member Management (add, edit, delete, personal profile, avatar, etc.)
Advertisement/Banner/Link Management (add, confirm, edit, delete; click, click-through, impression)
Member Statistics (Who’s Online, Top Users, Total Users, etc.)
Game Statistics (Top Games, Most Popular Games, Top Rated Games, etc.)
Member Personal Message Feature
Custom Content Pages (HTML)
Newsletter System
Site News System
Built-In Site Search Engine
Tell-a-Friend
Free Upgrades
Support Forum

Packages & Pricing:

onArcade Arcade Script v1.0 (1000 Games) = $59.00

Arcade Demo: onArcade v1.1
Admin CP Demo: onArcade v1.1 (User: admin/Pass: admin123)

Comments:

This looks like a very nice script package at a good price. The admin cp is one of the best I’ve seen, with a nice interface and clear organization. The member-related features are also quite good. The standard template doesn’t offer much room for banner links, but there is an option for a full page of additional links.

____________________

Notes:

All of the script packages reviewed above are intended for use with one domain only.
All prices are listedin U.S. Dollars.

12-03-2006, 12:30 PM	#1 (permalink)
arcadillo New Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Europe Posts: 9	Arcade Script Reviews Arcade Script Reviews In the process of planning my arcade, I have been doing some preliminary research on various arcade scripts. I think some of the other members here at Talk Arcades might find the information I recorded useful, so I thought I could share it with you all. Perhaps it will help others in making those first crucial decisions as they set up their own arcades. The primary factors determining which script I will use are 1) price, 2) user-friendliness, and 3) versatility. As I don't have too much experience in this field yet, I am looking for a script package that is relatively easy to install and set up, which can eventually be customized to my liking after I gain more experience, and which I can afford on my relatively small budget. Of course, the number of preloaded games is also a factor to consider, but of secondary importance. Also, free upgrades are a plus, but not absolutely necessary. Basically, I am looking to set up a nice beginner arcade that can be expanded and customized later if necessary. Although my preliminary search yielded about a dozen or so script package providers, I found that only half of those were actually worth researching further. I found several defunct sites and some packages that were either simply too far out of my price-range (I am trying to keep it under $100) or of such questionable reliability that I dropped them from my list quickly. So, I ended up researching half a dozen script packages in some depth. Below I present the results of my research. It should be noted, however, that these appear in no particular order. ArcadeBuilder Game Portal CMS Profile: Version: 1.7.0 Last Update: 12.11.06 Number of Preloaded Games: 250 - 2250 (depending on the Package) Platform(s): linux, freeBSD Ware-Status: Commercial Features: Add/Edit/Delete Games & Categories (Administration CP) FTP, Browser-Based Uploads, or Direct Server File Transfers Automatic SWF Dimension Reading Automatic Thumbnail Resizing/Edging Maximum/Minimum Game Size No Encryption or Encoding of PHP Files Advertisement/Banner Manager Game Sponsorship Customizable Look & Feel (HTML Theme Tweaking) User Comments & Ratings Member Management and Tracking Newsletter System Game Code - Add to Blog/Website/MySpace/LiveJournal 100% SEO Friendly Built-In Site Search Engine Link Management and Tracking Content Pages (HTML) News System File Editor (Direct PHP) Tell-a-Friend Packages & Pricing: ArcadeBuilder GPM v1.7 (Download Only) (250 Games / 8 categories) = $47.00 ArcadeBuilder GPM v1.7 + Install (250 Games / 8 categories) = $67.00 ArcadeBuilder GPM v1.7 + Install (250 Games / 8 categories) + 16 Weekly Game Pack Updates (125 games each / 2000 extra games total) = $97.00 Demo: http://demo.arcadebuilder.net/ Comments: This script package seems to have quite a bit going for it, such as the Game Code Add feature, Game Sponsorship, easy Content Pages and a flexible game-upload system. Possible weak points include the dark standard template (though this can be tweaked) and the somewhat crowded portal layout (though not all features have to be enabled). ____________________ GetMyOwnArcade Profile: Version: 1.3.0 Last Update: 03.09.06 Number of Preloaded Games: 1600 (some Videos included) Platform(s): Linux, Windows, FreeBSD, OSX, Sun Ware-Status: Commercial Features: Administration CP Integrated Game Script Installer No Encryption or Encoding of PHP files Banner/Link/Sponsor Management Game Code - Add to Blog/Website/MySpace/LiveJournal Customizable Look & Feel (HTML Theme Tweaking) User Comments & Ratings Member Statistics (Who’s Online, Top Users, Total Users, etc.) Game Statistics (Top Games, Most Popular Games, Top Rated Games, etc.) Member Game/Video Uploading Feature Newsletter System Built-In Site Search Engine Link Management News System Tell-a-Friend Support Forum Packages & Pricing: GetMyOwnArcade v1.3 + Life Time Licence (single domain) + 1600 Games & Videos + Online Support = $50.00 GetMyOwnArcade v1.3 + Life Time Licence (single domain) + 1600 Games & Videos + Online Support + Installation = $80.00 GetMyOwnArcade v1.3 + Life Time Licence (single domain) + 1600 Games & Videos + Online Support + Copyright Removal = $95.00 GetMyOwnArcade v1.3 + Life Time License (single domain) + 1600 Games & Videos + Online Support + Installation + Copyright Removal = $125.00 Video Packs: 2 Packs with 50 Videos each = $6.00 each Demo: Free Arcade Games - mySpace.com Games Comments: This is a fair combination of an Arcade and Video Portal. Membership stats play a big role in the layout. Lots of space for advertisement and banner links. Drawbacks include the fixed template (though modifications are said to be possible), and the lack of member editing from the Administration Panel. ____________________ phpArcadeScript Profile: Version: 3.0.0 Last Update: 11.09.06 Number of Preloaded Games: 150 Platform(s): N/A Ware-Status: Commercial Features: Add/Edit/Delete Games & Categories (Administration CP) FTP, Browser-Based Uploads, or Direct Server File Transfers Automatic File Sizing No Encryption or Encoding of PHP Files Customizable Look & Feel (HTML Template Tweaking) User Comments & Ratings (5-Star System) Game Code - Add to Blog/Website/MySpace/LiveJournal Game Management (add, edit, delete, active/inactive) Member Management (add, edit, delete, ban, personal profile, etc.) Advertisement/Banner/Link Management (add, confirm, edit, delete; click, click-through, impression) Comments Management (edit, delete) Member Statistics (Who’s Online, Top Users, Total Users, etc.) Game Statistics (Top Games, Most Popular Games, Top Rated Games, etc.) Member Personal Message Feature Newsletter System Custom Content Pages (HTML) Visitor Play Limit Feature Tell-a-Friend Free Upgrades Support Forum Packages & Pricing: phpArcadeScript v2.0 + 150 Games = $30.00 phpArcadeScript v2.0 + 150 Games + Installation = $50.00 Arcade Demo: phpArcadeScript v3.0 Live Demo - Free Flash Arcade Admin CP Demo: http://www.phparcadescript.com/demo/admin/ (User: demo/Pass: demo) Comments: This script looks to have just about everything you could want at a very reasonable price. The admin cp is well-organized and all the important statistical information is easy to access. The member-related features are good and the visitor play limit feature is worth a special mention. Overall it is a very a very flexible, customizable, and user-friendly package. ____________________ MyGameScript Profile: Version: 1.5.0 Last Update: 29.11.06 Number of Preloaded Games: 0 – 2,300 (depending on the Package) Platform(s): Linux, Windows, FreeBSD, OSX, Sun Ware-Status: Commercial Features: Add/Edit/Delete Games & Categories (Administration CP) No Encryption or Encoding of Files Customizable Look & Feel (HTML Template Tweaking) User Comments & Ratings (5-Point System) Game Code - Add to Blog/Website/MySpace/LiveJournal Game Management (add, edit, delete, active/inactive) Advertisement/Banner/Link Management (add, edit, delete) Built-In Site Search Engine Tell-a-Friend Contact Form Function Email Support Packages & Pricing: MyGameScript v1.5 + Copyright Removal + 0 Games = $14.99 MyGameScript v1.5 + Copyright Removal + 300 Games = $24.99 MyGameScript v1.5 + Copyright Removal + 1350 Games = $29.99 MyGameScript v1.5 + Copyright Removal + 2300 Games = $49.99 Installation Service = $9.99 Arcade Demo: My Game Script - Free Fighting, Shooting, Action and Adventure Flash Games Admin CP Demo: http://demo.mygamescript.com/admin.php (User: admin/Pass: example) Comments: This appears to be a rather basic but more or less satisfactory arcade script. The arcade layout is easy to navigate, though a bit skimpy on space for ads and banners. The admin cp leaves a lot to be desired as there is no stat information and game management is made difficult due to there being no overview. However, the stand-alone script is very nicely priced and can be customized. _______________ ArcadeScript CMS Profile: Version: 1.1.0 Last Update: 04.08.06 Number of Preloaded Games: 1000 Platform(s): Linux, Windows Ware-Status: Commercial Features: Administration CP Game Uploading through Admin CP Customizable Look & Feel (HTML Template Tweaking) Game Management (add, edit, delete) Advertisement/Banner/Link Management (add, edit, delete) Game Ranks (Top Games, Recently Added Games) Built-In Site Search Engine Packages & Pricing: ArcadeScript CMS v1.1 (1000 Games) = $19.99 ArcadeScript CMS v1.1 (1000 Games) + Installation = $68.99 Example Site: Arcade Script Online Arcade Games Comments: This is a very streamlined and simple arcade script package. No extras or frills whatsoever, so some prior experience may be necessary to get the most out of it. However, the 1000 games that come with the basic package present a good mix. ____________________ onArcade Arcade Script Profile: Version: 1.0.0 Last Update: 14.05.06 Number of Preloaded Games: 500 Platform(s): Linux, Windows, FreeBSD, OSX, Sun Ware-Status: Commercial Features: Add/Edit/Delete Games & Categories (Administration CP) FTP, Browser-Based Uploads, or Direct Server File Transfers Automatic File Sizing No Encryption or Encoding of PHP Files Customizable Look & Feel (HTML Template Tweaking) User Comments & Ratings (5-Star System) Game Code - Add to Blog/Website/MySpace/LiveJournal Game Management (add, edit, delete) Member Management (add, edit, delete, personal profile, avatar, etc.) Advertisement/Banner/Link Management (add, confirm, edit, delete; click, click-through, impression) Member Statistics (Who’s Online, Top Users, Total Users, etc.) Game Statistics (Top Games, Most Popular Games, Top Rated Games, etc.) Member Personal Message Feature Custom Content Pages (HTML) Newsletter System Site News System Built-In Site Search Engine Tell-a-Friend Free Upgrades Support Forum Packages & Pricing: onArcade Arcade Script v1.0 (1000 Games) = $59.00 Arcade Demo: onArcade v1.1 Admin CP Demo: onArcade v1.1 (User: admin/Pass: admin123) Comments: This looks like a very nice script package at a good price. The admin cp is one of the best I’ve seen, with a nice interface and clear organization. The member-related features are also quite good. The standard template doesn’t offer much room for banner links, but there is an option for a full page of additional links. ____________________ Notes: All of the script packages reviewed above are intended for use with one domain only. All prices are listedin U.S. Dollars.