Look what arrived today

[Blastronaut]

It's Ghost in the Shell! Had FedEx not damaged, it would easily be the most pristine item in my collection. Actually, even with damage, it still is. Got it off YJA...seems its got a cyclic mod on it. But until I get ball lifters, it might not be so bad!ImageUploadedByTapatalk1374446907.425439.jpg

[heima]

Congratulations! I can't even see the damage. I was thinking of getting one of these. If you do not mind me asking, how much did this set you back?

[Blastronaut]

Well, shipping was through the roof, but the purchase price on YJA was only about $190 (plus the fees for the intermediary)...I can't get over the condition of the machine, though. It is sparkling (except where FedEx jacked it up)...even the chrome finishes are complete, and not even slightly scraped off. The back is also pristine (see pics). I have never seen a machine look this good, not even in the parlors in Japan. If there was ever a case for buying from the resellers in Japan, this is it. Really, the only problem is the cost of shipping it here.

They even did an amazing job with the volume controls. Look how they are mounted flush with the plastic casing.
image copy.jpgimage-1 copy.jpgimage-1.jpgimage-2 copy.jpgimage.jpg

[Card Shark]

Looks amazing

[Blastronaut]

I'm still on the fence about the cyclic mod. But I learned that you can actually unlock mods through Kyoraku's Pachilog menu...like changing the color scheme for each character's appearance. You have to unlock them by going up levels, but still, its like Combattler V's mission level, where you clear specific goals in the game, and Pachilog keeps track of it.

[Chumsize]

Awesome! Be sure to post a review of sorts after you've played it a while. This ones on my short list of "machines I might pick up next year if I manage to get my gameroom built finally and sell a few excess moderns lying around"

[p.opus]

Looks beautiful. My 2005 Star Wars that I purchased from an owner here in South Florida was flawless. It still had the glass insert installed explaining the odds of the machine. I inspected every square inch of that machine and can still find no physical flaw.

Sorry to hear about Fed-Ex, but to be honest, I can't see the damage from the pics you provided. Hope it gives you many years of enjoyment.

[sandruu]

I love GITS! Great machine!

[Drunkenclam]

A thing of beauty congrats on your purchase and 's to FedEx

[Blastronaut]

FedEx has jacked up two machines already. Its too bad I couldn't just bring machines back with me on the plane.

BTW, the damage that FedEx did cause scrapes in the front plastic, digging dirt in. I have the complete Nexus plastic scratch repair/polish kit. I know it won't get the dirt out, and was told I could use a toothbrush for that. But can I use a toothbrush with Nexus? Does anyone have any suggestions?

On a side note, I'll try to post video soon. This machine has a lot of cool gimmicks, like the Laughing Man emblem, the data cable tendrils, and a Tachikoma.

[Blastronaut]

OK, first videos. The bootup sequence (with gimmick tests), and video of the idle/attract mode. (that's my daughter's voice in the background

http://www.cybergraphix-anim.com/GitS-Powerup.mov
http://www.cybergraphix-anim.com/IMG_276.MOV

[Skydanz]

BTW, the damage that FedEx did cause scrapes in the front plastic, digging dirt in. I have the complete Nexus plastic scratch repair/polish kit. I know it won't get the dirt out, and was told I could use a toothbrush for that. But can I use a toothbrush with Nexus? Does anyone have any suggestions?

I've used one of the plastic headlight restoration kits with great success. I've been able to polish out cigarette burns with it. They aren't cheap but do a great job of polishing out minor scratches. 3M makes a good one. You can find them at any good hardware or automotive store.

[Blastronaut]

I worry about buffing the finish off the surface, but I guess that's unfounded

[heima]

Is that LCD panel truly circular, or does it just appear to be that way?
Thanks

[Blastronaut]

I believe it just has a number of gimmicks in front of it, giving it the appearance of being circular. There is a ring around the monitor which is part of the Laughing Man logo.

[Skydanz]

I was a bit hesitant myself but after my headlights went from yellow to crystal clear, I had no doubt this would work. Of course you have to follow the directions and be patient. I would only use this on the front plastics and nothing painted.

[Sederien]

I believe it just has a number of gimmicks in front of it, giving it the appearance of being circular. There is a ring around the monitor which is part of the Laughing Man logo.

If my memory isn't failing me, I do believe this is correct.

That having been said, the animatronics on this particular machine are very impressive and some of the best work I've seen in a long time. The gimmick test alone doesn't really showcase how well they're used in actual play, sadly.

[LJB]

FEd ex needs to be smacked. they damage more things then we can imagine. . The machine looks AWESOME. I am just waiting on a part for making a ball lifter... soon it will be up and running

[happierr]

Oh now I want one of these for the Pachinko for Charity setup... I think that would be a crowd pleaser.

[Blastronaut]

I'm trying to see what I can do about a review (by request)...I had a hard time recording video, but I caught the attract mode (which is cool), and then one of the reach chances, where the Tachikomas try to help you win. The videos are below (sorry for the weird haze effect at the bottom...I had to grab an older cameraphone to record it, and it got a little bizarre)...and I think I blew the Plug Mission bonus, by spazzing out and over-pressing the chance button.

http://www.cybergraphix-anim.com/GitS-Attract.MOV
http://www.cybergraphix-anim.com/Git...ikomaBonus.MOV

Still, its the first videos of the gameplay, and I hope I can get more done soon, with a more thorough review.

(on a side note, I noticed that not all of the lighted panels actually light up. I wonder if there are some LEDs missing, or if there might be photosensors there or other electronics?)