I'm not sure they were deisigned for that. By re-releasing them, we attempted to fill a need that our customers were asking for. Certainly, the hardward necessary to generate these games is a lot less expensive than it was years ago. Namcohas been selling the new cabinets for the past four months and has also redesigned the cocktail table version. Now game operators are able to get the two games for the price of one and also save a little floor space.
Customers also benefit.
The re-releases are less subject to glitches and have some new features, such as a continuation option, a larger screen, more advanced board system and a few hidden surprises. Although Todd Gerstenberger, a self-proclaimed professional bum, is excited about most of the new features, he hopes most operators will not choose the continuation option. It was like the first baseball card a kid ever got. Galaga, like Ms. Pac-Man, turns 20 this year. Here Jake Gess gives the game a whirl.