Difference between revisions of "R360"

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| mid_date_jp=1990-11{{ref|https://sega.jp/history/arcade/product/18204/}}
 
| mid_date_us=1991
 
| mid_date_us=1991
 
| mid_date_uk=1991
 
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The '''R360''' is a special arcade cabinet developed by [[Sega]], released in Japan in 1990. Capable of rotating 360 degrees on two axis, the cabinet simulates in-game motion, while allowing its player to assume basic control of an adapted game and the moving pod itself. Originally designed exclusively for Japan and ''[[G-LOC: Air Battle]]'', the R360's life was extended for a 1991 worldwide release and other games.{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719231316/https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Stinger-Report---03-05-2021.html?soid=1103295952658&aid=YbRTe95u7yA}}
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The '''R360''' is a special arcade cabinet developed by [[Sega]], released in Japan in 1990. Capable of rotating 360 degrees on two axis, the cabinet simulates in-game motion, while allowing its player to assume basic control of an adapted game and the moving pod itself. Originally designed exclusively for Japan and ''[[G-LOC: Air Battle]]'', its life was extended for a 1991 worldwide release and other games.{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719231316/https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Stinger-Report---03-05-2021.html?soid=1103295952658&aid=YbRTe95u7yA}}
  
 
Though ultimately an expensive commercial endeavour for Sega, the R360 has been retrospectively credited as a masterpiece of their arcade output by critics and gaming enthusiasts alike.{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719231316/https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Stinger-Report---03-05-2021.html?soid=1103295952658&aid=YbRTe95u7yA}} Due to the popularity of the concept, Sega has revisited the basic cabinet design for the newer ''[[Dennou Senki Virtual-On Special]]'' and ''[[Transformers Human Alliance Special]]'' in its [[Joypolis]] indoor theme parks.
 
Though ultimately an expensive commercial endeavour for Sega, the R360 has been retrospectively credited as a masterpiece of their arcade output by critics and gaming enthusiasts alike.{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719231316/https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Stinger-Report---03-05-2021.html?soid=1103295952658&aid=YbRTe95u7yA}} Due to the popularity of the concept, Sega has revisited the basic cabinet design for the newer ''[[Dennou Senki Virtual-On Special]]'' and ''[[Transformers Human Alliance Special]]'' in its [[Joypolis]] indoor theme parks.
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The main selling point of the R360 is, as its name may suggest, the ability to '''R'''otate '''360''' degrees on any axis with a maximum of 2Gs. So in ''G-LOC''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s case, if the player causes the jet plane to perform a barrel roll, the cockpit will rotate to attempt to simulate this movement in the real world. Predictably, the immense weight of the cabinet and safety considerations means it does not respond well to quick movements.
 
The main selling point of the R360 is, as its name may suggest, the ability to '''R'''otate '''360''' degrees on any axis with a maximum of 2Gs. So in ''G-LOC''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s case, if the player causes the jet plane to perform a barrel roll, the cockpit will rotate to attempt to simulate this movement in the real world. Predictably, the immense weight of the cabinet and safety considerations means it does not respond well to quick movements.
  
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The R360 is able to perform these movements on both the X and Y axis through its use of drive motors and slip rings. The former is made up of 1.5KW AC servo motors made by [[wikipedia:Toshiba|Toshiba]], two for each axis. To do these safely, numerous safety requirements are employed; a series of sensors and an emergency button inside the cockpit stop motion, and a unique harness seatbelt design is used for added security.
+
The R360 is able to perform these movements on both the X and Y axis through its use of drive motors and slip rings. The former is made up of 1.5KW AC servo motors made by [[wikipedia:Toshiba|Toshiba]], two for each axis.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200724150122/https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999905/20200704005/}} To do these safely, numerous safety requirements are employed; a series of sensors and an emergency button inside the cockpit stop motion, and a unique harness seatbelt design is used for added security.
  
 
Aside from its safety measures, the cockpit also contains a 20 inch CRT monitor, joystick, handbrake, and an original bucket seat design made of FRP and urethane, covered in grey PVC leather. In the case of ''[[Wing War]]'' being installed, an added throttle control and link equipment for battle with another R360 unit will be required, whereas with ''[[Rad Mobile]]'', a redesigned control panel and rewired brake/gas pedals are needed.
 
Aside from its safety measures, the cockpit also contains a 20 inch CRT monitor, joystick, handbrake, and an original bucket seat design made of FRP and urethane, covered in grey PVC leather. In the case of ''[[Wing War]]'' being installed, an added throttle control and link equipment for battle with another R360 unit will be required, whereas with ''[[Rad Mobile]]'', a redesigned control panel and rewired brake/gas pedals are needed.
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==History==
 
==History==
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===Background===
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{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/History}}
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[[File:AfterBurner Arcade Cabinet SitDown.jpg|thumb|left]]
 
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During the mid 1980s, [[Sega]] continued its established pattern of developing and releasing new coin-operated game concepts with revolutionary features, seen early on with the electro-mechanical ''[[Periscope]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s fresh use of quarters. Though its innovation had generally came from introducing new cabinet design aspects to heighten player enjoyment during the 1960s and 70s, the popularisation of video games allowed the company greater freedom in taking on and establishing concepts during the 80s.
 
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This was seen most significantly in games like ''[[Hang-On]]'', which received success and credibility as a result of the innovations in its then-nascent racing genre and graphical advances on previous releases. A secondary part of the success came from their design innovations, carrying through from Sega's older output. In the case of ''Hang-On'' in particular, the design of its full-size cabinet became the first full body experience arcade game, with players able to tilt the bike model left and right for controlling the game.
 
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Sega and head [[Studio 128]] developer [[Yu Suzuki]] noted its popularity, leading to games using seated pods powered by motion drivers such as ''[[Space Harrier]]'' and ''[[After Burner]]''. These sustained popularity through their hydraulic motion dictated by the players controls, with the line soon becoming officially recognised under the [[Taikan]] and "Simulator Machine Series" names; the former roughly translating to "experience" or "bodily sensation".
 
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The prominence of the taikan cabinet range led to influence and imitators in the amusement industry. The likes of [[Taito]] and [[Namco]] notably followed Sega's lead in special versions of titles like ''[[wikipedia:Metal Hawk|Metal Hawk]]'' and ''[[wikipedia:Chase H.Q.|Chase H.Q.]]'', with the former notably building up to its application of ideas garnered from the taikan boom for a full-size theme park attraction, ''[[wikipedia:Galaxian 3|Galaxian 3]]''. While Sega would eventually also create theme park projects in its 1990s amusement rivalry with these corporations, smaller companies also partook in creating taikan cabinets. In some cases, existing games were even bootlegged by some manufacturers for custom cabinets, in spite of their complexities.
 
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===Development===
 
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[[File:After Burner R360 Bootleg.jpg|thumb|right]]
 
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The beginnings of the R360 can be traced back to a bootlegged taikan cabinet of ''After Burner'' by an unknown manufacturer. The machine appeared on location test at an arcade in Perth, Australia, and word soon spread of its existence.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210606170049/https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999905/20200704005/}} Upon learning of the situation, long-running Sega managing director [[Hisashi Suzuki]] instructed [[Masaki Matsuno]] and company newcomer [[Masao Yoshimoto]] to inspect the machine on a trip to Australia, aiming to base a new project off of it.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210606170049/https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999905/20200704005/}}
 
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When there, the two developers found out that the cabinet unusually used three axes of movement, X (horizontal), Y (vertical), and Z (depth).{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210606170049/https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999905/20200704005/}} Though the design interested them, testing of the cabinet revealed that its movement was slow and restrictive, as well as making use of insufficient safety measures; this motivated Sega to significantly better the design, thereby creating its next advancement in amusement equipment.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210606170049/https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999905/20200704005/}}
 
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Development began with the formation of a new development team, which would later become [[Sega AM4]].{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210606170049/https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999905/20200704005/}} Led by Yoshimoto and Matsuno and consisting of a fresh workforce, the team conducted experiments in understanding motion by modifying and riding an unused large cable drum found on the roof of Sega's annex building.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210606170049/https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999905/20200704005/}} Following this, inspiration was taken from earlier gyroscope devices, such as the 1960s "Aerotron".{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719231316/https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Stinger-Report---03-05-2021.html?soid=1103295952658&aid=YbRTe95u7yA}} The decision was made to use two axis of movement, X and Y, and the first R360 prototype was produced using a motor attached to a steel pipe frame of 100mm length, 50mm width, and 2.3mm thickness.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210606170049/https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999905/20200704005/}} The complexity of this was unprecedented; Yoshimoto has stated that difficulties were faced in ensuring cracks would not quickly form in the frame.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210606170049/https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999905/20200704005/}}
 
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[[File:R360_Forbit_Model.jpg|thumb|left]]
 
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Yoshimoto overcame the challenge of providing electronic signals to early cockpit designs by making use of slip rings and drive motors.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210606170049/https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999905/20200704005/}} Though expensive, these ensured that power, video, and X/Y axis controls were sent efficiently, although due to the quality of CRT monitors, some color unevenness would occur from the motion.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210606170049/https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999905/20200704005/}} As the cabinet's design began to take shape, mock-up models were made to illustrate its appearance, as well as further prototypes assembled at Sega's Yaguchi arcade manufacturing offices.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210606170049/https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999905/20200704005/}}
 
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After an incident in which a developer was stuck upside down for a prolonged period of time, an increased push for safety began, with a unique harness design, control tower, and a series of sensors added.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210606170049/https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999905/20200704005/}} New [[Sega R&D 8]] release ''[[G-LOC: Air Battle]]'' was chosen to be adapted as its game, and with it, the R360 made its public debut, with a near-complete prototype first appearing in a highly-publicised press event held by Sega at Haneda Tokyu Hotel, Shibuya, on July 3, 1990.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210606170049/https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999905/20200704005/}}{{magref|gamemachinejp|385|1}}{{magref|gamemachinejp|385|16}}{{magref|gamemachinejp|386|2}}
 
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===Release===
 
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[[File:R360 Hi Tech Land Sega Shibuya.jpg|thumb|right]]
 
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After an initial location test at [[Hi-Tech Land Sega Shibuya]], the R360 was manufactured by Sega in limited numbers for Japan and given a wider release.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210606170049/https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999905/20200704005/}} It subsequently appeared exclusively in other amusement facilities directly managed by the company, including [[Sega World Tokyo Roof]] and [[Club Sega Inage O2 Park|O2 Park Sega World]]; the first two units outside of these were sold to the operators of the [[Sega Tokyo Dome City|Carnival]] game center located in the former [[wikipedia:Tokyo Dome City|Big Egg City]], Tokyo, during December 1990.{{magref|gamemachinejp|396|6}}
 
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Following this, it made further appearances at locations both affiliated and unaffiliated with Sega in Japan, and briefly became a part of the [[En-Joint]] concept alongside other early [[mid-size attraction]]s such as [[Cyber Dome]], where it was classed officially under the "Hi-Entertainment Game Series" moniker.{{fileref|R360 JP Flyer.pdf}} True to its brief status as a ride instead of a video game machine, Sega intended to release laser disc ride films for the cabinet soon after its release, though these would never materialise.
 
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In part due to its release outside of Sega locations in 1991, consumer interest was sustained in the R360. Sega responded by briefly toying with an adapted version of ''[[Rad Mobile]]'' for the cabinet.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210606170049/https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999905/20200704005/}} This made a select few appearances in Japan at [[AOU Show 1991]] and Hi-Tech Land Sega Shibuya before disappearing without a wider release;{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20130816142710/http://p.twipple.jp/9QZEf}} it is suspected that it failed its location test stage. The system's high cost (estimated at ¥18,000,000{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210606170049/https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999905/20200704005/}}) and operational burden reportedly displeased buyers, yet in spite of this, foreign demand from overseas operators was such that Sega decided to allocate R360 units for a worldwide release in 1991.{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719231316/https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Stinger-Report---03-05-2021.html?soid=1103295952658&aid=YbRTe95u7yA}}
 
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[[File:FlightDeck1.png|thumb|left]]
 
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After appearances in late 1990 editions of ''[[Sega Visions]]'', a showcase at [[ATEI 1991]] and a segment on UK TV show [[wikipedia:Tomorrow's World|Tomorrow's World]] during January,{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210723014104if_/https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/eb5891e21cd34b078e0f0665889d74a0}} early adopters included the Funland amusement arcade in the [[wikipedia:London Trocadero|London Trocadero]].{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719231316/https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Stinger-Report---03-05-2021.html?soid=1103295952658&aid=YbRTe95u7yA}} Further R360s were shipped out to western territories with the advent of Sega expanding their amusement operations; notable examples included twin setups at [[Sega VirtuaLand]] and [[Sega World Bournemouth]]. New setups would continue to appear as late as 1996 for [[SegaWorld London]].{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210525212511/https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/outings-i-have-seen-the-future-of-fun-and-it-works-sort-of-1363207.html}}
 
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Before support of the R360 was terminated by Sega, a final update allowing ''[[Wing War]]'' to be played by two duelling units was released in 1994.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210606170049/https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999905/20200704005/}} Unlike the ''Rad Mobile'' version, this would ultimately appear mostly outside of Japan, although numbers were similarly limited.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210606170049/https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999905/20200704005/}} Rumours also circulate which state that ''[[After Burner II]]'' and ''[[Strike Fighter]]'' may have been adjusted for use with the R360 in the latter part of its life, however these have never been verified.{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602084315/https://www.system16.com/hardware.php?id=844}}
 
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Most R360 units were no longer operational by the early 2000s due to removals, maintenance issues, and the closures of their venues, with few surviving into the following decades.
 
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==Legacy==
 
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Though a commercial failure for Sega, the R360 was widely praised upon release for its technological and entertainment prowess, and has retrospectively came to be recognised as one of the company's creative high points.{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719231316/https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Stinger-Report---03-05-2021.html?soid=1103295952658&aid=YbRTe95u7yA}} It has been described as the "ultimate experience machine",{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210606170049/https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999905/20200704005/}} and can in some respects be seen among the peaks of Sega's arcade cabinet design efforts. The "taikan" series of games ended soon after the R360's release, and [[Masao Yoshimoto]] has stated that though he was proud of his work in developing the machine, he eventually felt despondency from a belief that he had nothing left to create.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210606170049/https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999905/20200704005/}}
 
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In rare cases, the R360 has encouraged future Sega developers to create similar advanced works. Seminal producer [[Tetsuya Mizuguchi]] credits his impression after an encounter with the machine as one of the main reasons for his 1990 job application to the company.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20190202212736/http://www.kotaku.co.uk/2016/05/27/tetsuya-mizuguchis-memories-from-segas-golden-age}}{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20211128011252/https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/50eatm/i_am_video_game_designer_tetsuya_mizuguchi_ama/d73hb8i/}}
 
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The R360's design has inspired numerous imitators. It has also been revisited by Sega twice for its special [[Joypolis]] theme park attractions, first in 1998 for ''[[Dennou Senki Virtual-On Special]]'', and again in 2015 for ''[[Transformers Human Alliance Special]]''.{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719231316/https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Stinger-Report---03-05-2021.html?soid=1103295952658&aid=YbRTe95u7yA}} The cabinet was one of many references to the company's past in ''[[Segagaga]]'', where a space shuttle device resembling it in the final shoot 'em up portions of the game is named the "R720". In 2005, the R720 parts of ''Segagaga'' were also compiled into a singular scaled-down mobile game, ''[[Segagaga R-720]]''.
 
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In 1993, the R360 was notably used in medical research by the [[wikipedia:National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery|National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery]] in London to help understand brain disorders affecting balance and coordination.{{magref|mega|14|9}}{{ref|https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/video/video-game-helps-research-cms-game-in-movement-as-stops-news-footage/807930978}}
 
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==Archival status==
 
−
[[File:R360_Ireland.jpg|thumb|right]]
 
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Culminative estimates of the amount of R360s manufactured by Sega differ between sources. It has been claimed between 100 and 200 were made,{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719231316/https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Stinger-Report---03-05-2021.html?soid=1103295952658&aid=YbRTe95u7yA}} and official counts have varied, with one internal source purporting that the true number is a "company secret".{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20190701190850/http://www.gameroomrepair.com/R360.doc}} It is, however, widely presumed that the large majority of these have been disposed of or broken irreparably; a notable example being a rediscovered unit abandoned in a Northern Ireland field.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210219103526/https://www.forbes.com/sites/mattgardner1/2021/02/19/insanely-rare-sega-arcade-cabinet-found-abandoned-in-uk-field/}}{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210222043021/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2021/02/rare-sega-r360-arcade-cabinet-found/}}{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210223231914/https://www.techeblog.com/sega-r360-arcade-machine-wing-war-gloc-air-battle/}} ROMs for the R360 versions of ''G-LOC'' and ''Wing War'' have been dumped and are playable in [[MAME]].
 
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Due to the popularity of the R360, interest in fan preservation has been sustained over time, and a small number of working installations have made their way into the hands of private collectors and newer public venues. In North America, the ''G-LOC: Air Battle'' version can currently be played at Galloping Ghost Arcade, Brookfield, Illinois;{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210117075509/http://segabits.com/blog/2020/08/12/galloping-ghost-arcade-in-brookfield-illinois-debuts-incredibly-rare-sega-r360-arcade-machine-only-publicly-playable-machine-in-america/}} several units also remain with collectors, including publicised examples owned by Kevin Keinert and Craig Walker.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210606170049/https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999905/20200704005/}} Other public R360s can be found in operation at two museum locations in Estonia.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200628072244/http://www.gameroomrepair.com/R360/R360.htm}} Noted Sega collaborator and fan [[Michael Jackson]] is also known to have owned a cabinet.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210723050533/https://www.vice.com/en/article/ezzq4n/michael-jackson%E2%80%99s-life-and-video-game-parallels}}
 
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Despite reportedly wanting to, Sega themselves do not officially hold an R360, and none are known to be sited in Japan.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210606170049/https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999905/20200704005/}}
 
  
 
==Games==
 
==Games==
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*''[[Rad Mobile]]'' (1991)
 
*''[[Rad Mobile]]'' (1991)
 
*''[[Wing War]]'' (1994)
 
*''[[Wing War]]'' (1994)
 +
 +
==Locations==
 +
{{multicol|
 +
*[[Hi-Tech Land Sega Shibuya]]{{ref|http://backup.segakore.fr/mechatro/mtv/pm/pm03.html}}
 +
*[[Club Sega Inage O2 Park|O2 Park Sega World]]{{fileref|Virtual Reality JP 1x01.mp4}}
 +
*[[Sega World Tempozan|Sega Cineset]]{{fileref|Sega Cineset 2F 1.jpg}}
 +
*[[Sega Tokyo Dome City|Carnival]]{{magref|bemega|1991-01|32}}
 +
*[[Sega World Tokyo Roof]]{{magref|bemega|1991-01|141}}
 +
*[[Sega World Settsu Wings]]{{magref|bemega|1991-06|128}}
 +
*[[Sega World South West]]{{magref|bemega|1991-09|132}}
 +
*[[Sega World Cospal]]{{magref|bemega|1991-12|130}}
 +
*[[Sega Charlie One]]{{magref|bemega|1992-03|132}}
 +
*[[Festival Disney]]{{fileref|Festival Disney Sega 1995.mp4}}
 +
*[[Espacio]]{{fileref|SegaCompanyProfile JP 1992.pdf|page=7}}
 +
*[[Roppongi GiGO]]{{fileref|Roppongi GiGO Interior.jpg}}
 +
*[[Metropolis (venue)|Metropolis]]
 +
*[[Sega World Bournemouth]]
 +
*[[Sega VirtuaLand]]
 +
*[[Sega Park & Casino Colindale|SegaDome Colindale]]
 +
*[[Sega World Tamworth]]
 +
*[[Sega World Wolverhampton]]
 +
*[[Sega World Birmingham]]
 +
*[[Centre Sega Amiens]]
 +
*[[Centre Sega Paris]]
 +
*[[Sega Park Madrid]]
 +
*[[Cánovas Center Sega Park Valencia|Sega Park Valencia]]
 +
*[[SegaWorld London]]
 +
*[[Sega World Sydney]]
 +
|cols=2}}
 +
 +
==Production credits==
 +
{{creditstable|
 +
*'''Mechanical Engineers:''' [[Masao Yoshimoto]]{{fileref|Sega Arcade History JP EnterBrain Book-1.pdf|page=180}},  [[Masaki Matsuno]]{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200724150122/https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999905/20200704005/}}
 +
*'''Electrical Engineer:''' [[Futoshi Ito]]{{ref|https://note.com/beep21/n/n65bc7108985c}}
 +
| console=MID
 +
| source=Developer mentions
 +
}}
  
 
==Magazine articles==
 
==Magazine articles==
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==Promotional material==
 
==Promotional material==
 +
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Promotional material}}
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==Video coverage==
 +
*[https://segaretro.org/File:Tomorrow%27s_World_GLOC_R360_1991.mp4 "Giant gyro game"], ''[[wikipedia:Tomorrow's World|Tomorrow's World]]'' (UK), S26 E17, 1991-05-02
 +
*[https://segaretro.org/File:Marafon-15_SU_1991_Japan1.mp4 "Arcade center in Japan"], ''[[Marafon-15]]'' (SU), "In Japan", 1991-xx-xx, (+ 1:45)
 +
*[https://segaretro.org/File:Roppongi_GiGO_Bad_Influence_S1E8.mp4 "Newest amusement centre in Tokyo"], ''[[Bad Influence!]]'' (UK), S1 E8, 1992-12-17
 +
 +
==Patents==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
−
R360 JP Flyer.pdf|JP flyer
+
Patent US5489212.pdf|US5489212
 +
Patent US5860808.pdf|US5860808
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 +
 +
==Artwork==
 +
<gallery>
 +
R360 logo.png|Logo
 +
Sega R360 concept.jpeg|Concept
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
==Photo gallery==
 +
<gallery>
 +
GLocR360 Arcade Cabinet.jpg|Cabinet
 +
R360 Hi Tech Land Sega Shibuya.jpg|[[Hi-Tech Land Sega Shibuya]], 1990
 +
R360 AOU Show 1991.jpg|[[Amusement Machine Show 1991]], ''[[Rad Mobile]]''
 +
R360 Wing War 1994.jpg|1994, ''[[Wing War]]''{{magref|harmony|130|15}}
 +
Sega R360 GLOC.jpg|''G-LOC R360''
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
==External links==
 +
*[http://backup.segakore.fr/mechatro/mtv/pm/pm03.html Development summary] at [https://web.archive.org/web/20020930023028/http://www.sega-mechatro.com/ sega-mechatro.com] (defunct, Segakore backup)
 +
*''[https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999905/20200704005/ Video Game Storytellers Part 19: Sega's genes, passed down to the next generation by the development team of the ultimate sensory game cabinet, R360.]'' interview with engineers [[Masao Yoshimoto]] and [[Masaki Matsuno]] by [[Fumio Kurokawa]] at ''[https://www.4gamer.net 4Gamer.net]'' (Japanese)
  
 
==References==
 
==References==

Latest revision as of 08:27, 20 February 2024

R360 logo.png
GLocR360 Arcade Cabinet.jpg
R360
Manufacturer: Sega
Release Date RRP Code
Mid-size attraction
JP		 ¥? ?
Mid-size attraction
US		 $? ?
Mid-size attraction
UK		 £? ?


The R360 is a special arcade cabinet developed by Sega, released in Japan in 1990. Capable of rotating 360 degrees on two axis, the cabinet simulates in-game motion, while allowing its player to assume basic control of an adapted game and the moving pod itself. Originally designed exclusively for Japan and G-LOC: Air Battle, its life was extended for a 1991 worldwide release and other games.[2]

Though ultimately an expensive commercial endeavour for Sega, the R360 has been retrospectively credited as a masterpiece of their arcade output by critics and gaming enthusiasts alike.[2] Due to the popularity of the concept, Sega has revisited the basic cabinet design for the newer Dennou Senki Virtual-On Special and Transformers Human Alliance Special in its Joypolis indoor theme parks.

Design

Official specifications for the R360 arcade cabinet

The R360 cabinet is best described as a gyroscopic motion simulator. Its complex nature means that numerous components are used on the inside and outside to ensure it performs its purpose correctly, however the most significant of these include its cockpit, wireframe, and control tower. These three parts contain the main bulk of the cabinet's hardware, either attached within or outside for the player or operator to use.

The main selling point of the R360 is, as its name may suggest, the ability to Rotate 360 degrees on any axis with a maximum of 2Gs. So in G-LOC's case, if the player causes the jet plane to perform a barrel roll, the cockpit will rotate to attempt to simulate this movement in the real world. Predictably, the immense weight of the cabinet and safety considerations means it does not respond well to quick movements.

The R360 is able to perform these movements on both the X and Y axis through its use of drive motors and slip rings. The former is made up of 1.5KW AC servo motors made by Toshiba, two for each axis.[3] To do these safely, numerous safety requirements are employed; a series of sensors and an emergency button inside the cockpit stop motion, and a unique harness seatbelt design is used for added security.

Aside from its safety measures, the cockpit also contains a 20 inch CRT monitor, joystick, handbrake, and an original bucket seat design made of FRP and urethane, covered in grey PVC leather. In the case of Wing War being installed, an added throttle control and link equipment for battle with another R360 unit will be required, whereas with Rad Mobile, a redesigned control panel and rewired brake/gas pedals are needed.

Outside of the main cockpit and wireframe is an operator control tower, containing further safety controls, a 10 inch monitor displaying gameplay, microphone terminal, and the boards for the installed game. Further components include its stereo sound system, subwoofer, exterior cockpit lighting, and fence. In total, the R360 should normally make use of a 4.5m x 4.5m installation space, with the cabinet body itself weighing 1,100kg and measuring 250cm in width, 300cm depth, and 240cm height. Due to its hefty technological demands, the R360 also requires a 3-phase power supply; 240V in the USA, 380V in Japan, and 415V in the UK.

History

Main article: R360/History.

Games

Locations

Production credits

Source:
Developer mentions


Magazine articles

Main article: R360/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Main article: R360/Promotional material.

Video coverage

Patents

  • US5489212

  • US5860808

Artwork

  • Logo

  • Concept

Photo gallery

External links

References

  1. ↑ https://sega.jp/history/arcade/product/18204/
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Stinger-Report---03-05-2021.html?soid=1103295952658&aid=YbRTe95u7yA (Wayback Machine: 2021-07-19 23:13)
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999905/20200704005/ (Wayback Machine: 2020-07-24 15:01)
  4. ↑ http://backup.segakore.fr/mechatro/mtv/pm/pm03.html
  5. ↑ File:Virtual Reality JP 1x01.mp4
  6. ↑ File:Sega Cineset 2F 1.jpg
  7. ↑ Beep! MegaDrive, "January 1991" (JP; 1990-12-08), page 32
  8. ↑ Beep! MegaDrive, "January 1991" (JP; 1990-12-08), page 141
  9. ↑ Beep! MegaDrive, "June 1991" (JP; 1991-05-08), page 128
  10. ↑ Beep! MegaDrive, "September 1991" (JP; 1991-08-08), page 132
  11. ↑ Beep! MegaDrive, "December 1991" (JP; 1991-11-08), page 130
  12. ↑ Beep! MegaDrive, "March 1992" (JP; 1992-02-08), page 132
  13. ↑ File:Festival Disney Sega 1995.mp4
  14. ↑ Sega Company Profile, 1992, page 7
  15. ↑ File:Roppongi GiGO Interior.jpg
  16. ↑ Sega Arcade History, Enterbrain, page 180
  17. ↑ https://note.com/beep21/n/n65bc7108985c
  18. ↑ Harmony, "1994 8" (JP; 1994-08-01), page 15


Mid-size attractions
Arcade
 Rifle Gallery (1974) | R360 (1990) | AS-1 (1993) | Virtua Formula (1993) | Virtual Batting (1994) | Power Sled (1996) | Murder Lodge (1996) | Q-tag (1996) | Bike Athlon (1997) | Boat Race GP (1998) | Wild River (1998) | The Lost World: Jurassic Park Special (1998) | Dennou Senki Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram Special (1998) | Sky Cruising (1999) | MaxFlight VR2002 (199x) | Wild Jungle (2000) | UFO Catcher Ride (2001) | Cycraft (2003) | Wild Wing (2004) | The Quiz Show (2005) | The House of the Dead 4 Special (2006) | OutRun 2 SP SDX (2006) | Wild River Splash! (2006) | Wild Jungle Brothers (2006) | Burnout Running (200x) | Let's Go Jungle! Special (200x) | Hummer (2008) | Storm-G (2009) | Sonic Athletics (2013) | Sonic Brain Ranking (2013) | Transformers Human Alliance Special (2014) | Wild River The Treasure Hunt (2015) | Spicy Taxi (201x) | The House of the Dead Scarlet Dawn The Attraction (20xx)
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