Post by Stelvei on Apr 28, 2014 21:04:33 GMT -5
If you're lucky enough to travel to Japan--OR even more lucky to actually live there--The ever so lovely Panda-Agenda has written a rather awesome guide--with adorable photos-- to conquer those pesky UFO catchers, so that you, too, can become a master and earn your arpakasso! Here is her 4-Step Guide!
Please note that this guide is meant for the two-claw machines only.
1. Before You Play~!
2. Choosing the right arcade:
You want to choose an arcade that actually lets people win. Here are some characteristics to look for when finding a good arcade.
3. Choosing the Right Machine: No matter how skilled you are, the machine and the placement of the stuffed toys plays a much bigger role in the outcome. Look out for these. You may have to try machines once.
4. Winning!
They wish you good luck~!
Please note that this guide is meant for the two-claw machines only.
1. Before You Play~!
- Personally, I highly recommended that you only try UFO catchers in Japan.
Firstly, I noticed that Japan arcades (not all, I will elaborate later) are usually more focused on customer retention. They want you to have fun so that you will come back. Sometimes, the employees even help you by telling you the strategy to win or moving the toy to and easier location! I have never seen anyone win anything from a UFO catcher in Singapore (minus the tiny weeny plushies) - Secondly, the toys inside Japanese UFO catchers are almost certain to be authentic.Companies like AMUSE (for Arpakasso) supply their products almost exclusively to UFO catchers. I've seen my fair share of odd looking Rilakkumas and Arpakasso in the UFO catchers in Singapore. Taobao replicas perhaps? There are tons of big ones on sale there for as cheap as $10.
- There will always be one toy inside the machine that is placed for customers to win.
Every time someone wins, the employees will place another in the same spot. If you don't see one that is reasonably close to the hole, don't try. Similarly, don't aim for the one squished
You want to choose an arcade that actually lets people win. Here are some characteristics to look for when finding a good arcade.
- Staff helping customers win: if you see the staff helping other customers, they'll probably help you too
- Crowded/popular: usually the large scale arcades have higher revenues and can afford to let you win
- Other people have won: this is evidence that the staff actually make the toys win-a-ble.
- No dusty toys: no one has won in a long, long time.
3. Choosing the Right Machine: No matter how skilled you are, the machine and the placement of the stuffed toys plays a much bigger role in the outcome. Look out for these. You may have to try machines once.
- Decent claw strength: even though you are using the pushing method (explained later), you want a machine where the claw can actually push things or tip them over.
- Reasonably close toy: the toy is near the edge and can be tipped or pushed over.
- No parts stuck: even of the toy is extremely close to the hole, it will not fall if the leg/tail is stuck between other toys.
- If you can't find the right arcade or machine, move along. You are not going to win.
4. Winning!
- Don't try to grab anything: UFO catchers grab things based on a set probability, and we don't want to rely on luck.
- Push instead: use the center of the claw or the arms to push or tip the toys over. This is much more reliable.
They wish you good luck~!