January 21, 2011

7:54 PM


Kinky`s Guide to UFO Machines in Japan

I think I`ve gained enough expertise in this field to talk about it..

Much like vending machines, ramen, porn, and pachinko, UFO machines are just as ubiquitous in Japan. Some shops specialise specifically in UFO machines, others have pachinko and slots as well, while bigger ones have the whole range, arcade included. For those unfamiliar with the UFO machine, which may also be known as the UFO catcher, claw machine, crane machine, or crane catcher, its basically a (usually) large box shaped machine. Attached to the top is a giant claw, consisting of a round base and a few claws. Placed around the machine are prizes which you can catch, should you have the luck or skill to. Place coins into the machine for a try at getting a prize. That`s it for introductions!

Now that you know about it, surely you`d like a go at it? Not so fast! Jumping right into it is a sure way to pour your money down a bottomless pit. Trust me, it isn`t a good feeling. So how should you go about winning a prize then? Read on!

1. Find a UFO machine shop. Once you do, look around.. see any prizes you like? If so, great! Head on to the next step. If not, take the exit out and go look for another.

2. Is it a prize that you really want? Never go after a prize on impulse. Just because something is cute, isn`t adequate justification for UFO catching. There are a billion cute things in Japan. Going after every one is suicide. Is it something thats REALLY cute? Is it something that you would buy if it was being sold in a shop? For stuff like lighters, posters, bolsters and stuff, ask yourself, is it something that you would use? If its just going to be kept in a drawer and forgotten, then don`t bother. You`ll just be ending up with junk. Having said that, figurines are usually good to go after.

3. What kind of UFO machine is it? The UFO machines in Japan constantly change. Probably to retain enthusiasm and interest. But this also renders previous strategies obsolete. One machine, you have to push a block into an exactly-fitting hole to win a prize. Another, you have to make the prize fall through a gap between two metal bars. One more, the prize is placed on a hinged latch, with the other side of the latch supported by an attached piece of plastic lying on top of a rubber ball. To get the prize, you have to push the plastic off the rubber ball. There are too many types of methods to list. What you need to do when you encounter a new machine is to determine the difficulty of it. Here are some things to look at.

3a. Physics. Is it physically possible and feasible to win the prize? Sometimes, the prizes are placed in a way that looks easy to win, but in actual fact, due to physics, is actually very challenging, if not practically impossible, discounting luck. This is the most important point to consider. It`ll determine if you walk away without losing anything, or spend thousands of yen and end up leaving disappointed. Point out impossible machines, then avoid them at all costs. Even if you can win the prize by luck, you would have probably overspent already.

3b. Claw power. You can`t determine the claw`s gripping power just by looking at the machine. If you`re lucky, someone might be playing the machine and you`ll be able to tell. Otherwise, you`ll only know once you insert money and start playing. This point is especially important in machines with huge stuffed toys.

3c. Luck. Yes, even luck plays a part in UFO machine. Most UFO machines in Japan are skill based, but sometimes, luck is nevertheless required. The more luck a machine requires, the harder it is to get a prize. The more luck required, the less skill involved, thus making it harder to think up a strategy. These are usually the one-shot catch machines.

4. Is it worth it? Once you`ve considered the above points and more, estimate how many tries it`ll take to win the prize. Just a rough estimate will do even. Calculate the price of that many tries. Once you`ve done that, put a price on your prize. How much is it worth to you? 1000 yen? 2000? Finally, see if your estimated cost exceeds your prize`s worth. If it does, forget it. Find another machine if you can. If both are around the same, you can give it a go, but try not to, unless you really want it badly. Chances are you`ll be able to find the prize on sale somewhere, at a cheaper price. If the cost is fairly below the worth, calculate again just to be sure, then head to the next step.

5.　Plot your game plan. How should you go about winning the prize? Do you use the claw to push down on the prize? Do you slowly drag it to the winning chute? Do you flip it over? Make sure you are clear with your game plan before proceeding. Also, try to have a plan B in case the first one doesn`t work well.

6. Execute your game plan. So the theories all set. Here`s the practical. This is the place where things often go wrong. Things worked out in theory doesn`t always go as planned in the real world. Try your plan B if your initial plan isn`t working. Also, never forget that there`s the optiont to quit. Don`t keep on going just to save your prıde. Walking away is sometimes the best option. Cut your losses while they`re still small.. don`t wait till its too late. If you do manage to beat the odds, however..

7. Celebrate! You won a prize! Congrats! Two things to note here. First, remember the strategy you used to win. Keep it in mind, so that you can use it to win in similar machines next time. Second, never grow complacent. Just because you won a prize, doesn`t mean that that machine is `easy`. Once you underestimate the UFO machines, its over.