If you are into Metallica, I'd suggest Metallica. It's a TOP game, excellent player. It will also be easier to find and cheaper than an AFM (I know you say this isn't a concern, but trust me, it is.)

You can still buy them brand new or close to brand new easily, and this should be a reliable machine for you. I'd avoid a 90s game at this point since you are a total newbie and life is short - you want a working machine that will stay that way.

You may also consider a MMremake. These are around $8K brand new and I believe they aren't too hard to find - I've been at shows where you could pick them up right there new in the box. MM is one of the best games ever made, in the family of AFM, and should be reliable as the MMremake is a brand new machine.

I wouldn't overthink this one - and I'd avoid older, overly complex games (TZ and STTNG come to mind) that may be troublesome.

Yes, nonexistent. No chance of finding a 90s game in new condition. You could get a fully restored like new one, but that's north of $10,000 and they aren't just gonna grow on trees. I know you say money is no object but I assure you that will factor in.

Older games CAN be reliable but let's face it, they are 20+ years old and the chance, even of a nice one, of issues is much higher than if you buy a brand new game. Any time you buy something used you really have no idea what your are getting.

As I said you can get a Medivial Madness (remake) brand new, these are easy to find and $8,000. This might be your best bet if you want a 90s game.

One thing to keep in mind is he isn't buying this game himself, and he'd probably rather have the machine sooner than later.

I think we'd all agree the easiest way to accomplish getting a reliable game in this case is to buy something new.

Great, so this thread is turning into a show and tell thread on the 4 NIB 90s games in the world.

Dude has fuckin cancer and you are gonna send him on a wild goose chase for a $15,000 NIB 90s game he might not even like, or some restored classic for the same price. And one lunatic even suggested a wizard of oz.

Big picture people. He should get an NIB Metallica or Star Trek and he should get it soon.

No differences. Mmr plays the same. Except faster and newer.