New footage and photographs provide a much clearer look at Resident Evil 2: Dead Shot, Bandai Namco’s arcade shooter based on the Resident Evil 2 remake. The game is currently being evaluated in a location test, giving players an early look at a project that may still change substantially before any possible production release.
For Australian arcade fans following new releases, this is an intriguing example of how a major console property is being adapted for dedicated arcade hardware. You can find more industry coverage in the RETROCADE Arcade Blog.
What the test cabinet reveals
The cabinet uses wired light-gun pistols rather than the fixed weapons seen on many recent arcade shooters. That choice gives players more freedom to aim, while the enclosed design is built primarily for standing play. A bass shaker in the floor adds physical feedback during the action.
There is a narrow ledge at the rear of the enclosure, allowing players to perch briefly, but the overall layout clearly favours standing. Enclosed shooters with this arrangement are uncommon. Sega’s SDLX version of Mission: Impossible Arcade is a useful comparison, while Konami’s Silent Hill The Arcade shares the broader idea of bringing a console horror property into an arcade setting, although its cabinet used overhead curtains instead.
The cabinet’s design also highlights how dedicated machines differ from standard upright arcade cabinets. This is a purpose-built attraction rather than a conventional sit-down environmental shooter.
Gameplay and presentation
A 22-minute playthrough shows the current version in operation. Its structure will feel familiar to fans of The House of the Dead, with fast-moving targets, arcade scoring and a focus on accurate shooting. Visually, it appears to improve modestly on House of the Dead: Scarlet Dawn, which remains a capable-looking shooter nearly seven years after its release.
Dead Shot appears to lean more heavily into blood and gore, but the footage does not focus on overwhelming zombie crowds. Instead, headshot accuracy seems to be a more important part of the challenge, encouraging careful aim rather than simply clearing large groups of enemies.
The expected ranking and leaderboard features are present, alongside a Mr. Raccoon collection mechanic. That collectible system adds an extra objective beyond chasing a high score.
Levels, testing and a possible release window
Only two stages are playable in the footage, although the opening display shows three additional levels. That suggests the game has progressed beyond a very early prototype, but it does not confirm that all of the content or systems are final.
The development timeline remains uncertain. GoldStorm Pirates was also shown in testing during 2023, before reaching Japan in late 2024 and other markets in July 2025. If Resident Evil 2: Dead Shot follows a comparable path, a release may not arrive until the latter half of 2026 at the earliest, assuming it passes testing.
That estimate is speculative rather than an announced schedule. Location tests are effectively arcade beta tests, so the cabinet, software, stages and features may all change. Test locations can also be kept confidential, which limits what can be publicly confirmed and helps operators collect more reliable player feedback.
An encouraging early look
The combination of wired light guns, standing play, floor feedback and precision headshots gives Resident Evil 2: Dead Shot a distinct identity among modern arcade shooters. Its eventual prospects will depend on the test results and any changes made by Bandai Namco, but the current footage presents a promising foundation.
For readers comparing different dedicated machines, RETROCADE’s Arcade Machine Buying Guide covers the practical considerations involved in choosing an arcade cabinet. Those planning maintenance can also browse arcade repair services and arcade parts.
Would you like to see this new light-gun shooter reach Australian arcades?
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