Trade shows can reveal more arcade games than operators and players have time to follow. This RETROCADE recap highlights Soda Slam!, a new Alan-1 redemption-focused take on the drink-pouring concept shown at Amusement Expo 2025.
The title follows earlier looks at Sega’s Maimai DX, Cyberpunk 2077: Turf Wars, Top Gun Maverick and The Wizard of Oz. For more arcade industry coverage, visit the RETROCADE Arcade Blog.
Soda Slam! explained
Soda Slam! is a substantial enhancement and variation of DSM Arcade’s Perfect Pour, which launched in February 2025. Its basic idea will be familiar to players of Midway’s Root Beer Tapper: fill glasses with a fizzy drink and serve customers waiting at the counter.
Rather than managing several tables or rushing to collect tips, players must stop each pour at the ideal level. Underfilling or overfilling a glass reduces the score, while accurate, speedy service helps players handle the growing queue and earn more points and tickets.
Designed for family entertainment centres
This version adapts the drink-pouring formula for family entertainment centres, replacing alcohol with soft drink and adding a larger presentation, two-player play and redemption features. The announced additions include:
- A 70-inch 4K screen
- Two player stations
- Remastered graphics and new characters
- New joystick tap handles and controllers
- Gameplay designed around the FEC and redemption environment
- Major League eSports (MLeS) integration from Alan-1
- Interactive RGB LED tubes
- Rumble motors
- A choice of versions with or without the large can props
The cabinet has been testing at Boondocks and Fat Cats, two FEC venues in Utah. Early reports indicate that the tests have gone well. An amusement-only mode is also available, although it had not yet been tested against the redemption configuration at the time of reporting.
Dr. Pepper Slam! and release plans
At Amusement Expo, the company also promoted Dr. Pepper Slam!. There was no final confirmation or media available for that version at the time.
Soda Slam! remains scheduled to start shipping in June, with distributors already able to place orders. Pricing varies by distributor. The stated MSRP is $18,694 for the model with can props, while the canless version is $2,000 less.
For operators comparing new cabinets with other formats, the Arcade Machine Buying Guide covers the key considerations before ordering, while arcade machines and arcade repairs provide useful starting points for broader cabinet planning and service needs.
What do you think of Soda Slam! based on the footage and details so far? If you attended Amusement Expo and played it, your hands-on view would be especially useful.
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