Bandai Namco is testing another original arcade title in Japan: Magi Blast, a shooting game built around magic-wand controllers. The location test follows recent activity around titles including Taiko No Tatsujin, GoldStorm Pirates, a new music game and another Wangan Midnight instalment.
Magi Blast location test details
The first report came from Historia, a Japanese studio involved in the game’s software development. The company announced Bandai Namco’s test on X, with Japanese amusement-industry account this below shot showing the cabinet. Industry source AM-Net later reshared the information.
The available image confirms another new arcade shooting game following GoldStorm Pirates. Its defining feature is the pair of magic wands used as controllers. That approach may recall earlier 2000s shooters such as Sega’s Maze of the Kings and Konami’s Castlevania Arcade, although those games used tethered controllers. The wands shown for Magi Blast appear to be fixed to the cabinet instead.
Holographic technology could be the key feature
Historia’s announcement also points towards holographic or mixed-reality technology. The exact implementation remains unknown, but the transparent circular plates visible on the front of the wand controllers could be connected to that feature. If the technology is used meaningfully, it may give this shooting game a visual or interactive hook beyond conventional light-gun hardware.
That possibility is particularly interesting for arcade fans following the development of new display and control concepts. Our arcade news and gaming coverage explores more of the hardware ideas shaping modern coin-operated games.
Historia joins Bandai Namco’s external development partners
Historia has worked with Bandai Namco before, including on JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Last Survivor and Kamen Rider card games. Its involvement in Magi Blast also fits Bandai Namco’s growing use of Japanese third-party development studios.
Xeen developed GoldStorm Pirates and Dead Heat Unleashed, while Metro is behind Bike Dash Delivery, which had still not released at the time of this report. Bandai Namco’s internal R&D team is still expected to oversee the cabinet design and parts of production.
Could Magi Blast launch outside Japan?
It is too early to know whether Magi Blast will receive an overseas release. GoldStorm Pirates appeared to have a strong chance of travelling beyond Japan when it entered testing several years ago, but Magi Blast is an entirely new property with unusual wand controls that could create additional release challenges.
Bandai Namco was contacted about possible international plans but did not provide a comment. For Australian operators and home arcade enthusiasts, the project remains one to watch rather than a confirmed upcoming machine. Those considering arcade hardware can explore our arcade machine buying guide or browse the latest arcade machines while waiting for more information.
What do you think?
With fixed magic wands and a possible mixed-reality element, Magi Blast could offer a distinctive take on the arcade shooter. Would you like to see Bandai Namco release it internationally?
Leave a Reply