Three very different arcade attractions are undergoing location testing: Konami’s latest rhythm release in Tokyo, a Godzilla coin pusher at Round1USA, and a new Kung Fu Panda virtual-reality experience in Utah. These tests function as arcade beta trials, so features, presentation and release plans may change considerably—or the projects may not enter production at all.
Here is the current picture of each title.
Beatmania IIDX 32 Pinky Crush
Konami’s long-running Bemani rhythm series is returning with Beatmania IIDX 32 Pinky Crush. The new instalment was due to test in Tokyo from 26 to 28 July. Konami’s announcement included including this non-gameplay announcement trailer, while this tweet showed the location-test setup.
The cabinet uses a pink visual theme, with colour-changing LED strips adding to the updated presentation. New songs are also part of the test, although detailed track information remains limited.
An Australian release is difficult to predict, while a US appearance seems most likely through Round1USA, one of the few chains known for carrying specialist Japanese rhythm games. Readers researching cabinets and home setups can also consult RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide.
Godzilla Kaiju Drop
Godzilla Kaiju Drop is a Godzilla-themed coin pusher rather than a traditional video game. Taito is involved in its development, adding a notable name to a company that has been comparatively quiet in arcades apart from releases such as Music Diver.
The attraction began testing at a Round1 venue in China several weeks earlier and has now reached the United States. Its current test location is the well-known Puente Hills Round1USA site. A substantial three-dimensional Godzilla sculpture sits at the centre, and the machine accommodates up to six players.
Its long-term distribution has not been confirmed. If the test succeeds and the attraction is not exclusive to Round1USA, a smaller version could be considered. UNIS is one possible distribution route: Taito has worked with the company before, and UNIS holds Godzilla licensing for selected attractions, including Godzilla Vs. Kong Smasher.
A broader release would give the market four different Godzilla arcade attractions. For operators considering equipment, footprint and upkeep, RETROCADE’s arcade machine range and arcade repair service provide useful related resources.
Kung Fu Panda: The Warrior’s Gauntlet
The final project is Kung Fu Panda: The Warrior’s Gauntlet, a virtual-reality arcade attraction briefly spotted in a recent arcade tour video. Its Utah test location makes sense because developer Night Heron is based there. Some members of the team are understood to have worked on amusement VR projects for The VOID.
There is currently little public information about the company or the game. Game Rant reported on the trademark filing, but the filing did not identify the project as an amusement VR attraction.
The cabinet appears briefly at the 4:23 mark of the tour footage. It has a large, almost square screen and a single tethered VR headset. A short glimpse of the attract mode suggests that players use their hands to hit or interact with targets. A visible “No photos please” sign indicates that the test venue was restricting photography.
An IAAPA appearance remains possible, although Night Heron was not on the exhibitor list at the time. That list was not yet complete, and a business partner could present the attraction instead.
The title may also have been shown privately at Amusement Expo in March. A recent report from KWP indicated that the team attended with the project for a behind-closed-doors, invitation-only presentation. If it is not ready for a public IAAPA showing in November, another private demonstration could follow.
Three distinct arcade directions
These tests cover very different parts of the modern arcade: an annual Japanese rhythm sequel, a large multiplayer coin-operated attraction and a licensed VR experience. Whether any reaches Australian venues will depend on production, distribution agreements and operator requirements.
Which would you most like to see locally: Beatmania IIDX 32 Pinky Crush, Godzilla Kaiju Drop or Kung Fu Panda: The Warrior’s Gauntlet? Follow the RETROCADE arcade blog for further arcade-industry updates.
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