Day two of EVO Japan 2024 brought another group of arcade-fighting announcements for exA-Arcadia. Although the reveals took place in Japan, each confirmed title is planned for worldwide availability rather than a Japan-only release.
The announcements were revealed progressively during the day, so some details remain subject to change. The day-two livestream is included below.
Here are the additional games presented during the event, from remastered Neo Geo action to new projects and revived cult fighters.
Rage of the Dragons W
Rage of the Dragons is returning from the Neo Geo MVS in the form of a substantial remaster. Piko Interactive acquired the series rights in 2020 and announced an MVS release for modern consoles with online play, but that version did not significantly revise the original game.
The exA-Arcadia edition is being developed by one of Piko Interactive’s internal arcade teams as a complete remaster. Its approach is comparable to the work seen in Samurai Shodown V Perfect and Breakers Revenge Chicago.
Development is still at an early stage. A brief gameplay preview was shown at Amusement Expo 2024, alongside the teaser footage.
Dojo Masters
Dojo Masters takes a deliberately straightforward approach to fighting-game design. The retro-styled fighter uses two attack buttons, while combos are performed with joystick inputs without piling on an excessive number of technical mechanics.
An early build shown at Amusement Expo in March proved enjoyable to revisit, particularly when trying a different martial art. Its visuals are intentionally modest, with the presentation recalling an Atari Lynx game displayed on a television more than a modern fighting title.
The following footage comes from the early Amusement Expo 2024 build.
This is an arcade adaptation of a PC game that has not yet been released. Its limited colour palette and resolution may also remind some players of the NES. The project is expected to be among the exA-Arcadia kits priced below $1,000, although the source material does not provide a confirmed price.
For operators and home players comparing different cabinet formats, RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide offers a useful starting point. Compact installations may also suit bartop arcades, while traditional venues can explore upright arcade cabinets.
Chaos Code Nemesis Experiment
The Chaos Code series is set to continue with a sequel referred to as Chaos Code Next. The franchise began in Japanese arcades more than a decade ago before receiving a PlayStation 4 release. In spring 2020, exA-Arcadia also launched Chaos Code EXA, a director’s-cut edition created for the arcade platform.
Following the death of the game’s director, some fans assumed the series had reached its conclusion. FK Digital has continued, however, and the new project promises additional characters and more action than its predecessors.
The presentation introduced several new characters.
A new mechanic called “Nex Strike” was also shown, although its precise operation had not yet been explained.
For players concerned that the game is currently arcade-only, its producer has said that the exA version will be merely the “first step” for now. That leaves open the possibility of a future console release, though any such edition could differ from the arcade version.
Daemon Bride exAGAIN
Daemon Bride exAGAIN has been known to be in development for exA-Arcadia since 2021, but updates have been limited. A playable build was available at EVO Japan 2024, while no new trailer had been released at the time of the presentation.
The project is intended to revive and enhance the original with higher-quality remastered graphics, new music and further improvements. Balancing work is currently under way, but a production date has not been announced.
Vanguard Princess R
The 2D all-girl fighter Vanguard Princess is being remade for arcades. Unlike the Steam release, the arcade edition is fully licensed and is being remastered in conjunction with FK Digital, the team behind Chaos Code.
This “Director’s Cut” will rebuild the game system rather than simply porting the existing version. Further details remain limited, but the trailer provides an early look at the project, while this image from the EVO show floor confirms its presence at the event.
More exA-Arcadia announcements ahead?
That concludes the second day of announcements, although another reveal may arrive on day three. Together, these projects show exA-Arcadia continuing to support both new arcade fighters and carefully updated versions of older titles.
For more Australian arcade news, visit the RETROCADE arcade blog and browse the latest arcade machines.
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