Bandai Namco, Spooky Pinball and Japan’s Latest Arcade News

Japan’s arcade scene has delivered several significant updates, from a new Bandai Namco project connected to Wangan Midnight to fresh releases for Sega APM3 and Taito NESiCAxLive2. Spooky Pinball has also revealed its new Evil Dead machine, while more developments are emerging ahead of the next trade-show season.

Bandai Namco teases a new Wangan Midnight project

The long-awaited next chapter in Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune remains surrounded by uncertainty. The seventh instalment has been rumoured since at least 2021, but reported delays have included COVID disruption, operator concerns about an expensive cabinet design and the use of 6RR+ as an interim release.

During a livestream for the latest 6RR+ championship final, Bandai Namco showed a very basic, Japanese text-only trailer. It confirmed that a “new project” is in development, led by long-time producer and director Kazuhiro Maeda.

That is the full extent of the announcement so far. Bandai Namco has also created an official account for future updates, but the project has not been formally identified as Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune 7. Even so, the confirmation suggests that a substantial new entry or related project is moving forward.

Bike Dash Delivery returns to testing

Bandai Namco has also released a detailed trailer for Bike Dash Delivery. The video first appeared on Twitter/X before Japan’s Amusement Expo and was easy to miss amid November’s trade-show coverage. It has since been presented with translations and other adjustments in a more accessible version.

Bandai Namco’s official arcade channel has not yet cross-posted the material, despite the risk that unofficial uploads may attract more attention. The company has experienced a similar situation with GoldStorm Pirates, although that one is at least on there officially now.

Bike Dash Delivery was not shown at IAAPA. However, it appeared at Amusement Expo and it is on test in Japan again, indicating that the project has not been cancelled.

Spooky Pinball reveals Evil Dead

Spooky Pinball has unveiled its new Evil Dead machine after the game was absent from Pinball Expo. The reveal arrived during the busy IAAPA period, but the title has already found an audience: 500 units had reportedly been sold by the time of the announcement.

The trailer presents what appears to be Spooky’s most polished production to date, giving the company a strong new entry for horror and pinball fans.

For Australian collectors comparing physical and digital pinball options, RETROCADE’s virtual pinball machines provide another way to explore a large range of tables at home.

New games arrive for APM3 and NESiCAxLive2

While exA-Arcadia continues to attract attention with new joystick-based arcade games, Japan’s digital distribution platforms are still receiving smaller releases. Success remains a major supporter of Sega’s APM3 platform.

The delayed Cotton Rock N Roll 2 is now expected for APM3 and exA-Arcadia next year, but Success has introduced two other projects. Shimensokas arrived late last month. The puzzle game was originally planned for Examu’s eX-Board in 2009 before being cancelled.

Next May, Sonic Wings Reunion will bring Video System’s shooter series back for its first new release since the 1990s. The game is also planned for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and Steam. Original developers are involved, and the announcement was supported by a large presentation at Exbar Tokyo Plus, a Taito barcade in Japan.

Sega has meanwhile released version 2.0 of Virtua Fighter eSports for APM3. Known on consoles as Ultimate Showdown, the update forms the basis of the upcoming Virtua Fighter 5 REVO refresh on Steam. AM2’s Virtua Fighter 3tb Online also marked its first year operating on APM3 at the end of November.

Taito’s NESiCAXLive2 is preparing for Super UFO Fighter Plus, an arcade version of Phoenixx’s colourful one-on-one action game. The original launched on Switch and PC several years ago. Its simple controls—movement plus two actions—could give the arcade edition an easy-to-learn, difficult-to-master character, while its visual style draws inspiration from retro UFO Catchers.

The release window currently stated for Super UFO Fighter Plus is “Winter 2025”. It may also reach selected official NESiCAxLive2 cabinets at Round1USA, although most of these new titles are expected to remain concentrated in Japanese arcades.

Following major appearances at Amusement Expo and IAAPA in the United States, exA-Arcadia has not announced another major title. The platform has, however, begun testing Batsugun EXA Label 1.5 in Japan.

EAG 2025 promises a larger industry event

The next major trade-show period begins with the UK’s EAG in January. Organisers are promoting the 2025 edition as the largest since the event began in 2010, although much of that growth comes from two new co-located events: the London Casino & Gaming Show and the Social Immersive Entertainment Expo.

The latter has relevance for arcade operators, with companies including Sega Amusements participating. Sega Amusements will have a booth crossing into the immersive event, with new developments expected.

Chunithm Verse launches in Japan

Sega’s Japanese rhythm-game cycle continues with Chunithm Verse. The update is being distributed to cabinets this month and refreshes the song list, presentation and selected gameplay elements.

The release also arrives around the tenth anniversary of Chunithm’s first location tests in 2014, a reminder of how established Sega’s touchscreen rhythm series has become in Japanese arcades.

More arcade and pinball headlines

• DSM Arcade’s Perfect Pour is scheduled for a full reveal within two weeks.
• Dave & Busters Dallas’ Maimai DX test has ended after significant cabinet-transport delays. The game is expected to remain a Round1USA limited exclusive, although wider availability is not ruled out.
• GoldStorm Pirates now has a page on Bandai Namco Amusement Europe’s website.
• Japanese television coverage includes Amusement Expo, Bike Dash Delivery and Space Invaders Strike.
• Polaris Chord is receiving a major content update.
• Taito’s Tetote X Connect is going offline, prompting sadness from its creator, who also worked on Sega World Drivers.
• Konami has launched Raw Thrills’ Minecraft Dungeons Arcade in Japan.
• Zombie Jail/Frenzy from Oculeap combines ideas reminiscent of The House of the Dead and VR Agent.
• A new examination of Namco System 22 disputes the belief that it used Evans & Sutherland technology.
• “Double Dragon Neo” is reportedly in development for Neo Geo.
• Stern has updated code for 23 pinball machines ahead of Pinball Cup.
• Sega’s Virtual On has reached 29 years since its completion.
• Wahlap has released a new corporate video.
• China’s AAA 2025 is confirmed for 10–12 May.
• Inowize has announced Mummy Twist, its latest QBIX game.
• Tokyo Joypolis has released more new trailers.

Home and retro-gaming headlines

• Super Nintendo World has a Donkey Kong attraction with clear Taiko-style elements.
• Taito’s Night Striker is returning through M2.
• Koei Tecmo is developing a Dynasty Warriors prequel.
• The Sega Saturn has reached its 30th anniversary, alongside the PlayStation anniversary.
• Pandamonium has reviewed CAVE’s prototype Initial D game.
• The director of Burning Rangers has expressed interest in a revival.
• AQUAPAZZA: Aqua Plus Dream Match is coming to PC.
• Classic Sport Driving is a new racer inspired by the 1990s.
• The Atari 7800+ and several new games are now available.

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