Mega Shot is a substantial new shooting-gallery arcade game from JET Games USA. Following its appearances at IAAPA 2023 and Amusement Expo 2024, the game is already operating in parts of the Middle East and Indonesia, with American distribution approaching. Operators can place orders through their distributor now.
Mega Shot brings a heavier weapon to the arcade
JET Games USA previously presented Quickshot and Big Shot, shooting-gallery machines built around realistic pistol controllers. Rather than using the usual plastic arcade gun, those machines feature aluminium shells. Mega Shot expands that idea with a larger cabinet, different weapons and new gameplay designed around rifles.
The controller reproduces the feel of an AR-series rifle. Its machined-aluminium shell provides considerably more weight than a conventional plastic gun, while a real gun scope assists with aiming. Players can also activate a virtual scope using a button on the side of the weapon.
Air-powered force feedback adds a physical kick when the rifle fires. The combination of the metal construction, scope and recoil makes the gun the defining feature of the experience.
Munition settings also work differently from the earlier games. Quickshot and Big Shot typically limit the number of rounds before requiring another coin or card swipe, although operators can adjust that setting. That approach is less suitable here because some sequences switch to fully automatic fire and can use 100 rounds almost instantly. Instead, Mega Shot uses an adjustable play-time setting that each venue can configure.
Six scenarios built around the rifle
At first glance, Mega Shot might look like an enlarged Big Shot with more impressive guns. Its software, however, is tailored more closely to the rifle-based format.
The earlier Quickshot and Big Shot software offers eight levels. Big Shot uses more powerful PC hardware to drive a higher screen resolution and includes a soldier-focused level with a Time Crisis-style feel. An operator can disable that level depending on the venue.
Mega Shot instead includes six scenarios:
- Skeet shooting: The DX version uses higher-resolution presentation to make better use of its larger display area.
- Bottle shooting: Players target bottles inside a warehouse.
- Wasteland: A sniper scenario with a modern Silent Scope feel.
- Rats: Players clear rats crawling throughout a warehouse.
- Drones: Targets are flying drones that must be shot from the sky.
- Cardboard pop-ups: A target-shooting scenario with similarities to Police Trainer and Mad Bullets.
Multiple units can be linked for up to six players. Redemption operation is possible, although the longer gameplay makes it less suitable for that format.
Two large-screen cabinet options
JET Games USA offers Mega Shot in two configurations: a single-screen cabinet with one 85-inch display, and a DX cabinet with two 85-inch screens.
The single-screen model is scheduled to begin shipping in the United States at the end of May or in early June, with an MSRP of US$19,995. The DX model is scheduled for mid-July and carries an MSRP of US$26,995.
The DX version provides a stated 44 square feet of screen area and includes a more powerful PC to drive both displays. Its software makes use of the additional space, particularly in modes such as Skeet Shooting.
Although the two displays can operate independently when players select different levels or begin at different times, some scenarios use the entire combined area. Skeet Shooting is one example.
A dedicated arcade experience
Mega Shot is designed exclusively for arcades rather than home consoles or computers. The large displays and cabinet are important, but the specialised rifles are central to the experience and would be difficult to replicate outside the arcade environment.
For venue owners comparing large-format attractions, it sits firmly in the dedicated arcade category rather than the compact upright arcade or bartop arcade space. Operators evaluating a new cabinet can also consult RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide and browse the wider arcade machine range.
With two cabinet sizes, linked multiplayer support and six rifle-focused scenarios, Mega Shot gives arcade operators a large-scale shooting attraction with a distinctive physical controller.
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