IAAPA 2023 gave operators and arcade fans a look at several upcoming Sega Amusements International releases, from competitive racing games to new redemption attractions. This round-up focuses on Sega’s booth and the machines presented there.
Sega Amusements International operates under Kaizen Entertainment. As understood from the company’s structure, Kaizen is the management and holdings business led by long-serving CEO and former COO Paul Williams. It licenses the Sega name, branding and properties from Sega Japan, which owned Sega Amusements International as a subsidiary for almost 40 years before the management buyout in April 2021. The Kaizen name appeared at the show in several small places, making this the first IAAPA appearance where it was particularly noticeable.
For broader trade-show coverage and arcade news, visit the RETROCADE Arcade Blog.
Sega Amusements International’s IAAPA booth
The booth packed a substantial number of games into its available space while retaining a dedicated meeting area. These private spaces are standard at trade shows, giving sales teams and business visitors somewhere to discuss products away from the main floor.
Apex Rebels puts a new spin on arcade racing
The standout machine was Apex Rebels, Sega’s upcoming racing title scheduled for around January 2024. Its most distinctive feature appears at the starting line: players use an engine-rev gauge to find the correct point for a “rocket boost”. Rather than hiding the launch boost behind a countdown input, the game turns it into a small timing challenge.
Boosts can also be upgraded by driving through coloured rings, changing the effect available to the player. A lever on the right-hand side controls the boost. A spring-loaded version might have felt more satisfying, although it could also have increased the machine’s cost. The cabinet adds a physical burst of air when the boost activates.
Apex Rebels is being developed for Sega by 3MindWave, the team behind VR Agent and ATV Slam. Sega’s collaboration includes Shinichi Ogasawara, known as Oga-Shi, a key designer associated with titles including Gunblade N.Y., Jambo! Safari and Mission: Impossible Arcade.
A developer explained that the game adjusts each player’s driving apex during play. The system can map the relevant apexes and use them to influence how corners should be approached. In practical terms, Apex Rebels monitors driving behaviour and adjusts the challenge, helping it accommodate casual players and more experienced racers without including a manual gear shifter. For a primer on the racing concept, here’s a link that explains the apex in terms of racing.
Fans of Sega’s driving catalogue may also notice several visual references in the game. The promotional poster was intended to reference OutRun, Sega Rally and Daytona, but that design was not approved. Some less direct nods remain within the game itself.
The motion platform does not use a pneumatic system, despite the wording of the original press material. It uses an air bladder arrangement, which is common in modern motion arcade games. A non-motion version could reduce the eventual price, although motion racing cabinets generally earn considerably more than non-motion models. Pricing had not been finalised at the show, but the 65-inch model was estimated at approximately $18,000 per seat.
All footage from IAAPA showed the game at roughly 70 per cent completion, so features and presentation could still change before release.
Hyper Cross brings snowmobile racing to the booth
Hyper Cross from IGS offered a more casual racing experience. Its snowmobile format may remind players of Super Bikes 2, but the handlebar controls and online score-saving system give it a different identity. A QR code feature allows players to save scores to a worldwide leaderboard, provided the operator connects the system.
The visuals appeared more advanced than those in Super Bikes 3, while the wind effects were also more prominent. The machine is presented as an attractive twin cabinet, and two twin units can be linked for a maximum of four players.
One possible software improvement would be extending the selection period for the avatar overlay and racer. The show version allowed less than 10 seconds, although the timing may be adjustable through the operator settings; this was not confirmed.
Zombies! Ready, Deady, Go! modernises derby play
Zombies! Ready, Deady, Go!, abbreviated here as ZRDG, updates the classic electromechanical derby format. The core race structure remains intact, but video replaces the mechanical horses and the competitors become zombies. It is distinct from Sega Japan’s Derby Owners Club and Starhorse series, which use a different approach to horse racing.
Digitising this style of attraction is not entirely new: Photo Finish Racing explored a similar idea. Even so, the format has been used surprisingly rarely beyond those two examples.
ZRDG is particularly well suited to groups of two to four, though it remains enjoyable with fewer players. Live race commentary adds energy during play and in attract mode, while the presentation does not take itself too seriously. The Super Bonus mouth proved difficult to hit during the demonstration.
Sega indicated that the game had been performing strongly during testing. That result is understandable given the apparent ongoing popularity of traditional electromechanical-style derby games in the United Kingdom, where the format has a long history.
More Sega redemption releases
Sega’s redemption line-up extended beyond ZRDG. The booth included Ballzania, Sync Pong, Polar Slide, Power Roll, Jumanji and the new Bop It! Battle.
- Zombies! Ready, Deady, Go! would be the first choice for a redemption operator based on the games shown.
- Bop It! Battle would be another appealing option, provided sufficient floor space was available.
- Power Roll had already built a positive reputation from reports, although no location-performance figures or test results were discussed for these attractions.
Operators comparing cabinet footprints and formats can explore RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide, as well as the dedicated range of racing arcades.
Overall impressions from IAAPA 2023
IAAPA 2023 set new attendance records; attendance numbers just came out from the show. Sega’s combination of racing, redemption and multiplayer attractions positioned the company strongly for the following year.
Apex Rebels made the biggest impression, with ZRDG a close second. The former appeared competitively positioned against Fast & Furious Arcade DX and NFS Heat Takedown DX, while its graphics were impressive. The remaining question was whether Sega would eventually produce an SD version of Apex Rebels.
For Australian venues and home-arcade buyers considering different cabinet types, RETROCADE also has dedicated collections of arcade machines and upright arcades.
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