IAAPA 2023 offered a substantial preview of the games Raw Thrills is preparing for amusement venues. From new virtual-reality attractions to more compact driving hardware and a major light-gun update, the company had plenty to show at its booth.
This round-up focuses on Raw Thrills’ displays, with the company’s current and upcoming projects considered individually for easier reference. For more Australian arcade news and industry coverage, visit the RETROCADE Arcade Blog.
The Raw Thrills Booth
The Raw Thrills stand followed the familiar layout used at the company’s trade-show appearances, although the exact product mix can vary. The booth tour also includes a brief glimpse of Eugene Jarvis, though there was no opportunity to speak with him during this visit.
Godzilla Kaiju Wars VR
Godzilla Kaiju Wars VR brings the long-running monster franchise to arcades in a virtual-reality gun game. Its play style recalls Sega’s Gunblade NY, but with contemporary visuals, a larger sense of spectacle and plenty of monster-fuelled destruction.
Raw Thrills planned to begin shipping the game around Amusement Expo in March or April of the following year. The initial release includes two chapters. Three additional chapters are planned for later release at no extra cost. An earlier video description incorrectly stated the chapter count, so the two-plus-three structure is the important detail.
King Kong of Skull Island II
The final two chapters of the King Kong virtual-reality experience were available by the time of IAAPA 2023. Raw Thrills presented them under the King Kong of Skull Island II name, effectively positioning the new content as a sequel.
Owners of an existing King Kong VR machine who want the additional chapters should ask their distributor about an upgrade kit. The kit price was not confirmed. New dedicated machines will ship with the sequel’s artwork and software already installed.
Fast & Furious Arcade SD
Operators who found the original Fast & Furious Arcade cabinet too large or expensive had a more accessible option on display. The standard SD model was available to order and costs almost half as much as the DX version.
The lower price comes from using smaller 43-inch monitors and removing the motion base. The underlying game remains the same. Operators comparing the different cabinet formats can also browse RETROCADE’s racing arcade collection for more driving-focused options.
Big Buck Hunter Reloaded: 2024 Update
Big Buck Hunter Reloaded received an update that broadens its appeal beyond traditional hunting gameplay. Caribou returns, more bonus games have been added, and the machine now includes the complete arcade version of The Walking Dead.
That combination makes Reloaded a multi-game light-gun platform, potentially useful for bars and other venues that lack the room or budget for a full arcade floor. The updated machines were scheduled to become available on 1 December.
Other Games on Display
Raw Thrills also had several games still in production at the show, including Minecraft, Nitro Trucks, MotoGP VR and Halo. Injustice Arcade was the oldest title among the games presented.
Although the booth may not have represented the company’s largest-ever showing, the line-up remained strong. Godzilla Kaiju Wars VR was the standout, combining a familiar gun-game format with striking visuals and an aggressive sound presentation. Its style is rarely seen in modern arcades, making it particularly worth trying if you encounter a unit.
For readers considering a home setup, RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide covers the practical issues involved in choosing a cabinet, while the broader arcade machine range provides a starting point for exploring available formats.
Final Take
IAAPA 2023 showed Raw Thrills continuing to develop large-scale licensed attractions while also offering operators more flexible choices. Godzilla Kaiju Wars VR delivered the most distinctive new experience, King Kong gained its concluding chapters, Fast & Furious became easier to place in smaller venues, and Big Buck Hunter Reloaded expanded into a broader light-gun package.
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