May 2023 brought two original arcade releases and a new cabinet format for a well-known light-gun shooter. Here is a look at the games players may encounter in arcades and coin-op venues.
Enter the Gungeon: House of the Gundead
Enter the Gungeon: House of the Gundead is one of the month’s most recognisable new arcade titles, following the success of the original game on home platforms. Initial test units had already been sent out, with broader production expected to follow, making it reasonable to count the game among May’s arcade releases.
Despite its connection to a game known for twin-stick shooting, this cabinet uses light guns instead. The commercial application of Sinden guns is particularly interesting, as the arcade version changes the way players interact with the familiar Gungeon formula.
Donut Dodo Do!
Donut Dodo Do! enters the coin-op market through exA-Arcadia. It is a retro-inspired, single-screen platformer built in the tradition of games such as Mario Bros., Popeye and Donkey Kong.
The arcade edition adds Bella, Billy’s wife, as a new character, along with simultaneous two-player support and an additional stage. It also includes bespoke bezel artwork created by an artist who worked on Capcom’s Mega Man series.
Here’s some raw gameplay of it if you missed it. Shipping in Japan began on Monday, while Western orders were expected to arrive in June. The game was described as a value release priced at around $850.
Halo: Fireteam Raven 4-Player Tethered Model
Halo: Fireteam Raven originally launched in 2018, but May 2023 saw the arrival of its third cabinet model. Raw Thrills began shipping a tethered upright version designed as a smaller and lower-priced alternative to the discontinued sit-down Super Deluxe four-player cabinet with fixed guns.
The new model retains the game’s four-player format and uses light guns styled after the iconic Assault Rifle from the Halo series. Its upright design may make the game easier for more venues to accommodate than the larger SDX cabinet.
Which release stands out?
These games show three different approaches to modern coin-op: adapting an established home hit, bringing a new retro-style platformer to exA-Arcadia, and offering a more compact version of an established four-player shooter.
For more arcade news, explore the RETROCADE Arcade Blog. If you are comparing formats for a venue or home setup, the Arcade Machine Buying Guide, upright arcades and bartop arcades sections are useful places to start.
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