Independent arcade development is showing renewed momentum in 2023, with Jousting Heroes scheduled to make its public debut at Amusement Expo International 2023 in Las Vegas during the final week of March. The game is planned for both arcades and consoles, with two coin-op formats on display: a two-player cabinet and a four-player cabinet.
Its central idea will feel familiar to fans of classic aerial combat. Players control mounted birds and knights in battles that expand the concept of 1980s arcade jousting into larger multiplayer matches. The project draws inspiration from Joust, Gauntlet and Megaman, while supporting battles for up to eight players.
Jousting Heroes includes two modes: a traditional arcade mode built around chasing high scores, and a multiplayer arena mode. Scores in the arcade mode are shared across platforms, giving players a chance to compete for the top position internationally.
The game was being tested at an office in Lehi, Utah, an area often nicknamed “Silicon Slopes” because of its concentration of technology companies. One unusual feature visible in the test setup is a set of fans mounted in the control panel. These are intended to create wind feedback, giving the arcade edition a physical effect that will distinguish it from the console versions.
The coin-op controls are also more straightforward than the console layout, using three buttons. The console control scheme shown by the developer includes actions such as “Bird Food”, “Lay an egg” and “Knight jump”, with most of the controller’s buttons involved.
Gameplay footage suggests a familiar jousting foundation with added weapons and a distinctive egg mechanic. When a knight is struck, the character becomes an egg that can hatch back into the knight. Another bird can instead eat the egg and become stronger. The result combines the competitive feel of Joust with some of the territory-and-team tension associated with Killer Queen.
The two-player cabinet shown below was an early render, so its final production appearance may change.
The four-player design was also presented as an early, smaller render. At this stage, it appeared that two positions might include dual joysticks, although the reason for that arrangement had not been explained.
Where to see Jousting Heroes at AEI23
Alan-1 planned to exhibit Jousting Heroes at booth A1440, beside Virtuix and Hero Zone VR. The stand measures 10 by 10 feet, but should be easy to identify thanks to a large 3D statue depicting a jouster riding a bird.
No price had been announced before the event. Visitors and prospective operators were expected to receive pricing information at the expo.
Who is behind Jousting Heroes?
Alan-1 is based in Utah and is connected with Flynn’s Retrocade, a Roy arcade operated by the company founder. The name reflects the founder’s enthusiasm for TRON, which also features in the branding of the related arcade businesses.
The company has previously worked on reproductions and replacement hardware for classic machines, including an Atari Star Wars yoke controller and vector monitor parts. Flynn’s Retrocade provides another point of interest for collectors and enthusiasts researching the project.
For Australian collectors considering a full-size cabinet, RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide offers useful context on choosing a machine, while the arcade machines range covers current cabinet options. Owners planning a restoration or control-panel project can also browse arcade parts.
The Alan-1 Hangar in Utah houses machines associated with Alan-1 and Flynn’s Retrocade, along with rarities from the former Grinkers arcade in Idaho. The project was also expected to receive a beta test video, although that footage was not publicly released at the time.
Beyond the arcade launch, Jousting Heroes was planned for PC, PlayStation, Switch and Xbox. The AEI23 appearance was intended to be the game’s grand public debut.
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