This arcade and pinball news roundup covers American Pinball’s unusual Galactic Tank Force cabinet, Big Buck Hunter competition, DEAL 2023, VR hardware changes and industry headlines.
Galactic Tank Force cabinet revealed
American Pinball has shown more of its fifth game, Galactic Tank Force, an original-theme pinball machine designed by Dennis Nordman. Its most distinctive feature is the cabinet, which is styled to resemble a retro science-fiction tank.
Initial reactions have ranged from enthusiastic to sceptical, while some observers are reserving judgement until the complete machine is visible. That cautious position is reasonable: the exterior is certainly unconventional, but the playfield, rules and player experience will ultimately decide how well the concept works.
New playfield ideas are important for pinball, and recent machines such as Foo Fighters have shown how a well-executed feature can create memorable moments, including a skilled save after a ball drain.
There is also a broader operating challenge. Pinball has high base costs and can deliver a particularly difficult return on investment. Even famous licences such as Star Wars and Jurassic Park have not performed dramatically differently from machines two or three decades old in many locations. Choosing another major property, whether Taylor Swift, Harry Potter, Minecraft or Attack on Titan, would not automatically resolve that issue.
Casual arcade visitors may be drawn to a theme but still have no idea what to do after inserting a credit. Most venues do not have a dedicated pinball expert available to explain the rules, and operators can be fortunate to have a technician who keeps the machines clean, let alone teaches new players.
The tank appearance may help an original theme stand out, although it is most apparent when the cabinet is folded down. Pinball machines are rarely played in that position, and the visible design does not appear to include hinges that would allow the upper turret to fold into a topper once the backbox is raised.
Even so, a strong physical identity could help solve one of the biggest problems faced by unlicensed themes: attracting a first play. Dialed In performed poorly in one location because casual players did not recognise the concept or its characters. A more literal presentation, such as a smartphone-shaped backbox, might have communicated that idea more quickly.
More information is needed before reaching a firm conclusion about Galactic Tank Force. Its lasting appeal will depend on whether the rules and features encourage repeat games while giving newcomers enough direction to play without a dedicated pinball coach.
A separate discussion of several recent pinball releases was recorded before the latest cabinet teaser.
Big Buck World Championship XVI qualifiers open
Qualifiers for the next Big Buck Hunter World Championship are now open. Players aiming to join the elite competition for significant cash and prizes can qualify by playing a local online Big Buck Hunter Reloaded machine.
The qualifying period runs until 4 September. Starting early gives players more opportunity to improve their results and secure a place. Visit the main Big Buck Hunter website for more information.
DEAL 2023 heads to Dubai
DEAL 2023 is scheduled for the following week in Dubai, with exhibitors and visitors from the United States already travelling to prepare their stands and equipment.
- Touch Magix will bring its full product line-up.
- Sega Amusements will showcase Storm Rider 2, along with other games.
- Triotech attended the IAAPA Middle East Trade Summit and is also showcasing QUBE at DEAL.
- Other exhibitors and participants include Valo Motion, Spree Interactive, Apple Industries, Digital Centre, EMBED, Paradrop VR, ASI & Hero Zone VR and PrimeTime Amusements.
There was little information available from the GTI Asia China 2023 Expo at this point, apart from the item below.
Vader Immortal units lose their overhead gantries
Dave & Busters venues that acquired the Lightsaber Dojo Vader Immortal VR arcade game from VRsenal have modified their units by removing the overhead gantry and retractable headset cable. The change brings the cabinet closer to the venue’s current “Monolith” design.
The revised arrangement still uses a metal fence-like structure around the sides, with hooks for the controls and headset.
Removing the gantry may reduce the initial cost, since a retractable wired headset adds complexity and expense. It also creates a greater risk of floor-drop damage, a concern familiar to operators who have had to replace broken light-guns. A safer compromise would be welcome. The reason for changing units that already had gantries installed is unclear, although the venue presumably had operational reasons.
More arcade and pinball headlines
- Roger Sharpe will attend a pre-release screening of The Man Who Saved Pinball in Chicago.
- Mario Kart Arcade GP DX reached its tenth anniversary for Mar10 Day.
- ColorDMD marked Mar10 Day with a Super Mario Bros. pinball colourisation.
- LAI Games opened its ArcadeXR consumer division, with several arcade-development staff transferring across.
- Walkabout Mini Golf is collaborating with Dave & Busters on a location-based VR mini-golf experience.
- Bandai Namco opened Gashapon stores in New York and Texas.
- The exA-Arcadia games page received a post-JAEPO update, without new information beyond the earlier report.
- StepManiaX DX has been released beyond North America, including a machine in India.
- The 2023 Golden Tee National Tour is underway, some venues have received The Godfather pinball machines, and Wahlap has published a new corporate brand video.
- A Twitter thread examines the fictional arcade games seen in Akira.
- Console items include a video about Mario’s boots, a 2000 Samsung DVD player capable of real-time ray tracing, a new Caverns of Mars remake played by a parent and child, and Jumpman, an unofficial Atari release written in 10 lines of compressed code.
For more arcade coverage, visit the RETROCADE arcade blog, explore arcade machines, compare options in the arcade machine buying guide, or find help with arcade repairs. Compact-room options are also available among the store’s bartop arcades.
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