Several notable arcade developments emerged while the industry moved towards IAAPA 2022. Three releases and tests stand out: a coin-operated version of Nidhogg II, LAI Games’ unconfirmed VR racing project and the family-focused Zombie Bowling.
Nidhogg II arrives as a coin-op cabinet
DSM Arcade, previously known for the indie arcade title Switch ‘N’ Shoot, has added Nidhogg II to its operator range. The sword-fighting platform game first launched on PC and PlayStation 4 in 2017, building on the well-reviewed original.
The arcade cabinet is available to order for $5,999 plus freight. DSM Arcade has also published more details about the Nidhogg II cabinet.
Dan from DSM Arcade discussed the project and its development in an interview with Joe from Indie Arcade Wave.
The available information leaves some questions about how the arcade version differs from the original software. The cabinet includes a coin door and is expected to support coin acceptance, while the main change appears to be the move into dedicated arcade hardware. That makes the game suitable for commercial locations as well as collections built around dedicated arcade machines.
Its cabinet artwork was created by Toby Dixon, the lead artist on Nidhogg II, giving the machine a distinctive visual identity.
LAI Games teases three IAAPA announcements
LAI Games has announced that it will reveal three new games at the IAAPA 2022 Expo in November, although no information about the individual projects has been released. The company’s portfolio spans redemption, sports and video games, so the announcement could cover several different arcade categories.
One possible video-game candidate is a VR edition of Asphalt 9 Legends Arcade DX, which was photographed during a location test. The test setup included a banner with a QR code inviting players to complete a short feedback survey.
A location test is not confirmation of a commercial release, and the final game may differ from the version shown. The software was developed by IGS, a company with previous VR arcade experience through Overtake VR, while LAI Games has released Virtual Rabbids: The Big Ride.
The image suggests that players can look around a three-dimensional cockpit. That feature may invite comparisons with Overtake VR, although other details—including whether the game includes any passenger-seat interaction—remain unknown.
Based on LAI Games’ past output, the other two IAAPA announcements could be redemption titles, with the VR racing game potentially serving as the company’s main video-game reveal. The event was expected to provide clearer answers.
Zombie Bowling brings a twist to mini bowling
Zombie Bowling is a new children’s videmption game launching in the United States through Amusement Source International. It is not the first mini-bowling video game, but it gives the format a playful horror theme by replacing conventional pins with zombies.
A video of the game was shared on LinkedIn, where the game footage can be viewed.
Three different directions for arcade operators
These announcements cover very different parts of the amusement market: a competitive indie conversion into coin-op, a high-profile racing title being tested in VR and a compact family videmption game. For operators and collectors comparing formats, the arcade machine buying guide can help with broader cabinet considerations, while racing arcade machines offer useful context for the driving-game side of the market.
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