VRsenal has announced Rhythmatic 2, a new version of its rhythm-focused virtual reality arcade game, alongside a smaller cabinet designed to address two persistent operator concerns: cost and reliability.
The original Rhythmatic made its public debut at IAAPA 2021 in November. The follow-up will launch in the Monolith cabinet at Bowl Expo 2022, giving the company a revised hardware platform as well as new game content.
A smaller VR arcade cabinet
The Monolith occupies 7.5 square feet, making it almost 60% smaller than VRsenal’s earlier V2 cabinet. Its introductory price is under US$25,000, a substantial reduction from the original Rhythmatic unit, which was reported to sell for approximately US$54,000.
VRsenal says the reduced footprint and lower entry price should help venues achieve a faster return on investment. The cabinet is also the company’s most visibly themed design to date, rather than the plain, single-colour finish used on some of its more flexible multi-game systems. The name may even be a 2001: A Space Odyssey reference.
For operators comparing different formats, the Monolith sits firmly in the location-based VR category rather than the conventional arcade machine market. Space, servicing and unattended operation are therefore central to its appeal.
Replacing the retracting headset system
Earlier VRsenal cabinets used an overhead gantry to hold and retract the headset. The Monolith moves the headset and controls to the front of the cabinet, removing that gantry and its moving parts.
VRsenal identifies HDMI cabling as a frequent failure point in VR arcade hardware. An HTC Vive Pro uses a custom 3-in-1 cable carrying video through HDMI, power through USB and audio. The company says these cables can require monthly replacement, cost more than $100 when available and were difficult to source for much of the previous year.
VRsenal has instead developed its own USB video cables, building on the robust USB controller cables it has manufactured since 2018. The company says those cables have operated across more than 500 installed units, often for years before replacement is needed. Monolith headset cables are covered by a two-year factory warranty.
Removing the retraction mechanism reduces the cabinet’s cost, weight and maintenance requirements. It also allows the system to remain fully automated for unattended play. The front-mounted headset does create a practical durability question, as equipment may be dropped during busy operation, so long-term resistance to impact will be important for venues.
New gameplay for Rhythmatic 2
The sequel adds surreal environments, new music and a “slice and punch” combo mechanic intended to create additional ways to build streaks and improve leaderboard scores.
Developed by Blackwall Labs, Rhythmatic 2 launches with 12 tracks, including six new songs. The game follows VRsenal’s earlier work with Beat Saber, whose commercial arcade licence was withdrawn by Meta. That change left some venues without the planned product and helped motivate the development of Rhythmatic.
VRsenal describes the original game as one of its top earners, making the combination of a proven rhythm-game concept and a more compact cabinet strategically significant for operators. Fans of rhythm-focused attractions can also browse our arcade news and gaming coverage for more industry developments.
Bowl Expo launch details
Rhythmatic 2 and the Monolith were scheduled to appear at the Moss Distributing booth, number 119, during Bowl Expo on 28 June 2022 in Las Vegas.
VRsenal was founded in 2016 and manufactures its systems in the United States. The company says it has deployed more than 500 attendant-free VR systems across over 10 countries, with proprietary technology intended to make unattended VR easier to install in entertainment venues.
Blackwall Labs is an independent studio based in London that develops games and experiences for the virtual reality market.
For venue owners assessing a new attraction, practical considerations such as floor area, servicing and replacement parts matter as much as the game itself. RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide offers a useful starting point for comparing those factors.
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