August’s arcade-news line-up covers major updates, new redemption concepts and venue testing across golf, pinball, rhythm games, shuffleboard and drone racing. Highlights include Golden Tee PGA Tour 2023/2024, Stern’s Jurassic Park 30th Anniversary Edition, UNIS’ Raccoon Rampage, Dance Dance Revolution A3, Supercharged Shuffle and Drone Racing Genesis.
For Australian operators and enthusiasts tracking the wider industry, these releases also show how established arcade formats continue to evolve through new software, connected features and themed hardware.
Golden Tee PGA Tour 2023/2024 adds new ways to play
Incredible Technologies’ latest major Golden Tee update arrived on 31 July 2023. As with previous annual editions, the refreshed release expands the established golf formula with additional courses, modes and equipment.
The update introduces a 60-second Target Rush mode, takes the course total to 110, adds new golf clubs and includes a Create-A-Course feature. Read the official press release or visit the Golden Tee PGA Tour game page.
Jurassic Park 30th Anniversary Edition pinball
Stern Pinball’s new limited edition marks 30 years since Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park reached cinemas. The film was adapted from Michael Crichton’s novel and remains one of the best-known dinosaur properties in popular culture.
Stern’s earlier Jurassic Park machine, released in 2019, was based on the 1993 film rather than the Jurassic World series. Its playfield includes enjoyable features such as the Jeep toy and flowing shots, but its use of film footage and audio was limited. Most of the included material centred on Dennis Nedry, while the principal characters did not receive new voice performances.
The 30th Anniversary Edition is an LE model with art blades and what appears to be limited-edition hardware, including a moving T-Rex head and spinning helicopter blades. The available trailer does not make clear whether the machine adds further film content beyond the original game.
An unauthorised software update previously added movie clips, but it cannot be installed on an existing machine while retaining those additions. Some pinball collectors have expressed mixed views: some feel another 500-unit LE run could reduce the value of the first edition, while others are enthusiastic about the new machine.
Stern lists an MSRP of $12,999 and is limiting production to 500 units. More information is available on the Jurassic Park pinball page.
Stern has also described connected features for its Venom pinball machine that are intended to encourage repeat play. One notable feature is the ability to save game progress through Insider Connected, an approach that could eventually benefit other connected pinball titles.
UNIS unveils Raccoon Rampage
UNIS has revealed Raccoon Rampage, a four-player water-gun videmption game. The promotional video does not show gameplay, but its on-screen information identifies four stages.
The cabinet places a strip of artificial grass between the water guns and the display, following a familiar layout for this type of attraction. Players can also collect power-ups that increase the strength of their water blasts. The game was not listed on UNIS’ website at the time of the announcement and was expected to receive further attention at IAAPA.
The industry now has another raccoon-themed release alongside Retro Raccoons.
Dance Dance Revolution A3 reaches Round1USA locations
Konami’s Dance Dance Revolution A3 update was announced for DDR machines at Round1USA venues, arriving around the same time as Andamiro’s Pump It Up 2023 Phoenix.
The rollout encountered serious problems. Reports indicated that the update had not been adequately tested and that several DDR machines became unusable. A resolution was expected, while the possibility of a similar A3 update for Dave & Buster’s remained uncertain and did not appear likely at that stage.
The update announcement and subsequent reports about the affected machines captured the situation.
Supercharged Shuffle brings software to shuffleboard
CONDUCTR has introduced Supercharged Shuffle, a technology-focused take on shuffleboard that debuted at a Dave & Buster’s venue in Texas. The specific location was not identified, despite the operator having multiple Texas venues.
Its announced features include:
- Patent-pending automated tracking
- Multiple game variants
- Instant replays
- Player profile creation
- Real-time lighting and audio
The concept recalls Arachnid’s DiscGlo Shuffle, but uses a full-size layout with additional software-driven features. It was not clear whether the Dave & Buster’s installation was an exclusive arrangement or whether the game would later expand to other venues. CONDUCTR’s announcement provides further details.
Drone Racing Genesis gets a new promotional video
Drone Racing Genesis is not a brand-new release, but Sega Amusements has produced a fresh promotional video, making it a useful inclusion in this round-up of current arcade activity.
Arcade formats continue to diversify
From annual sports updates and licensed pinball to multiplayer water attractions, connected rhythm machines and digitally enhanced shuffleboard, this selection demonstrates the range of products being developed for commercial venues.
For readers considering a home setup, RETROCADE’s arcade-machine buying guide offers a practical starting point. Browse arcade machines, explore virtual pinball tables or follow the latest stories on the RETROCADE arcade blog.
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