Arcade racing is set for a strong showing at IAAPA 2022, with at least four new driving titles expected on the floor and possible surprise announcements still to come. LAI Games has now confirmed that Asphalt 9 Legends VR will be among them, following the company’s earlier reveals of the FGTeeV and Rick and Morty redemption games.
A third Asphalt 9 arcade cabinet
This is the third arcade configuration for Asphalt 9 Legends. The standard SD and DX versions were shown at the previous year’s IAAPA, while the VR edition had already been revealed for Asian markets by IGS and Wahlap shortly after that event.
LAI Games’ involvement brings the VR model to markets outside Asia. Based on the information available, the cabinet retains the same functional and visual design, with a 43-inch HD display mounted at the rear so waiting players can watch the race. LAI has described the headset as a “premium” HMD but has not identified its manufacturer.
First-person racing with a pursuit mode
Unlike the conventional cabinets, the VR version presents the entire game from a first-person viewpoint. Players can compete in Quick Race, Time Attack and Trial events, along with a new Hunted mode.
Hunted places the driver in an escape scenario, with security vehicles pursuing them. The idea recalls getaway sequences from games such as Grand Theft Auto and Need for Speed: Most Wanted. It also reverses the premise of Chase H.Q., where the player takes the role of the pursuing law-enforcement driver.
IGS brings previous VR racing experience
The concept may look familiar because IGS developed the game after working on arcade VR racing with Overtake VR. Asphalt 9 Legends VR does not appear to include that title’s virtual passenger character.
For readers comparing the format with other racing arcades, the key difference is the combination of a dedicated driving cabinet and an immersive headset rather than a conventional screen-only setup. IAAPA visitors can follow broader arcade industry news as more details emerge.
Orders planned for IAAPA
LAI Games had not announced a release date at the time of the reveal. The company planned to accept orders at IAAPA, with shipments expected to begin soon after the show. Anyone assessing the space and maintenance needs of a racing cabinet can also consult RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide before making a decision.
Further hands-on information will depend on the IAAPA showing and the opportunity to play the finished VR cabinet.
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