Astro Crow has released Throwback! Jai-Alai Heroes, an independent arcade game built around one of the world’s less familiar competitive sports. The cabinet made its public debut at Free Play Florida in Orlando and was being offered to arcades, bars and private collectors for the next production run.
The launch is a notable addition to the modern arcade scene, where smaller studios continue to develop original machines alongside established manufacturers. For more arcade news and industry updates, visit the RETROCADE arcade blog.
A sports game with a distinctive twist
Jai-alai is pronounced “high lie” and originated in the Basque Country. It resembles racquetball, but players—known as pelotaris—use a curved basket attached to the hand to catch and hurl the ball against a wall. The sport later became particularly popular in Florida, where it is still played.
Astro Crow describes the concept in simple terms: “hot potato wall ball”. The team’s Florida background gives the project a personal connection, with members having attended jai-alai events and knowing people involved with local frontons, the venues where the sport is played.
Jai-Alai itself is a sport, but Throwback! turns it into a fast, accessible arcade competition. Its unusual subject also helps broaden a current sports-arcade category often dominated by golf and bowling.
Bright visuals and casual competition
Throwback! Jai-Alai Heroes is designed for all ages, with a competitive style aimed at players who enjoy accessible multiplayer games such as Rocket League, Super Smash Bros. and Windjammers. Its presentation combines simple 3D environments with hand-drawn 2D pixel animation, creating a colourful look with strong early-1990s arcade energy.
The idea may also remind some players of the wall-based contest seen in TRON. What initially looks like a form of Pong has more in common with jai-alai’s rhythm of catching, positioning and returning the ball.
Two cabinet configurations
Astro Crow planned two versions of the machine: a two-player Standard model for 1v1 matches and a four-player Deluxe model for 2v2 games. The cabinet artwork takes inspiration from the original Missile Command cabinet, combining visual cues from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s rather than relying on an LED-heavy design.
For operators comparing formats, the upright arcade range offers useful context on the classic cabinet footprint, while a home arcade buying guide can help private collectors assess space and setup requirements.
Six years from idea to arcade floor
The project began five years before its public launch announcement and ultimately took six years to complete, with the team developing it around demanding day jobs. Lead programmer and Astro Crow co-owner Brian Stabile started the game while working as a Game Design Course Director at Full Sail University. He also plays drums in the rock band Trash Cinema.
Artist Caris Baker, a Full Sail Hall of Famer and Senior Technical Artist at Unity Technologies, helped turn the concept into its finished visual form. Music and sound effects came from Aaron Randall, a Tokyo-based musician and podcaster. Demonstrations at local and national events produced numerous awards and encouraged the team to continue development.
A planned 2020 release was postponed when the global pandemic forced arcades and other entertainment venues to close. With businesses returning to normal operations, Astro Crow was able to complete the cabinet and move towards commercial release.
From mobile development to physical arcade hardware
Astro Crow is an Orlando-based independent studio that had previously spent more than a decade creating mobile games. The team has released 18 Android apps and nine iOS apps, including The Last Ace of Space. Throwback! Jai-Alai Heroes represents its first move beyond mobile gaming.
The first cabinet was placed at Glitch Bar in Fort Lauderdale. At launch, Astro Crow was accepting pre-orders from bars, arcades and private collectors for the next run. The supplied release information does not state a price.
Operators considering a new machine can also browse RETROCADE’s arcade machines or explore arcade repair and maintenance services before planning a venue installation.
For launch enquiries, contact Astro Crow Games directly. A development and launch interview is available through Indie Arcade Wave.
Studio: Astro Crow, Orlando, Florida
Game: Throwback! Jai-Alai Heroes
Contact: Brian Stabile at [email protected]
Leave a Reply