Summer can be a quieter period for major arcade announcements, but it is also a useful window for operators and manufacturers to trial new ideas. Recent location tests in Japan and the United States have featured three very different projects: Konami’s latest Beatmania IIDX, Andamiro USA’s competitive Star Wars redemption game, and an arcade-exclusive version of Earthion for exA-Arcadia.
Location tests are arcade’s equivalent of beta testing. Features, presentation and other details can change substantially before a game reaches production, assuming it progresses beyond testing at all.
Beatmania IIDX 33 Sparkle Shower
Konami’s annual rhythm-game cycle continues with Beatmania IIDX 33 Sparkle Shower. Like the long-running Golden Tee series, Beatmania IIDX is a dependable yearly fixture, although Konami’s Japanese tests are generally more visible and scheduled across several public days.
This year’s test appears to have arrived slightly earlier than usual. The new visual identity has a bright, citrus-soft-drink-inspired look, accompanied by the expected selection of fresh songs. This Ariesu report provides additional coverage of the test.
The accompanying footage gives a roughly 10-minute look at the game in operation, with a clean overall presentation. Konami was also testing a large medal-game pusher based on the Momotaru Dentetsu video games at Silk Hat Kawasaki Dice in Japan. Further details are expected as Konami develops its newer presence in the United States.
Star Wars Death Star Assault
At the flagship Dave & Buster’s venue in Dallas, Texas, Andamiro USA has been testing Star Wars Death Star Assault, a competitive redemption game with a strong physical component.
Up to four players compete to destroy the Death Star and earn tickets by firing pellet-shooting mounted guns at TIE Fighter targets. The four stations represent Luke, Han and Chewbacca, Princess Leia, and C-3PO and R2-D2. Star Wars Death Star Assault is therefore more than a conventional pusher, while still retaining the competitive ticket-winning structure of a redemption machine.
Although the gameplay is largely physical, available photographs suggest that small screens are integrated into the cabinet. The available images show those integrated screens, giving the machine a hybrid “videmption” or “phygital” character.
The Star Wars licence remains a significant draw, but its commercial performance should not be assumed solely from the branding. The game may instead find its audience by offering a distinct physical shooting experience alongside other licensed attractions such as Cyberpunk 2077: Turf Wars.
Earthion EXA Label
The third test is Earthion EXA Label, the arcade-focused edition of Yuzo Koshiro’s indie shoot ’em up. The project began as a game for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, hardware Koshiro also supported during the 1990s through acclaimed chiptune work on titles including Streets of Rage and Shinobi.
Following delays, Earthion is now planned for an initial release on exA-Arcadia and several current home platforms. The EXA Label version is receiving its first location tests in Japan, with TEAM EXA AM6 working alongside Koshiro’s company, Ancient, on the arcade-exclusive edition.
The arcade version has differences from the other releases, making the test particularly relevant for players interested in dedicated arcade hardware and platform-specific design. Taito HEY has also streamed the game during testing using its dedicated live-broadcast setup.
Three very different arcade tests
These projects highlight three distinct directions for location testing: a yearly rhythm-game update, a multiplayer physical redemption attraction and an arcade-exclusive shoot ’em up. For Australian operators and enthusiasts tracking new releases, the tests are an early indication of the formats and licences that may shape upcoming arcade floors.
For broader coverage, explore the RETROCADE arcade blog, browse arcade machines, or compare cabinet considerations in the arcade machine buying guide.
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