ShootersFes 2025 has concluded in Japan, bringing together developers and fans of shoot ’em ups—also known as shmups or STGs. exA-Arcadia used the event to present updates on its arcade platform, confirm new versions of classic games and preview original titles heading to arcades.
The company also confirmed appearances at EVO and San Diego Comic-Con, where further announcements are expected. For Australian operators and collectors following new arcade news, the showcase provided a useful look at what is coming beyond Japan.
exA-Arcadia at ShootersFes 2025
The announcement stream featured trailers for previously released and announced STGs before moving into the main reveals. The relevant section runs from 2:19:40 to 3:12:50.
Bunny Bomber Blast is available now
Bunny Bomber Blast is already available for exA-Arcadia owners. Its design combines elements of Dig Dug and Bomberman, while its new gameplay is presented with deliberately retro graphics resembling an early-1980s arcade release.
The title joins exA’s value games, with kits priced below $1000. No additional Australian availability details were announced in the presentation.
ExA hardware and cabinet updates
ExA-Arcadia has introduced a revised version of the EXA Board, which has been shipping since 2024. The change addresses the internal CR2032 battery: when the battery failed on the earlier arrangement, the complete system had to be sent in for service.
On the revised board, the battery is accessible from outside, allowing operators to replace it themselves. Existing owners will be able to use an upgrade programme, although its details had not yet been released.
The company also discussed the ARC-32 cabinet and confirmed that a four-player model will be shipped. It will be available outside Japan. Anyone comparing cabinet formats can also browse RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide before planning a dedicated setup.
Earthion EXA LABEL
Following the announcement of console release dates for Yuzo Koshiro and Ancient’s Earthion, exA-Arcadia provided new information about the arcade edition.
A Japanese location test is scheduled for 25 June to 2 July at Taito Hey, with the arcade version launching on 31 July alongside the console releases. The exA edition will include EXA LABEL mode and in-game gadgets that are not part of the console versions. EXA LABEL is intended to be a key point of difference for the arcade release.
Earthion also includes five soundtrack variations across its versions. The game began as a Mega Drive/Genesis homebrew project, and Koshiro designed its audio around the differences between the sound outputs of the Mega Drive 1, Genesis 1, Mega Drive 2 and Genesis CDX hardware.
ExA-Arcadia said Koshiro was initially unaware of the differences between those outputs. After learning what was possible, he created several variations, reportedly preferring the CDX output. Players can choose among the variations or select an enhanced soundtrack without the distortions.
Triggerheart Exelica EXA LABEL
Warashi’s Triggerheart Exelica, first released in arcades for Sega NAOMI in 2006 before receiving several console versions, is being remastered as an EXA LABEL edition. ExA describes this release as an expanded director’s-cut treatment. No gameplay footage was shown during the announcement.
Asura The Striker EXA LABEL
Asura The Striker is a new STG from LeftOver with a modern 3D presentation and a gameplay concept reminiscent of Space Harrier. Players control ASURA, described as a humanoid combat weapon, from a behind-the-character viewpoint while flying around the screen, shooting and striking enemies.
The game will be the first exA title to support an analogue flight stick and a dedicated new control-panel module. The modular panels used by the ARC-1 and ARC-32 cabinets allow operators to swap controls, although the flight-stick module currently has only this one supported game. Standard digital joysticks can also be used, so the flight stick is optional.
The arcade version will feature EXA Mode and a special soundtrack arrangement. It is listed as a single-player game. The presentation showed footage, but an official trailer for the arcade version had not yet been posted; the preview instead used footage from the Steam version.
Jamjam’n Jelly EXA LENTE
Jamjam’n Jelly EXA LENTE received a new trailer featuring sound effects not heard in an earlier playable version. The arcade edition has also undergone substantial gameplay redesigns compared with the console versions.
New features include selectable branching routes in the tradition of Darius and OutRun, major revisions to boss encounters and Japanese voice acting. A precise date was not provided, but the game is planned for release in July.
Dragon Blaze EXA LABEL
Psikyo’s Dragon Blaze, released to arcades in 2000, is coming to exA-Arcadia as an EXA LABEL edition. The bullet-hell shooter stands apart from many STGs by placing players on dragons rather than spacecraft.
The release will include EXA Mode, additional modes beyond the original JAMMA game and a choice between the original and arranged soundtracks.
Mugendan Infinity Bullets
Mugendan Infinity Bullets began as a project that had been in development for mobile devices. Its arcade version is being expanded for exA hardware and controls. The game draws comparisons with Capcom’s 1988 coin-op Forgotten Worlds, while pursuing a late-1980s to early-1990s visual style with more on-screen sprites than period hardware could typically manage.
Several former Capcom staff members are involved, helping explain the connection to that earlier game. The exA version supports both the company’s trackball controller and standard joysticks, as well as up to four players. Multiplayer can be arranged on one cabinet or through two linked two-player cabinets, and an additional game mode is included.
Truxton II EXA LABEL
Toaplan’s 1992 arcade shooter Truxton II is the latest classic to receive an EXA LABEL edition, following earlier Toaplan projects such as Batsugun.
The release will contain the original game, a new EXA Mode, an arranged soundtrack and one further mode. The presentation did not clearly identify that final mode.
What the announcements mean for arcade operators
ShootersFes placed arcade STGs firmly in the spotlight, with a mixture of modern originals, enhanced classics and control-focused releases. ExA-Arcadia also emphasised that its platform is not restricted to Japan: the announced games can be sold and operated internationally.
Asura The Striker is particularly notable for its optional analogue flight stick and contemporary 3D design, while Earthion and Jamjam’n Jelly EXA LENTE offer distinctive presentation and substantial arcade-specific changes. Operators considering a dedicated upright setup can compare upright arcade cabinets, while compact installations may suit bartop arcades.
For Australian venues and home collectors, the main question will be which games receive distribution and hardware support locally. The ShootersFes announcements nevertheless show a broad pipeline for exA-Arcadia, spanning remasters, original STGs, alternative controls and multiplayer formats.
Which exA-Arcadia announcement from ShootersFes 2025 interests you most?
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