FixEight EXA LABEL, the sixth release in exA-Arcadia’s EXA LABEL series, is now available for arcade pre-order. Orders placed now are scheduled to begin shipping in October.
The original FixEight
Released by Toaplan in 1992, FixEight is a top-down run-and-gun shooter with close gameplay ties to Out Zone. Both games draw on the style of 1980s action shooters such as Front Line, Commando and Ikari Warriors.
While the two titles share a broad setting and arcade formula, FixEight introduced eight selectable characters, each with a distinct weapon set. It also changed how power-ups and player deaths functioned. Neither game received a contemporary home conversion, making this return to the arcade especially notable.
What EXA LABEL changes
Developed for exA-Arcadia coin-operated systems, FixEight EXA LABEL retains the original game while refining its presentation, fixing bugs and adding new ways to play. The project was created with the cooperation of original Toaplan staff.
Nanpei Kaneko returns as illustrator and scenario director, while Keishi Yonao directed the arranged soundtrack and newly recorded character voices.
View the official game page for further details.
The announced enhancements include:
- Four-player simultaneous gameplay
- One frame of input lag, described as twice as fast as the original edition
- Five selectable game modes
- New artwork from original artist and game designer Nanpei Kaneko
- Both the original soundtrack and a new arrangement by Keishi Yonao
- Character voices performed by professional anime voice actors
- Support for vertical and horizontal screen layouts, with vertical play recommended
- Numerous bug fixes
The control scheme also gains a new function. Holding button 3 enables strafing with certain weapons, while other weapons use the same input for a charge shot.
The footage shown at Amusement Expo 2024 came from an early build, so it did not yet include every listed improvement.
Five ways to play
- Original: The arcade game presented in its original form.
- Original (Dash): A single-loop version with bug fixes and other improvements.
- EXA LABEL: A faster mode centred on scoring and bomb use, with revised behaviour when energy runs out.
- Score Attack: A stage-focused challenge allowing players to practise one stage and difficulty for a high score.
- Extreme: The ultimate challenge for soldiers of fortune.
Standard and Limited Edition kits
Arcade operators can choose between Standard and Limited Edition kits through their preferred exA sales source. The Limited Edition costs only a few hundred dollars more and adds further artwork choices, including standees for each character.
A four-player run-and-gun for modern arcades
FixEight EXA LABEL continues exA-Arcadia’s focus on bringing overlooked arcade genres back into active venues. Its classic visual style may appeal most strongly to locations serving dedicated retro players rather than audiences seeking cutting-edge graphics or prize machines.
It is also the first four-player exA title seen in some time. The previous example was P-47 Aces Mk. II, released two years earlier. Jitsu Squad is expected to follow after testing in Japan, with a release still targeted for before the end of the year.
For operators with a four-player exA cabinet, the arrival of another multiplayer game offers additional content for that hardware. Home arcade buyers considering a dedicated cabinet can also explore RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide, browse upright arcades or compare compact bartop machines.
For more coverage of new releases and arcade hardware, visit the RETROCADE arcade blog.
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