GIGA SHOT is the latest entry in JET Games’ large-format “Shot” series, combining four-player shooting, an 86-inch display and air-powered gun feedback. After spending almost a week with the machine, this hands-on look covers its arrival, installation, hardware and software.
Introducing GIGA SHOT
GIGA SHOT is the fourth game in a series originally produced by Flamestone Amusement in China and released by JET Games. The line began with Quick Shot, followed by Big Shot and Mega Shot.
The earlier games helped bring heavier metallic gun controllers back into the arcade industry. That extra weight gives the controls a more convincing feel than the lightweight plastic guns commonly associated with light-gun games from the 1990s onward. The series also uses an air compressor for recoil and shot feedback, creating a stronger effect than a conventional solenoid.
Mega Shot was available with either one large portrait display or two portrait screens, making its cabinet a major talking point at IAAPA 2023. GIGA SHOT answers that scale with an enormous 86-inch monitor, four player positions rather than two, and shotguns fitted with realistic sights. A player-facing camera is included, although its purpose feels less clear because the game does not display leaderboards during play.
GIGA SHOT began shipping in February of this year. The footage below shows a prototype, so some cabinet and software details differ from the production machine.
For operators planning a new installation, RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide is useful background on cabinet size, access and venue requirements.
Delivery and installation
Arranging the machine took time, largely because of the freight cost and the funds required to move such a large cabinet from Florida to Utah. Delivery also arrived with little warning. The carrier had apparently tried to call, but no missed call appeared, so the freight company provided the driver’s number. Fortunately, a nearby brother was able to help with unloading.
The machine arrives in three boxes, with the console and illuminated marquee secured together. The monitor section is supplied as one large piece. Its size meant it barely fitted on the truck, while the narrow pallet made it vulnerable to tipping during removal.
At least three people should be available to handle the monitor safely, with four preferable. A loading dock would make the process easier, although many venues will not have one.
Assembly itself was mostly uncomplicated. The monitor carton had suffered an impact that damaged a metal connector joining the display to the console, but the LCD panel was not pierced. A damaged screen would have created a much more serious insurance and replacement problem.
JET places the required bolts in their pre-drilled holes, which avoids the usual hardware-sorting exercise. The manual provides basic instructions, though more detail would help. Anyone comfortable with technical installations should be able to work through the remaining steps.
Unboxing, assembly and clearing away the packaging took roughly three hours. The cabinet’s scale makes additional help essential, and a larger crew should be able to shorten the installation.
Power requirements
Electrical planning is an important part of the installation. With its air compressor and other electrical components, GIGA SHOT requires 26 amps. The venue in question was built around 20-amp circuits, so a local electrician adapted an existing circuit to provide a dedicated 20-amp supply.
There are two power outlets built into the machine: one for the game and another for the compressor. The compressor is well worth using. Without it, the game loses much of its impact; with it running, the shot sounds and bursts of rapid fire attract attention across the venue.
Operators considering a large shooting cabinet should also plan for suitable arcade installation and repair support, particularly where electrical work or future servicing may be involved.
How GIGA SHOT plays
At its core, GIGA SHOT remains a virtual shooting gallery, but it expands the formula with five levels containing multiple missions. Each level appears to build towards a boss encounter, including the more traditional target-practice stages.
Two levels introduce zombies and dinosaurs in separate scenarios. These sections resemble a conventional light-gun game, with enemies appearing on screen alongside character dialogue. The machine is configured to dispense tickets by default, although that feature was disabled here. The software also refers to a “Gift” option, which may indicate support for a capsule dispenser, but the manual does not explain that function.
As with the other Shot games, the session ends when the player runs out of ammunition rather than when a health bar is depleted. That distinction may surprise new players, especially during the zombie stage, where enemies can visibly strike the player.
Strengths and shortcomings
After several days with the machine, the cabinet makes an excellent first impression. Its size, lighting and four-player layout give it a powerful presence, and the presentation is strong enough to draw attention without relying on a licensed property. The graphics use vivid colour and maintain a solid frame rate, while the rapid-fire power-up is particularly satisfying as it fills the scene with shots.
The software, however, needs more refinement. Leaderboards appear only after a game ends and do not allow players to enter initials, reducing their value. The game also crashed twice during testing. Its attract mode is limited to a 15-second loop showing bottles being shot, with no text, leaderboard display or additional scenes.
Several smaller issues affect the finish. Some text contains typographical errors, dialogue in the monster and dinosaur stages can feel awkward, and accompanying text occasionally runs beyond the edge of the screen. Enemies sometimes appear abruptly rather than entering the scene naturally. The target-practice stage also moves between missions too quickly.
These problems do not erase the cabinet’s potential, but they do prevent the software from matching the hardware. Detailed feedback is being prepared for JET Games; whether any suggestions become updates will depend on the time, cost and development priorities involved.
Early availability and verdict
At the time of testing, this was believed to be the only machine of its kind in the state, although some Round1USA locations were reportedly acquiring GIGA SHOT. Even if another venue has since received one, its four-player format and imposing display still give it plenty of impact in a family entertainment centre.
GIGA SHOT is an ambitious arcade shooting game with an excellent physical presence, convincing air-powered feedback and room for four players. Its current software is uneven, but the underlying concept has enough energy to become a much stronger package with further polish.
For comparison with other cabinet formats, explore RETROCADE’s range of upright arcades and racing arcade machines.
Leave a Reply