Kaiju entertainment is enjoying a strong moment, helped by the impact of Godzilla Minus One and renewed interest in giant-monster cinema. That enthusiasm now extends to a new location-based VR shooter from Raw Thrills.
Godzilla Kaiju Wars VR is officially shipping to the arcade market. A small number of venues had already received the game, and March had previously been indicated as its expected arrival window. Raw Thrills’ confirmation now makes the rollout official.
What is Godzilla Kaiju Wars VR?
The game was first shown at IAAPA 2023, a major amusement-industry tradeshow. It has since appeared at further events, including Amusement Expo 2024 the week before this shipping announcement.
At launch, the arcade version contains two stages. They are the same two levels presented at those trade shows. Raw Thrills plans to bring the total to five stages, with the additional content included at no extra cost to the venue as part of the machine purchase. The company has not announced when the next stage will arrive, although a future update is expected to receive its own promotion.
A VR take on classic light-gun action
Its gameplay can be compared with Sega’s Gunblade N.Y., replacing the original game’s urban combat against terrorists with waves of creatures and kaiju. Virtual reality changes the presentation, while the mounted guns are designed to feel more immediately usable than many conventional VR control schemes.
Will it become a major arcade performer?
Whether Godzilla Kaiju Wars VR becomes Raw Thrills’ next major earner will become clearer as more locations receive the machine. For operators assessing the wider market, the RETROCADE arcade blog tracks developments across the industry.
For readers considering an arcade setup at home, the arcade machine buying guide offers a useful starting point, while arcade machines and upright arcades cover broader cabinet options. Would you like to see this VR kaiju shooter at a venue near you?
Leave a Reply