GoldStorm Pirates, Bandai Namco Amusement’s follow-up to DeadStorm Pirates, has returned for another location test in the United States. As this remains a pre-release build, the cabinet, game content and release plans may change substantially—or the title may not enter production.
The sequel to the 2009 pirate-themed arcade game was previously tested in Japan and at Dave & Busters in Addison, Illinois, during May and June. Several months later, the game is being tested again at the Addison venue, with a revised cabinet design providing a clearer look at the project.
For Australian operators and enthusiasts comparing formats, the cabinet is a useful example of how large-scale arcade attractions can differ from a conventional upright arcade cabinet.
An open cabinet with motion and wind effects
The latest test machine uses a more open layout than the enclosed environmental cabinet shown previously. Players sit on a bench mounted to a motion base, facing a substantial 85-inch screen.
The machine still features a pirate ship’s wheel as its main control, although the wheel appears more detailed in this version. Motion was available as an optional model feature for the original game, while GoldStorm Pirates also adds wind effects to the attraction.
At the Addison test, one play costs 14.9 credits. That works out to approximately US$1–$2 per game, depending on the deals or credit packages purchased by the player.
Its footprint and moving components place it firmly in the larger attraction category rather than the compact format covered in our arcade machine buying guide. Operators assessing similar equipment should also consider servicing and replacement requirements, topics covered through arcade repairs and maintenance.
Gameplay footage and cabinet details
A short cutscene from the test version offers another glimpse of the presentation and pirate adventure theme.
The additional images below show the wheel, marquee and other views of the current test cabinet.
Could it appear at IAAPA 2023?
There was hope that Bandai Namco Amusement America might display GoldStorm Pirates at IAAPA 2023. However, without an advance announcement, its presence could not be confirmed until the show floor was reached.
Other possible Bandai Namco attractions mentioned around the same testing period included Taiko No Tatsujin and Bike Dash Delivery, although their appearance seemed even less certain. With all three titles having undergone recent tests, the manufacturer appeared to be building a strong potential release line-up for 2024 and beyond.
For anyone considering a driving or motion-based attraction, RETROCADE’s racing arcade collection provides a useful comparison with other dedicated machines. GoldStorm Pirates remains a test title for now, so its final form and commercial future are still unsettled.
What do you think of this latest look at GoldStorm Pirates? Have you played the test version?
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