Adrenaline Amusements brought its latest arcade and redemption games to IAAPA 2023. The Canadian company has developed from its early partnership with GlobalVR into a manufacturer known for video games, videmption titles and occasional electromechanical redemption machines.
For broader coverage of the trade show and the wider arcade industry, visit the RETROCADE Arcade Blog. The company’s history also includes the period when we first saw them join up with GlobalVR 13 years ago.
Inside the Adrenaline Amusements booth
There was only one completely new product on display, so the booth tour was relatively brief. The presentation also included several established games that operators may already recognise.
Drakons: Realm Keepers
The headline release was Drakons: Realm Keepers. It began as a ride-your-own-dragon concept before evolving into a motion shooting game with similarities to Typhoon—essentially a virtual roller coaster combined with gun-based action.
Players cannot die during a standard run. Instead, reaching a boss requires another credit to continue the battle. That structure may not appeal to every player, but paying for the continuation also unlocks the next level, guaranteeing several more minutes of play. The game features nine levels.
Drakons: Realm Keepers displays an in-game score, but it does not provide online leaderboards. In two-player mode, it does at least identify which player has performed better.
Motion, presentation and operator appeal
The game’s LED screen gives it a distinctive visual presentation. The effect works well, although it contributes to a price that may be difficult for some operators. Its motion system is another strength, helping create the physical experience that can support repeat play and earnings.
Based on the figures seen at the show, its performance was reportedly close to Virtual Rabbids. It was also positioned as less expensive than Virtual Rabbids, while avoiding the need for player-worn accessories. For operators comparing cabinets, the racing and motion arcade category offers a useful reference point for this style of attraction.
Adrenaline’s other motion-based video game was also shown at the event:
Adrenaline’s current direction
With one new launch supported by a selection of returning products, the IAAPA 2023 display highlighted Adrenaline’s continued focus on motion, video and redemption entertainment. For anyone assessing a machine for a venue or home collection, RETROCADE’s Arcade Machine Buying Guide can help compare cabinet types and practical considerations.
Adrenaline’s line-up combines physical movement, shooting gameplay and familiar redemption design. The open question is whether Drakons: Realm Keepers can turn its motion experience and nine-level structure into the repeat play operators need.
Explore more arcade machines and follow the latest industry coverage through the RETROCADE Arcade Blog.
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