Bullseye: Crack Shot returns for IAAPA 2023 with a revised cabinet strategy, following its earlier appearance at Bowl Expo 2023. The shooting-gallery game is now planned in standard and deluxe formats for the US market.
From Asian release to IAAPA showcase
Ace Amusement developed Bullseye: Crack Shot, which was first released in Asia and later brought to Europe by UDC. Ace has become an increasingly visible Chinese arcade manufacturer, with several companies now distributing or adopting its games. The company is also scheduled to have its own IAAPA booth, although its exhibition line-up is not confirmed here.
UDC has released a video showing examples of Ace Amusement’s work. More arcade coverage is available in the RETROCADE arcade blog.
Two cabinet formats
At Bowl Expo, Bullseye: Crack Shot appeared as two single cabinets joined beneath one shared marquee, matching the configuration already released in Europe. For IAAPA, the presentation has changed to two distinct options: a standard cabinet and a deluxe model.
The standard version may use a screen measuring approximately 43 to 47 inches, while the deluxe cabinet could feature a display as large as 85 inches. Those figures require confirmation at the show because the product page does not list complete specifications.
It is also not yet clear whether individual cabinets can be linked. The available documentation still depicts a twin arrangement, especially looking at the flyer which still shows a twin cabinet. As with the display sizes, linking details may change before release.
The game uses a realistic metal light gun in a shooting-gallery setting. This format has become more common following Taito and UNIS’s OnPoint. That earlier title used real BBs to shoot at the screen, a design choice that created liability concerns for many operators despite the convincing gun hardware. Newer games are pursuing a similar physical feel without projectiles.
Bullseye’s revised cabinet designs also appear comparable to JET Games’ format, which offers a standard Quick Shot cabinet alongside the deluxe Big Shot.
Modes and shooting stages
There is conflicting information about the number of stages. The flyer lists six levels, while the game page refers to eight. Four named activities are Skeet Shooting, Accuracy Test, Break the Bottles and Target Switching.
At least two further stages use a more traditional light-gun structure, with players taking aim at enemies. An early UDC video provides a look at some of the available content.
Bullseye: Crack Shot can run as a ticket redemption attraction or as a conventional score-based light-gun game. A leaderboard would suit the latter format, although its inclusion has not been confirmed. Visual performance also remains to be assessed in person, including whether the game runs at 60 frames per second.
A growing metal-gun shooting-gallery category
IAAPA provides an opportunity to compare Bullseye with other recent games built around realistic metal guns and screen-based target shooting. Big Shot is expected to be part of that comparison, while other exhibitors may also present similar attractions.
OnPoint was believed to be out of production, so a non-BB revision would be an unexpected appearance. The broader category remains interesting for operators because gun games continue to perform well in arcades.
For anyone assessing a cabinet for a venue or home collection, the distinction between standard and deluxe formats is worth considering alongside screen size, linking support, operating mode and maintenance requirements. RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide offers general advice, while the arcade machines collection covers other cabinet styles, including upright arcade machines.
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