Phantom Vanguard is now available in North America through LAI Games, bringing Gameloft, IGS and Wahlap’s modern military shooter series to arcade venues as an exclusive light-gun experience.
For more arcade industry updates, visit the RETROCADE Arcade Blog.
Modern Combat returns to arcades
Phantom Vanguard is the latest arcade entry associated with Gameloft’s Modern Combat franchise. The series was primarily active from 2009 to 2014, followed by offshoots released in 2017 and 2019. Games shown under the name in 2025 may be modifications rather than confirmed official releases, as little reliable information is available about them.
The franchise had been largely quiet until Phantom Vanguard was announced and released in China during 2025. The earlier games were built for mobile platforms, including touchscreen virtual controls, while this new instalment shifts the action to a dedicated arcade cabinet.
For players who have been waiting for the series to return, this arcade release effectively serves as its sixth instalment. Built with Unreal Engine 5, it takes the franchise into the on-rails shooting genre with a cabinet design that makes the physical controls part of the experience.
A dual-screen light-gun cabinet
The machine uses two vertically installed 65-inch 4K displays. Together, they create a tall presentation closer to a 4:3 or 5:4 image ratio than a conventional widescreen arcade screen.
The force-feedback guns can be used in two ways. Players normally hold them as tethered weapons, but selected sequences require each gun to be placed into a swivel mount. Switching between handheld and mounted operation is an unusual feature for an arcade shooter.
Hardware highlights
- Two vertically mounted 65-inch 4K monitors
- 4.1-channel sound system
- Two force-feedback guns for tethered play and swivel-mounted sections
- 3D marquee with topper
- Bright orange LED lighting
- PC-based system with an undisclosed configuration
Phantom Vanguard is designed exclusively for arcades rather than home release. Its modern visuals, on-rails format and purpose-built cabinet features give it a distinct position, regardless of whether its campaign draws from an earlier Modern Combat title.
LAI Games, Gameloft, IGS and Wahlap have collaborated before on Asphalt 9 Legends Arcade. That racing title was reported to have sold approximately 10,000 units, an impressive result in the current arcade market. Driving attractions remain a major part of the sector, alongside dedicated racing arcades and other specialist machines.
Two military theatres
The game contains two stages, described as theatres: one set in an Asian theatre of war and the other in a European theatre. During a play session at IAAPA, both appeared to run for a substantial length, although the full game was not completed, so its total duration remains unknown.
Visually and sonically, the cabinet delivers the large-scale action expected from a contemporary gun game. Its enemies also provide a change from the genre’s frequent focus on zombies, aliens, ghosts and dinosaurs. Robots do appear, but they are not the primary opponents; the main targets are human enemies.
North American arcade release
LAI Games has begun making Phantom Vanguard available to North American arcades. The exact price has not been disclosed, although a competitive position similar to Wahlap’s Storm Racer 2 could help the machine find a place in the market.
Arcade operators considering a new cabinet can compare formats in RETROCADE’s Arcade Machine Buying Guide, browse arcade machines, or explore options for upright arcades.
For full game details, visit the official Phantom Vanguard page.
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