With Amusement Expo 2024 just over a month away, LAI Games has revealed an early look at a new arcade racer called Smash DX.
Smash DX teaser points to off-road racing
Initial distributor information referred to the project as “Smash VX”, but the first teaser confirms that Smash DX is the correct title. Beyond its name and off-road setting, the short video leaves many details open.
The game is being developed by Chinese studio Superwing. Its previous work includes Ice Man, the original version of the basketball game later localised by Sega Amusements as Allstars Basketball, and a shooter that has appeared under the names Interstellar Team and Galaxy Squad.
There is also a strong possibility that Smash DX is connected to another Superwing title recently seen outside China: Extreme Offroad. The two games share a developer and appear to have several similar visual and gameplay elements, although LAI Games may have commissioned changes for its version.
Could Smash DX be Extreme Offroad?
Extreme Offroad appears to be a quick, combat-focused driving game in the style of Cruis’n Blast and Dirty Drivin’. Its emphasis on smashing rival vehicles is particularly reminiscent of the latter. At this stage, however, the relationship between the two games has not been formally confirmed.
The second video was published by the official GTI Expo account for the game’s Chinese launch last year. Since then, the title has surfaced at several venues elsewhere in Asia.
- In Japan, the game underwent a location test at Kawasaki Silk Hat alongside Bullseye Crackshot, another title produced by Chinese manufacturer Ace Amusement. The game was placed on location test late last year alongside Bullseye Crackshot.
- It has also been seen at a TimeZone in Singapore.
- Another appearance was reported at Fun Factory The Mines in Malaysia.
The Malaysian venue has also recently installed the first officially connected Initial D The Arcade machines in that country.
Those Singapore and Malaysian appearances may not have been location tests. It is also possible that Superwing has already begun selling the game directly into those markets.
What to expect at Amusement Expo
The available footage suggests an arcade machine built around aggressive off-road driving, but the teaser does not yet establish whether Smash DX and Extreme Offroad are identical, related releases or separate versions of the same project.
AEI24 coverage is expected to include hands-on play and footage of the new games on display, potentially including Smash DX. A closer preview will follow as the event approaches. For readers tracking new coin-operated releases, the RETROCADE arcade news blog is a useful place to follow further updates.
For context, driving-focused machines remain a distinctive part of the arcade floor. RETROCADE’s racing arcade collection covers that broader category, while the arcade machine buying guide explains the main considerations for bringing a cabinet into an Australian games room.
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