Several notable arcade titles moved closer to players during May 2022, with new releases appearing across multi-game platforms, family entertainment venues and commercial arcade distribution channels. Here is a concise look at what had shipped, surfaced in venues or entered the release pipeline.
Shadow Gangs X arrives on exA-Arcadia
Shadow Gangs X by JKM has moved from pre-order status to the New Games section of the exA-Arcadia website. The two-player side-scrolling ninja game draws on the style of classic action titles such as Shinobi and Bad Dudes Vs. Dragon Ninja.
The arcade edition builds on the Steam version with additional content, including a new female playable character. The game was also demonstrated with extensive raw gameplay footage at IAAPA 2021. Visit the Shadow Gangs X game page for more information.
Noisz Arc+Coda remained listed as a pre-order, although shipment was expected soon. Further news on Samurai Shodown V Perfect was also anticipated. Early information suggested that this version would differ from both the console release and the MVS bootleg, making it a more appealing prospect for fans of the series.
Wicked Tuna appears at Dave & Buster’s venues
UNIS had been previewing Wicked Tuna, including a showing at Amusement Expo 2022. While the manufacturer had not formally announced that the fishing game was shipping, photographs indicated that units had reached some Dave & Buster’s locations.
Distributors had also begun listing the game, with listings on the UNIS website for each model. Those listings had not yet been transferred to the company’s USA game page at the time.
Pac-Man Battle Royale Chompionship shipments begin
Pac-Man Battle Royale Chompionship had no fully confirmed general shipping announcement from Bandai Namco Amusements at the time, and the expected release window had previously been June. However, a Betson representative from California stated that the game had shipped.
A special, time-limited DX edition was already operating at Dave & Buster’s. Customers still waiting for ordered units could be affected by the delays and supply issues that had pushed the rollout back, with stock expected to move through distribution progressively.
Bandai Namco’s Chompionship product page had also been updated with additional information and a more final-looking cabinet render.
The DX cabinet was photographed at a Dave & Buster’s venue in Whitehall, Pennsylvania, as shared on Reddit.
Another May release
Golden Tee PGA Tour was another arcade release noted during May. For Australian operators and collectors tracking new commercial equipment, the RETROCADE Arcade Blog is a useful place to follow broader arcade news.
These releases also highlight the range of formats available to operators and home collectors. Before choosing an arcade machine, compare the cabinet type, available space and intended audience. Compact setups may suit bartop arcades, while a full-size upright arcade cabinet is a better match for a dedicated games room or venue.
Adult arcade testing notice
The following information is intended for adults aged 18 and over.
Hawt Pink was preparing to test several undetermined adult arcade titles at a Midwest strip club in the United States. The platform had created a Vimeo channel for game trailers. The Rumble Storm trailer reportedly contained no explicit material, while the BABK trailer included nudity.
The video channel is NSFW; viewer discretion is advised.
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