October’s arcade news is beginning to accelerate, with new and upcoming games from Alan-1, UNIS and Ace Amusement/Amusement Source International (ASI). Several of these machines are scheduled for major industry showcases, while others have arrived with little warning.
Gravitar: Recharged brings a classic back to the floor
Alan-1 will present Gravitar: Recharged at Pinball Expo 2025 at the AVS Companies booth and at Portland Retro Game Expo at the Atari booth.
Built from the console version of the only sequel to the original Gravitar, this updated edition adds voiced dialogue, an astronaut-rescue mechanic and zoom controls for the solar-system view. It also brings back the green vector outline around black objects, giving the presentation a closer visual connection to the 1982 arcade game. Further refinements are included, and the game is housed in an attractive upright cabinet.
The software remains a prototype, although development is expected to be complete by IAAPA. Alan-1 will also show the game at its IAAPA booth. The writer has playtested the build, provided feedback and will attend Portland Retro Game Expo to assist with promotion.
Alan-1 is also preparing announcements for two versions of Soda Slam!, both planned for IAAPA, along with a new Missile Command model. That machine is separate from the early prototype shown in January.
UNIS unveils Dino Dash
UNIS has announced the availability of Dino Dash ahead of IAAPA 2025. The game had previously appeared in photographs from several Chinese trade shows, but the company has now revealed it publicly rather than waiting for the larger event.
The cabinet uses a moulded dinosaur-shaped seat and combines ideas from horse-racing and derby games with the accessibility of a children’s ride. Players steer with a rein; shaking it activates an “Ultimate Skill”, described as a special ability. UNIS has not yet detailed the available dinosaurs, tracks or whether multiple cabinets can be linked together. Those points are also absent from the company’s website and trailer.
ASI prepares Balloon Fest and Wild Hunting
ASI will bring 19 new or recently released titles from various international manufacturers to IAAPA 2025. The company has not revealed the complete line-up, but two of its announced video and videmption games are Wild Hunting: Heart of the Hunt and Balloon Fest.
Wild Hunting: Heart of the Hunt
Wild Hunting: Heart of the Hunt first attracted attention at the AAA 2025 show as a competitor to Big Buck Hunter. Available footage appears to show players using rifles and bullet-like projectiles rather than pump-action shotguns. The rifles do not appear to need reloading. Reports and images have shown both two-player and four-player versions, with ASI currently highlighting the four-player cabinet.
Balloon Fest
Sunflower’s Balloon Fest was photographed at GTI Asia China. Its presentation recalls redemption games such as ICEE Slush Rush and Soda Slam!, but its central activity is different: players fill balloons rather than pour drinks. ASI has shared footage of Balloon Fest on LinkedIn.
ASI has also previewed Tricky Pong, Gem Master, Speedy Toss and Madball Fury Road as further IAAPA titles.
Big Buck Hunter World Championship returns
The 2025 Big Buck Hunter World Championship begins on October 10, with the tournament taking place in Nashville on October 10 and 11. Keystone Light is the official beer sponsor of the event, known as BuckFest, which offers $125,000 in prizes.
The partnership continues in November with a Keystone Light-sponsored tournament for players aged 21 and over at participating bars and other locations. The top 25 players will receive limited-edition Keystone Light merchandise, while every player will have a chance to win a $1,000 cash prize in each round.
Details are available through the BuckFest information page, and the location finder lists nearby machines. New content is also heading to the game and will receive further coverage.
Keystone Light is partnering with the beloved arcade game, Big Buck Hunter. The brand collaboration kicks off in October, with Keystone Light serving as the official beer sponsor of the 2025 Big Buck Hunter World Championship, BuckFest.
Taking place in Nashville on October 10 & 11, the annual BuckFest tournament offers top gamers the chance to cash-in on $125,000 in prizes.
The partnership continues in November, when 21+ fans can enter the Big Buck Hunter Tournament sponsored by Keystone Light. Players 21+ are automatically entered upon playing the arcade game at their favourite bars and other participating locations for a chance at exclusive prizes.
For more arcade industry coverage, browse the RETROCADE Arcade Blog, or explore the arcade machine range. Compact setups can be compared through the bartop arcade collection, while owners planning maintenance can find guidance in the arcade repairs service.
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