Three new arcade games are now available to order in North America from Alan-1, Ace Amusement/Amusement Source International and UNIS/IGS. The line-up covers competitive action, virtual-reality adventure and multiplayer mining.
As a brief extra update, Jamjam’n Jelly EXA LENTE just finished its test in Japan. It was not available for pre-order at the time of publication, although orders often follow soon after a successful test. Bandai Namco’s GoldStorm Pirates was also being considered for inclusion, pending confirmation.
Avian Knights from Alan-1
Alan-1’s Avian Knights was previously shown under another name at Amusement Expo in 2023 and 2024, before appearing as a cabinet at IAAPA 2024. Its concept is best understood as a spiritual successor to Williams’ 1982 classic Joust.
The game is offered in two-player and four-player configurations. Each player rides a giant bird through arena-based battles, using a lance alongside weapon pick-ups placed around the stages. Weapons can be upgraded three times, while every bird has a special ability for situations where its knight is knocked away.
A defeated knight is not necessarily the end of a run. Players can lay an egg and collect the knight that hatches from it. With 256 waves to tackle, Avian Knights is built around demanding, skill-focused arcade play rather than a short, disposable experience.
The cabinets add physical effects including wind, rumble, lighting and a cabinet knocker reminiscent of Q*Bert. Alan-1’s Major League eSports, or MLeS, app extends the game with free accounts, progress tracking, high-score records, tournaments, league points, achievements and location-based score notifications.
MLeS also supports organised competition, including a worldwide tournament in Utah that weekend. The cabinet itself uses extensive comic-book-style artwork, including instructions presented across the control panel.
The two-player model was listed below $7,000, although distributor pricing may vary and could be lower. That positions Avian Knights as a possible fit for arcade bars, retro venues and commercial routes, much like Alan-1’s Asteroids Recharged. The available media kit contains additional information.
Disclosure: the writer has consulted regularly with Alan-1, although Avian Knights was largely complete before that relationship began.
Sailor’s Quest 2 VR from UNIS and IGS
Sailor’s Quest 2 VR follows one of the earlier mounted-gun virtual-reality arcade games. Players embark on a treasure hunt while fighting waves of sea creatures, including giant enemies that act as bosses. A December 2025 release was also suggested, although the game was listed as currently available by a distributor.
IGS developed the software after working on Kaiju Rampage, also known as Monster Eye 3, for Wahlap. UNIS supplies the cabinet, which features a 65-inch HD display for spectators, DPVR headsets, wind effects and a motion base. The adventure contains six levels and uses detailed visuals to support its sea-going setting.
Shipping timing could not be confirmed independently. The game appeared on a distributor’s list of currently available UNIS titles, although that list did not include every game shown on the UNIS website, including Dino Storm and Neon Rush. A short glimpse appears in the UNIS booth tour, while UNIS has also released an official trailer.
Super Drill from Ace Amusement and ASI
Ace Amusement’s Super Drill had already been available in Europe through UDC and was beginning to arrive in North America through Amusement Source International. It was demonstrated at IAAPA 2024, where its unusual controls and approachable multiplayer design made a strong impression.
The near-pedestal cabinet uses a 65-inch HD screen and three large, translucent joysticks. Each control is illuminated with LEDs and shaped like a broad drill bit.
Its gameplay combines elements of Dig Dug with constant movement and competitive racing. Players mine ore while collecting food items for bonus points or tickets, with other players adding pressure to the course. Steering is handled by pushing left or right to rotate counter-clockwise or clockwise. It takes a little practice, but the controls become simple once that movement is understood.
Bright presentation and the distinctive control layout help Super Drill stand apart from other games in its category. It joins Ace’s Skull of Shadow, which ASI began shipping in November 2024.
What these releases offer venues
For operators assessing new equipment, these three games cover noticeably different audiences: Avian Knights focuses on skilled competitive play, Sailor’s Quest 2 VR delivers a motion-based spectacle, and Super Drill uses accessible multiplayer controls and ticket-friendly collection mechanics.
Venue owners planning a new installation can compare formats through RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide, browse current arcade machines, or explore options for upright arcade cabinets. For ongoing industry coverage, visit the RETROCADE arcade blog.
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