Newsbytes: NBA Superstars, Rhythm Game Updates and New Pinball

The latest arcade and pinball roundup covers the timed rollout of NBA Superstars, major rhythm-game updates, a new boutique pinball release, Japanese arcade operations, trade-show plans and a long list of industry headlines.

NBA Superstars reaches Dave & Buster’s

Raw Thrills’ NBA Superstars is currently available to play at Dave & Buster’s venues covered by the company’s timed-exclusivity agreement. Cabinets began arriving at the end of May, so most participating locations should now have the game operating. The rollout also extends to Main Event, which is owned by Dave & Buster’s.

A wider industry launch is scheduled for Bowl Expo, where the game will appear on the RT/Betson booth. Before then, here are some impressions of how it plays from DaiAndOh. A separate video also shows the game in action and notes that cabinets are rolling out to Main Event locations too.

Rhythm games receive fresh updates

Sega has announced Chunithm Luminous Plus, the newest edition of its second major arcade rhythm series. The franchise has been officially available elsewhere in Asia since the beginning of the 2020s. Its future US reach may depend in part on the success of the maimai DX location test at Round1USA.

Konami has now launched Dance Dance Revolution World in Japan, much of Asia and at Round1USA. It is the largest new version of DDR for some time and arrived earlier than expected, without a pre-launch location test. Dave & Buster’s cabinets do not appear to be receiving the update and seem set to remain on the older A20+ version. Footage from the release is included below.

Andamiro USA has also posted about Pump It Up Phoenix 2024, although the update had already reached cabinets several weeks earlier.

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland pinball returns

Several years ago, Zidware worked on original pinball designs, but that project ended in a troubled fashion. Some of the unreleased concepts are now being revived, including a machine based on Lewis Carroll’s classic Alice in Wonderland.

The design is being repaired and released through Dutch Pinball Exclusives, a new division focused on limited boutique games. These releases are aimed primarily at collectors rather than commercial locations. More details about the upcoming machine are available here.

A day working in a Japanese arcade

A newly released video offers a day-in-the-life view of Japanese arcade work. The creator had operated an arcade for 16 years as of the Saturday before publication. The video naturally reflects the practices of one Japanese venue, but its focus on daily operations, targets and promotion should still feel familiar to many arcade workers.

Space Invaders Gigamax R expands at Round1USA

Taito’s Space Invaders Gigamax R is a new arcade version of the giant Space Invaders Gigamax attraction previously seen at events. The machine is exclusive to Round1USA and is now moving beyond its first US venue. Selected locations were expected to receive it within the following weeks, including a Greendale, Wisconsin venue. Its substantial footprint means some Round1USA sites will not be able to install it.

May releases and the arcade calendar

NBA Superstars was only one of several arcade games shipped across the industry in May. The release roundup below tracks titles already launched during the year as well as games still on the way.

Trade shows on the horizon

Bowl Expo’s trade-show component is scheduled for 1 and 2 July. NBA Superstars is confirmed for its industry debut on the RT/Betson booth, while other potential premieres remain unclear. Bandai Namco, which has previously shown games such as Pixel Bash at the event, is not listed among this year’s exhibitors. Amusement Source International is listed and often brings something new to the show, possibly a title acquired at the recent AAA Expo.

CAX 2024 will also feature a panel for Alan-1 Inc., creators of the upcoming Asteroids Recharged and Avian Knights. The panel speaker will also visit the Alan-1 booth and explore the wider event, including rare machines that are not commonly seen. Because of a new consultancy role with Alan-1, written coverage of the company will be handled by another writer to preserve impartiality. Videos may still be produced, but will be clearly sponsored.

Beyond those events, IAAPA is the only other planned show for the rest of the year, although plans can change. The LBX Collective is also involved in the weekly LBX Daily Show podcasts with the Arcade Corner, released on Wednesdays.

Why arcade releases do not simply become console games

Discussion around NBA Superstars prompted claims that there is no viable arcade market for a game of its type, along with suggestions that it should launch on consoles immediately. The frustration is understandable for players who do not have a nearby venue, but the arcade business serves a different purpose from home release. The accompanying video explains why an arcade-first approach is not automatically a poor choice.

More industry headlines

• Sega Japan’s new corporate video includes references to arcade history and current amusement.
• StepManiaX Content Update #51 is now available to watch.
• Japanese arcade history is explored in Coin Journal 1993.
• A Developer’s Day discussion features the creators of Gottlieb’s KRULL.
• Taito’s chairman was nearly kidnapped by employees in 1985.
• A reproduction Super Sprint cabinet is transported by sea.
• QBIX has shared a teaser for the new game Bubble Smasher.
• Sega Amusements has held its annual kick-off meeting.
• Trio-Tech has presented a D-Day-themed simulator and celebrated its 3,000th Typhoon installation.
• New videos show colour updates for The X-Files pinball, Viper Night Drivin’ and official accessories for JAWS pinball.
• Idolmaster Tours will hold its second location-test period from 26 June.
• Yuzo Koshiro has released an unused Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune 6 track.
• Tokyo Joypolis marked Sonic’s 33rd birthday with special Sega guests.
• Park Avenue Open Day 2024 was hosted in the UK by UDC, Electrocoin and other operators.
• Laserforce has added fitness tracking to its laser-tag system, while St. Louis Game Company has introduced thermal ticket printers for crane machines.

Home and adjacent gaming headlines

• Street Fighter 6 is adding M. Bison, Elena and Fatal Fury characters, with a future Type Arcade release noted.
• The IGS Classic Arcade Collection is available for Asia-import preorder.
• Mighty Morphin Power Rangers is receiving a retro-style beat-’em-up.
• A four-hour Sega Rally Saturn documentary is scheduled to premiere.
• John Carmack reportedly knew the Meta Quest Pro would struggle but lost an internal effort to stop it; Sony is allowing PSVR2 games to run on PC from 7 August, with restrictions.
• Taiko Frenzy is coming to VR, while Atari’s Yars’ Rising has a PC demo.
• Squirrel with a Gun is scheduled for an August release, and IKEA is hiring 10 virtual employees for its Roblox store.

For readers planning a home setup, RETROCADE’s arcade-machine buying guide covers the key decisions, while arcade machines, racing arcades, virtual pinball machines and arcade repairs provide practical next steps.