This edition rounds up recent arcade and pinball developments, including a Japanese test for P-47 Aces Mk. II, new redemption games, location-based VR and a major pinball restoration project.
P-47 Aces Mk. II enters testing in Japan
exA-Arcadia has announced a two day location test for its upcoming shoot ’em up, P-47 Aces Mk. II. The two-day test began in Japan on 26 August 2022, and early reactions suggest that players are responding well.
Although this test is taking place in Japan, exA-Arcadia releases its titles worldwide. The planned launch window for P-47 Aces Mk. II is the end of September. A trailer provides the first substantial look at the game in action.
New redemption games appear on test
Bay Tek’s Big Ticket Drop
Bay Tek’s Big Ticket Drop is one of several new redemption machines currently being evaluated. In the available footage, the bonus appears unusually easy to win. That could change before release, assuming the game progresses beyond testing.
Bay Tek has tested a number of projects that did not ultimately enter production, generally because they did not perform strongly enough at location test. This title’s final outcome remains unknown.
UNIS rolls out Emoji Roller
UNIS is also testing Emoji Roller, a pusher-style redemption game. Video offers a first look at its playfield and presentation, although there is not enough information here to judge how it compares with games such as Pearl Fishery.
The footage also appears to show the machine operating with part of its gameplay not functioning correctly, leaving open the question of whether the location was aware of the issue.
Sega tests Bop It!
Sega’s Bop It! is represented by a low-quality photograph rather than video. It is based on the children’s toy, so the arcade version is expected to ask players to complete a sequence of actions, with the challenge increasing as the sequence grows.
The concept could position it as a competitor to LAI Games’ Speed of Light. For operators assessing new arcade industry news, this is another example of a familiar consumer brand being adapted for redemption play.
ICE adds Dodgeball – Ultimate Arena
ICE has updated its website with a listing for Dodgeball – Ultimate Arena. The company has also released a promotional video showing how the game works; the official listing is available here.
Are arcades really disappearing?
The question of whether arcades are dying has been revisited in a new video discussion. The debate has also raised a broader question about how arcade games should be defined, with a further video on that subject possible in the future.
A separate livestream focuses on new arcade openings. It is intended to become a regular part of future location-watch coverage, using new venues as one practical way to examine the health of the wider arcade scene.
For Australian operators and collectors, developments like these are useful reminders that location-based entertainment continues to span video games, redemption, pinball and VR. Home enthusiasts can explore the arcade machine buying guide when considering how different formats suit a games room.
Stern introduces Milestone Badges
Stern has added “Milestone Badges” to its Insider Connected service. The feature works much like an achievement system, giving pinball players additional goals and encouraging repeat play.
Replay value is particularly important for commercial pinball, where operators need players to return to the machines. Insider Connected users can now track these milestones as part of a more connected gaming experience.
Zero Latency brings Far Cry to VR
Zero Latency has added licensed Far Cry content to its open, multiplayer arena VR platform for location-based entertainment. The property broadens the company’s catalogue beyond its more familiar zombie- and robot-focused experiences.
Update: This is not a new game launch. The title was released in June 2021, so the footage appears to be a later trailer or renewed promotional push. It was also expected that Zero Latency might showcase the experience at IAAPA 2022.
Magic Girl pinball project moves towards completion
The long and difficult development history of Magic Girl pinball has been documented in an article with an estimated reading time of 85 minutes. A team in the Netherlands has taken responsibility for completing the design, which has been discussed publicly since at least 2015.
The finished machine was expected to make its way to Pinball Expo 2022 in October. A detailed history of the project has been posted as a detailed history of the pinball design Magic Girl. Readers interested in modern pinball alternatives can also browse virtual pinball machines.
More arcade and gaming headlines
- The servers for Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune 6 are now shut down; players need to transfer to 6RR.
- Interesting stats on recent consumer habits, trends and spending may be useful to arcade operators.
- Step ManiaX Content Update #31 adds four songs.
- Andamiro’s Chrono Circle is now at all Round1USA locations.
- Replacement tail-light covers for Sega’s OutRun Deluxe are now available.
- Can vector graphics run on a standard CGA monitor?
- LAI Games’ podcast episode three features Beth Standlee of Trainertainment.
- JAEPO 2023 is scheduled for February 2023.
- Huatai Games has released a Cutting Tree Race promo.
Console and VR news
- Lode Runner is coming to the Atari 2600 as a licensed release; the platform was among the few that never previously received the game.
- Atari has released Yars: Recharged; the original Yars’ Revenge began as a proposed Star Castle port.
- The already difficult-to-find PlayStation 5 received a price increase in most regions.
- Meta4 Interactive has brought a Transformers VR game to PSVR, following its work in location-based VR.
- Sony confirmed the PSVR2 headset for an early 2023 launch.
- The head of Meta’s Horizon VR social space has left the company.
- A report examines the best time of year to release a game.
Looking ahead
Further coverage was expected on Raw Thrills’ Fast & Furious, while Samurai Shodown V Perfect was also hoped to arrive within the following few weeks.
For readers planning a home setup, arcade machines, racing arcades and arcade repair services offer different ways to bring the broader scene into an Australian games room.
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