Raw Thrills used IAAPA 2023 to preview Godzilla Kaiju Wars VR, its major arcade release planned for the period leading into 2024. The game expands the virtual-reality platform introduced with King Kong of Skull Island, with Eugene Jarvis describing it as “the most high-energy and exhilarating game we’ve ever created.”
Here is what was shown at the trade show, with the important caveat that the cabinet and hardware may change before production.
Godzilla Kaiju Wars VR cabinet and hardware
The IAAPA cabinet combines design ideas from several Raw Thrills attractions. Its overall shape and seating arrangement draw from King Kong VR, while the dual 65-inch 4K screens mounted at the rear resemble the arrangement used by Fast & Furious Arcade. Mounted guns add another visual connection to Jurassic Park. Despite this substantial equipment package, the cabinet occupies slightly less room than King Kong VR.
The IAAPA test unit used modified DPVR E4 sets. The listed specification for those headsets includes six degrees of freedom, 4K 120Hz displays for each eye and a 116-degree field of view. Raw Thrills may select different hardware before the game reaches production early the following year.
Players sit on the latest version of Raw Thrills’ Thrill-D motion base, supported by wind and vibration effects. Instead of the motion and gesture sensors used by King Kong VR, this game places dual-stick cannons in front of the player. A six-channel “Earthshaker” sound system completes the package.
The PC hardware driving the unit was not identified, although the system delivers VR gameplay at 60 frames per second. The preview also showed notably detailed visuals for the format.
Two kaiju battles at launch
The software places players inside a war machine fitted with enormous front-mounted chainguns. Across two stages, they battle monstrous creatures, giant robots and Godzilla himself.
Each stage runs for a little more than four minutes. Raw Thrills also has further chapters in development, following the expansion model used by King Kong VR. That title launched with two chapters, later gained a third and is now expected to reach five.
Release details and arcade prospects
No price had been announced at the preview, although it was expected to sit in a similar range to King Kong VR. Final details were due to be confirmed around IAAPA.
A non-VR edition could also suit the same action-arcade audience as Halo and Jurassic Park, although there was no indication that Raw Thrills was developing one. In its VR form, the machine could make an interesting companion attraction to Stern Pinball’s Godzilla, which was reported to be among the strongest-performing pinball releases in recent memory.
For more coverage of new machines and industry announcements, visit the RETROCADE Arcade Blog. Readers assessing space and format can also browse arcade machines or use the arcade machine buying guide. Fans comparing this attraction with digital pinball can explore virtual pinball machines.
The IAAPA information was provided by Brandon at Raw Thrills.
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