Sega Amusements’ Drone Racing Genesis has started shipping, joining Storm Rider 2 in the company’s latest arcade releases. Sega revealed the aerial racer in October 2022.
An arcade racer with a different viewpoint
Rather than putting players behind the wheel of a car or at the controls of a boat, Drone Racing Genesis is built around competitive aerial racing. The arcade-exclusive game lets players pilot one of five drones across four courses, with a single joystick providing the controls.
Sega has also included references to older games from its catalogue in the drone designs. Fans may enjoy looking for those details during play. The concept is reminiscent of Atari’s never released Air Race, although Sega’s title has now made it to arcades.
Bright presentation, sensitive controls
The cabinet made a strong impression during testing at IAAPA 2022. Its LED lighting effects stood out, while the in-game visuals were notably colourful and the audio complemented the presentation.
The main reservation was the control response. The joystick felt slightly too sensitive and seemed to need some adjustment. That may have been addressed through further fine-tuning, but it was something to watch when trying the finished release.
For operators comparing different formats, racing arcade machines offer a useful point of comparison, even though Drone Racing Genesis takes its action into the air. Readers planning a home setup can also explore the arcade machine buying guide and browse arcade machines for other cabinet styles.
Where to play Drone Racing Genesis
With units beginning to ship, players should start seeing Drone Racing Genesis at arcades and other amusement venues. Some locations may already have both this game and Storm Rider 2.
The next opportunity to assess whether the controls have been refined was expected at Amusement Expo in March. If you have played Sega’s drone racer, share your thoughts on its handling, courses and cabinet presentation.
For more coverage of new releases and developments, visit the RETROCADE Arcade Blog.
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