Two substantial Alan-1 arcade arrivals have recently joined the author’s game room: Soda Slam! and Missile Command: Recharged Arcade. This hands-on setup report covers their cabinets, installation requirements and the differences between these arcade editions and their console counterparts.
For transparency, the author has worked with Alan-1 in a limited capacity, including small contributions to the design of Missile Command: Recharged. Feedback has also been provided on the hardware and software while operating both machines. Alan-1 is based in Utah.
For more arcade news and coverage, visit the RETROCADE Arcade Blog.
Setting Up Soda Slam!
Soda Slam! is Alan-1’s first release aimed specifically at the family entertainment centre (FEC) market. The version shown here may not remain the company’s main North American offering, as Alan-1 has a licensed model to announce that will take priority. Because that licence will not apply everywhere, the standard version is expected to continue appearing in some overseas markets.
The installation process is uncomplicated, but the cabinet presents two important logistical challenges:
- At least two people are required, while four people is the preferred number.
- The cabinet will not pass through a standard doorway.
A venue with oversized “elephant doors” made it easy to move the machine inside after delivery by truck. Installation involved connecting the television, attaching and bolting the topper, securing the marquee, positioning the cabinet and testing the game.
This is the Deluxe model. It does not include the large prop cans displayed at Amusement Expo and later tested at several locations.
Some details also needed refinement, particularly the coin doors and feet. The author was the first operator known to have coin doors fitted to this cabinet, as other operators had used card readers.
The machine is also being operated for points rather than tickets, an approach the author understands to be unusual. It remains to be seen how well that format performs. The gameplay is still structured around redemption operation, including a timer that prevents continued play even when a skilled player could otherwise carry on, similar to Perfect Pour. Further operating experience will determine whether software changes should be suggested.
Missile Command: Recharged
The second arrival is Alan-1’s arcade version of Missile Command, part of the Atari Recharged series. The selected Pro+ model includes RGB lighting and the complete physical-effects package: fans, rumble motors and a pinball knocker.
This particular machine was not boxed when it arrived, so no unboxing video was recorded. Standard shipments are packaged, meaning future owners may provide the usual unboxing footage.
The author did not enjoy the original Missile Command while growing up, partly because it was difficult to play despite being comfortable with games such as Asteroids. Appreciation grew after playing Missile Command 3D on the Jaguar, although its first-person virtual reality mode remained the preferred version.
Alan-1’s arcade release adds a substantial set of features beyond the console edition:
- Restored text and screens, including “Defend Cities”, end-of-wave scoring information and “THE END”.
- Mushroom-cloud explosions over destroyed cities.
- Fifty unique backgrounds representing US states.
- Selectable difficulty.
- Two hundred and fifty-six waves.
- Improved collision detection that prevents a close blast from destroying the player’s own cities.
- Missile sirens, voice-overs and other sounds restored from the original game.
- The “Alpha-1 Protocol” and a dedicated Big Red Button to activate it.
- Trackball controls.
- Power-ups with longer durations.
- Rumble and wind effects.
- Integrated Major League eSports (MLeS) support for tournaments and score tracking.
- Planned secrets, including code-based features, which had not yet been implemented.
Hand-drawn cabinet artwork adds another point of difference. Taken together, the physical design, controls and effects make the arcade machine a notably different experience from the console release. The cabinet’s compact footprint should also make it suitable for a wide range of locations.
The Pro version without RGB LEDs has a stated manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $5,000. Anyone comparing cabinets for a home or commercial venue can also consult RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide.
Two Different Arcade Propositions
Soda Slam! is built around redemption-style operation and requires careful planning for delivery and access, while Missile Command: Recharged uses a smaller cabinet format and focuses on expanded arcade play, physical effects and competitive scoring.
Both games are available now. Alan-1 is also preparing another version of Soda Slam! that is expected to surpass the model shown here, although details had not yet been made public. Further information can be shared once that variation is announced.
For broader cabinet options, explore RETROCADE’s selection of arcade machines.
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