Here is a round-up of notable arcade and pinball developments from the weekend of 19 June 2022, including new location tests, an unusual exA-Arcadia release, Stern competition tools and an upcoming ICE game.
Sega tests Storm Rider 2 in the UK
Sega Amusements is testing Wahlap’s Storm Rider 2 at the same UK venue previously used for Crazy Rafting. The motorcycle-racing sequel follows the original Storm Rider, which arrived roughly a decade earlier.
The available image shows a motion platform, comparable in principle to Speed Rider 3DX. It also reveals an unusual feature: a small display mounted at the front of the motorcycle. This is separate from the main game screen, unlike Hang-On, where the display is the primary monitor.
Its purpose has not been confirmed. It could potentially present an HUD element such as a course map, but further details will be needed before its function is clear.
Noisz Arc+Coda arrives on exA-Arcadia
Noisz Arc+Coda is now available for arcades. The title combines shoot-’em-up mechanics with rhythm-game play and includes 40 songs, making it an especially distinctive release for the exA-Arcadia platform.
It is also the first rhythm game released for exA-Arcadia. An early build was enjoyable to play, although the strongest appeal is likely to be for players who already enjoy both rhythm games and shooters. The combination may be particularly well suited to Japan, where both genres remain popular.
The next exA-Arcadia release had not been confirmed, with no title listed for pre-order at the time. Several games were marked as coming in 2022. A Touhou release appeared to be a strong possibility given its substantial Japanese following, while Samurai Shodown V Perfect was another hoped-for arrival.
Stern adds tournament and leaderboard tools
Stern expanded its Insider Connected system with tools that let operators create and manage on-location tournaments and leaderboards. The feature gives venues a way to organise competitive play and display results, although dedicated equipment for running a permanent leaderboard screen was still being investigated.
ICE previews Dodgeball Ultimate Arena
This is not the film-related Dodgeball. The brief footage offers a first glimpse of ICE’s upcoming Dodgeball Ultimate Arena. Further information was requested from ICE, but the company had not provided details at the time.
Dave & Buster’s addition of 10 games points to renewed investment in its attraction mix, following strong first-quarter results. It was not yet clear how many of the new titles would be exclusive to the chain. More information was expected around Bowl Expo 2022.
A primer on arcade game design
A new video provides an introductory look at arcade game design. It does not cover every area of the business, with redemption, videmption and pinball outside its scope, but it aims to provide a useful foundation. Future discussions could examine additional sectors, including virtual reality, with input from developers.
More arcade and gaming headlines
- LAI Games updates the Virtual Rabbids page for the UltraHD model.
- Toy Story 4 Pinball gameplay is available, while the game also set new sales records for JJP.
- A JAMMA-to-JVS I/O board is in development.
- Simulator creator DOF is preparing Nautilus.
- LAI Games reported stock availability for the Asphalt 9 Legends arcade cabinet.
- Console: TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge launched.
- Console: Atari Mania was announced as a WarioWare-style take on classic Atari games.
- Console: The Nintendo Switch passed 25 million units sold in Japan.
- Console: A zombie-themed musou game was highlighted.
- Adults only: Rumble Storm X was spotted on test in Tokyo.
For more Australian arcade coverage, visit the RETROCADE arcade blog. Readers comparing new releases with home setups can also browse racing arcades, virtual pinball machines and the arcade machine buying guide.
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