Taito remains one of arcade gaming’s most recognisable names, with classics including Space Invaders and Arkanoid. Although its arcade output has become less frequent in recent years, the company continues to develop and license attractions for modern venues. Recent examples include OnPoint, shown at IAAPA 2022 at the UNIS booth, along with licensed versions of Ice Cold Beer and Zeke’s Peak.
With JAEPO 2023 approaching, Taito has published a show promo page outlining its planned display. At this stage, Music Diver is the only conventional video arcade game listed. A broader overseas release is uncertain, and another arcade title could still be announced, although the advertised booth layout suggests that the focus will be elsewhere. The official Music Diver website is available here.
The larger part of Taito’s JAEPO presence will be dedicated to a group of compact attractions branded X-Station. The “X” refers to extended reality, covering both virtual reality and mixed reality concepts. The range includes a VR station called Var Box as well as The Cube, a system built around interactive projection-mapped surfaces.
The official X-Station site illustrates the variety of experiences in the range. Two Cube-based attractions, Treasure Explorer and Space Cube, are receiving particular attention at JAEPO 2023.
The Cube projection attraction
The Cube is not a reference to the film, but a projection-mapping platform capable of covering as many as four walls and the floor, depending on the software. Trailers appear to show an enclosed play area, although the available material does not establish every detail of the system.
It is not a traditional arcade machine. Instead, it belongs to the growing category of compact attractions being explored by family entertainment centres worldwide. A comparable example is Inowize’s QBix system, which launched at IAAPA 2022. Taito also offers a projection-mapped version of Arkanoid in which the players become the paddles. The same format could potentially suit a revival of Space Gun, although that remains speculation.
For operators considering different venue formats, our arcade machine buying guide provides useful context on the difference between standard cabinets and larger attractions. Traditional arcade machines also remain a very different proposition from projection-based installations.
Treasure Explorer
Treasure Explorer presents its gameplay like a dark ride, placing players in an underground mine environment viewed from a minecart. Despite that presentation, it does not use a motion seat or moving base. Movement across the projected walls, combined with the editing in the promotional video, creates the impression of travelling through the space.
Both Treasure Explorer and Space Cube use wireless gun controllers. From the available footage, these appear to be adapted VR-style gyroscopic controllers. The official page for Treasure Explorer can be found here.
Space Cube
Space Cube is designed for standing players, with each participant facing a separate wall. Its gameplay resembles a multidirectional take on Space Invaders. The official material references a 1978 copyright date, matching the year the original Space Invaders was released, so the connection may be intended as more than a simple visual nod. Taito’s official Space Cube page provides the available product information.
Could these attractions travel overseas?
Wider international availability is difficult to predict. Family entertainment centres are increasingly seeking distinctive content that can stand apart from standard games, which could create an opportunity for both attractions. Distribution may be a challenge, however, as Taito does not have North American offices, to the best of the available information, and commonly works through partners such as UNIS in that market.
Mixed-reality attractions may also offer practical advantages over fully wearable VR installations. Without headsets and other expensive wearables, operators can avoid some equipment costs at purchase and reduce certain maintenance concerns over time. There are not yet firm performance figures available here to show how these concepts compare commercially.
For readers interested in more conventional interactive entertainment, RETROCADE also covers racing arcades and the broader arcade news and gaming scene.
Leave a Reply