exA-Arcadia is bringing another influential 1990s shoot ’em up back to contemporary arcades with Truxton II EXA LABEL. Originally created by Toaplan, the new edition expands the classic with revised modes, training features, additional presentation options and modern arcade hardware support.
Toaplan’s second Truxton game returns
The series is known as Tatsujin in Japan, where the sequel was released as Tatsujin Ou in 1992. The overseas version used the name Truxton II. The game received limited attention in the Americas, where shoot ’em ups were less strongly supported at the time, while a European release also existed.
What EXA LABEL adds
EXA LABEL is exA-Arcadia’s format for revisiting classic arcade games with corrections, new systems and expanded content. Earlier examples include Batsugun 1.5 and Airgallet. Readers unfamiliar with the platform can find out more about exA-Arcadia here.
Truxton II EXA LABEL is the ninth entry in the EXA LABEL series. The project was supervised by original producer Masahiro Yuge and reunites exA-Arcadia with Toaplan staff. Junya Inoue, also known as Joker Jun, contributed character design, key visual illustration and graphic design. Keishi Yonao created the arranged soundtrack and oversaw new system voices performed by anime voice actor Takehito Koyasu.
Four ways to play
The release includes both original arcade versions: the Japanese TATSUJINOU edition and the overseas TRUXTON II version. Both are selectable through Original, with bug fixes included.
- Original’ reshapes the classic into a faster, more balanced single-loop experience.
- EXA LABEL Mode focuses on aggressive scoring, tactical bomb use and increasing speed, with the difficulty responding to stronger play.
- Extreme difficulty is available in both EXA LABEL and Original’ modes for experienced players seeking a tougher test.
- Redesigned bullets improve visibility during dense patterns, while players can switch back to the original bullet appearance.
Three sound options are included: the original soundtrack, a new stereo mix of the original music and an all-new arrangement by Keishi Yonao.
Training and display options
A new Training Mode allows players to jump directly to any point in the game for practice. That is particularly useful for a demanding shooter where reaching a later stage repeatedly can otherwise take considerable time.
The game features one-frame input response and supports both vertical and horizontal screen orientations. Each display mode also includes customisable on-screen gadgets, allowing players to arrange useful information to suit their preferences.
For more arcade coverage, explore RETROCADE’s arcade news and arcade video collections.
Three EXA-Arcadia editions
exA-Arcadia is offering Truxton II EXA LABEL in Standard, Limited and Complete Limited editions. Buyers planning a dedicated setup can also consult RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide before choosing hardware.
Standard edition
The Standard package costs almost $2,200 before shipping, with the final amount exceeding that figure once shipping is added. It includes the game cartridge, posters and standard EXA kit artwork, plus a choice of one of two banners.
Limited edition
The Limited edition adds extra artwork, including two hanging banners suitable for an arcade location, and includes a Sanwa accessories kit.
Complete Limited edition
The Complete Limited package contains everything in the Limited edition, along with a customised EXA Board capable of running other games as well as Truxton II. Each board is numbered and signed by Junya Inoue. This edition is priced at approximately US$5,500.
A significant release for shoot ’em up fans
Several EXA LABEL projects remain anticipated, including Dragon Blaze, Asura The Striker, Neon Inferno and Demon Front. It is not yet clear whether Tattoo Assassins and Rabbit will be part of the same line, and further announcements are possible.
With other arcade developers giving the genre relatively little attention, exA-Arcadia continues to provide new hardware releases for shoot ’em up enthusiasts. For Australian operators and collectors, Truxton II EXA LABEL offers a substantial update to a challenging Toaplan classic while retaining access to its original versions.
Those considering a broader home or venue setup can browse RETROCADE’s arcade machines and arcade parts categories.
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