UNIS has revealed a fresh group of arcade video games ahead of IAAPA 2024, expanding its upcoming Western-market line-up beyond the titles previewed earlier this year. The company first displayed these games at the GTI Asia China Expo 2024, and they are also scheduled to appear at IAAPA.
This overview focuses on UNIS’ new video games. Its redemption-only and crane releases will be covered separately in a dedicated IAAPA 2024 preview.
Neon Rush
Neon Rush is a cyberpunk-styled motorcycle racer designed to challenge the current popularity of games such as Super Bikes. Its dual-screen arrangement recalls Fast & Furious Arcade. UNIS and Raw Thrills are partners, with UNIS producing special versions of Raw Thrills games for the Chinese market.
The cabinet uses 49-inch displays, while the supplied information does not confirm the number of tracks, bikes or linked units. Footage suggests that up to four cabinets may link together, although the presence of eight drone positions raises the possibility of larger networked groups. The swivel motorcycles sit on motion bases, and the cabinet appears to include wind effects. Pricing compared with Super Bikes 3 has not been announced.
Monster Kart
Monster Kart enters the competitive kart-racing field with a cast of unusual monster characters. Players collect power-ups during races and use them to gain an advantage before reaching the finish line.
The game includes five playable characters, three tracks and eight power-ups. Its motion-base cabinet supports linking as many as six units, making it suitable for larger arcade groups.
UNIS has released more than one promotional video for the game, with the available footage providing a closer look at the racing action. A different Monster Kart trailer is also available.
The game uses familiar kart-racing ideas, including character abilities and collectible boosts, while presenting them through its own monster-themed setting.
Dino Storm
UNIS previously presented Rowing Champs in 2020, although it is unclear whether that title was released in China, and it was not produced for Western markets. Dino Storm takes a different approach to water-based arcade play by combining rafting with prehistoric environments. For comparison, the earlier Rowing Champs video shows UNIS’ earlier take on the concept.
The raft cabinet has two motion settings: Comfortable provides gentler movement, while Exciting aims for a more realistic ride. UNIS has not specified the maximum number of linked cabinets, but the game is clearly designed for networked play and footage suggests that four units may be supported.
Players travel through one of six prehistoric landscapes, choose characters to race against and progress through levels populated by different dinosaurs. The oar controls differ from those used in Namco’s Rapid River and Wahlap’s Crazy Rafting. A foot pedal adds another control element, helping the player escape situations such as becoming trapped in a waterspout.
A second Dino Storm video from UNIS shows more of the cabinet in operation. The motion platform appears similar to the one used by Monster Kart, although it has been styled as a raft and the exact hardware relationship is not confirmed.
Sailor’s Quest VR 2
The sequel to one of UNIS’ relatively small number of VR arcade releases continues the treasure-hunting, swashbuckling light-gun adventure of the original. It uses newly upgraded DPVR headsets.
The cabinet retains the general shape of its predecessor but receives a revised colour scheme and other cosmetic changes.
Carnival Shot
Carnival Shot sits between a video game and a redemption attraction. This light-gun shooting gallery challenges players to hit targets across eight carnival-themed levels, with speed and accuracy contributing to the final score.
Depending on the cabinet configuration, successful players can receive a prize or tickets; the machine does not dispense both. The prize version shown here vends either small or large capsules.
No official trailer has been released for Carnival Shot yet. The game has been compared with Point Blank following a test play at GTI, while its prize and ticket options may give operators a stronger incentive to consider it than the largely unsuccessful Western release of Point Blank X.
What to expect at IAAPA
UNIS is also expected to showcase additional redemption and crane machines at IAAPA 2024. Those releases will be examined in a later preview. Product information is available on UNIS’ product website.
For Australian operators and arcade fans, these announcements cover several important formats: networked motorcycle racing, motion karting, raft-based gameplay, VR shooting and prize-enabled light-gun action. Readers following the wider arcade news can watch for further information about Western availability.
Anyone assessing space, servicing requirements or cabinet categories can also consult RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide, browse the latest arcade machines, or compare dedicated racing arcade options.
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