[Thanks to The Stinger Report]
In a surprise announcement today, GlobalVR revealed that they are working with the US Army to bring America’s Army to arcades. The game is going to feature eight training mini-games that intend to bring highly authentic Army training exercises to players, along with a drill sergeant to ‘bring out the best in each player’. The game will also use leaderboards to encourage competition and reward players for teamwork and following the Rules of Engagement. In taking a close look at the cabinet image posted (click to enlarge), you will notice that they put the Unreal symbol on the marquee, indicating that this is being powered by the Unreal Engine, most likely the most recent version which should definently mean that it will pack a graphical punch. Now all we’ll need to do is wait and see how the game itself delivers. Hit the post break to read the full press release from GlobalVR and thanks to Kevin Williams of the Stinger Report for the information.
GLOBAL VR® TO DEPLOY AMERICA’S ARMY AT AAMA GALA
SAN JOSE, Calif – (July, 19, 2007) — GLOBAL VR today announced that it plans to unveil the latest addition to the company’s 2007 line-up of exciting titles, AMERICA’S ARMY. The AMERICA’s ARMY coin-operated game is based on the extremely popular AMERICA’S ARMY game brand which is developed by the U.S. Army and includes PC, console and cell phone games, and other branded properties. The “green label”, coin-operated AMERICA’S ARMY game is the result of a unique partnership between the U.S. Army and GLOBAL VR. The partnership which encompasses the development and manufacturing of an official U.S. Army game for the arcade market, will create a new communication channel with young Americans.
Working hand-in-hand with U.S. Army Subject Matter Experts and with the full cooperation of units of the U.S. Army, the coin-operated AMERICA’S ARMY is a realistic and engaging game centered on exciting training exercises, and includes a significant amount of authentic Army videos and other information designed to immerse the player in the Army culture.
“AMERICA’S ARMY is an arcade style training game based on actual Army training exercises designed to challenge Soldiers to hone their skills. Players are rewarded for teamwork, proper use of the Rules of Engagement, accuracy, and target identification,” says Mike Kruse, GLOBAL VR Producer. “The game’s many marksmanship exercises are entirely target shooting challenges which makes this unique product appropriate for many location types that do not desire simulated combat games.” Mike went on to comment, “Being a veteran myself, I can honestly report that AMERICA’S ARMY is a highly authentic depiction of Army training exercises and the Army’s unique organizational culture…down to the drill sergeant who is constantly by your side to bring out the best performance from each player.”
AMERICA’S ARMY is designed for one or two players and consists of a series of eight training mini-games. Each game is designed with a dynamic difficulty system making the game easy for new recruits and more difficult for experienced players. Bonuses are also important as they reward players with extra experiences and point rewards for jobs well done. Leader boards for each mini-game add fuel to the competition, and give players incentives to beat the top score.
“We are so proud to be working directly with the U.S. Army on this project,” stated Jim DeRose GLOBAL VR President and CEO. “To have earned the Army’s confidence throughout the game’s development and delivered a coin-op game that fits the market needs of most video equipment operators is a huge accomplishment. We are convinced that the cabinet’s small footprint, outstanding graphics, “green label” rating, and value pricing will make the game a natural for all locations.”
For information about other GLOBAL VR products, please visit www.globalvr.com or contact your local GLOBAL VR distributor or sales representative.
About the America’s Army Brand
Launched in July 2002, the America’s Army game has become one of the most popular computer games in the world. America’s Army has penetrated popular culture and is one of the most recognizable game brands as a result of its unique inside perspective on the U.S. Army and exciting gameplay. As the game’s popularity continues to grow with each new release, the Army has expanded the brand through a variety of products to include console and wireless games, America’s Army merchandise such as t-shirts and action figures, as well as training applications for use within the military and government sectors. The America’s Army game for the PC can be found online at www.americasarmy.com.
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About GLOBAL VR: Founded in 1998 and headquartered in San Jose, California, GLOBAL VR® is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of coin-operated video games based on home gaming technology. GLOBAL VR is able to leverage the successes of PC and console game developers and design games suitable for play in out-of-home locations. License agreements are in place with some of the world’s leading game publishers including Electronic Arts, Midway, Ubisoft, and Atari. These agreements provide GLOBAL VR rights to create coin-op versions of popular home games such as EA SPORTS™ PGA TOUR® GOLF, Underground, NASCAR, Blazing Angels, Beach Head and Operation Blockade. GLOBAL VR has recently entered the gaming industry where contracts are in place with Bally Gaming for development of video casino game entertainment. More information on GLOBAL VR can be found at www.globalvr.com.
Man, i am gonna get so baked and play this shit. It looks hilarious.
I expect that these games will be heavily vandalized.
“Greetings Stafighter, you have been recruited by the Star League to defend the fronteir against Zur the Kodan armada.”
Try that again – teach me to proofread:
“Greetings Starfighter, you have been recruited by the Star League to defend the frontier against Zur and the Kodan armada.”
I love The Last Starfighter. I can’t wait for the HD-DVD to come out. 🙂 Of course if the army really was recruiting for space combat missions…
I like how there are oil derricks right in the middle of the town square.
We shouldn’t put these in arcades, we should put them in public school lunchrooms. That way they can generate some income for the school systems themselves while encouraging the students to consider the army after they graduate. It’s a win-win situation for everyone. The student has fun playing the game, the school gets some free money, and the army gets access to the students in a place where they must be anyway. It’s perfect! Now if we can only take care of those troublemaking students and parents who might think this is propaganda, we’ll be all set.
Forget my computer, Ill put that thing in my office.
This is an exciting time for gamers. They have combined the newest game engine technology along with the most popular PC 1st person shooter game to bring a once in a lifetime experience to the arcade. Another first is born…
That looks sick but I never liked the game..
where is it at?
how much is this game? for xbox360
I would love to see this come to ps3 do any of you guys
know if it ever will.
Awesome thing:)