While we wait for more news to come along from the Dubai arcade trade show that took place this week, here are some videos, almost all from Japan about some developments there.
Universal Space Reveals Jr. Jockey
All has been quiet on the video front with UNIS lately, which is based out of Taiwan but has offices in other parts of the world. Their main focus has been redemption games but on occasion they have a video title for us to talk about. Their latest game, Jr. Jockey is a horse racing game but before you scoff at yet another racing game on the market, the movable horse seat certainly makes this one stand out. 4 units can link together for competitive racing which I think make for some interesting fun. Whether it’s available for purchase now,at what cost and where it will be available though, that is still unclear.
Namco’s Free Gundam “Road to Ace Pilot” Training Videos
This is probably really great if you understand Japanese and you have access to one of these sweet, sweet Gundam pods. So that means you live in Japan. But for the rest of us, kind of fun to watch anyways. This is from the latest version of the game that uses HD projectors. I think at the moment a new mech game for the West is at the top of my list for most wanted titles.
Part 1
Part 2
Melee Attacks:
Flying:
Taito Releases Card de Renketsu! Densha de GO!
Taito has released the latest title in their “Let’s Go By Train” arcade simulator series. It offers card trading in addition to the train conductor simulator experience. Interestingly enough, Taito has been touting this release on their English Facebook page even though this is most likely going to stick just to Japan.
Operation GHOST Released in Japan
About six months ago Sega released the sequel to GHOST Squad out West but ever since, Japanese players have had to wait. That’s a slightly unusual move for Sega to take, especially where the game was location tested in Japan before it was out West. The game was finally released to Japanese arcades this week.
Continued Testing for Sega Card Gen 2012
Sega has another video up promoting their upcoming Sega Card Gen 2012 arcade title, which also is a card based arcade game, which as I have pointed out in the past, started off as a US game but failed testing here but has found new life in Japan. This uses footage from the location test where they had Mr. Ichiro Suzuki show up to promote the game.
Speaking of Sega, Arcade Belgium is reporting that Sega has announced Initial D7. Seems like 6 just came out not too long ago. There aren’t any details yet, not even big Japanese news sites have it up yet but I imagine that news will trickle out soon enough.
As much as I like moving simulators, Jr. Jockey looks like one of those coin operated kiddie horse rides. It just rocked back and forth rather than mirror the actions of the players like most driving simulators. I think Namco’s Final Furlong game from 10+ years ago seems more fun than this.
It could be but it also depends on what the final version is like and whether this is final or not. It looks close since that is obviously from the manufacturing floor. Either way, I’m just happy to see someone taking a crack at this kind of game again as it has been quite a long time now.
I’ve seen something that looks VERY similar to that Jr. Jockey in the local CEC – the visuals on screen look the same, though my kids haven’t played it in a while, so I’m not 100% sure, I really think it’s the same.
Perhaps an exclusive with CEC ran out, so they are finally releasing to the wider market? I know CEC has had these units for a while now.
Hello, you can find the logo about Initial D on their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/InitialD.ARCADE.STAGE
The Chinese amusement scene has a number of similar systems. For me they are dangerous and low quality – but they have proven popular on a mover-shaker principle.