The first amusement-focused tradeshow of the year takes place this week in London, known as EAG 2020, and here’s a preview of some of what to expect with some of the latest news on several arcade products.
Nitro Trucks
This is likely the final cabinet design for Nitro Trucks, although until it starts rolling off the production line there is always a chance for a small change. But if you compare this to the first design, you can see where the differences are: mainly in LED lighting, which now is along most edges instead of just the top, but also in the “LEADER!” marquee placed within the rollbar and the more prominent Play Mechanix logo on the tires. There is no mention of any software changes, although in the span of the months between IAAPA in November and when this is supposed to reach production (Feb/Mar), there are always improvements and polishing that take place (Image updated):
Transformers Shadows Rising Upright Spotted On Test
Thanks to Jdevy for sending this my way. Tested at an unknown location back in November, I have been wondering when Sega would try an upright design for their latest Transformers game, as I think that would help the game find it’s way into more locations. It really is an improved game over Human Alliance in every measurable aspect (graphics, sound, gameplay, fun). It’s a small image, but you can see that it uses the same design as HA, which also implies that perhaps Sega could release a conversion kit for the older cabs (like they are doing with Mario & Sonic 2016 -> 2020). Granted, there is no confirmation that this headed into production, especially where it was testing in November and didn’t show up at IAAPA. If it’s at EAG, then I think it’s a surefire sign that it’ll have passed testing, if not, then we’ll just have to wait and see. BTW, speaking of Sega, I am getting my hands on two Sega games for my own arcade here in a few weeks – a used Luigi’s Mansion Arcade and a prototype game called Baby Swat that was eventually turned into Hot Racers (getting at least one game for all of the little kids that come through my place):
Virtual Rabbids Mini
Replay Magazine reported on Friday that LAI would be showing off a new “mini” version of their popular Virtual Rabbids: The Big Ride at EAG. I’m not sure if this is the same model that had been shipped in the past to locations like cruise ships, or something different. By the article it sounds different; I did reach out to LAI for comment and will update accordingly.
UPDATE: LAI has confirmed that this is already shipping; they are also shipping Pearl Fishery
Phantom Motorcycle (Supernova Games/Newmans Sales)
Here’s one that is from China, but will be sold into Europe via Newsmans Sales called Phantom Motorcycle. Replay Magazine also detailed it, mentioning that it supports amusement/score play, ticket redemption or capsule redemption. I found a video of it on YouTube via Leo Amusements (I don’t know if it’s Supernova Games or Leo Amusements…sometimes these things get really muddled in distribution deals) which is embedded below. It looks similar to racing software found in various interactive kiddie rides (like the Baby Swat/Hot Racers I’m grabbing), but it looks like it can link multiple units together:
For the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvSdPNByGE4
Stern @ EAG
I received this email from Stern about their presence at the show, which will be focused on their latest titles including Stranger Things:
We will be located in our authorized distributor Electrocoin’s booth #515.
We will be showcasing our newest games including our brand new release, Stranger Things (Pro and Premium model), Jurassic Park (Pro model), The Beatles, and Black Knight: Sword of Rage.
Stern will be represented by Gary Stern, Doug Skor, George Gomez, and John Buscaglia.
That’s all I’ve found for now; I’ll be checking out feeds from various EU friends this week as EAG starts tomorrow, and will update accordingly for any news that comes along.
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