March is a month of new games, and the next one we have to showcase comes from indie arcade developer DSM Arcade. They previously released Switch ‘N Shoot and Nidhogg II; now they are shipping out their first original creation, Perfect Pour. That’s not all though – read on as I detail a major variation of Perfect Pour that is launching soon by the name of Soda Slam!
Perfect Pour Is Shipping Now
We’ve detailed Perfect Pour in the past, which was born from watching a busy bartender work their craft. Following the model of “easy to learn, difficult to master,” players are challenged to become a bartender in a busy venue, with four taps and lots of thirsty customers. Customers approach the bar and place their glass to be filled where you pull on the tap to fill ‘er up. Don’t overfill, otherwise it’ll pause with a tipped glass and you’ll have to start over; don’t pour too little, or they’ll demand a re-do. The goal, as well as the way to get the most points, is to obtain a “Perfect Pour” by filling it right to the brim; bonus points awarded for getting multiple Perfect Pours in a row.
A natural fit for bars, a couple of units have been operating at some arcade bar venues out there, reporting stellar earnings ($160+/wk at one of them that only charged a single quarter per play). Dan has also reported that the game has been installed at some regular bars, where it has been performing well. Here’s the games coming off of the assembly line:
As of today, customers who ordered a unit from when the pre-order window opened, can anticipate receiving them soon as units are rolling out. If you’re still interested in this one, no worries as you can still place an order, but you won’t have to wait as long to get one into your venue now. This is one of the most affordable new games on the market, coming in at under $5000.
The Perfect Pour sales flyer
But that’s not all…
DSM & Alan-1 Team Up For Soda Slam!
Recognizing that many venues such as FECs would love to have this game, but it needs to change to something kid-friendly, DSM Arcade has joined up with Alan-1 (creators of Asteroids Recharged Arcade and the upcoming Missile Command Recharged) to create such a version that is instead based upon soda. I would note that both games are exclusive to arcades.
Called Soda Slam!, this employs the same premise as Perfect Pour, with some changes, such as some enhanced HD graphics with more customers; a redemption mode for FECs; and a whole new cabinet that is made to impress. This features two giant fiberglass soda cans, a 75″ 4K screen, new joystick taps, two player stations, and vibrant artwork. I don’t have any photos to share at the moment of said cabinet, but it will debut at Amusement Expo 2025. I’ll add those pics as soon as I can, and have a post just on Soda Slam! once there’s more info, but here’s a quick clip of the gameplay:
What are your thoughts on these new games?
