Welcome back to Arcade Recap, where we will take a look at recently revealed games at tradeshows like Amusement Expo 2025 and give one or two games a highlight at a time. The purpose of this is because it is very easy for a game to get lost in the amount of news that comes out of a tradeshow – and these won’t be super long. It is just a kind of refresher. We’ve already covered Sega’s Maimai DX rhythm game, Cyberpunk 2077: Turf Wars, and Top Gun Maverick + The Wizard of Oz, so now let’s take a look at Soda Slam! by Alan-1 (who have also recently joined the Arcade Heroes group of sponsors – welcome!).
Soda Slam!
As previously reported, Soda Slam! is a major enhancement/variation to DSM Arcade’s Perfect Pour, which launched in February this year. Like in Midway’s Root Beer Tapper, your goal is to fill up the cups with a fizzy beverage, but here you aren’t managing multiple tables or running to grab tips – instead your goal is to fill each glass quickly and perfectly, not underfilling or overfilling each glass to earn the highest number of points. Customers will line-up quickly though, so fewer mistakes means you can serve more, and thus earn those points/tickets.
This version is essentially the FEC-friendly model to the drink pouring concept, which subs the alcohol for soft drink and includes these additions:
- A larger 70″ 4K screen
- Two player stations
- Remastered graphics and new characters
- New joystick tap handles and controllers
- Gameplay focused on the FEC experience/redemption
- Alan-1 Major League eSports (MLeS) integration
- Interactive RGB LED tubes
- Rumble motors
- Available with or without the giant can props
The game recently began testing at two different FECs in Utah (Boondocks and Fat Cats), where by early reports its been testing well. Amusement-only mode is available, although it hasn’t been tested with that vs. redemption as far as I am aware.
At Amusement Expo, the company was also touting a Dr. Pepper Slam!, however, there is no final confirmation or media for that one at this time.
Soda Slam! is still on track to begin shipping in June, with distributors able to take orders now. Price always varies depending on your distributor, but MSRP for the model with cans is at $18,694 with the canless version coming in $2k less.
What do you think about this one, from what you have seen (or if you were at Amusement Expo, played?)
