We’re properly and actually within the thick of commerce present season now, with IAAPA arising in a couple of days and the Japan Amusement Expo simply wrapping up. The previous will inevitably have extra main bulletins and new product showcases related to us when it comes to releases for the West, however as there’s at all times curiosity in what Japan is doing and at the least some new video games right here, this full recap put up serves to cowl that.

Because of all these on the AH Discord server (e.g. Nsm, and Ted, who additionally will get a particular thanks for drafting this up) who’ve been following the occasions there intently and offering any related info, in absence of being there. Any final minute updates shall be added too, so examine again if some do seem…

Japan Amusement Expo 2024

For a fast refresh on Japan’s Amusement Expo should you missed earlier protection, it’s the reformatted alternative for JAEPO, their business’s fundamental commerce occasion since 2013. That didn’t get held for a pair years following COVID, and after one remaining JAEPO was held in February 2023, the Japan Amusement Trade Affiliation (JAIA) introduced they’d be transforming the present to attempt to enhance attendance.

This has concerned renaming it to easily “Amusement Expo” and transferring from the additional out Makuhari Messe heart to the extra central Tokyo Massive Sight, in addition to a extra concerted effort behind facet occasions for most of the people. As talked about earlier than although, they’ve additionally been holding it sadly near IAAPA in November, and that appears to be occurring for a 3rd time subsequent 12 months… regardless of one or two complaints.

Bandai Namco Amusement

Bandai Namco Amusement’s sales space contents aren’t all that totally different to final 12 months’s exhibiting, however that doesn’t imply they don’t have new arcade video games to take a look at – most of those nonetheless haven’t been launched but (or are nearly to). Additionally, not for the primary time there have been some sturdy hopes and rumors that Most Tune 7 would lastly be introduced too… nevertheless it appears like that’s been held again but once more. Not less than two video games right here will certainly be reaching Western shores although, together with two confirmed for IAAPA.

Taiko No Tatsujin

Although a completely fledged new model of it was not proven off right here, Taiko is first up on this put up for a few causes. Bandai Namco does have some new issues for it in Japan – they revealed that new, greater high quality drum surfaces shall be accessible quickly, alongside sound separators for a number of cupboards. However extra pertinently to us, simply earlier than the expo kicked off it was lastly confirmed on Bandai Namco Amusement Europe’s web site that the sport will be receiving its official US-only launch at IAAPA. That seemed seemingly contemplating the November timeframe we got again in July, nevertheless it’s good to have that readability now.

GoldStorm Pirates

Sizzling on the heels of our Q&A on the sport with Steve and Josh from BNAA and BNAE, and simply earlier than its personal official launch to the Western arcade business at IAAPA, GoldStorm Pirates can also be being proven off right here as its launch is lastly in sight for the East too. We’ve talked about earlier than how some cupboards are already reaching Namco’s personal Japanese places, with the complete JP launch subsequent month, however whereas we’re right here it’s price noting one other check for it has landed within the States on the Round1 in Fox Valley Mall, IL, the place an Animal Kaiser Plus and Bandai Gachapon Store have additionally popped up (due to Ryte for that information).

Bike Sprint Supply

Not like GoldStorm, Bike Sprint Supply is a title that hasn’t been so related of late. It did get examined out in Japan a number of occasions, and even as soon as out West by Round1USA (the place it apparently did “merely okay”), however issues have been quiet on the discharge since Spring. That has modified now although with it reappearing right here in a extra finalized capability. Simply earlier than the present began, Bandai Namco even quietly posted out take a look at how the sport performs with its first official trailer. The one query is, will this be at IAAPA? It isn’t a part of BNAE’s aforementioned sales space preview, however maybe they need to drop a shock or two on us nonetheless.

Idolm@ster Excursions

One work that almost definitely gained’t be releasing out West any time quickly is that this one. Although the identify doesn’t carry a lot weight exterior Japan (apart from amongst its devoted followers), Bandai Namco’s Idolm@ster sequence is certainly one of their greater authentic arcade IPs from the twenty first century, with this sport returning it to the place the property received its begin within the 2000s. Initially introduced manner again on the final JAEPO in February 2023, it has been by means of rigorous testing since then, and serves as BNA’s centerpiece right here. By all accounts it received loads of consideration, although whether or not it will likely be a hit on its Spring 2025 launch stays to be seen:

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Elsewhere on Bandai Namco’s personal sales space, in addition they had a brand new instalment of their standard Fishing Spirits videmption sequence. They’ve tried bringing it over from time to time, each in arcades and on console, so maybe this can get a shot exterior Japan too. Apart from that, there was a giant space for his or her new-style Clena cranes (which additionally launched abroad once they had been nonetheless often called Clenaflex), and a hefty push of their enterprise sustainability values – e.g. that includes precise Namco amusement heart employees helpfully manning the sales space.

The Taiko and Wani Wani Panic kiddie rides we first noticed on the AAA and GTI exhibits in China had been there too, although from the appears of issues these gained’t be launched in Japan (regardless of having Japanese textual content right here).

Their subsidiary for restricted gross sales of American and Chinese language merchandise into Japan, Bandai Namco Technica, was moreover round once more. They apparently introduced the flatscreen mannequin of Adrenaline Amusements’ Drakons Realm Keepers and a brand new Minions darts sport from TouchMagix, each of which shall be at IAAPA, and what now feels just like the fourth or fifth model of what was initially made by Leon Amusement as High Gun (which JET launched as Fast Shot, and Electrocoin as Talent Shooter) – High Capturing.

exA-Arcadia

exA-Arcadia made a present of power right here, after not attending the primary reformatted expo final 12 months. All of their new video games had been introduced pre-show in an exALive stream, which was lined on AH a pair days in the past now, however some received their first hands-on appearances as a part of their house on the present ground. Not less than a pair extra had been anticipated to be revealed… nonetheless, it appears like these are being held over now.

Earthion EXA Label

exA’s model of Yuzo Koshiro’s new indie Mega Drive shooter appears prefer it was certainly one of their hottest titles, judging from official Sega historian Yosuke Okunari’s reward and this man in an MD jacket enjoying it:

Asuka 120% Exallent

This new model of Asuka 120% appeared in a extra remaining kind right here, after initially being introduced at EVO Japan 2024 in late April. Although the sport is nearer completion it gained’t be out till subsequent 12 months.

Airgallet EXA Label

Airgallet EXA Label was revealed simply earlier than Asuka 120% at Shooters Fes 2024 in early April. This has artwork from Toaplan authentic Junya Inoue, in addition to an organized Keio Keishi OST. It needs to be touchdown fairly quickly.

Bunny Bomber Blast!

Apart from Earthion, one other new exA launch proven off was Bunny Bomber Blast!, on the left right here with it and Airgallet. It is a new indie effort, coming from Hiulit’s Sport Studio and fuses Dig Dug with Bomberman:

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Alongside the above titles, exA had a fuller vary of current video games readily available, together with some of their new ARC-32 cupboards that may be see within the sales space shot. For a full rundown of these take a look at this exafan.jp put up, however a pair examples price noting are Batsugun EXA Label‘s new 1.5 model, and Vanguard Princess R has returned after a little bit of uncertainty with the rights state of affairs (that’s all been resolved now).

Just about all of those video games (and two additional new ones that may seem solely in a personal capability) will in fact be at IAAPA subsequent week, the place exA are additionally returning with a sales space of their very personal as soon as extra after a 12 months out. Once more it initially seemed like these unannounced two could be revealed at AM Expo, nevertheless it was by no means 100%, and issues didn’t come to go. They are going to get there finally although…

Konami

Not like final 12 months, Konami didn’t maintain their Konami Arcade Championship event occasion on the identical day on the present’s venue. Whether or not that has one thing to do with 2023’s furore amongst abroad DDR gamers being barred from collaborating is unknown – however they nonetheless had some issues occurring at their very own sales space this 12 months, this time selling different aggressive elements of their rhythm video games.

Gitadora Area Mannequin

The primary new focus of their very own was in fact the brand new Area mannequin of Gitadora, following its current location exams in Japan. The model confirmed off right here did have a couple of software program variations, though there is no such thing as a signal on if Round1USA shall be getting these. For now, Konami have been trying to push the cupboards in Japan with their stage occasion involving Bemani Professional League workforce members and a photograph space:

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Although it was introduced prematurely, a giant shock for some who haven’t been following issues intently is that Konami shall be promoting Uncooked Thrills’ Minecraft Dungeons Arcade into Japan. This has been examined by them quite a few occasions over the previous 12 months, and the indications are that it’s going to do properly there – a current Round1JP monetary report even singled it out as a brand new sport being rolled out to all places.

Within the occasion that it doesn’t turn out to be a hit there although, Konami have gotten their very own card sport extra hyper-focused on Japanese tastes, Monster Retsuden Oreca Battle 2. The exams of that earlier this 12 months grabbed loads of consideration, alongside these for the recently-released Dragon Ball Tremendous Divers by Bandai Namco… though it sounds just like the latter isn’t doing in addition to anticipated out of the gate.

Sega

Sega’s sales space right here appears like an actual grab-bag of selection, with even their Dartslive facet enterprise getting its personal nook. Nevertheless, loads of focus is once more on their latest UFO Catchers, medal video games, and picture cubicles for Japan. Considered one of mentioned medal video games seen on a display screen beneath may truly be releasing out West quickly by way of Sega Amusements, having been just lately noticed on check in London, however nonetheless…

Preliminary D The Arcade

One of many exceptions to the above is Preliminary D The Arcade, lengthy yearned for by core followers within the West however blocked for the reason that 2000s by differing informal tastes and community complexities. The newest model of it’s being pushed closely with a fundamental stage occasion surrounding its present new team-based tournaments, which revitalize that facet of issues (official aggressive occasions for it have gone on for years, however at all times solely 1v1).

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A number of the different various issues occurring at Sega’s sales space have included a nicely-organized Arcade Sport Historical past space. In addition to the classics (Daytona, HOTD, After Burner) and classic non-video items like their Nineteen Sixties SEGA-1000 jukebox (spot the acquainted face on the information above it), in addition they put up a giant wall of flyers that includes fan favorites like Gunblade NY, and a timeline of main releases.

(I’ve lengthy thought that we needs to be doing this for our exhibits right here; if not by an organization, pay a collector to arrange a pleasant space prefer it… or anybody who cares in regards to the legacy of those video games)

In the meantime for one thing truly new, there was their curious new Paw Patrol kiddie journey, which units itself aside from the pack with a card merchandising characteristic and a few fundamental gameplay, comparable to a couple older examples made by Sega. It’d be far more neat to see that idea utilized to certainly one of their very own IPs once more like Sonic, particularly contemplating that’s been resurging in recognition amongst youngsters of late…

Taito

Taito have had smaller cubicles at even Japanese commerce occasions for some years, however they often at all times pack rather a lot into them, with at the least one or two fascinating new issues. The one coin-op examples of these listed below are an already launched sport and the brand new prize machine Getter Spin G (the Wahlap import model of which has been noticed on check within the US just lately by way of Round1), although there’s extra apart from.

Avenue Fighter 6 Kind Arcade

Initially it seemed like this was going to be a no-show, however Taito merely introduced Avenue Fighter 6 Kind Arcade out on most of the people day solely. That is smart because it launched final December, albeit simply in Japan and at Round1USA places as talked about earlier than. Nonetheless, it doesn’t damage to advertise the group facet of the sport as they’ve additionally completed, particularly with this enjoyable lineup of hosts:

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The remainder of Taito’s sales space was largely devoted to showcases of their recently-opened location-based leisure facilities, similar to Bootverse, Rakugakids, and Exbar. One spotlight of their new facility ideas proven off was this – Area Invaders Strike. Baseball may look like an ‘on the market’ factor to cross the sport over with in an immersive actuality room, however that’s what Taito have completed with it:

It additionally appears like that they had an imported kiddie bicycle sport from China localized into Japanese, although there isn’t a lot element on that one on the market. If you wish to see a number of totally different images and movies of Taito’s cute Bub mascot costume although, examine right here, right here, and right here… could be cool if that got here together with the personnel they’re dispatching to take a look at the IAAPA present ground subsequent week.

Capcom

After regularly downsizing their arcade companies and entrusting Taito with main video games like SF6 Kind Arcade, Capcom have been hit or miss with turning up for Japan’s commerce occasions, with no sales space presence at the previous couple of JAEPOs. They did re-emerge for the primary Amusement Expo final 12 months although, and are showing once more right here, even when solely with one main video launch to talk of…

Onishuma VR Shadow Staff

In the event you missed the give attention to this within the present preview the opposite day, or different websites’ reportage of it, Capcom’s hack and slash journey sequence Onishuma is arcade-bound for the primary time after over 20 years of being a console concern. This replaces Avenue Fighter VR, which regardless of being location examined went out for properties as a substitute. It’s nonetheless unclear if that is going to be offered to places apart from Capcom’s personal although:

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The remainder of Capcom’s sales space is much less of curiosity to us with no different new arcade titles, however simply to ensure certainly one of their different flagship sequence wasn’t utterly unrepresented, Avenue Fighter 6 was proven off by them too in a particular eSports Membership participant exhibition match. The purpose of that appears a little bit counterproductive, with it being the house model and all – but that’s how Capcom run themselves now…

For every little thing else much less related, there’s a first rate likelihood to examine in with how Capcom’s location operation enterprise remains to be going – a number of straightforward give attention to prize video games, picture cubicles and gachapon shops. They do at the least leverage some huge online game IPs for this a bit, with the likes of Avenue Fighter and Phoenix Wright receiving extra publicity (the latter even received a Joypolis attraction by Sega some time again).

Different Exhibitors + Areas

A lot of smaller firms have at all times attended Japan’s commerce exhibits, although the quantity and prominence of them has various. One arising on the rails this 12 months is apparently GiGO – who did attend final time, however didn’t have a lot to indicate for themselves but. Now although, they’ve the Breaking Down punching sport, and their very own GiGO crane machine, which apparently hogged loads of consideration.

Marvelous additionally confirmed up with a brand new authentic prize sport, Attempt Catch, which appears prefer it might work out West, in addition to their newest youngsters card battler Pokemon Frienda that launched earlier this 12 months. We’ve mentioned it will go down properly elsewhere too due to the large license, however that might make issues dearer (and Marvelous haven’t been pushing their Naruto card sport over right here for very lengthy):

Smaller outfits like Kaga Amusement (who’re additionally making the GiGO crane) typically attempt to carry video games from China over; right here, that they had Air Strike and Browsing League from Ace, while Safari Video games had Ace’s Cranium Of Shadow, plus a shooter from UNIS that appears new. Different Chinese language machines on smaller cubicles had been largely the neon cranes, together with Dreamfuns’ new Japanese base presence.

Complementing all of the cubicles, one factor that has elevated just lately with the occasion reformatting has been public-focused facet exhibits. Probably the most vital of those is the Amusement Music Competition, which ties collectively all of the rhythm sport wings of Bandai Namco, Sega, Taito and Konami into one stage live performance. That stage was additionally used for a seminar on arcade business jobs for college students through the first day.

Total

In order that’s a wrap on the Japan Amusement Expo 2024. Regardless of there being a couple of fascinating new titles on many of the main cubicles, it’s a slight disgrace there weren’t actually any contemporary bulletins comprised of the present itself this time – at the least game-wise. However then with exA saying most issues of their pipeline pre-show, and Bandai Namco nonetheless holding over the much-rumored subsequent Most Tune (if it’s even nonetheless occurring by this level…), that didn’t precisely go away a lot to take their place.

Customer numbers haven’t been launched on the time of this being printed, however there’s a suggestion that they’ve been good on the enterprise day at the least. Quite a lot of that might most likely be right down to crane machines – we haven’t had a lot give attention to them however just about each firm did have a brand new instance of these, and quite a few Chinese language producers with their ‘new wave’ neon iterations had been round too. Nonetheless, they could possibly be even greater if they simply determined to not maintain the present mere days earlier than IAAPA…

For some additional protection by Japanese gaming websites and press, take a look at the beneath hyperlinks:

4Gamer.com

Dengeki On-line

Famitsu

Sankei Shimbum

Which of the brand new arcade video games at Japan Amusement Expo 2024 curiosity you most? Which might you prefer to see at an arcade close to you?