ARCADE WATCH
Keeping an eye on the coin-op gaming scene
We haven’t seen a cabinet this lavish in some time. This Segadesigned licensed shooter is packed full of features to entice passers-by, from the LED light strips running around the scenery, to the spy HQ layout and “iconic fuse” animation, to the motion sensor that triggers a callout to potential punters on the central 65-inch screen. The action itself plays out on two 55-inch displays, using gun controllers powered by accelerometers; screenmounted cameras show the current leader’s face in real time to foster some (un)healthy competition. It’s ostentatious in the extreme, and we have to say we’re rather fond of it.
The game itself is an on-rails shooter, set across nine stages, and supports up to four players, split into two teams of two, with AI bots making up the numbers if required. Speed, rather than score, appears to be the deciding factor; in a novel twist, the gun controllers have a dual-fire mode, allowing either for a high-accuracy single shot or wider burst damage. And while it’s a shooter at its core, Sega also promises some departures from the template with stealth infiltrations, hacking and chases. For once, Arcade Watch can report on a game that’s already confirmed for a western release – indeed, it was announced by Sega of America, and made its debut at November’s IAAPA convention in California. We’ll be keeping a keen eye on local bowling alley, and will be sure to get a go in before some local youth smears nachos all over it.