4 of the Most Revolutionary Modern Arcade Games

In the 1980s, arcades weren’t just a place to hang out; they were the place to hang out. Today’s arcades often try to recapture that feeling with nostalgic games like Pac-Man, Galaga, and Street Fighter. However, new technologies are giving the modern arcade experience an exciting upgrade!

Arcade games have evolved from simple, single-screen experiences to complex, immersive worlds with new systems, innovative controllers, online connectivity, and even augmented or virtual reality (VR) capabilities. In addition, modern games’ graphics and processing speeds have improved significantly, providing players with a more dynamic, engaging, and interactive gaming experience.

If you haven’t visited a video arcade lately, you may be surprised at how much gaming machines have evolved. Below, we’ll explore four of the most revolutionary modern arcade games that showcase the power of new tech.

1. Dark Escape 4D

Face your fears with the immersive horror game Dark Escape 4D. In this shooter game, you must escape a madman’s twisted plan by facing off with hideous experimental creatures and the undead. Each stage of the game is based on a phobia you must conquer to survive. The amazing 4D features of this game include:

• Entering a two-person “theater” cabinet by wearing antibacterial coated 3D glasses
• Being encased in the game’s creepy atmosphere by 5.1 channel surround sound speakers
• Feeling the breath and movement of zombies and other monsters thanks to built-in air blowers
• Being immersed in the surroundings and the action with heavy recoil guns and rumble seats

Dark Escape 4D is for thrill seekers and adrenaline lovers of all kinds. This game even knows when you are scared! Panic sensors display each player’s heart rate on the screen to record all of your ups and downs. Namco released Dark Escape 4D in 2013, and while it’s no longer actively produced, you can play it at Pinballz’s Lake Creek, Kingdom, and original Austin locations.

2. Halo Fireteam Raven

Halo Fireteam Raven is an immersive, multiplayer combat game that brings the excitement of Halo to the arcade. The game occurs during Halo‘s original storyline as players join an elite group of soldiers — Fireteam Raven.

The arcade cabinet resembles a futuristic pod that transports players into the Halo universe. You can fight alongside Master Chief and face off with enemies, including fan favorites like the Covenant and Flood. You can go head-to-head with other gamers or play as a team. Some of the advanced features of this game include:

• Cutting edge 4K graphics
• A NexaGen arcade game engine
• A massive 55” screen panoramic display

In 2018, Raw Thrills released Halo Fireteam Raven, bringing the beloved video game to the modern arcade. The creators reported being millions of dollars over budget, and it shows. Whether you’re a Halo veteran or a new recruit, you’ll love this fast-paced, competitive, and irresistibly fun arcade experience! Play Halo today at Pinballz’s Lake Creek, Kingdom, or original Austin locations.

3. Star Wars Battle Pods

Star Wars Battle Pod is the ultimate arcade experience for any Star Wars fan. As you step into the immersive, pod-like arcade cabinet, this high-speed game transports you to a galaxy far, far away.

Some of the cutting-edge features of this game include:

• A seamless dome screen offering 180-degree peripheral vision
• 5.1 surround sound
• Realistic controls
• 4D wind-blowing effects
• Built-in cameras for side-by-side communication
• Unreal Engine 4 graphics

This game has five levels that recreate the most iconic battles from the original Star Wars trilogy. Once you take the controls, you can fly an X-Wing to defeat the Death Star, attack Imperial forces on the Hoth, or speed through the forests of Endor. Unveiled at New York Comic-Con in 2014, Star Wars Battle Pods would certainly blow the minds of 80s arcade fans!

4. Simurai Arena

VR technology has finally reached arcades, and one of the coolest VR arcade games is Simurai Arena by Holgate. In Simurai Arena, VR headsets allow you to enter a high-tech arena and battle other teams in a high-tech version of Capture the Flag. Your mission is to claim towers in the arena and eliminate your opponents before they eliminate you.

The Simurai Arena VR video game includes the following advanced features:

• 270ft² physical “arena” that holds up to 4 players
• State-of-the-art VR headsets with 360-degree viewing
• Haptic vests that immerse you in the game
• Microphone-equipped headsets
• Top-of-the-line touchscreen interface
• Up to 10 display screens for spectators

Visit Pinballz for the Best Modern Games

Modern arcade games use new technologies to give players revolutionary gaming experiences. At Pinballz, you can experience many of these new and exciting games! Pinballz is the place to go for arcade games and other fun things to do in Austin, TX, such as laser tag, go-karts, escape rooms, and more. We also have vintage arcade games you can enjoy with friends and family. If you’ve played it, we probably have it.

Take a trip to Pinballz today, or contact us to learn more about hosting your own next-level event!