The export version of Mario Kart Arcade GP DX was extremely simplified compared to the Japanese version, there is therefore no Banapassport (as we suspected). Consequently, the player can't choose his kart nor his weapons which are assigned randomly via a slot machine system. The problem is that the player can't even select his class (kart's power: 50cc, 100cc, 150cc). It's a shame because the game is really more intense when played in 150cc. In it's current form, it's sometimes slow paced. The class can perhaps be set by the operator through test mode or the feature may be added in a future update. Time will tell as the game is not available yet.

Despite the absence of the Banapassport feature, the cabinets must still be connected to the Internet. This allows Bandai Namco Games to collect data about the game (most popular characters and circuits) for its improvement. Updates and additional content will be regularly sent via the network to expand the game. This is a very good idea but the fact that the machine must remain constantly connected prevents showmen to operate this game on funfairs. Yet, travelling arcades represent an important part of the European market.

But what about the game? The 42" screen adds to the immersion and the voice commenting the races makes them more dynamic. It's a real pleasure to meet Mario's frend, Pac-Man and their new friend: Don-chan from the popular Taiko no Tatsujin arcade drum game. Courses inspired by this game are beautiful. Others are very nice looking too. The System ES3 powering the game is certainly not fully exploited but the universe is very colorful and it is now possible to fly and drive underwater. Another new feature is the ability to play cooperatively. In this mode, a bonus allows the two players who choose this option to combine their karts. One player then becomes the shooter and is perched on a turret he controls at 360°. This is a very fun feature.

Of course, "Mario" coins are still scattered across the circuits but catching them is completely useless since there's no savegame card. 4 machines can be connected for heated races. As previous versions, the cabinets are still equipped with a Nam Cam allowing players to show their head in the game. Faces are displayed in ridiculous frames chosen by the players and can now be deformed in all directions. In short, it's Mario Kart, so it' s colorful, very fun, and it will appeal to a wide audience. The only regret is the inability for the player to choose his kart and class and the mandatory online connection. We recommend it anyway to operators of fixed locations, especially since extra content will be added continuously so the game will never become obsolete. [Video]

Another big release: Mach Storm. Using the same POD cabinet as Mobile Suit Gundam - Senjo no Kizuna, this dogfight game is mind blowing thanks to its semi-spherical 180° screen, air blowers and vibrating controls and seat. It's been a long time since an arcade game has been so impressive! Controls are those of a jet fighter (speed throttle and joystick with 2 buttons: machine gun and homing missiles). There are 5 stages: Washington, Paris, Dubai, Tokyo and Miami. The game itself is very simplistic because the path and all events are scripted. Because of this, multiplayer is not possible. Don't worry though, this game offers a unique experience and will make a beautiful centrepiece in any arcade. Scheduled for a March release.

Deadstorm Pirates Special Edition includes two new stages: the fort and the tower. The final stage can be selected at the beginning of the game and there's a new ending sequence. The version presented at the show was finished at 70% but it was already sufficient to appreciate the quality of the new stages. An upgrade kit will be available for owners of the original Deadstorm Pirates. This kit will include a new plastic marquee for the rear of the cabinet, new decals for the sides and of course, a hard disk containing the new software. Like other Japanese titles showcased at the show, the developers of the game made ​​the trip to England. Also on the stand was Deadstorm Pirates 4D+, the "attraction" of the game in 3D and supporting 4 players with moving seats. Still impressive, this version is a must have for amusement parks.

Now let's talk about the 100% Raw Thrills games with Batman. Developed by Specular Interactive (H2Overdrive, Dirty Drivin'), Batman is not a classic racing game. Well, it's not a racing game at all. The goal is to navigate through Gotham City driving one of the 10 Batmobiles from the movies and TV series and successfully fulfil mission objectives. The objectives are for example to destroy satellite dishes, find documents, restart generators, ... The game is divided into 6 stages (3 easy ones and 3 difficult) consisting of 6 tasks each. Each scenario ends with a battle against a boss (The Joker, Bane or Freeze). In some missions, you are piloting the "Bat" (Batman's aircraft) and of course there are various power-ups to pick up such as the Batarang or missiles.

It looks complicated when said like that but in fact the Batman game comes down to simply drive and shoot (thanks to the buttons equipping the bat steering wheel), it's very fun although there is little challenge. Different Batmobiles are very easy to drive and the dark and quirky world of Gotham City is very well reproduced. Like the other driving games of the manufacturer, the cabinet has a keypad so that players can save their score and progression. In multiplayer, the 2 players cooperate and the player with the highest score is declared "hero." while the loser becomes his "sidekick". It's nothing special and for once, the game is just as fun when played solo. [Video]

Another big release: Aliens Armageddon. Terminator Salvation successor in many ways, it is more beautiful, faster and more immersive. Unlike the Aliens films, the action takes place on Earth which has been invaded by xenomorphs. The game features four chapters after which the player will leave Earth with the last survivors on board a cargo ship leaving the planet in the hands of those terrible creatures. Unlike Terminator Salvation, threatening enemies are not underlined by red halos, so you must quickly identify priority targets. The game gives no rest to the player and exterminating those filthy beasts in bunches of green blood is a real pleasure. Especially since the bestiary is quite varied; cocoons, facehuggers, snakes and other creepy and flying creatures.

The 55" HD screen contributes greatly to the immersion and the player is truly absorbed into in this post-apocalyptic world. Regarding the difficulty, rapid movements of the enemies make them difficult to target. Consequently, the default minimum game time (time during which the player's life decreases slower) has been revised upwards from the previous Play Mechanix game. The rifle is identical to that of Terminator Salvation, with kickback effect and a side button for grenades. Aliens Armageddon is an excellent shooter highly recommended if you don't already own Terminator Salvation. [Video]

Barrel of Monkeys is an arcade adaptation of the famous Hasbro game. It's a redemption where a monkey is swinging on a vine. It reaches out to another monkey perched on a barrel. The goal is to press the button when the hands of the two monkeys cross so the bottom monkey clings to the other. And so on to create a chain of 10 monkeys.

The gained number of tickets vary depending on the colour of the primate. The last one which is golden coloured gives access to the secret room for the bonus show. There are 3 different stages: beach, jungle and waterfall. The friendly animals come to life through a 42" screen and pretty monkey chants. This arcade release introduces the new purple monkey called "Cheeky Monkey".

At Sega Amusement, we are greeted by Bumblebee. The main event is of course the release of the Transformers Human Alliance shooting game. The game is available as a deluxe cabinet with a 42" screen and as a theater cabin equipped with a 55" LED screen. In both 2 cases, guns are attached to the cabinet as in Let's Go Jungle! and Let Go Island. Like in those two games, there are sequences where players must perform certain actions in time (hold the controller in a certain position or press the start button at the right moment).

In this game, players partner with Bumblebee, Optimus Prime and Sideswipe to hunt down the Decepticons across 5 cities in America, Africa and Europe before they find the AllSpark (a material that breathes life into mechanical and electronic objects). As in many recent games, teamwork is rewarded: when both players combine their shots, the autobot accompanying also attacks the target, causing more damage. Some enemies are outlined in blue. This indicates that they have Energon cubes. Collecting Energon cubes allows your autobot to appear on the screen to help you.

Powered by the RingEdge 2, this game is boasting beautiful graphics. The scenery is very detailed and the robots are well modeled without any apparent aliasing effect. Transformers are also very well animated and their transformations are faithfully reproduced. The only negative point is that despite its sustained action, the game lacks tension. We do not really feel the threat of the Decepticons and Transformers Human Alliance's gameplay is less nervous than Aliens Armageddon. Nevertheless, it's a good shooting game. [Video]

The only racing games on the stand of Sega were two productions by Chinese manufacturer Wahlap. The first is Storm Racer G. A car racing game with 12 courses (including 6 to unlock) and 14 cars (7 to unlock). The cabinet features a 42" screen, a camera to display the player's face in the game and a lever activating the boost. There is no speed shifter, the game plays on automatic only. An "Automatic drift" option is available for beginners.

Up to 8 players are supported. It is possible to join a game in progress during the first 30 seconds of the game. In this case, the race restarts with all participants. It is clear that the quality of Chinese game improves. This is a very fun title providing a good sense of speed while being easy to handle. The only concern being the poor build quality of the boost control lever. [Video]

The second game of Wahlap is Storm Rider, a motorcycle racing game. Largely inspired by Super Bikes 2, the cabinet is equipped with a 42" screen. The game features 11 courses including 6 hidden ones and 10 bikes including 5 to unlock. The tracks are set in 3 environments: port, forest and an abandoned airport.