When I began researching the set up for IAAPA 2024, I was surprised to see that LAI Games would have a larger-than-usual presence this year. That alone was an indicator they were planning on unveiling several new releases there, and this week, the company started to throw out some teases and trailers accordingly. These had largely been about their redemption pieces so far, but today, we now know what their principal video game will be: Kaiju Rampage. Let’s see what it’s about, and why it should seem pretty familiar…
Monster Eye Goes Kaiju
The title alone should tell you something, but let’s provide more background. Earlier this year, Wahlap unveiled a new gun shooter game by them and IGS called Monster Eye 3. This was seen at a couple of trade shows in China, but it was unclear who, if anyone, might have the game out West. While Wahlap had initially indicated that it would be released here in August, that came and went without any news (though a couple tests were spotted in Texas – where LAI Games USA calls home). Now we know why…
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Kaiju Rampage
With the reveal of their headline games for IAAPA 2024, LAI Games have officially unveiled the name Monster Eye 3 will be going under in the West via their distribution channels – Kaiju Rampage. AH co-contributor Ted had been guessing that it would be LAI carrying ME3, and he was spot on with that prediction, although we weren’t expecting them to give it this name change.
LAI bringing over Wahlap and IGS’ arcade works is nothing new, as they’ve had a rather successful relationship on Asphalt 9 Legends Arcade, its VR version, and the more recent Asphalt Moto Blitz. Conversely LAI hasn’t put a lot of focus on gun games, although they did create Outnumbered in house back at the beginning of 2020 (not a good time for any new release). This serves to remedy that.
The game uses Unreal Engine 5, pumping the 60fps graphics onto a 65″ 4K screen; it also uses a motion sensor for QTEs when you have to move your own body to move that of your character in-game. A motion base and enclosed cabinet that employs dynamic sensor lighting should also be a nice draw for FECs that are looking for something different that isn’t relying on a license.
As to the name change, I think this is wise – even though the first two Monster Eye games have been available here in the States, neither of them saw major distribution (Amusement Source International did grab the sequel just before COVID, but not many places bought it). The logo up close does say “World of Monster Eye by IGS”, so it is definitely still part of the same series.
It also makes for at least five or six shooting games that will debut at IAAPA 2024, that we know of. This and GoldStorm Pirates look to be the main major ones, plus Skull Of Shadow, alongside Angry Birds Boom! and Carnival Shot on the videmption front (and possibly Alpha Ops VR Strike flying the flag for new virtual reality efforts). There will be the final chapters to Godzilla Kaiju Wars VR too… thus giving us at least two games there with Kaiju in the name. And more could still appear, as we have fallen out of the cycle where everyone seems to have a racer; now, everyone is bringing out shooters again.
What are your thoughts on this up-and-coming arcade exclusive? Would you like to see Kaiju Rampage at a location near you?
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