Earthion EXA LABEL Blasts Its Way Into Arcades

Yuzo Koshiro’s latest piece of gaming art is now available for players to enjoy, but not just as a game on home platforms – an enhanced version is available for arcades known as Earthion EXA Label. Read on.

Earthion

For those who are as yet unaware, Earthion was started as a shoot ’em up targeting the beloved Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, it being the console where Yuzo Koshiro gained much of his notoriety with titles like Streets of Rage, Shinobi and others. His company Ancient was looking to bring some shoot ’em up action in modern times to that 16-bit platform, but the interest in the release grew to such a degree that all modern platforms are on the roster now.

For the story behind the game:

With Earth’s resources depleted and its environment in ruin, most of humanity has fled to Mars. But when hostile invaders launch an attack on Earth, mankind has no choice but to fight back. As environmental researcher Azusa Takanashi, you’ll pilot the state-of-the-art space fighter YK-IIA and mount the most important counterattack in human history. Losing is not an option!

Short, sweet, and to the point – just like it used to be.

As a note, the PC Steam & arcade versions launch today, while other modern console versions will happen in September; the Sega Gen/MD version is slated for sometime next year. For better or worse, Limited Run Games is handling physical releases on this (even on PC).

Earthion EXA Label

It was a little bit of a surprise to learn that this game would also be making its way to the arcade format, where exA-Arcadia, the company that has single-handledly brought shoot ’em ups back to the coin-op space, developed this version of the game for their platform. They not only have worked with Koshiro-san, they’ve also employed the talents of Mitsuhiro Arita (of Pokémon fame).

Maintaining the same look & sound as the other versions, the arcade version comes with some additions and enhancements that will only be found at an arcade that carries the game. First, you’ll have the 1 frame of input lag, where the console versions will likely be hanging around 4~6 frames; then there are “gadgets,” showing extra information around the screen about your ship’s installed armaments. There is also the unique EXA LABEL MODE, which “completely changes the gameplay to focus on arcade style scoring and Hyper usage. Uncover all of the secrets to get the high score.” Players can also enjoy the Original, Extreme, and Score Attack modes.

For additional notes, there are five versions of the soundtrack that were produced for the game that you can listen to; the arcade version also supports either landscape or portrait (TATE) display modes.

There are two versions of the game available for arcades – the standard kit and a Limited Edition package. Starting with the latter, this includes: Kit autographed by music composer, Yuzo Koshiro; Polaroid of music composer, Yuzo Koshiro; exA-Arcadia Socks;
Sanwa Joystick Accessories Set; exA-Arcadia Joystick Ball; exA-Arcadia Joystick Dust Cover; exA-Arcadia Set of 3 Buttons; EARTHION EXA LABEL 1800 mm Banner; Standard Art Set; and the game cart.” This is the first time I’ve heard of exA-Arcadia socks…

The standard kit comes without the obvious goodies and just had your usual exA package of a cart, and promotional art/instruction cards that locations can use. The LE kit isn’t significantly higher priced than the standard though, so I could see more people springing for it. [insert obligatory moaning from home consumers over the fundamental lack of understanding on the differences between home & commercial market pricing here]. ExA has reported that tests have been “quite positive” and that Yuzo himself has attended those.

The game is already in operation at selection Japanese locations, where places like Taito’s HEY has already livestreamed it. I did get to play it at IAAPA 2024, where I really enjoyed what I played. This is extremely well polished and had it been released back in 1991, it would be as highly regarded today as any “AAA” (even though no one really used that designation back then) shoot ’em up of that era. It certainly would’ve moved some more Sega console units, which is one standard I like to consider when it comes to modern homebrews for retro consoles. Feedback I’ve heard online from others who have played have also really been enjoying it, with the arcade version getting the edge from those few who have been able to play both editions.

How many locations out West will pick this up? I don’t know, but I do imagine that given some of the hype this one has, there might be a few. I would join that group, but I’ll have to wait for a bit with other things on my plate at the moment.

If you do see this one out there, or have a location near you with an exA, I’d definitely recommend you play it – it is a fantastic game. Would you like to see Earthion EXA Label at a local arcade?

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