Sega Amusements Ships Alpha Ops VR Strike

Arcade virtual reality is getting a shot in the arm again, as Sega Amusements have begun shipping their latest major release to use the technology – Alpha Ops VR Strike. We have the full details for this new VR on rails shooter below.

Alpha Ops VR Strike – Background

First unveiled as a prototype at IAAPA 2024 after a couple of location tests in the UK and US, Alpha Ops VR Strike marks Sega Amusements International’s second significant foray into virtual reality, following 2022’s successful VR Agent. Both titles have come from them in conjunction with 3MindWave, a Hong Kong-based developer who have also worked with Sega Amusements on ATV Slam and Apex Rebels. Building off of what they learned with it, they’ve evolved that game’s basic concept into something different, standing out from all the similar titles that sprung up in its wake. If you’ve forgotten how VR Agent played, here’s a quick video of it:

The Cabinet

While Alpha Ops VR Strike‘s controls are an evolution of what had been done with VR Agent, the cabinet is a bit of a departure. Players are now seated on a motion base, while the guns are tethered in place as opposed to being lowered down. The screens for on-lookers also offers more viewing space so that it’s easier to see the action while you wait. In VR Agent, the screens were smaller and since the players were standing, it could block more of that view. There are also more LED lights to grab attention:

While numerous games stack two screens vertically now, this is still a pretty distinctive cabinet design, with a nice blend of elements seen in previous titles like Operation GHOST Target Bravo and others. Further specs on the cabinet can be found in the official press release at the end of the post.

The Game

Gameplay-wise, though both are pretty fun games Alpha Ops VR Strike and VR Agent are very different from each other; the latter felt more like the Virtua Cop series, while this feels more in line with mounted gun shooters with the theme and aesthtics hitting a blend of Transformers and Halo. In it, you are part of an elite squad of soldiers who have a transformative vehicle that usually takes you along a route on the way to the boss fight, with it occasionally turning into a mecha unit where your firepower changes. That can be seen below in this quick video from IAAPA:

Thanks to 3MindWave and Sega Amusements, we also recently published some full direct capture footage from all three levels of the game. Here’s the first, Ice Blizzard; Stages two (Desert Gorge) and three (Boss Stage) can be seen at the links attached here.

If you’re interested in adding this one to your game floor, contact your preferred Sega Amusements distributor. The pricing at IAAPA was quoted at around $40k, putting it on the pricier range of arcade games but still a great deal cheaper than the big VR attractions. This has likely gone up a little too, though I’d imagine anyone with the cash to burn on it already is still acquiring theirs.

As a final note, though the US has not been part of this we have recently heard about a few locations that have got this early, from at least one Timezone in Vietnam to Coral Island in Blackpool, UK. If you have experienced Alpha Ops VR Strike at any of these places yet, what did you think of the game? If not, are you looking forward to playing it?

Press Release

Step into Battle with Alpha Ops VR Strike: The Game Redefining VR Arcade Action!

Unleash a next generation gaming experience upon your venue with Alpha Ops VR Strike! Brought to you by SEGA Amusement International, this attendant-free, coin-operated motion VR game is setting the bar in VR arcade world. Truly raising the standards for all games alike! After receiving a glowing reception at multiple shows around the globe, be sure not to miss out on this industry shaping product, commanding the VR income chart!

Transporting players headfirst into the chaos, Alpha Ops VR Strike, delivers a heart-pounding experience like no other! Players ride ‘shotgun’ in an armoured vehicle with their fellow ‘Alpha Ops Squad’ in tow as they must survive relentless waves of enemies, fend off ambushes, and confront a powerful boss to accomplish their all-important mission. Brought to life in exquisite detail, this game harnesses the power of Unreal Engine 5, as players battle their way through three stunning stages spellbinding them whilst in and amongst the action. Accompanying these stunning graphics is SEGA’s revolutionary hybrid VR controller. Unlike conventional VR setups, SEGA’s merges these elements into a single, intuitive device. This unique approach enhances immersion, making gameplay feel completely natural as players shift seamlessly between looking, aiming, and firing. Bringing the whole experience together is a perfect pairing between the responsive motion platform and crisp 4.1 surround sound system, making sure players feel and hear every moment of the skirmish!

Styled as a rugged military vehicle with vibrant LED lighting throughout, players are captivated as soon as they step aboard. Combined with two massive 65” 4K displays, the cabinet itself is sure to turn heads anywhere in your arcade, leaving passers-by instantly captivated! Alpha Ops VR Strike not only draws players in, it also encourages spectators to watch the action whilst the players enjoy the immersive VR experience!

Order now and take your venue to the next level with this supreme VR attraction!

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