Though they unfortunately had to pull out of Amusement Expo 2025, exA-Arcadia have still been working away as usual behind the scenes on their new releases. I had promised to provide an update on what they were doing, and now enough has built up since their last exALive stream in February to justify that… so here you can find a look at Daemon Bride exAgain on test, a new Cyberblocker R trailer, and more.
Do note, however, that some of exA’s biggest announcements for the year will now be coming next month during EVO Japan 2025 (May 9th-11th), where they plan to reveal around 10 new fighting titles; then there will be another 4-5 shooting game titles announced at Shooters Fes 2025 on June 14th-15th.
Anyway, let’s look at what’s new for now:
April exA-Arcadia Releases
Let’s start off with the exA-Arcadia releases for April:
- Airgallet EXA Label
- Bunny Bomber Blast
- Daemon Bride exAgain
I initially had thought that Airgallet had begun shipping in February, but that was just the pre-orders opening. As of this time however, it is shipping to buyers. Bunny Bomber Blast is next, and then Daemon Bride is supposed to ship at the end of the month. Bunny Bomber Blast will be another value level game (sub-$1000 for the kit), like Astro Ninja Man EXA and Donut Dodo Do!.
Additional tests will begin for other upcoming exA titles in Japan this month, but the games will release later on; we’ll note those in a little more detail down below.
As an aside, these game releases are not limited to Japan, and will like usual be available anywhere in the world – as long as the location purchases an exA board and unit. ExA also won’t be affected by tariffs on China, as they don’t manufacture their equipment there.
Daemon Bride exAGAIN Tests
After a long wait and a few Japanese location tests, the ultimate version of Team ARCANA’s Daemon Bride is coming soon. It should be out by the end of April, with an HD remastered opener, low input lag, a revamped graphics engine for cleaner sprites (the same used in the exA version of Arcana Heart 3 Xtend), new key visuals, and more. If you want a 2D fighter that’s like Blazblue, then this is one that you’ll want to check out. Here’s a stream of footage from one of the recent test locations in Japan, Osaka’s Kohatsu:
Speaking of tests, other games that should enter the Japanese testing circuit this month will include Chaos Code NEXT, Asuka 120% Burning Fest EXALLENT, and this next game…
Cyberblocker R Trailer
I had played an early version of Cyberblocker R a year ago at Amusement Expo 2024, but judging by this trailer, it’s changed a lot. It’s like the game I had played, but now on steroids. There seems to be much more shooter action over brick breaker action than before… I’m ok with that, although I’ll have to play it to be sure. This will be the first game to support the trackball controller; I’ll be happy to try a trackball on an STG, as I imagine that could afford more precise control. The music by former Zuntata member Yasuhisa Watanabe here sounds great too. According to the description, it is on track to be available from May:
Jitsu Squad Switch Comparison
Finally, it isn’t often that I get a sponsored game, but I did with the ultimate version of Jitsu Squad. For those that missed it, this was released earlier in the year and it brings beat ’em up action with a strong sense of humor back to the arcade scene. The extra bonus are the upgrades to both the gameplay and graphics – I’m not sure how well that comes across in this video, but in person they are quite apparent. Granted, I have not played the PC or other console versions of Jitsu Squad, so maybe it’s a little unfair to compare this to the lowly Switch, but even then the gameplay polish that they put in makes for a better paced game and no other version has the Samurai Pizza Cats. I’ll have more video of this up soon.
On a similar note, I have been eyeing yet another exA-Arcadia purchase, leaning towards P-47 Aces Mk. II, as that will also go well in the 4-Player exA cabinet that I have. I’m also tempted by Omen of Sorrow, however, I’m going to wait and see how things shake out with EVO Japan before finally pulling the trigger on another fighter. That said, I am itching to get another game in that genre, I just want it to look like Omen or possibly even better, since that look tends to draw in players more than 2D stuff.
What do you think of all these exA-Arcadia game updates?
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About the author: Adam View all posts by Adam
I’m a lifelong fan of video games and I have been operating my own arcade, Arcade Galactic in West Valley City, Utah since 2008. Soft spots in my heart for Atari, Sega, and Nintendo.
