Bandai Namco unveils Razing Storm

On the eve of the start of this year's Amusement Machine Show, Bandai Namco announced today an all new arcade light gun game, Razing Storm.

Set in a future South American country in the year 2030, Raising Storm turns players into a member of special forces unit SCAR (Strategic Combat and Rescue). Making use of a variety of weapons, players deal damage not just to enemies, but to buildings, trees and other environmental objects as well.

The title promises some advanced technology. Visuals are delivered through the PlayStation 3-based System 357 hardware coupled with a large 62-inch monitor. Sound makes use of 5.1ch DTS Digital, which Bandai Namco says is a first for arcade games.

Bandai Namco is also pushing the game's new machine gun controller and its integration with the cabinet. The gun shakes with every blast and generates sound through a special speaker unit.

On the gameplay side of things, the title will feature advanced enemy AI. Enemies will move not according to pre-set patterns, but in accordance with player actions. This promises to make each play experience different.

Taking a hint from the Time Crisis series, Razing Storm will also feature a foot pedal. Known as the "action pedal," pressing this sets your in-game counterpart into attack mode, and releasing it sets him into defense and reload mode.

Razing Storm will make an appearance at the AM Show, which kicks off tomorrow for the press and arcade industry insiders. The show will open for one day to the public on Saturday.

A final arcade release for Razing Storm is planned for early Spring 2009.