Air Gallet Remake Soars onto exA-Arcadia: CAVE Veteran Junya Inoue Returns to Iconic Shooter
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Published on: April 14, 2025
Description
In a move set to delight fans of arcade shooters and retro game aficionados alike, the classic vertical shooter Air Gallet is making its triumphant return in the form of an ambitious remake for the exA-Arcadia arcade platform.
This revitalization is helmed by Junya Inoue, the renowned artist and designer whose acclaimed work at legendary developer CAVE continues to inspire the genre.
Air Gallet originally debuted in 1996, produced by Japanese developer Gazelle—a studio formed by former Toaplan staff after the company's dissolution in 1994.
Toaplan, celebrated for shaping the golden age of arcade shooters, spawned several influential studios, with CAVE being the most recognized.
Junya Inoue, now synonymous with CAVE’s visual and creative identity, contributed as the original graphic designer for Air Gallet during his tenure at Gazelle, before later joining CAVE and leaving an indelible mark on bullet-hell shooter design.
The new Air Gallet remake was officially announced in early 2024, catching the attention of arcade enthusiasts eager to see how this cult classic would be reimagined for modern coin-op systems.
According to official information confirmed by Game Watch, the Air Gallet remake is scheduled for release in amusement arcades worldwide starting April 15th, 2025, exclusively for exA-Arcadia hardware.
This arcade platform has become a favorite among independent and legacy game developers aiming to breathe new life into timeless classics.
Junya Inoue’s direct involvement in the project ensures authenticity and creative innovation.
As the original artist for the 1996 title, Inoue brings his expertise to both art direction and design for the remake, bridging the gap between nostalgia and next-generation arcade experiences.
When asked about the remake, official sources summarize Inoue’s contribution as essential to maintaining the integrity of the original while expanding the gameplay for today’s audiences.
The remake introduces two distinct modes.
The first faithfully recreates the 1996 original, preserving the classic look and feel that defined Air Gallet’s legacy in arcades.
The second mode, described as a "complete remake," incorporates exclusive new features—including alternate playable crafts, a revamped story, an updated opening sequence, and a brand-new game system—offering fresh challenges even for longtime fans.
This push to revive Air Gallet underscores a broader trend among Japanese developers like CAVE, Toaplan, and Gazelle to honor their arcade heritage while leveraging modern technology for a new generation of players.
As the April 2025 launch approaches, anticipation is mounting among arcade operators and shooter fans eager to experience the blend of classic adrenaline and contemporary innovation that this remake promises.
For the latest updates on Air Gallet for exA-Arcadia, as well as continued coverage of classic Nintendo hardware and arcade game developments, stay tuned to our site.
