Galaxian 3: Attack of the Zolgear Restored — Legendary Namco Arcade Returns at Fun World, Nashua

Galaxian 3: Attack of the Zolgear Restored — Legendary Namco Arcade Returns at Fun World, Nashua Namco’s Galaxian series has occupied a special place in arcade history since its 1979 debut, offering innovative gameplay and technical sophistication.

While the original Galaxian was Namco’s pioneering response to Taito’s iconic Space Invaders, the franchise rose to new heights with the ambitious Galaxian 3: Project Dragoon in 1990.

Utilizing advanced Laserdisc technology, Project Dragoon provided an immersive 3D rail-shooter experience within a massive, circular arcade cabinet—originally designed as a theme park attraction for the International Garden and Greenery Exposition in Japan.

The success of this groundbreaking installation led to its subsequent arcade release in 1992 and a PlayStation port in 1996. Building on its predecessor’s technological feats, Galaxian 3: Attack of the Zolgear debuted in 1994, again leveraging Laserdisc footage to create dynamic, pseudo-3D action.

This rare arcade game was notable for its room-sized cabinet, which supported up to six simultaneous players—an unprecedented feat and an unforgettable multiplayer experience at the time.

True cabinets are now exceedingly scarce, relics of a bygone era when arcades were playgrounds for ambitious hardware experiments. Thanks to a dedicated community of enthusiasts and arcade preservationists, Galaxian 3: Attack of the Zolgear is enjoying an unexpected resurgence.

One such advocate, Phil Bennett, was part of the team that recently completed the restoration of a Zolgear installation at Fun World in Nashua, New Hampshire.

"The Galaxian 3: Attack of the Zolgear at Fun World, Nashua, NH is up and running again with all six players," confirmed Bennett, who emphasized the rarity of the achievement.

He added, "This is the only known working installation in the US.

I’m very proud to have been part of the repair effort." The sentiment reflects the dedication and expertise required to revive such a sophisticated—and now antiquated—machine. Following its legacy in the traditional arcade space, the Galaxian universe made a virtual return in 2018 with Mass Destruction VR Shooting: Galaga Fever, an installation powered by Bandai Namco’s VR technology and underscoring the brand's resilience and adaptability in an evolving gaming landscape. For enthusiasts, the restored Galaxian 3: Attack of the Zolgear at Fun World offers a rare opportunity to experience arcade history firsthand, in its intended grand, communal setting.

The effort stands as a testament to Namco’s legacy of innovation and the enduring appeal of landmark arcade experiences.

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