Perfect Pour by DSM Arcade is proving to be one of the standout releases of 2025. We previously covered the game when it was first announced, highlighting its unique blend of nostalgia and modern arcade mechanics. Now, it’s officially shipping, and early reports suggest it’s performing well in bar arcades. On top of that, a new variation called Soda Slam is on the horizon, expanding the game’s reach to a wider audience as it targets FECs. Let’s check out what’s new with this ongoing development.
Perfect Pour Arrives in Arcades
Perfect Pour is finally out in the wild, with units rolling off the production line and into arcades. The game captures the fast-paced nature of bartending, challenging players to pour drinks with just the right amount of precision. Using arcade-style tap handles, players must serve drinks without overfilling or falling short, with bonus points awarded for consecutive “Perfect Pours.”
As the game progresses, it becomes more than just a simple pouring challenge. Customers become pickier, keg malfunctions add unexpected hurdles, and the speed of service ramps up. This mix of skill and strategy makes it an ideal fit for bar arcades, where quick, competitive games tend to do well. Early earnings reports from some locations suggest that Perfect Pour is drawing a steady stream of players, even in venues that charge just a single quarter per play.
With its easy-to-learn mechanics and engaging challenge, Perfect Pour is shaping up to be a strong option for bar venues looking for something fresh. It’s also relatively affordable compared to other new arcade games, coming in at just under $5,000. For smaller arcades or bars that want to add an interactive element without breaking the bank, it’s a compelling addition.
DSM Arcade & Alan-1 Introduce Soda Slam
While Perfect Pour is designed primarily for bar settings, its core gameplay has the potential to appeal to a wider audience. Recognizing this, DSM Arcade has partnered with Alan-1—known for their work on modern arcade adaptations like Asteroids Recharged Arcade—to develop Soda Slam. This variation takes the same pouring mechanics but shifts the theme to soda, making it a more natural fit for family entertainment centers.
Soda Slam introduces a few key changes beyond just the beverage swap. The game features a fresh art style with updated HD graphics and a new roster of animated customers. It also includes a redemption mode, allowing venues to offer tickets as rewards, a feature that many FECs look for when selecting new games.
Perhaps the biggest change comes in the cabinet design. While Perfect Pour keeps things simple with a classic arcade setup, Soda Slam is built to stand out in high-traffic environments. The cabinet includes a massive 70-inch 4K screen, two player stations for head-to-head gameplay, and an eye-catching design featuring oversized fiberglass soda cans. The taps have also been redesigned with dynamic RGB lighting, making the experience more visually immersive.
Soda Slam is set to make its first public appearance at Amusement Expo 2025, where more details about its release will be shared. It’s a promising expansion of the Perfect Pour concept, catering to locations that want a family-friendly alternative without losing the fast-paced, skill-based gameplay that makes the original so engaging.
With Perfect Pour now shipping and Soda Slam on the way, DSM Arcade is off to a solid start in 2025. The early response suggests that Perfect Pour is resonating with its target audience, while Soda Slam has the potential to broaden the game’s appeal even further. As more locations install these machines and share their experiences, it will be interesting to see how both versions develop in the arcade market.
For those curious to see Soda Slam in action, Amusement Expo 2025 will be the first opportunity to get a hands-on look at the game’s new design and features. Until then, Perfect Pour is already making its mark, bringing a fresh, competitive experience to bar arcades across the country.
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