Lock and Load: G‘AIM’E TIME CRISIS Lightgun Brings Arcade Action Home for the Holidays

Arcade fans, get ready to relive the glory days of ducking, shooting, and stomping on that big plastic pedal: TIME CRISIS is coming home. Tassei Denki, the veteran Japanese hardware manufacturer behind the new G‘AIM’E TIME CRISIS Lightgun system, has officially opened pre-orders for its plug-and-play lightgun bundle, just in time for the series’ 30th anniversary.

Developed with input from members of the original TIME CRISIS team, this isn’t just a retro re-release; it’s a faithful recreation. The launch’s timing also aligns with the franchise’s 30th anniversary. The original TIME CRISIS, released in 1995, revolutionized the light gun genre with its innovative cover-based pedal system and fast-paced spy thriller storytelling, starring agent Richard Miller.

This isn’t a simple nostalgia grab. The G‘AIM’E system is a fully licensed, AI-powered reimagining of the classic arcade setup—complete with pedal control and the authentic Bandai Namco Entertainment arcade ROM. It’s designed to bring back the thrill of those 90s arcade cabinets without the headache of CRTs or complicated setup.

From Kickstarter Smash to Holiday Must-Have

The G‘AIM’E TIME CRISIS Lightgun first appeared earlier this year on Kickstarter, where it raised over $1.1 million, nearly 25 times its original goal, in just minutes. Since then, Tassei Denki has taken the prototype on a global tour, offering fans hands-on demos in Japan, Germany, the UK, and the U.S. Early impressions have been overwhelmingly positive, with many calling it the closest you can get to the arcade experience without spending a dime.

Unlike old-school light guns that relied on CRT scan lines, this new hardware utilizes a high-resolution, AI-powered camera to track motion on modern displays, making it compatible with virtually any TV or monitor. The system also comes with a TV mini-console preloaded with TIME CRISIS, and the Premium and Ultimate editions include POINT BLANK, STEEL GUNNER, and STEEL GUNNER 2. It’s a full-on shooter marathon for anyone who spent their youth at the arcade.

The G‘AIM’E TIME CRISIS Lightgun system represents something rare in gaming: a revival that feels both authentic and future-proof. Whether you’re chasing old memories or introducing a new generation to the magic of arcade lightgun games, this might be one of the most exciting gaming gadgets of the season.

Three Ways to Bring the Action Home

Tassei Denki is offering three configurations for different budgets and nostalgia levels:

  • Basic Edition ($99.99 USD): Includes the G‘AIM’E Lightgun and TV mini-console with TIME CRISIS.
  • Premium Edition ($149.99 USD): Adds three additional games (POINT BLANK, STEEL GUNNER, STEEL GUNNER 2), a pedal, and a collectible TIME CRISIS pin badge.
  • Ultimate Edition ($199.99 USD): Includes two lightguns for co-op play, the same four games, a pedal, a collectible diorama stand, and a Type-C power adapter.

All bundles are now available for pre-order at the official G‘AIM’E webstore and will begin shipping in December 2025, just in time for the holidays.

Written by
Old enough to have played retro games when they were still cutting edge, Mitch has been a gamer since the 70s. As his game-fu fades (did he ever really have any?), it is replaced with ever-stronger, and stranger, opinions. If that isn't the perfect recipe for a game reviewer, what is?

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