Overview
Amusement Machine Research and Development Department 2 became synonymous with arcade excellence. Under Yu Suzuki’s leadership, AM2 created games that required custom hardware to run—not because the games were poorly optimised, but because nothing else could deliver their vision. Each release pushed technology forward and defined what arcade gaming could achieve.
Fast facts
- Parent: Sega.
- Key figure: Yu Suzuki.
- Era: 1983-2004 (as AM2).
- Legacy: Arcade technology pioneers.
Super Scaler era
| Title |
Year |
Innovation |
| Hang-On |
1985 |
Motorcycle cabinet |
| Space Harrier |
1985 |
Pseudo-3D shooting |
| OutRun |
1986 |
Branching routes, moving cabinet |
| After Burner |
1987 |
Rotating cabinet |
Model 1/2 era
| Title |
Year |
Technology |
| Virtua Racing |
1992 |
Model 1 polygons |
| Virtua Fighter |
1993 |
3D fighting |
| Daytona USA |
1994 |
Model 2 graphics |
| Virtua Fighter 2 |
1994 |
Enhanced Model 2 |
Model 3 era
| Title |
Year |
Achievement |
| Virtua Fighter 3 |
1996 |
Unmatched visuals |
| Scud Race |
1996 |
Racing excellence |
Technical philosophy
| Principle |
Implementation |
| Custom hardware |
Purpose-built boards |
| Visual fidelity |
Best available technology |
| Physical experience |
Innovative cabinets |
| Sound quality |
Premium audio |
Home conversions
| Challenge |
Approach |
| Saturn ports |
Ambitious compromises |
| Dreamcast |
Finally capable hardware |
See also