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Arm Wrestling Game Breaks Japanese Arms

Posted Aug 22, 07 4:37 PM CDT in World,  Technology 

(Newser) – Atlus Co. will remove all 150 of its "Arm Spirit" arm wrestling games from Japanese arcades after three broken arms have been reported. The company claims the recall is only a precaution, insisting that the machine isn't really that strong. "Even women should be able to beat it," says a spokeswoman.

Atlus blames the injuries on "overexcited" players exerting too much force in the virtual faceoff. The company is checking the machines for any malfunctions or problems. "Arm Spirit" players advance through ten levels, facing (among others) a French maid and a chihuahua.

Source Associated Press

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In this undated photo released by Atlus. Co. in Tokyo, an arm wrestling arcade game machine "Arm Spirit" is shown. Distributor Atlus Co. said Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2007, it would remove all 150 "Arm Spirit"...   (Associated Press)
"The machine isn't that strong, much less so than a muscular man. Even women should be able to beat it," said spokesman for the game company Ayano Sakiyama.   (Shutterstock.com)
An American variation on the device features a prominent warning label.   ((c) jparise)
A patron investigates another automated arm wrestling challenge at Coney Island.   ((c) iluvrhinestones)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
An American variation on the automated arm wrestler comes with a prominent warning label.   (colibri984 (YouTube))

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