Video games
@Billionhands

Arcade games that drove us crazy in the arcades

1262 votes

100% verified

  1. 1

    Street Fighter II

    770 votes
    imdb-icon
    7.7 K

    Revitalized the struggling arcade industry

    (+1)

    It revolutionized fighting games with its diverse cast of characters and complex moves. It set the standard for all fighting games that followed.

    • Triggered a surge of interest in arcades

  2. 2

    Galaga

    131 votes
    amazon-icon
    1.3 K

    A playable scale replica of Galaga from the 1980s

    (+4)

    Galaga was addictive due to its frantic shooting gameplay and the ability to capture enemy ships, offering a challenging and rewarding experience that kept players hooked, spending all their coins. Its increasing difficulty and the need to perfect skills to achieve high scores made it an irresistible game in arcades.

    • Plays at arcade ROM

    • 2.75-inch full-color display

    • Works inspired by the original Galaga Arcade

    • Removable joystick

  3. 3

    Space Invaders (1978)

    116 votes
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    1.2 K

    Caused an arcade boom

    (+1)

    A simple yet addictive shooter that helped popularize video games. Its minimalist design and challenging gameplay made it an instant classic.

    • Highest-grossing game of its time

  4. 4

    Asteroids

    68 votes

    Impressive classic

    (+4)

    Asteroids is an iconic vector-based arcade shooting video game released in 1979. Its challenging gameplay of destroying asteroids and alien spaceships made it an arcade classic.

    • Classic arcade game

    • Intense fun for the whole family

    • Authentic 80s graphics and sounds

    • Authentic joystick control

  5. 5

    Tetris

    67 votes

    Reshaped the puzzle genre

    (+2)

    An incredibly addictive puzzle game that challenges players to fit falling pieces together. Its simple yet challenging gameplay made it a worldwide hit.

    • Became an iconic symbol of humanity's

    • Addictive puzzle game

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  7. 6

    You, Dug

    47 votes
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    472

    Present in arcades since 1982

    (+2)

    Dig Dug is a classic 1982 arcade game that stands out for its unique gameplay of digging tunnels and eliminating enemies by inflating them or crushing them with rocks. Its combination of action and strategy made it a favorite in arcades.

    • It allows for the excavation of underground tunnels.

    • Inflates or crushes enemies

  8. 7

    Frogger

    25 votes

    Authentic 80s graphics and sounds

    (+2)

    Frogger is a classic arcade game from 1981 that became hugely popular due to its addictive and challenging gameplay. The objective of guiding a frog through obstacles made it an arcade icon.

    • Original gameplay from the 1981 arcade title

    • Very popular video game from the 80s

  9. 8

    NBA Jam

    13 votes
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    134

    Arcade adaptation of basketball

    (+4)

    NBA Jam is a classic arcade basketball game known for its over-the-top gameplay and spectacular dunks. It captures the essence of the 90s arcade games that were so popular in arcades.

    • Impossible movements and jumps when scoring

    • Addictive retro basketball experience

    • Authentic arcade-style controls

    • Full-size LCD screen

  10. 9

    Metal Slug

    10 votes
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    103

    Unique design

    (+3)

    Metal Slug 3 is often cited as one of the series' high points, offering challenging and varied gameplay with multiple paths and endings. Its inclusion in 80s-inspired arcade cabinets allows players to relive that retro experience.

    • High-definition LCD screen

    • Includes over 3,000 pre-installed classic games

    • Retro arcade experience

  11. 10

    Daytona USA

    5 votes
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    54

    Considered the best car racing game of the 90s

    (+4)

    Daytona USA is an iconic 1994 arcade racing game that defined the kart racing genre in its time. Its fast-paced gameplay and innovative graphics made it a massive hit in arcades.

    • Direct adaptation of the classic arcade game

    • Improved graphics

    • Use of steering wheel

    • Xbox Live Multiplayer Mode

  12. 11

    The Simpsons Arcade Game

    2 votes
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    17

    A much-remembered arcade game from the 90s

    (+3)

    This 1991 Konami arcade game is a classic beat 'em up that lets up to four players choose from Bart, Homer, Marge, and Lisa to fight enemies in Springfield. Its cooperative gameplay and faithful depiction of The Simpsons universe make it a much-loved arcade experience.

    • Based on the characters from The Simpsons series

    • Retro action game

    • You can choose one of the four members of the Simpson family

  13. 12

    Pac-Man

    1 votes

    Popularized character-led action games

    A timeless classic that defined an era and remains incredibly addictive. Its simple yet challenging design made it an instant hit in arcades.

  14. 13

    Donkey Kong Country

    1 votes

    A groundbreaking platformer that introduced Mario to the world. Its challenging gameplay and colorful graphics made it an instant favorite.

  15. 14

    Ms. Pac-Man

    1 votes

    One of the most popular arcade video games of all time.

    (+1)

    Ms. Pac-Man elevated the original Pac-Man formula with more intricate mazes, faster gameplay, and new visuals, making it an addictive, coin-guzzling experience in arcades.

    • Gameplay retro

  16. 15

    Mortal Kombat

    1 votes

    Relive 14 popular games from the 90s

    (+2)

    Mortal Kombat is an iconic fighting game that defined an era in arcades with its brutal gameplay and innovative fatalities, becoming a benchmark of the arcade genre.

    • Includes 12 games on a single console

    • It has an online multiplayer mode

  17. 16

    Defender

    1 votes

    Complete retro experience

    (+2)

    Defender is a side-scrolling shooter arcade video game developed and published by Williams Electronics in 1980. It is an arcade classic that offered challenging gameplay and an immersive experience.

    • New graphics

    • Space shooting game

  18. 17

    Centipede

    1 votes

    Gameplay retro

    (+3)

    Centipede is a classic 1981 Atari shooter game that became a huge hit in arcades for its addictive gameplay and challenging design.

    • Exciting soundtrack

    • Try to get the points record

    • Classic Atari arcade game

  19. 18

    Double Dragon

    1 votes
    gamefaqs-icon
    9

    Classic and iconic fighting game

    (+3)

    Double Dragon is an iconic 1987 action game that defined the beat 'em up genre in arcades. Its cooperative gameplay and intense street fights made it an unforgettable classic from the golden age of arcades.

    • It immerses you in adrenaline-fueled street fights

    • It has a cooperative mode

    • Considered one of the first successful examples of the genre

  20. 19

    Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

    1 votes

    Up to four players can control the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

    (+3)

    This 1989 arcade game is a classic beat 'em up that captures the frenetic action and spirit of the animated series, offering a very fun cooperative experience for up to four players and being a mainstay in the arcades of its time.

    • Beat 'em up based on the 1987 animated series

    • Fun gameplay

    • Action/adventure for 4 players

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