Since the 1980s, players have flocked to arcade games that demand skill and quick reflexes as well as distinctive artwork that stands out among video game graphics. These games are beloved favorites with players across generations.
Pac-Man’s circular dots are instantly recognizable, while Miss Pac-Man often decorates man caves and game rooms. Other popular arcade games include OutRun, which provides fast-paced action with challenging obstacles. The games below are what you would find at a good establishment, like the adult arcade bar Austin.
Space Invaders
Space Invaders was developed by Tomohiro Nishikado for Taito in 1978 and quickly became a smash hit, catapulting arcade games into mainstream culture. Players control a laser ship to fire at alien spaceships descending from above; each row offers different point values while moving in an ever more challenging fashion.
Space Invaders’ original version included destructible barriers that awarded players with sizeable points when demolished by blowing up targets, along with an unknown “mystery ship” moving quickly across the screen with its distinctive klaxon sound that could be destroyed for additional points. Subsequent versions and updates added power-ups, three-dimensional playing fields, and more; its addictive rhythm inspired disco hits such as Funny Stuff’s hit “Disco Space Invaders”.
Ghosts’ n Goblins
Ghosts’ n Goblins tells the tale of knight Arthur and his beloved princess love, who are enjoying an idyllic picnic when demons attack and steal her away. Arthur must then navigate six horizontal or vertical levels of medieval mayhem in order to save her.
This game is extremely entertaining, and its graphics are superb for an early NES title. Sprites are nicely detailed, and its color scheme perfectly matches the monster-and-goblin motif. Furthermore, its backgrounds consist of forests, caves, and buildings for added variety.
Resurrection continues the tradition of hard games by continuing the unyielding difficulty that has become synonymous with this series. Resurrection keeps this legacy alive!
Rolling Thunder
Rolling Thunder from Namco, released just before Sega’s side-scroller Shinobi in 1987, has often been overlooked due to its chaotic action. Henchmen appear from both sides of the screen and jump off overhanging platforms before firing their pistols at you – quite similar to its counterpart by Sega!
Albatross offers you a machine gun, which you can activate by entering the “Arms” door. However, with a limited bullet supply, you will have to sneak behind objects or obstacles and fire at will!
Rolling Thunder’s challenging enemy placement makes it one of the toughest arcade games, rivaling even Capcom’s notorious Ghosts ‘N Goblins. If you survive until all your lives run out, though, they’ll all return to the next stage where they left off.
Strider
Strider was developed and published by Sega for the Master System and features an eccentric set-piece-filled game experience that brings surprises at every corner. From packs of ravenous Siberian wolves to an army of robots that bear striking resemblance to Robocop’s ED-209 robots and ouroboros – every stage offers Hiryu an unexpected challenge.
Each stage features detailed backgrounds that immerse the player in its unique environment. Strider’s eye-catching animation is mesmerizing, and the game’s music is engaging and catchy. Striders emit growls, groans, and whoops when attacked or killed; their high damage output and pinpoint accuracy make taking cover essential when fighting them; however, cannon cannons can help dismantle them remotely.
Galaga
Galaga, like Space Invaders and Galaxian before it, is an addictive arcade game that draws players in quickly. They control a ship that moves laterally across the bottom of the screen while shooting alien waves that fire in formation or as they fly by; when enemies destroy your ship or are captured by Galaga’s tractor beam, they turn red; otherwise, their ship turns gray again.
Although initial location tests did not meet expectations, Galaga became one of the most beloved arcade games by 1987 and gave birth to its sequel, Gaplus. Gamers can now enjoy this classic arcade title on Xbox One featuring multiple enemy formations and ship capture as well as dual fighter mode with linked dual missile fire.