When it comes to gaming, everything is both subjective and hotly-contested by both hardcore fans and casual gamers alike. Indeed, this is true in all aspects of games new and old, and is perhaps especially true when considering what is “best” in game categories of times past. Nostalgia has a way of influencing the good times we had playing our favorite games as kids.
That said, it doesn’t mean that there are not some legitimately cool features in our beloved old games, such as our arcade games. No list is really going to be the definitive, ultimate list that every gamer understands or accepts; such is the nature of the gaming world.
But below you’ll find what we consider the top 7 classic arcade games, and our take on why they are worth a mention.
1. Gauntlet
Gauntlet is actually a name that belongs to a series of games, but for purposes of this article we’re focusing on the grandfather of them all, the first entry into the series, released to arcade in 1985. Just what makes Gauntlet so great?
It’s not just a classic, it’s practically revolutionary. It’s often noted as one of the first truly multiplayer arcade games out there. Four friends could team up to play together, each choosing from one of four unique heroes–Elf, Wizard, Warrior and Valkyrie. Each one having its own strengths and weaknesses. Sure, these days we’re inundated with fantasy-based video games, but thirty years ago they were not so common. It’s so popular that getting insanely high scores is newsworthy. The game combines many fun elements such as puzzle-solving in the form of a maze, and hack-n-slash gameplay.
2. Tron
These days it is not at all uncommon to see a video game spin off from a popular movie, or vice versa. But Tron was the first game adapted from a movie, in 1982. Ironically, it’s a game that was created based off of a film that was itself set in a game-like world. Players enjoyed the various game modes that could be played and the attractive color and sound patterns taken directly from the film. And guess what? The game made more money than the film!
3. Street Fighter II
SFII is notable for a variety of reasons. Not only is it incredibly fun to play–millions people had played the arcade hit within a few years of its release–but it came out at just the right time. When it was released in the early 90s, it became a sort of inspiration for other game developers to make more fighting games at that time. SFII thus popularized the Fighting genre, and crafted a revival period of the classic arcade system. Electronic Gaming Monthly even hails it as one of the most influential games of all time, and rightly so.
4. Space Invaders
There are several entries you’re likely to find in any listing of the best arcade games, and Space Invaders is one such. You know the high score you try to get in every arcade game? Thank Space Invaders. It’s a game with a simple premise: move your ship back and forth to avoid projectiles while you blast aliens. The beauty of the game is in its challenge. It’s still very popular today, and just as tough to beat as it ever was.
5. Pac-Man
Whether we’re talking pure fun, staying power or simple brand recognition, Pac-Man deserves his place here. The little yellow fellow is perhaps the most famous arcade character. And it’s easy to see why. Devouring those pellets while avoiding ghosts–until you can eat them too that is!–through a maze that changes and gets faster as you go, provides endless hours of fun. Just watch your back.
6. Ms. Pac-Man
Just a sequel to Pac-Man? Nope. Ms. Pac-Man puts players on a whole new level with more mazes, more ghosts, bouncing fruit, and an even more difficult, more fun turbo mode that makes everything, well, really turbo! It’s Pac-Man and more for those that want an extra challenge.
7. Donkey Kong
Everyone’s favorite barrel-tossing ape is another staple of the arcade that is just as recognizable today as he is fun to play. With a variety of sequels spawned since, the arcade game is a study in firsts. The first game with a storyline–at least for many gamers–and the first to introduce us to a certain plumber who would later become famous in his own right. Donkey is still one of the most popular, difficult arcade games ever made.
