The Best Classic Arcade Games of All Time

This year, the games industry will hit $152 billion in revenue thanks to games like Gears 5, Borderlands 3, Death Stranding, and Super Mario Maker 2.

But any gamer who knows their stuff understands that if it weren’t for arcades, we wouldn’t have these great games. Arcades transformed the industry and made video games an entertainment juggernaut.

Curious to go back in time and see what all the fuss was about? Keep reading as we explore some of the best arcade games of all time.

Computer Space

It’s only fair that we kick off our list of the greatest arcade games of all time with what’s regarded as the first arcade game of all time, Computer Space.

Created by Ted Dabney and Nolan Bushnell (who would later go on to found Atari and Chuck E. Cheese), Computer Space is a game where players control a space ship tasked with destroying as many asteroids as it can.

And before we get any further, yes, Asteroids totally ripped it off.

Pong

Before Pong revolutionized the console gaming world, it captured the attention of arcade-goers across the globe.

Though many people believe Pong to be the first arcade game, they’re half right. While Computer Space predates it by about a year, Pong very well may be the first arcade cabinet to allow multiple players at once.

Pong might not seem that exciting by today’s standards, but back then, the idea of going head to head with a friend in real-time was unheard of. In many respects, if it weren’t for Pong in 1972, multiplayer-centric games like Halo, Doom, and Call of Duty might not exist.

Battlezone

We’ll be the first to admit that Battlezone’s jagged vector graphics aren’t exactly pretty. But hey, video games had to start somewhere.

If you’ve never had the opportunity to play Battlezone in an arcade, you’re missing out on an experience. The cabinet was absolutely massive, and the dual control sticks were a breath of fresh air.

While other games were fine keeping things simple, Battlezone featured complex controls and intelligent AI that forced the player to think outside the box.

Donkey Kong

Everyone’s favorite barrel-throwing gorilla made his arcade debut in 1981. Coincidentally, Donkey Kong also marked Nintendo’s first foray into arcade gaming.

The game’s premise is simple yet deceptively difficult. Make it to the top of the platform and rescue your love. There’s only one small problem — Donkey Kong is equipped with barrels galore as well as sentient fireballs out to destroy Jump Man.

Technically, Donkey Kong only features three levels. However, the steep escalation in difficulty ensures that players get their quarters’ worth.

If you’re curious to test your skills for yourself, you can still find Donkey Kong cabinets in most arcades.

Dragon’s Lair

As tough as Donkey Kong is, most players can at least get a few minutes worth of gameplay in before hitting the dreaded ‘game over’ screen. In Dragon’s Lair? Well, most players are lucky to make it past the first few screens.

But what makes Dragon’s Lair truly exceptional is its use of video. Thanks to brand new laserdisc technology, Cinematronics created a rich, full world unlike anything gamers had ever seen.

You don’t just feel like you’re watching Dirk the Daring — you felt like you’re right there with him, exploring the nooks and crannies of an ancient castle. What’s more, Dragon’s Lair doesn’t suffer any fools. Make one wrong move and it’s game over.

If it’s any consolation, the death scenes are beautifully animated so you won’t mind dying over and over.

Pac-Man

Although there are plenty of exciting games on the market, Pac-Man remains one of the most enjoyable, nail-biting experiences you can find at an arcade. The sheer terror as you dip and dodge away from ghosts is enough to make anyone’s palms sweaty.

Ultimately, that’s what makes Pac-Man so fun. Sure, there were plenty of other games were intelligent AI. But in most cases, the computer was scripted to skirt around the player.

Mastering Pac-Man requires a combination of map memorization, lightning-fast reflexes, and the ability to keep cool under pressure.

While you can play Pac-Man on just about anything that runs on electricity, the arcade experience can’t be beaten. One of these packages gets you access to Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and tons of other classics.

Mortal Kombat

As the 1980s began to give way to a new decade, arcades struggled to keep their doors open. Most gamers could just play their favorite arcade game from the comfort of their home thanks to their Nintendo Entertainment System or Atari. Arcade operators needed something to get people back in the doors.

And in 1992, they got their wish thanks to Mortal Kombat.

A game so outlandishly violent that it helped spawn industry-wide regulation, Mortal Kombat did away with cartoonish graphics and cute characters. Instead, crafty players could rip out their opponent’s spine, uppercut their lifeless body into a pit of spikes, or freeze them and leave them in frozen, shattered pieces on the floor.

Needless to say, it caused a ton of controversy. But that controversy got people interested. Sure enough, players were gathering around Mortal Kombat cabinets weeks after release.

House of the Dead

Speaking of ridiculous and gory games, Sega’s House of the Dead series remains an arcade staple to this day.

And though it’s available on several home consoles, playing with a controller doesn’t cut it. Instead of joysticks, House of the Dead arcade cabinets features gun-shaped controllers to blast away hordes of the undead as they attempt to solve a massive conspiracy.

It’s great mindless fun that’s well worth the several tokens you’ll have to spend to play.

Dance Dance Revolution

The 1990s weren’t all doom and gloom for arcade games. There were also some serious family-friendly innovations, like Konami’s Dance Dance Revolution.

In DDR, players stand atop a giant metal dance pad and try to step in time to the beat. If it sounds simple, try it for yourself.

It’s one of those rare arcade games that’s as fun to watch is it is to play and much of the soundtrack still holds up.

Classic Arcade Games Every Gamer Should Try

There are so many classic arcade games that we didn’t have time to get to. Honorable mentions go out to:

• Galaga
• Dig-Dug
• Time Crisis
• Gaunlet
• NBA Jam

Arcades may be hard to find these days, but these games are worth traveling for. For more gaming and entertainment news, check back with our blog often!