The Best Classic Arcade Games
Classic arcade games have a lasting legacy that defined a generation and set the stage for the modern gaming industry. The best classic arcade video games of all time are timeless gems captivated players with their innovative gameplay, distinctive graphics, and memorable soundtracks. From their humble beginnings in dimly lit arcades to their iconic status today, these games continue to evoke a sense of nostalgia and wonder for both seasoned gamers and newcomers alike.
Consider Donkey Kong, the legendary game that introduced the world to Mario and set the standard for platformers. Its challenging levels and memorable characters kept players coming back for more, making it a cornerstone of arcade history. Then there's Galaga, one of the finest space shooters ever created. Its fast-paced action and strategic gameplay offered endless entertainment, and it still remains a favorite at arcades and retro gaming events. Of course, no list is complete without mentioning Street Fighter II, the revolutionary fighting game that popularized the genre and introduced a roster of iconic characters. With its intricate combat system and competitive nature, it became a global phenomenon and remains an enduring favorite among fighting game enthusiasts.
Now it’s your turn to join the conversation. Dive into our list and vote on the top arcade game released from 1970 to 1995. Whether you have a soft spot for space battles, platform adventures, or intense brawls, your vote will help celebrate the classics that laid the foundation for gaming as we know it. Cast your vote and honor the games that have left an indelible mark on pop culture.
- 1
Dive into a galaxy far, far away as a starfighter pilot on a journey to obliterate a horde of alien fleets in Galaga. The gameplay epitomizes "easy to learn, hard to master" as you dodge enemy assaults while launching counterattacks. Blasting its way into popular culture, this gem remains a staple in arcades and continues to inspire modern space shooters.
- Developer: General Computer Corporation (GCC)
- Genres (Video game): Shooter
Also ranks #1 on The Most Popular Golden Age Arcade Games- Also ranks #2 on The 75+ Best '80s Arcade Games, Ranked
- Also ranks #2 on The Best Arcade Shooter Games Ever, Ranked
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- 2
Help your mesomorphic hero, Jumpman, rescue his girlfriend from the grasp of the nefarious ape, Donkey Kong. The barrel-hopping, ladder-scaling side-scrolling action provides a test of skill and timing. Donkey Kong not only marked the arrival of beloved gaming characters, but stirred the beginning of the platformer genre.
- Developer: Atari Corporation
- Genres (Video game): Platform, Arcade
Dig Deeper Donkey Kong Fan Theories- And Deeper A Chronicle Of The Cut-Throat World Of Competitive 'Donkey Kong'
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- 3
Pac-Man is the haunt of an eternally hungry hero on a quest to devour all pellets within a maze while avoiding four ghostly foes. The gameplay is an addictive cycle of outmaneuvering enemies and gobbling up points. Reshaping the gaming landscape, Pac-Man's success spawned countless adaptations, merchandise, and defined 80's gaming culture.
- Developer: Namco
- Genres (Video game): Arcade
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- Also ranks #1 on Arcade Ports That Just Didn't Work Out
- Also ranks #1 on The 75+ Best '80s Arcade Games, Ranked
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- 4
Engage in a hand-to-hand combat tournament worldwide in Street Fighter II, which revolutionized and defined the fighting game genre. The gameplay boasts a mix bag of characters and martial art styles, offering gamers strategic variety in their fights. Its cultural impact is unparalleled, setting the stage for an era of competitive gaming and e-sports.
- Developer: Tiger Electronics
- Genres (Video game): Fighting
- Also ranks #1 on The Best 2 Player Fighting Games
- Also ranks #1 on The 50+ Best 90s Arcade Games, Ranked
- Also ranks #2 on The Most Memorable Video Game Sound Bites of All Time
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- 5
Frogger
Survival is the name of the game in Frogger where you have to guide your frog safely across the highway and lily-pad filled river. Brimming with 'beat the clock' tension, the gameplay is a frenzy of dodging traffic and leaping logs. Frogger did more than just spring across screens, it lept into a cultural phenomenon, inspiring everything from pop culture references to computer programming constructs.
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- 6
Space Invaders is a seminal space shooter game where you're humanity's last hope against a descending alien army. Through clever positioning and timely shooting, the player must fend off the relentless alien horde. Its groundbreaking success invigorated the arcade industry and cemented its place as a quintessential video game.
- Developer: Taito
- Genres (Video game): Shooter, Arcade
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- Also ranks #4 on The Coolest Arcade Game Cabinet Art Ever!
- Also ranks #4 on The 75+ Best '80s Arcade Games, Ranked
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