Classic Arcade Games Everyone Should Try

There is something eternal about arcade games that few other forms of entertainment have managed to replicate. Before multi-player online deathmatches and cutting edge graphics were common, people would gather around flickering arcade cabinets in pursuit of high scores and victory over their friends in simple, addictive games. These games laid the foundation of video games in many ways and are still influencing the industry decades later.

Whether you’re an avid gamer yourself or only getting acquainted with the world of retro gaming, these legendary arcade games should definitely make it onto your to-play list.

Why Classic Arcade Games Are Popular

First of all, classic arcade games are based on gameplay and not fancy graphics. In most cases, they have easy-to-master controls that you can learn in minutes, but years of practice can be required to master them properly.

Here are some of the main reasons why classic arcade games are still popular:

Easy to learn, but hard to master;
Competitive high score system;
Timeless gameplay mechanics;
Nostalgic value;
Influence on modern game design.

Many of the most successful video game franchises owe their success to innovative elements first introduced in arcade games.

Pac-Man (1980)

![Pac-Man Concept]

Any list of classic arcade games wouldn’t be complete without Pac-Man. Players have to control a yellow circle moving through a maze eating pellets while dodging colorful ghosts.

Why You Should Try It
Iconic character famous throughout the world;
Intuitive controls;
Levels getting increasingly hard;
Despite its simplicity, it requires strategic thinking;

After more than four decades, Pac-Man is one of the best arcade games ever made.

Space Invaders (1978)

Released at a time when many people didn’t even have a home computer, Space Invaders transformed gaming forever.

Players are supposed to protect Earth from descending alien formations before they reach the bottom of the screen.

What Makes It Great
Invented many mechanics of shooter games;
Creates suspense with increasing speed;
Addictive scoring system;

Many popular modern shooters are based on ideas from this legend of arcade gaming.

Donkey Kong (1981)

This game introduced one of the most iconic characters in gaming—Mario, whose name wasn’t Mario yet.

Players have to jump on platforms, dodge barrels and rescue the princess from Donkey Kong.

Why It Is Good
Challenging platforming;
Creative levels;
Significance in history of gaming;
Interesting characters;

This was the beginning of one of the most successful franchises in gaming.

Galaga (1981)

Galaga perfected the space shooter genre with better controls, smarter enemies and excellent gameplay.

Why This One Stands Out
Fast-paced action;
Bonus levels;
Fighter capture mechanic;
Great replay value;

Many players consider Galaga to be one of the best arcade shooters of all time.

Ms. Pac-Man (1982)

Unlike a typical sequel, Ms. Pac-Man improved almost everything about the original.

How It Is Better Than Its Predecessor
Improved maze layouts;
More intelligent ghosts;
Randomized movement;
Better replayability;

Many arcade gamers prefer it over the original Pac-Man.

Frogger (1981)

Frogger’s mission is simple—guide frogs safely to the top of the screen by crossing busy roads and dangerous rivers.

Why It Is Good
Original gameplay idea;
Increasing difficulty;
Short matches;
Good family game;

Despite being released decades ago, it is surprisingly hard even today.

Asteroids (1979)

Thanks to its vector graphics, Asteroids offered one of the smoothest experiences in arcade gaming at that time.

Players rotate their spaceship and shoot incoming asteroids into pieces.

What Makes It Good
Physics-based gameplay;
Endless levels;
Skill-based controls;
High replay value;

Its minimalist design has aged very well.

Street Fighter II (1991)

When Street Fighter II hit arcades, competitive fighting games were changed forever.

Players could choose from different unique fighters with their own moves, combos and special abilities.

Why This One Is Essential
Combat mechanics;
Balanced roster of fighters;
Competitive gameplay;
Introduction of combo system;

This game played a crucial role in the development of esport.

Mortal Kombat (1992)

Thanks to its digitized graphics and memorable fatalities, Mortal Kombat changed the face of arcade gaming forever.

What Is So Great About It?
Unique characters;
Signature finishing moves;
Competitive multiplayer;
Excellent soundtrack;

Its popularity contributed greatly to one of the longest-running franchises in gaming.

Defender (1981)

With extremely fast gameplay and difficult controls, Defender was one of the most advanced games of its era.

Why Try It
Advanced mechanics;
Very hard difficulty;
Depth;
Rewarding mastery;

To this day, it is considered to be one of the hardest arcade games ever made.

Dig Dug (1982)

Combining action with strategic gameplay, Dig Dug let players dig underground while blowing up enemies in the process.

Why You’ll Love It
Creative mechanics;
Strategy gameplay;
Bright graphics;
Progression;

Centipede (1981)

Centipede combined shooting gameplay with the need for fast reactions.

Players had to destroy a giant centipede while avoiding spiders, fleas and scorpions.

Why This One Is Good
Fast action;
Beautiful graphics;
Excellent controls;
Endless challenge;

Bubble Bobble (1986)

Bubble Bobble introduced cooperative gameplay many years before it became common thanks to the Internet.

Players trap enemies in bubbles before popping them.

Why This Game Lasted
Excellent cooperative gameplay;
Cute graphics;
Secrets hidden throughout the game;
Hundreds of levels;

Double Dragon (1987)

Double Dragon defined the beat ’em up genre.

Fight your way through gangs using punches, kicks, weapons and cooperate with your partner.

Why You’ll Love It
Cooperative gameplay;
Classic action;
Memorable soundtrack;
Important for genre definition;

Few arcade games can offer as much fun as this one with friends.

Comparison Table

If this type of games is new to you, here are some tips to help you get started:

Improve your score instead of completing the game;
Study enemy patterns;
Practice often;
Watch experienced players;
Do not get discouraged by your failures—as any arcade game, it is supposed to be hard.

Where to Find Classic Arcade Games

You don’t have to search for the old arcade cabinet to play. Here are the places where you can find these classics:

Collections of retro games;
Modern consoles;
PC gaming;
Mobile versions;
Arcade bars;
Gaming museums;
Emulators (when it is legal).

Many cities have retro arcades where you can play the originals.

Conclusion

These examples prove that there is always room for simple and elegant gameplay in video games. Simple controls and challenging mechanics allow them to retain their relevance for decades. From maze-navigating Pac-Man to fighting enemies in Street Fighter II or cooperative beat-em-ups like Double Dragon, each of these classics gives a peek into the history of gaming.

If you are just starting your adventure in the world of retro gaming, it is a good time to try them.