The Legends of the Arcade: Top 10 All-Time Retro Video Games that Shaped Gaming History

Introduction

These are our top 10 retro video games of of all-time. Enjoy the best yesterday has to offer with these classic arcade games. Whether you're reliving memories or discovering classics, our list has something for every retro gaming enthusiast.

10. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Konami, 1989): Heroes in a Half Shell

Released in 1989 by Konami, the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" arcade game brought the beloved heroes in a half shell to the gaming world. Drawing inspiration from the popular animated series and comic books, it became a hit among arcade-goers.

History: The game capitalized on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' immense popularity during the late '80s and early '90s.

Objective: Players assume the roles of Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael, the titular turtles, on a mission to rescue their mentor, Splinter, and their reporter friend, April O'Neil, from the clutches of the nefarious Shredder.

Gameplay: What set this game apart was its cooperative multiplayer gameplay. Up to four players could join forces to battle through waves of Foot Clan ninjas and iconic villains from the series.

Unique: The combination of cooperative play, vibrant graphics, and faithful adaptation of the source material made this game a standout. It captured the essence of the TMNT franchise and delivered an action-packed, side-scrolling beat 'em up experience that fans adored.

9. Defender (Williams, 1980): Intense Defender of Humanity

"Defender," unleashed by Williams Electronics in 1980, emerged as an iconic space-themed arcade game. Its history traces back to the golden age of arcades, where players were spellbound by its unique gameplay.

History: At the time, "Defender" was a technological marvel, boasting fast-paced action and innovative features.

Objective: In the game, players pilot a spaceship tasked with protecting humans from abduction by alien invaders. Your mission is to rescue the humans, fend off hordes of enemies, and prevent the planet from being destroyed.

Gameplay: What truly set "Defender" apart was its complexity. With a radar, hyperspace, and various weapons at your disposal, it was a game of skill and strategy. The radar helped you locate humans, and the constant need to defend them against aliens created intense moments.

Unique: "Defender" was ahead of its time with its side-scrolling, horizontal movement. Its complex controls and fast-paced action made it a challenging but rewarding game. Its uniqueness lay in its depth and frenetic pace, making it a memorable classic in the world of arcade gaming.

8. Ms. Pac-Man (Namco, 1982): Adding a Feminine Touch

"Ms. Pac-Man" is a classic arcade game that took the gaming world by storm in 1982.

History: Developed by General Computer Corporation (GCC), "Ms. Pac-Man" began as a modification kit for the original "Pac-Man" game. It was so popular that Namco officially licensed it.

Objective: The objective of "Ms. Pac-Man" is simple yet addictive. You control Ms. Pac-Man, a yellow, pizza-shaped character, and guide her through mazes while eating dots and avoiding colorful ghosts. The goal is to clear all the dots in each maze and earn as many points as possible.

Gameplay: What makes "Ms. Pac-Man" unique is its dynamic mazes. Unlike the original, each level features a different maze layout, keeping the gameplay fresh and challenging. The ghosts are also more unpredictable, making each encounter exciting.

Unique: "Ms. Pac-Man" introduced enhanced graphics, new mazes, and faster gameplay compared to the original. Its success lies in its ability to maintain the charm of "Pac-Man" while offering new challenges and variety, making it a beloved classic in the world of arcade gaming.

7. Asteroids (Atari, 1979): Exploring the Cosmos

"Asteroids," born in the 1979 arcade era, soared as a groundbreaking space shooter that wowed gamers with its simplicity and innovation.

History: In the late '70s, Atari released "Asteroids" when arcade games were on the rise. It was a space-themed sensation.

Objective: In "Asteroids," you command a small spaceship adrift in an asteroid field. Your mission is clear: blast those enormous space rocks into smithereens while avoiding collisions.

Gameplay: What set "Asteroids" apart was its vector graphics, which created crisp visuals. The gameplay was about mastering momentum and precision. You had to navigate your ship through the asteroid minefield, shooting the rocks and the occasional flying saucer.

Unique: "Asteroids" was unique for its open-ended gameplay. The game world was practically infinite, with asteroids endlessly splitting into smaller ones. This game offered a simple yet addictive experience, immersing players in the thrill of space combat. Its minimalist design and endless challenge kept players coming back for more, cementing its status as an arcade classic.

6. Centipede (Atari, 1980): Shooting for High Scores

"Centipede" is an iconic classic arcade game from 1980 that combined simplicity with excitement, becoming a favorite of many.

History: In the early '80s, arcade games were booming, and "Centipede" entered the scene. It was developed by Atari and quickly became a hit.

Objective: Your mission in "Centipede" is to protect your garden from a relentless centipede and other critters. You control a small, mobile shooter at the bottom of the screen.

Gameplay: You shoot at the centipede, which moves horizontally and descends closer with each pass. When you hit it, it segments into smaller, faster pieces. Spiders, scorpions, and fleas join the action to keep you on your toes.

Unique: What made "Centipede" special was its innovative gameplay. You used a trackball to aim, making it more intuitive than a joystick. The dynamic action and unpredictable patterns kept the challenge fresh. It's remembered for its addictive gameplay, colorful graphics, and distinctive controls, ensuring its place in arcade history.

5. Street Fighter II (Capcom, 1991): The Birth of the Fighting Game Genre

"Street Fighter II" is a classic arcade game that made its debut in 1991 and revolutionized the fighting game genre.

History: Back in the early '90s, arcade gaming was all the rage, and "Street Fighter II" was a standout title. It was developed by Capcom and quickly became a sensation.

Objective: The goal in "Street Fighter II" is simple: you select a fighter and go head-to-head with opponents from around the world. Your aim is to defeat them using your character's unique martial arts moves and special attacks.

Gameplay: What set "Street Fighter II" apart was its diverse roster of characters, each with their own fighting style and special moves. You had to master combos, timing, and tactics to succeed. The fast-paced battles kept players on their toes, making it both challenging and fun.

Unique: "Street Fighter II" introduced the concept of one-on-one fighting with a selection of characters, adding an element of strategy and variety. The game's precise controls and memorable characters, like Ryu and Chun-Li, made it a classic in the world of arcade gaming, setting the stage for the future of fighting games.

4. Galaga (Namco, 1981): Galaxian's Glorious Successor

"Galaga" is a beloved classic arcade game that took the gaming world by storm in the early 1980s.

History: Developed by Namco and released in 1981, "Galaga" was a sequel to the popular game "Galaxian." It quickly became a hit in arcades worldwide.

Objective: The objective of "Galaga" is to control a spaceship at the bottom of the screen and defend against waves of alien invaders. Your goal is to defeat these alien forces and earn as many points as possible.

Gameplay: What makes "Galaga" unique is its iconic enemy, the Galaga ship. It has the ability to capture your spaceship, and if you free it, you gain the ability to control two ships simultaneously, doubling your firepower. The game features challenging enemy patterns and requires precise timing and shooting skills.

Unique: "Galaga" is known for its fast-paced action, innovative power-up mechanic, and iconic enemy design. It's a game that rewards skill and strategy, making it a classic that continues to be enjoyed by gamers of all ages.

3. Donkey Kong (Nintendo, 1981): Mario's Monumental Debut

"Donkey Kong" is a legendary classic arcade game that played a pivotal role in gaming history.

History: Released by Nintendo in 1981, "Donkey Kong" marked the debut of two iconic characters, Mario (then known as Jumpman) and Donkey Kong. It was one of the first platform games and became a huge success.

Objective: In the game, your objective is to guide Mario (Jumpman) through a construction site to rescue a damsel in distress named Pauline from the clutches of the giant ape, Donkey Kong. To do this, you must climb platforms, dodge obstacles, and reach the top while avoiding barrels thrown by Donkey Kong.

Gameplay: What makes "Donkey Kong" unique is its combination of platforming and puzzle-solving. Players need to time their jumps carefully, strategize their movements, and react quickly to the changing challenges in each level.

Unique: "Donkey Kong" was innovative for its time, featuring multi-level gameplay and introducing characters that would become gaming icons. Its blend of action and strategy set the stage for future platformers, making it a classic that has stood the test of time.

2. Space Invaders (Taito, 1978): Alien Invasion and Arcade Domination

"Space Invaders" is a classic arcade game that had a huge impact on the gaming world.

History: Released by Taito in 1978, it's one of the earliest video games. It came out during a time when arcade games were just beginning to gain popularity.

Objective: In the game, your goal is to defend the Earth from invading aliens. You control a small spaceship that can move horizontally and shoot laser beams. The objective is simple: shoot down the descending waves of aliens before they reach and destroy your spaceship.

Gameplay: "Space Invaders" is known for its simple yet addictive gameplay. The aliens move slowly at first but progressively get faster and closer, creating a sense of urgency and challenge. As you destroy more aliens, the remaining ones speed up, making it harder to survive.

Unique: What made "Space Invaders" unique was its high-score system, which encouraged players to compete for the top spot. It also featured a memorable, repetitive soundtrack that added to the tension. Its success paved the way for the growth of the arcade industry and the popularity of video games in general.

1. Pac-Man (Namco, 1980): A Maze-Chasing Marvel

The Classic Arcade Icon

History: In 1980, a bright yellow circle with a voracious appetite made its debut in the arcade world. Pac-Man, created by Toru Iwatani and released by Namco, became an instant sensation. Its simple, yet captivating, premise drew players of all ages.

Objective: You control Pac-Man, guiding him through a maze filled with dots. The goal? Eat all the dots while avoiding four colorful ghosts—Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde. Eating big power pellets temporarily turns the tables, allowing Pac-Man to chase and eat the ghosts for extra points.

Gameplay: What set Pac-Man apart was its accessible gameplay and clever mazes that demanded strategy. The ghosts' unique behaviors added depth; Blinky always chased, Pinky ambushed, Inky was random, and Clyde switched between chasing and wandering.

Unique: Pac-Man's universal appeal made it a pop culture phenomenon. It introduced gaming to a broader audience, including women, at a time when the industry was male-dominated. Pac-Man's iconic design and charming simplicity have made it timeless, a true legend in the world of gaming.

That concludes our top 10 Classic Video Arcades. Want to learn more about retro video arcades?