Introduction
Data East was one of the most underrated arcade developers, responsible for some of the most iconic beat ‘em ups, action games, and unique arcade experiences of the 80s and 90s. From superhero brawlers to classic platformers, here are the Top 5 Data East Arcade Games of All Time.
5. Captain America and The Avengers (1991)
Why It’s Legendary:
- One of the first co-op arcade brawlers featuring Marvel superheroes, letting players control Captain America, Iron Man, Hawkeye, and Vision.
- Colorful, fast-paced gameplay with flying sections, boss battles, and comic-style storytelling.
- Authentic voice samples from the comics, making it one of the most immersive superhero arcade games of its time.
Legacy:
- One of the best superhero beat ‘em ups before the X-Men and Spider-Man arcade games.
- Frequently re-released on home consoles, cementing its status as a cult classic.
- Influenced later superhero arcade and console brawlers, including Capcom’s Marvel series.
4. Bad Dudes vs. DragonNinja (1988)
Why It’s Legendary:
- Gave us one of the most meme-worthy arcade lines ever: “Are you a bad enough dude to rescue the President?”
- A classic side-scrolling beat ‘em up where players control two martial artists battling ninjas, bosses, and even cyborgs.
- Fast, fun, and packed with absurd 80s action-movie energy.
Legacy:
- Became a cult classic thanks to its over-the-top premise.
- Inspired later martial arts beat ‘em ups like Final Fight and Streets of Rage.
- Still referenced in gaming culture today, proving its lasting impact.
3. Karate Champ (1984)
Why It’s Legendary:
- Considered the first one-on-one arcade fighting game, paving the way for Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, and Tekken.
- Unique dual-joystick control scheme, requiring skillful inputs for different attacks.
- Focused on realistic tournament-style karate, making it feel more strategic than later fighting games.
Legacy:
- Directly influenced the creation of Street Fighter (1987).
- Set the template for tournament-based fighting games.
- Still respected as a foundational title in fighting game history.
2. RoboCop (1988)
Why It’s Legendary:
- One of the best arcade movie tie-ins ever, featuring faithful designs, voice clips, and brutal action from the film.
- A side-scrolling action game where players control RoboCop, battling criminals, bosses, and even ED-209.
- Mixed run-and-gun combat with melee attacks, making it more dynamic than other arcade shooters.
Legacy:
- Became one of the highest-grossing arcade games of 1988.
- Spawned multiple sequels and home console ports.
- Helped set the standard for arcade action games based on movies.
1. BurgerTime (1982)
Why It’s Legendary:
- One of the most unique and addictive arcade games ever made, blending platforming, strategy, and puzzle-solving.
- Players control chef Peter Pepper, who must build giant burgers while avoiding enemy food items like hot dogs and eggs.
- Fast-paced, strategic gameplay made it both challenging and rewarding.
Legacy:
- Became Data East’s most enduring classic, with sequels, spin-offs, and re-releases on modern platforms.
- Still one of the most recognized arcade games from the early 80s.
- Helped establish the maze-chase platformer subgenre, influencing later games.
Conclusion
Data East may not have been as big as Capcom or Konami, but its arcade games left a lasting impact on gaming history. From the rise of fighting games (Karate Champ) to memorable beat ‘em ups (Bad Dudes, RoboCop) and timeless classics like BurgerTime, Data East games continue to be beloved by arcade fans.
What’s your favorite Data East arcade game? Let us know in the poll below!
What's Your Favorite Data East Arcade Game?
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