The Most Popular Retro Arcade Games of All Time

1. Pac-Man (1980)

This list wouldn't be complete without Pac-Man. Released in 1980 by Namco, this maze-chase game became a cultural phenomenon. Players controlled Pac-Man, navigating a maze while eating dots and avoiding colorful ghosts. The game’s simple yet addictive gameplay, combined with its iconic character design, made it one of the best-selling games of all time.

2. Donkey Kong (1981)

This game led to starting Mario (originally called Jumpman) and his quest to rescue Pauline from the clutches of Donkey Kong. Developed by Nintendo, Donkey Kong was a platforming pioneer, requiring players to jump over barrels, climb ladders, and time their movements properly. It laid the foundation for future platformers and helped make Nintendo a gaming powerhouse to this day.

3. Space Invaders (1978)

Space Invaders changed the arcade scene and set the stage for the shooting/fighting genre. Players controlled a laser cannon, shooting rows of descending alien invaders. The increasing difficulty, and the need for quick reflexes made it one of the most addictive combat arcade experiences of all time.

4. Galaga (1981)

As a spiritual successor to Space Invaders, Galaga took the space shooter concept to the next level. Players drove a spaceship left and right, fending off waves of alien enemies with complex attack patterns. The ability to rescue captured ships and form a dual-firing ship was a groundbreaking mechanic that kept players coming back for more and more. To this day Galaga is very popular and seen in many different styles.

5. Street Fighter 2 (1991)

Fighting games became a massive hit thanks to Street Fighter II. The game introduced intense and more complicated combat mechanics, unique character moves, and competitive multiplayer that turned arcades into online battlegrounds. With characters like Ryu, Chun-Li, and Guile, Street Fighter II set the standard for fighting games and remains highly influential to this day.

6. Ms. Pac-Man (1982)

The sequel to Pac-Man improved upon the original with new mazes, smarter ghost AI, and an adorable protagonist. Ms. Pac-Man became one of the best-selling arcade games of all time and is still beloved by retro gaming enthusiasts. It was the proper mix of the new and old Pac-Man!

7. Mortal Kombat (1992)

Midway’s Mortal Kombat pushed the boundaries of arcade gaming with its realistic digitized characters, brutal kills, and controversial violence. The game’s new age fighting mechanics and hidden secrets made it a staple in the arcade scene, sparking an entire franchise and even influencing the start of gaming regulations, which would prevent violent content being seen from young children.

8. Defender (1981)

Williams Electronics' Defender was one of the first side scrolling shooter games, challenging players to protect humans from alien abductions while battling never ending enemies. Its quick action, challenging gameplay, and unique controls made it a shooting arcade hit in 1981.

9. Asteroids (1979)

Asteroids was a massive success thanks to its simple yet engaging gameplay. Players controlled a spaceship, blasting floating asteroids while avoiding crashes and enemy UFOs. The game’s special graphics and physics-based movement were groundbreaking at the time of 1979.

10. Simpsons Arcade Game (1991)

The Simpsons Arcade Game of 1991 brought the beloved animated family into the arcade world with a colorful beat-’em-up adventure. Players could control either one of the family members as they fought to rescue Maggie from Mr. Burns’ evil clutches. The game’s humor, work together multiplayer, and colorful visuals made it a early 90's hit.

Final Thoughts

Retro gaming was a simple yet addictive experience. Although old school arcade gaming has met its time, it's nice to know these games won't be forgotten.