Arcade games are some of the most exciting and adrenaline-pumping video games you can play. They’re a lot of fun, but also challenging at times. These games require skill, patience, thought, and timing. The best arcade games offer an unparalleled experience that you just can’t get from playing on your home console or computer. If you love video games as much as we do, then you’ll know that there’s nothing better than spending a few hours locked in a library or an arcade playing the latest and greatest titles. However—and this might be a sad fact for those of us who enjoy arcades—many arcades have closed in recent years due to increasing competition from home gaming systems such as computers and consoles. It’s our loss! In this blog post we’ll take a look at the top 8 most entertaining arcade games of all time. In case you’re not sure what we mean by that, these types of games typically focus more on gameplay than graphics or other elements that don’t directly affect how much fun you have playing them.
Street Fighter II
Who doesn’t love a nice Street Fighter II contest? The game is just so easy to pick up, but so difficult to master. And at the same time, there’s something simultaneously mesmerizing and completely absurd about the way that players can score a “knockout” (when one player makes a mistake and the other player makes a countermove that sends their opponent to “troll city”) by landing a simple punch. It’s perfectly understandable that players gravitate towards the game’s focus on foot combat, as it’s probably the most enjoyable aspect of the game. In fact, if you’re looking for something to do while you’re waiting for your turn at the arcade, you might consider trying out a round or two of Street Fighter II. You’ll be glad you did if you play Idn Poker.
Mortal Kombat
Mortal Kombat is widely regarded as one of the best fighting games of all time. The game has spawned a ton of video game and film spin-offs, and is even referenced in the real world—most notably, in the murder trial surrounding the antics of the so-called “Taj Mahal Crew,” who reputedly wore fictional identities from the game. Mortal Kombat received an iconic makeover on the PlayStation 2 when it was ported to the console. This version of the game was graphically enhanced, while the gameplay remained largely unchanged. The game was also ported to Xbox and PC. The game’s storyline is simple but effective. In the game, players choose one of a number of pre-defined fighters and then battle through a series of matches against other players. The game is easy to pick up and play, while at the same time, it’s hard to master. The game’s fast-paced action, memorable characters, and online play means there’s always something to play.
Pac-Man
Pac-Man is one of the most recognizable and iconic video game characters of all time. If you grew up playing video games during the ‘80s or ‘90s, you probably know exactly what we’re talking about. In 2016, the Pac-Man animated movie was released. While we didn’t love the movie as much as we loved the original Pac-Man games, it was still a lot of fun to watch. If you want to watch the movie but can’t find the time to stand in line for tickets, you can always play the game. As long as you have a pen, a piece of paper, and some tape, you can turn your living room into a Pac-Man playground.
Frogger
Don’t overlook the arcade classic Frogger. In the game, you control a frog as he hops across a busy city street, avoiding various traffic signs and cars. While the game is fairly simple in concept—and quickly became a classic for good reason—it’s actually really difficult to master. The game is not only challenging but also highly competitive, which makes it a fun way to pass the time during lengthy waits for whatever you’re waiting for. If you’re looking for an arcade game that will require skill and patience on your part, Frogger is a great choice.
Super Mario Bros. 3
Super Mario Bros. 3 is often described as one of the most thrilling and challenging games of all time. And while that description might scare off some players, it’s actually one of the most entertaining arcade games out there. The game is challenging, it’s frenzied, and it’s also extremely rewarding. In Super Mario Bros. 3, players must navigate a Mario character through an increasingly challenging set of levels with the ultimate goal of collecting their endless supply of coins and reaching the flagpole at the end of the level without dying. It’s easy to pick up and play, but it’s also extremely challenging. If you’re looking for a challenging and adrenaline-pumping arcade game, this is one you won’t want to miss.
Ms. Pac-Man
Ms. Pac-Man is one of the most recognizable video game characters of all time. And for good reason: She’s absolutely adorable. Pac-Man-themed arcade games are extremely common, but Ms. Pac-Man is the only one where you play as the eponymous character. Ms. Pac-Man’s gameplay is quite similar to that of Pac-Man: You control a ghost that must eat all of the dots on the screen and avoid ghosts. The difference is that Ms. Pac-Man’s dots don’t move around the screen; they just slowly appear in the middle of the screen. Ms. Pac-Man is extremely challenging, and it’s also loads of fun. If you’re looking for a challenging, rewarding arcade game, look no further than Ms. Pac-Man.
Air Hockey
Air Hockey is one of the most popular, classic arcade games out there. And for good reason: It’s challenging but highly rewarding. In the game, two players use a plastic puck to push a rubber puck back and forth across a table with a net in the middle. Each player has one side of the table, and the object is to score a goal by hitting the puck into the opposite side of the net. While Air Hockey might not be as challenging as some of the other games on our list, it’s a lot of fun, and it’s also extremely rewarding. If you’re looking for a challenge, an easy, rewarding way to pass the time, or both, this is one of the best games to play at an arcade.
Atari Star Wars Trilogy
The Atari Star Wars Trilogy is one of the most entertaining arcade games out there. In the game, players fly a Millennium Falcon ship through a series of levels, shooting out enemies and collecting power-ups along the way. The game is so entertaining in part because of its retro-style visuals. The game also has a great sense of humor, especially when it comes to the various boss characters you encounter along the way. The game is worth checking out if you want to play a classic arcade game with a lot of style, plenty of action, and a great sense of humor.
