Arcade games are coin-operated video games or machines that were popular in public places like shopping malls, amusement parks, and restaurants during the 1970s and 1980s.
Arcade games have been a popular form of entertainment for decades, and their popularity has remained constant even with the advent of modern gaming consoles and mobile devices.
Arcade games are coin-operated video games or machines that were popular in public places like shopping malls, amusement parks, and restaurants during the 1970s and 1980s.
These games were simple yet addictive and were designed to be played by people of all ages.
One of the main reasons why arcade games continue to be so popular is their simplicity.
Arcade games also offer a social aspect that is often missing from modern gaming. Many arcade games are designed to be played with friends or in groups, encouraging interaction and competition among players.
This social aspect of arcade gaming is a major part of its appeal, and it’s why arcades are still popular destinations for gamers around the world.
There are a variety of different arcade games out there and here I have gathered the 15 best arcade games to play in 2023.
1. Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong is one of the most iconic and beloved arcade games of all time and it was so popular in the 90s that everyone loves it.
The game was first released in 1981, the game was an instant hit and quickly became a cultural phenomenon.
Decades later, Donkey Kong still holds a special place in the hearts of gamers around the world and you can get it from amazon.
Donkey Kong Features:
- Popular game
- Iconic game
- Beloved arcade game
- Quick to play
- Instant hit
- Popular in the ’90s
Price: $13
2. Pac-Man
Pac-Man is one of the most popular arcade games out there and since it was released in 1980, since then it becomes quickly popular.
Its simple yet addictive gameplay, colorful graphics, and charming characters have made it a timeless classic that is beloved by gamers of all ages.
At its core, Pac-Man is a simple game. Players control a character named Pac-Man as he navigates a maze and eats dots while avoiding ghosts.
Pac-Man Features:
- Popular game
- Easy to play
- Released in 1980
- Instant become popular
- Colorful graphics
- Charming characters
- Navigates a maze
Price: $17
3. Space Invaders
Space Invaders is one of the most influential and beloved arcade games of all time basically in the 1980s.
First released in 1978, the game was a massive hit and helped to establish video gaming as a major form of entertainment
Here players control a character at the bottom of the screen as they try to shoot down waves of aliens that are descending from the top of the screen.
Space Invaders Features:
- Influential game
- Beloved arcade game
- Established video game
- Released in 1978
- Control character
- Shooting game
Price: $36
4. Galaga
Galaga is a classic arcade game that has stood the test of time. First released in 1981, the game quickly became a hit and remains popular to this day.
Its engaging gameplay, memorable enemies, and challenging difficulty have made it a favorite among gamers around the world.
The game is divided into levels, and players must clear each level by defeating all of the enemies while avoiding their attacks.
Galaga Features:
- Popular game
- Engaging gameplay
- Memorable enemies
- Spaceship game
- The shoot down waves game
- Divided into two levels
Price: $299
5. Ms. Pac-Man
Ms. Pac-Man is a classic arcade game that was released in 1981 as a sequel to the original Pac-Man game.
It is a simple game. Players control a character named Ms. Pac-Man as she navigates a maze and eats dots while avoiding ghosts.
The game’s difficulty increases as players progress through the levels, with faster ghosts and more complex mazes presenting a greater challenge.
Ms. Pac-Man Features:
- Popular games of the ’90s
- Sequel to the original game
- Simple to play
- Easy to play
- You need to control the character
- Maze game
Price: $36
6. Asteroids
Asteroids are one of the popular arcade games. The game is simple yet addictive gameplay and unique visual style have made it a beloved classic that has stood the test of time.
Here you need to control a spaceship as they try to shoot down asteroids that are flying around the screen.
The asteroids break into smaller pieces when shot, and players must avoid colliding with them as they move around the screen.
Asteroids Features:
- Classic game
- Arcade game
- Easy to play
- Addictive game
- Unique visuals style
- Shoot down asteroids
Price: $34
7. Street Fighter II
Street Fighter II is a fighting game that pits two players against each other in a one-on-one battle.
The game revolutionized the fighting game genre and became a cultural phenomenon, spawning numerous sequels, spin-offs, and adaptations.
Players choose from a roster of characters, each with their unique fighting styles and special moves.
Street Fighter II Features:
- Popular game
- Easy to play
- Most popular in a fighting game
- One-on-one battle
- Spin off
- Adaptation
- Numerous sequels
Price: $59
8. Frogger
Frogger is a true classic that deserves its place in gaming history. Its charming visuals, engaging gameplay, and impact on gaming culture make it a must-play for any serious gamer.
Whether you’re a fan of retro gaming or just looking for a fun and challenging game, Frogger is a timeless classic that is sure to provide hours of entertainment.
The game’s pixelated graphics create a distinct visual style that captures the essence of early arcade gaming.
Frogger Features:
- True classic game
- Most popular in gaming history
- Charming visuals
- Engaging games lay
- Interactive interface
- Must play game
Price: $44
9. Gauntlet
Gauntlet is a cooperative dungeon crawler that allows up to four players to play together.
The game’s cooperative gameplay, challenging levels, and unique character classes have made it a beloved classic that has stood the test of time.
Here you can choose from a selection of character classes, each with their unique abilities and playstyles, and work together to fight through hordes of enemies and solve puzzles to progress through the game’s levels.
Gauntlet Features:
- Dungeon crawler game
- Four player game
- Ideal for friends
- Challenging levels
- Unique characters
- Beloved classic game
Price: $19
10. Defender
Defender is a side-scrolling shooter that challenges players to protect humanoids on the ground while fending off waves of alien invaders.
Players must navigate their ship through a scrolling landscape, avoiding obstacles and shooting down enemy ships to protect the humanoids.
What sets Defender apart from other arcade games is its unique mechanics and challenging gameplay.
Defender Features:
- Challenging game
- Engaging gameplay
- Easy to play
- Popular game
- Unique mechanics
- Fantastic gameplay
Price: $154
11. Dig Dug
Dig Dug is a simple game that challenges players to dig tunnels underground and defeat enemies by inflating them until they pop or by crushing them with falling rocks.
Players must navigate the underground maze, avoiding obstacles and defeating enemies to progress to the next level.
The game’s mechanics are simple yet engaging, requiring players to use strategic thinking and quick reflexes to defeat enemies and progress through the levels.
Dig Dug Features:
- Challenging game
- Dig tunnels
- Underground gameplay
- Maze game lover
- Different levels
- Simple and engaging game
Price: $37
12. Centipede
Centipede is a fixed shooter that challenges players to shoot down a centipede as it moves through the playing field, avoiding obstacles and shooting back at the player.
Here you must navigate their ship through a static screen, avoiding obstacles and shooting down the centipede while avoiding its deadly segments and other enemies.
The game’s visuals are also iconic, with bright colors, bold pixel art, and an iconic arcade cabinet design that makes it instantly recognizable.
Centipede Features:
- Classic gameplay
- Fixed shooter
- Shooting game
- Avoid obstacles
- Static screen
- Iconic game
- Bold pixel art
Price: $75
13. Double Dragon
Double Dragon is a side-scrolling beat ”em-up game that challenges players to fight their way through a series of levels, defeating enemies and bosses along the way.
Players can punch, kick, and use a variety of weapons to defeat their foes, including knives, bats, and even barrels.
The game helped to establish the beat ’em up genre and introduced many gameplay mechanics that are still used in modern games, such as combo attacks, weapon pickups, and boss fights.
Double Dragon Features:
- Side-scrolling game
- Challenging gameplay
- Fight
- The battle with each other
- Variety of weapons
- Different genre
- Different gameplay mechanics
Price: $154
14. Mortal Kombat
Mortal Kombat is a 2D fighting game that challenges players to fight their way through a series of opponents, using a variety of martial arts moves and special attacks.
The game’s unique fighting mechanics, memorable characters, and controversial content have made it a beloved classic that has stood the test of time.
Here this game’s unique “Fatality” moves, allowed players to perform graphic finishing moves on their opponents.
Mortal Kombat Features:
- Challenging game
- 2D fighting game
- Martial arts
- Special attacks
- Finishing moves
- Easy to play
Price: $199
15. Mario Bros
Mario Bros is a platform game that challenges players to navigate a series of levels, defeating enemies and collecting coins along the way
Here you will control Mario and Luigi, two plumbers tasked with clearing the sewers of New York City of the creatures that have invaded them.
The game’s simple controls, which include jumping and running, make it easy for players of all skill levels to pick up and play.
Mario Bros Features:
- Challenging game
- Super Mario
- Popular game
- Simple to play
- Easy controls
- Easy for players
Price: $21
