5 Best Arcade Games of All Time

Ready to take a trip down memory lane? Turns out some of the best arcade games of all time are still popular today. Here’s our list of the top five.

The more advanced our technology becomes, the more video games begin to shape our society. However, while the new Xbox and Play Station models are in the making, we can’t know where we’re going without first examining where we’ve been.

Where did it all start?

If you’ve been around for more than a couple of decades, odds are you can recall some of the best arcade games of all time. If not, then maybe it’s time you learned where your state of the art video games got their start.

The Best Arcade Games of All Time

What makes a video game one of the best arcade games of all time? For that matter, does it need to be a video game to qualify? Keep reading for our top five picks.

1. Pac-Man

Almost every video game player, young or old, has heard of Pac-Man. Pac-Man was created in 1980, giving video gamers something to do other than shooting.

The entire purpose of the game is to escape your pursuers as you navigate your way around an obstacle course. You complete each course my munching the dots in your path. Once all the dots are gone, you’ve beaten the level.

2. Street Fighter

One of the first-ever player-versus-player hand-to-hand combat games was Street Fighter, created in 1987. In this game, you could face a friend or the game itself in an all-out brawl.

Street Fighter led to Street Fighter II, III, IV, and V. However, there are about two dozen versions of each game in between, making for one of the most successful video game franchises.

3. Skee Ball

This non-video game is one of the best arcade games of all time. Skee Ball is the classic bowling-type game for adults and children of all ages.

The goal is to roll the Skee ball up an incline, over the ball jump and into various holes placed throughout the backboard. Each hole or target is worth different amounts. Of course, the most rewarding targets are also the smallest.

It may also surprise (and delight) you to know that you can find that the best skee ball machine can be bought for your home.

4. Donkey Kong

If your trace all Super Mario Bros. games back to their start, you’ll find Donkey Kong. The name of the game in this top contender for the best arcade games of all time is to make your way up a metal contraption resembling switchbacks. However, while doing so, you must avoid all of the traps and objects being hurled down at you (barrels) by Donkey Kong himself.

5. Space Invaders

What could be more compelling than shooting down aliens while trying to protect your defenses? With this gaming model, Space Invaders was able to capture the attention of video gamers around the world. The game was so popular that Japan nearly ran out of 100-yen coins (think of them as quarters).

Looking for More Gaming News?

Whether you’re reliving your childhood and looking at the best arcade games of all time or want to know the best new RPG’s coming out in 2020, we’re your source. Check out the rest of our articles for more gaming news and everything you need to know about past, present, and future games.