Retro arcade games remain popular today particularly among fans of classic gaming and nostalgia.
With advancements in technology, people are now able to play these games on different devices including computers and dedicated multigame arcade cabinets.
The popularity of these games continues to endure as they offer a unique form of entertainment and challenge, and evoke good memories of the past for many people.
In this post, I will show you different types of arcade games and some of the most popular ones.
Vector graphics arcade games.
Vector graphics are images that are made up of lines and curves instead of pixels and there was the first graphics used in early video games because they provided a unique look with sharp, clean lines and vibrant contrast.
They allow for smooth animation and scaling and were a popular choice for retro arcade games in the 1980s, especially for space-themed games such as “Asteroids,” “Tempest,” and “Star Wars.” Vector games are notable for their use of color overlays, which allows for the creation of multicolored graphics without the need for a full-color display.
Because color displays were more expensive at the time, this was a cost-effective solution for arcade game manufacturers.
Raster graphics have largely replaced vector arcade games in modern arcades, despite their popularity in the 1980s.
Some vector games was remade or remastered and continue to be enjoyed by retro gaming fans; however, others have not.
Fighting games.
“Street Fighter II: The World Warrior” is the second entry in the Street Fighter series and is considered to be one of the most influential fighting games of all time, as well as a milestone in the arcade gaming industry.
Typically, these games feature two characters facing off against each other in a single or two-player match, with the goal being to deplete the opponent’s health bar by landing successful attacks.
The release of classic fighting games such as “Street Fighter II from Capcom,” “Mortal Kombat from Midway,” and “King of Fighters from Neo-Geo” in the 1990s popularized fighting retro arcade games.
For their fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled action and iconic characters with their own unique moves and special abilities, these games were known.
The fighting genre of arcade games has seen many changes over the years, with new technologies and gameplay mechanics being incorporated, such as 3D graphics, multiple button inputs, and online multiplayer.
New releases and updated versions of classic games continue to be developed for both arcade and home gaming systems, keeping fighting games popular today.
Players of fighting arcade games often compete against each other in local and international tournaments to find out who the best player is.
Many iconic characters and storylines from these games have become part of gaming folklore and ideas for well known movies.
Shot’em UP
In this category the players shoot enemies in a side-scrolling or vertically scrolling format
Side-scrolling retro arcade games are those video games where the player’s character is moved through a 2D environment on a horizontal screen ( sometimes vertical as in Contra).
Traditional platforms are characterized by their up-and-down movement, as opposed to the side-to-side movement of these games.
Some popular among gamers are:
“Contra,” “Metal Slug,” “Ghosts ‘n Goblins,” and “Super Mario Bros.” are some of the most famous side-scrolling games.
These games are known for their fast-paced action, challenging enemies, and imaginative environments.
They often have high difficulty and addictive game-play. Side-scrolling arcade games were popular during the 1980s and 1990s and were a staple of arcade culture during the golden age of arcades.
Today, these games are often included as part of retro gaming collections or in classic arcade establishments.
SHMUP is a subgenre of retro arcade games that is short for “shoot ’em up”.
This subgenre focuses on fast-paced, side-scrolling action and shooting mechanics.
Players in SHMUPs control a character, typically a spacecraft or aircraft, and must navigate through a series of levels, shooting down enemy forces and avoiding obstacles.
They offer Intense gameplay, challenging difficulty, and impressive graphics are what SHMUPs are known for.
Quick reflexes, precise aiming, and a good strategy are often required to progress through the game
which often features multiple weapons, power-ups, and boss battles. “R-Type,” “Gradius,” “Cave shooters,” “Ikaruga,” and “DoDonPachi” are some of the most famous SHMUPs.
Countless sequels, spin-offs, and adaptations have been inspired by these games, which have been popular in arcades for decades.
Both arcade and home gaming fans continue to enjoy SHMUPs, and new releases and updates of classic games are still being developed for both arcade and home gaming systems.
New technologies and gameplay mechanics have been inspired by the genre’s significant impact on the gaming industry and popular culture.
Platform arcade games .
Are a type of video game where players control a character who must jump and run across platforms while avoiding obstacles and enemies.
Some popular examples of platform arcade games include Donkey Kong, where players control Mario as he tries to rescue Pauline from Donkey Kong, and Pac-Man, where players control Pac-Man as he tries to eat all the dots.
In Pac-Man, players control the titular character as he eats dots and avoids ghosts in a maze. Super Mario Bros. is a popular platform game where players control Mario as he tries to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser. – is a fast-paced platform game where players control Sonic as he runs and jumps through various levels.
Players control characters who blow bubbles to trap enemies in the game Bubble Bobble. Retro Arcade games are known for their challenging gameplay, fast-paced action, and simple but addictive mechanics.
They are one of the most popular choice for arcade gamers of all ages because they are children friendly and also they require good hand-eye coordination, quick reflexes, and precise timing.
Light Gun Arcade Games
In the light gun arcade games the player( sometimes players) use a gun-shaped controller to aim at and shoot targets displayed on a CRT, sometimes LCD screen.
They are typically fast paced and require quick reflexes,and that’s why are so fun to play with friends and family.
Below are some popular examples of light gun arcade games:
1. Time Crisis – a first-person shooter game where players must complete various challenging missions.
2. House of the Dead, players must use their wits and weaponry to survive against hordes of zombies.
3. Virtua Cop take on the role of police officers fighting criminals in a first-person perspective.
4. Carnival Games is a light gun game in which players participate in various carnival-style games.
- Point Blank – a series of light gun games featuring various shooting challenges and mini-games.
Maze games
are a type of video game where players control a character who must navigate through a maze while avoiding obstacles and enemies. The goal is typically to reach the end of the maze, find a key or treasure, or escape from enemies.
Some popular examples of maze arcade games include:
Pac-Man – a classic game where players control Pac-Man as he eats dots and avoids ghosts.
Ms. Pac-Man – a popular follow-up to Pac-Man, featuring updated graphics and new mazes.
Dig Dug – a game where players control a character who must dig through the ground to reach and defeat enemies.
Bomb Jack – a game where players control a character who must collect bombs and avoid enemies.
Q*bert – a game where players control a character who must jump on blocks and change their colors, while avoiding enemies and obstacles.
Maze Retro arcade games are known for their challenging gameplay, simple but addictive mechanics. They require good hand-eye coordination, quick reflexes, and precise timing, making them a popular choice for arcade gamers of all ages.
Racing games.
Racing video games are a type of video game where players compete in races against each other or the clock.
In this category of video games, vehicles as cars, motorcycles, boats, and aircraft can be controlled with wheels or flight stick.
The player can race through various environments, such as city streets, race tracks, and off-road terrain.
Racing arcade games include classics like Daytona USA, which is known for its high-speed action and realistic physics.
Players of Cruis’n USA compete in races across different regions of the United States.
The racing game Initial D Arcade Stage is based on the anime and manga series of the same name and features street racing and drifting.
Sega Rally 2 is a rally racing game featuring realistic physics and off-road terrain.
The Need for Speed series of racing games features high-speed street racing and police chases where the fast-paced action and thrilling gameplay make them so popular.
Racing and speed-loving arcade gamers are often drawn to these games for their realistic ,and , sometimes amazing soundtracks.
Sports arcade games
In these cathegory players simulate playing various sports, such as basketball, football, soccer, golf, and more.
Some popular sports retro arcade games that can be found in arcades include:
NBA Jam – a classic basketball arcade game featuring fast-paced two-on-two action and high-flying dunks.
NFL Blitz – a football arcade game featuring over the top action and hard hits.
FIFA Soccer – a soccer arcade game featuring realistic physics and international teams.
Golden Tee Golf – a golf arcade game featuring accurate ball physics and various courses.
Punch-Out!! – a boxing arcade game where players control Little Mac as he fights his way through the ranks.
Sports games are known for their fun and challenging gameplay, and they can be a great way to experience the excitement of playing various sports without having to leave your home.
They often feature accurate physics, colorful graphics, and pulse-pounding retro style soundtracks, making them a popular choice for arcade gamers who love sports.
Rhythm games
Are a type of video game where players perform various actions, such as tapping buttons, in time with music.
The main goal of these games is to match the rhythm of the music and score points.
Some popular examples of rhythm arcade games are:
Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) – a classic rhythm arcade game where players step on dance pads to the beat of the music.
DrumMania – a rhythm arcade game where players drum along to the music using electronic drum pads.
Guitar Hero Arcade – a rhythm arcade game where players use a guitar-shaped controller to play along to the music.
Beatmania IIDX – a rhythm arcade game where players use turntables and buttons to perform DJ-style actions.
Taiko no Tatsujin – a rhythm arcade game where players use drum sticks to hit targets in time with the music.
Are known for their fun and challenging gameplay.
They can be a great way to experience the excitement of dancing in arcades with some chalanging instead of a dancing rom.
They often a popular choice for retro arcade gamers who love music and good rhythm.
Puzzle arcade games
On these , the players solve various puzzles or challenges to progress through the game.
The goals of most these puzzles games is involve solving logic problems, matching patterns, or manipulating different objects.
Popular examples of puzzle arcade games include:
Tetris – a classic puzzle arcade game where players arrange falling blocks to form complete lines.
Columns – a puzzle arcade game where players match three or more gems of the same color to clear them from the playing field.
Dr. Mario – a puzzle arcade game where players use pills to eliminate viruses and germs from a bottle.
Bejeweled – a puzzle arcade game where players match gems of the same color to clear them from the playing field.
Zuma – a puzzle arcade game where players shoot colored balls to match and eliminate balls from a chain.
Puzzle retro arcade games, known for their simple but challenging gameplay, can be a great way to test one’s problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination.
Puzzles are a popular choice for arcade gamers who love to play games with colorful graphics, relaxing soundtracks, and addictive gameplay.
Conclusions:
Known for their simple but challenging gameplay, these games are often considered timeless classics in the world of video gaming.
You can experience the excitement of the arcade games in the comfort of your own home.
Check our range of Arcade Systems for Home HERE.
