It’s not too often that we get to do a best old video games list like this one. From legendary arcade hitters to classic console smashers, we have a decent selection of recommended titles for all you retro gaming enthusiasts to discover.
This list consists of both arcade and console games in no arranged order.
1. Pong (Arcade):
Atari’s Pong is the oldest game that you will find on this retro list. It’s a very simple concept for a game, but the results make for a very addictive experience. At some point in time, I would bet that you have played at least a one of the many versions of Pong. Best experience would be playing it on an original arcade cabinet if you can find one.
2. Space invaders (Arcade):
Going all the way back to 1978, Taito’s Space invaders is as far back as I could probably go (apart from Pong) in terms of video games I know of. There have been many home computer and console ports of the game over the last few decades, but we recommend playing it on an authentic arcade cabinet for the best experience. An all-time classic hit.
3. Pac-Man (Arcade):
If you have never played the original Pac-Man arcade machine, then you must have been living under a rock for the past four decades. For a lot of the older generation, Pac-Man was probably one of the earliest experiences of playing a video game. Will forever remain a true classic.
4. Pac-Land (Arcade):
Pac-Land isn’t your typical Pac-Man game. This time around, Pac-Man has been turned into a rather challenging side-scrolling platform adventure. Not the easiest of games to get to grips with, but certainly a very entertaining one once you master some playing skills. I like to think of it as an advanced version of Pac-Man. Be sure not pass this one up.
5. Kung-Fu Master (Arcade):
Probably one of the first, if not the first, fighting games I ever played in the arcades back when I was a kid in the late eighties. Kung-Fu Master was a one of a kind game at the time, and even though it hasn’t aged all that well over the decades since its release, it’s still a super fun game.
6. Shinobi (Arcade):
As much as I love Sega’s Shinobi, I could never really get that far in it because of its super difficult one shot and your dead format. You really have remember the patterns of all enemies and end of level bosses to make any real progress. With that being said, it’s still a brilliant action game.
7. Moon Patrol (Arcade):
As I kid who loved to venture into a number of different arcades during the eighties, I would often across a few gems from time to time. Irem’s Moon Patrol happens to be one of those gems. If you love the idea of a space shooter with vehicles, then you should definitely give this a play through.
8. Beer Belly Burt’s Brew Biz (Commodore 64):
A game I feel pretty much flew under the radar since being released on the great Commodore 64 computer system back in 1985. Beer Belly Burt’s Brew Biz throws you inside a beer factory where a zombie invasion is taking place. Guide Burt around with gun in hand to dispense the undead and clear brewing business of the invasion.
9. Frogger (Arcade):
Frogger is another classic arcade game recognisable for its colourful graphics and unique gameplay style. The concept is simple, guide a frog across the bottom of the screen to the top while avoided obstacles along the way.
10. Out Run (Arcade):
Hands down one of Sega’s most ionic arcade games. Out Run first exploded into arcades in 1986, followed by a large number of home console ports. Besides than the arcade machine, the best versions of the game are probably the Sega Master System and Sega Mega Drive ports. If you love car games, then please do give Out Run a go.
11. Bubble Bobble (Arcade):
When I look back and talk about older arcades games, the classic Bubble Bobble often comes to mind. Back in the eighties, you probably couldn’t go to any arcade without coming across this awesome game sitting in some random corner of the building. Again, I would imagine you would have to play Bubble Bobble on an arcade cab to do the experience any justice.
12. Super Mario Bros. (Nintendo NES):
Absolutely one of the most famous video games ever created. Nintendo’s original Super Mario Bros. game made a huge impact in the gaming world when it arrived on the NES console back in 1985. It’s still a joy to play to this very day. I can’t think of any other better platform game that had a similar impact as this one. A true classic product of the 1980s.
13. Target Renegade (ZX Spectrum):
The golden period of the ZX Spectrum gave us the brilliant sequel to Renegade, Target Renegade. Easily the best beat ’em up ever created and released on the vintage computer system. It still manages to impress me to this day whenever I play it.
14. Kung Fu Kid (Sega Master System):
I remember playing this game for hours on end back in the late eighties. Kung Fu Kid is absolutely hands one of the best Sega Master System game in existence. A Super underrated title that deserves some love and attention. If you have a bit of time to spare, why not get a hold of a cartridge and give it play through? I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.
15. Rampage (Arcade):
Climb up buildings and smash them all down using George, Lizzie, and Ralph, a trio of monster based on King Kong, Ymir, and a wolf. There’s nothing more satisfying than destroying buildings and oncoming helicopters with the raw power of your fists. Such a fan arcade classic that every old school gamer should experience at least once.
We hope this list of the best old video games helped you discover some arcade and console gems that you may have somehow missed over the course of 40 years.
