Nearly 50 years after the gaming industry’s “golden age,” fans herald iconic titles like Duck Hunt, Punch-Out!!, Frogger, and countless others. However, some stellar arcade and home console releases from the same period aren’t given their just due.
While these arcade and console games didn’t spurn a dozen spinoffs or land on Gen Z’s radar, they left a lasting influence on the industry altogether — and commanded many Gen Xers’ free time.
Dust off your joysticks and get your quarters ready! These arcade and console releases might’ve fallen off your radar, but they’ll be in your heart forever.
Tempest (1981)
To modern gamers, this fixed shooter from Atari, Inc. may look relatively simple. However, Tempest was among the first titles to vary level design as gameplay progressed, rather than perpetually increasing the difficulty or speed of a single stage. Tempest‘s high-stakes gameplay appealed to sci-fi lovers, competitive players, and those who worked best under pressure.
Bomberman (1983)
As a millennial, I credit my folks with my profound appreciation for Bomberman. I didn’t get to commandeer the cabinet at my local arcade, but my parents ensured we had a copy for the NES.
The title’s time limits, coupled with its puzzle-like level design, evoked feelings similar to those you get during a game of Operation. Tread lightly and think carefully, because every move counts.
Track & Field (1983)
Track & Field, an Olympics-themed game released ahead of the ’84 Summer Games, got gamers as close to the gold as they could manage from an arcade cabinet. The title’s minigame-like gameplay pitted players against frustrating NPCs in several athletic trials.
Much like the real thing, the sports title appealed to the most competitive gamers. Following its release, creatives at Konami and Centuri invited gamers to participate in a showdown of their own. The international event lured gifted gamers from around the globe, resulting in what’s still regarded as one of the largest video game competitions of all time.
Follow us on MSN for more of the content you love.
Tapper (1984)
All the thanklessness of a bartending gig for none of the pay! Arcade game Tapper, originally sponsored by American brewski brand Anheuser-Busch, utilized a lifelike tap handle for added immersion. The buzzed, impatient NPCs also amplified the realism.
As was standard, players relied on three lives but lost them when they broke glasses and didn’t pour fast enough. When they tired of waiting, patrons cartoonishly lobbed the mustachioed player character out the door.
BurgerTime (1982)
In 1982’s BurgerTime, players join 8-bit chef Peter Pepper through a ladder maze of assorted burger ingredients. His objective? Assemble each sandwich in its entirety by walking over each element. Once Pepper steps over an ingredient, it falls to a ledge below, where he will repeat the same process. Prepare all burgers to proceed to the next stage.
The chef is at a disadvantage; his journey is complicated by challenging level layouts and aggressive NPCs.
Excitebike (1984)
Mario Kart? I don’t know her.
Excitebike, released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in ’84, revolutionized racing video games as a whole. In this high-octane side-scroller, players hop on a motocross bike and speed to the podium. Be mindful, racers — overheated bikes, not-so-graceful landings, and other obstacles will surely slow your roll.
The title was a critical and commercial hit, leading to sequels and re-releases. Excitebite‘s novel gameplay influenced future titles, including Super Mario Bros.
Mappy (1983)
Namco released their arcade title Mappy in the U.S. in April 1983 to mild fanfare, but successful re-releases contributed to the game’s overall success. The title, which drew inspiration from Tom and Jerry, follows mouse cop Mappy through the estate of feline ne’er-do-wells. Mappy must strategize, using doors to squish baddies and using trampolines to clear tough jumps.
Joust (1982)
In Joust, players do just that. The co-op title pits players against one another, strategically lancing and avoiding enemies to come out on top. Devs’ decision to incorporate birds bumps up the difficulty, as players must skillfully joust and navigate hard-to-steer storks. Like other successful titles of the time, the game utilized a wraparound stage design and staggered platforms.
Toobin’ (1988)
In this deep cut, players face off against NPCs or real-life opponents as they race downstream. Tubers can collect power-ups, interact with items, and bump their opponent’s tube. A snazzy, summery soundtrack and competitive co-op gameplay made this title perfect for warm-weather arcade trips with friends.
Rygar (1986)
Tecmo released platformer Rygar to arcades in 1986. In the title, players lead the unnamed warrior protagonist past aggressive monsters with nothing but the “diskarmor,” a retractable shield. Utilize your weapon’s yo-yo qualities as you push past enemies’ pervasive projectiles. Fans of the side-scroller can download it on their Android device or onto their Nintendo Switch.
Follow us on MSN for more of the content you love.
Read More:
A lifelong gamer raised on classic titles like Crash Bandicoot, Spyro, and Croc, Stephanie brings her expertise of gaming and pop culture to deliver unique, refreshing views on the world of video games, complete with references to absurd and obscure media.
Leave a Reply