
Arcade games are a blast from the past and are now coming back for retro gamers everywhere. These games can be played at home or in an arcade setting. There are many different types of arcade video games available, and each offers its own unique set of challenges and excitement. This blog post will discuss the various types of home arcade games currently available and help you decide which type is best for you!
A World of Arcade Games
Arcade games have been around since the 1950s, and are a huge part of gaming history. The arcade industry built arcade systems that were big, bulky, and had tons of knobs to control just about everything. These days, arcade video games are much sleeker and easier to play. You can find all sorts of different machines at your local arcade, or even purchase one for your home.
While there are many different types of games available, they can generally be broken down into a few categories:
Stand Up Arcade Video Games – Full Size
These are the classic upright machines in an arcade cabinet that you remember from your childhood. These coin-operated arcade games usually feature a joystick and buttons for control and can be played by one or two people at a time. Stand-up video games can include fighting games like Street Fighter, driving games like Outrun, shooters like Time Crisis, and a wide range of other genres for coin-op games.
Stand Up Arcade Games – 3/4 Size
These are smaller versions of the full-size stand-up video game machines. They are often used as home arcade machines due to their smaller footprint and weight. These arcade cabinets often have the same games, but with smaller cabinets. These are perfect for homes or apartments where space is limited. Smaller arcade machines are often opted for if you are building a home arcade. They are often not operated by a coin mechanism but are set as free arcade games for anyone to play when they like.
Pinball Games
Pinball machines are a type of arcade game that has been around for a long time in the arcade industry. Pinball games consist of a large glass cabinet with a metal playfield inside. Players use flippers to control the ball as it bounces around the playfield, trying to score points by hitting targets. Pinball games can be simple or complex, and there is even a competitive pinball scene with pro players.
Fighting Arcade Games
These are fighting games where players use a joystick and buttons to control their character on the screen. The goal is usually to beat up the other player or computer-controlled opponents. Fighting arcade video games can be one-on-one like Mortal Kombat, or they can be team-based like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Shmups
Shmups, also known as Shoot ’em Ups, are a type of arcade game where players control a ship or character on the screen and must shoot down enemies. These action arcade machines often scroll from left to right and are very fast-paced. Popular shmups include the R-Type, Gradius, and Ikaruga video games.
Trackball Games
Trackball games are a type of arcade game where players use a trackball to control the on-screen action. These games are often arcade action games or sports games. Popular arcade games that use a trackball include Golden Tee, NBA Jam, and Centipede.
Spinner Arcade Games
Spinner games are a type of arcade game that uses a knob or wheel to control the on-screen action. These games are often racing games or shooters. Popular spinner games include Tempest, Gyruss, and Space Invaders Part II.
Driving Arcade Video Games
One of the most popular genres of arcade games is the driving game. These can be anything from simple racing games to complex simulations. Driving games often use a steering wheel and pedals for control, and some even have force feedback to make you feel like you’re really behind the wheel.
Shooter Arcade Games
These games test your aim as you take on targets in a variety of settings. These addictive arcade games with guns are normally fast-paced, but can also be slow and strategic, depending on the game.
Arcade Games with Balls
This isn’t something you can do with home gaming consoles! These games require you to use your hand-eye coordination to keep a ball in play or score points, like arcade basketball. A ball-shooter game can be challenging and addictive and are great for those who like to test their skills. One of the most popular ball games is skee ball. Often dispensing tickets based on your score, skeeball is a cherished game that is fun for all ages.
Arcade Games with Tickets
These are games that dispense tickets when you play. These can be redeemed for prizes or used to keep track of your score. Some, such as a skee ball machine for home also use balls for a challenging experience. Others are more of a game of chance. If you are making a home arcade, ticket dispensing arcade games do a good job of adding to the authenticity.
Retro Arcade Games Online
These are often free arcade games that can be played on your computer or mobile device, and offer a wide variety of gameplay styles. They are perfect for those who want to play arcade video games without leaving the comfort of their own home.
Popular Arcade Video Games
Some of the most iconic arcade games include classics like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Space Invaders. These are games that have stood the test of time and are still enjoyed by many people today. Newer arcade games include dance games like DDR, rhythm games like Guitar Hero, and racing games like Mario Kart. While every video game review site has its own take on the best games of the time, some picks are almost always universal. There is something for everyone in the arcade industry.
Best Arcade Video Games of the 70s
The 1970s were the golden age of arcade video games. This was when classics like Galaxian, Pong, and the classic atari arcade game, Asteroids were released. These games are not only fun to play, but they also have a nostalgic appeal for many people. Below are some of the best arcade video games of the 70s, based on popularity and appeal.
- Galaxian
- Asteroids
- Space Invaders
- Breakout
- Sea Wolf
- Computer Space
- Oregon Trail
- Pong
- Gun Fight
- Sprint
Best Arcade Games of the 80s
Many great arcade games from the 80s are still popular today. While the 70s may be referred to as the golden age arcade, the 80s were when it really became part of our culture. Some of these near golden age arcade games include Ms. Pac-Man, Centipede, and Joust. These games are not only fun to play, but they also have a nostalgic appeal for many people. Below are some of the best arcade video games of the 80s, based on popularity and appeal.
- Ms. Pac-Man
- Galaga
- Donkey Kong
- Defender
- Joust
- Centipede
- Double Dragon
- Frogger
- Robotron 2084
- Pole Position
If you’re looking for more great classic arcade games to play, check out our complete list of the Top 20 Arcade Games of the 80s.
Best Arcade Games of the 90s
In the early 1990s, arcade games were still popular, but they began to decline in popularity as home console systems became more advanced. However, some great arcade games from this era are still worth playing. Some of the best include Street Fighter II, Mortal Kombat, and NBA Jam. These games are not only fun to play, but they also have a nostalgic appeal for many people. Below are some of the best arcade games of the 90s, based on popularity and appeal.
- Street Fighter II
- NBA Jam
- Mortal Kombat
- Killer Instinct
- Simpsons Arcade Game
- X-Men Arcade Game
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time
- Super Smash TV
- The House of the Dead II
- Virtua Cop
If you’re looking for more great arcade video games to play, check out our complete list of the Best Arcade Games of the 90s.
Which Type of Arcade Video Games is Right for You?
Now that you know a little bit more about the different types of arcade games available, it’s time to decide which one is right for you. Stand-up games are a great option if you’re looking for classic arcade fun. Companies in the arcade industry such as Arcade1Up are doing a great job of bringing the old arcade feel right to your home at affordable prices, including games such as the classic Atari arcade game Centipede. If you want to compete against others, then driving or shooting games might be more your style. And if you’re looking for a challenge, then arcade basketball games are definitely worth checking out. No matter what type of game you choose, you’re sure to have hours of fun!