Top 10 Arcade Games | Because they provide a special blend of difficulty and amusement, pinball machines and arcade games have enthralled audiences for decades. These games were a reliable source of revenue for companies back when people frequently visited arcades and gaming centers to satisfy their typical entertainment needs. Although arcades have been losing some of their appeal due to the popularity of video games, virtual reality, and other entertainment mediums, they are still very much alive and well. For individuals who are fortunate enough to own them, several kinds of arcade and console games still provide a sizable income.
So, you may be wondering which arcade games make the most money. Let’s look at the revenue numbers and cabinet sales of 10 of the highest-grossing arcade games in this article. You might be surprised to learn that these titles generated the most money in the global arcade machine market.
Best Arcade Games of all Time
1. Tempest
1981 – Atari
The first game on the list is Tempest, a classic that you might not be familiar with. In 1981, Atari created one of the most popular arcade video games ever. Over the years, it gave rise to several spin-offs and sequels due to its immense popularity. In terms of actual numbers, it sold a remarkable 29,000 copies, generating income equivalent to 1.2 million dollars today.
Its gameplay is straightforward but incredibly captivating; you take control of a spaceship traversing a succession of tubes via an increasing amount of obstacles. All of the main video game newspapers at the time gave the game flawless ratings and high reviews.
Additionally, it was the first game of its sort to provide the option to select your beginning level. Most significantly, it was a novel shooter game that quickly won over players of all ages because to its three-dimensional video viewpoint in a fixed view.
2. Mortal Kombat II
1993 – Midway
The second installment of the well-known martial arts arcade game of the same name, Mortal Kombat II, is next on the list.
The game, which Midway developed and published in 1993, was a huge hit with arcade players. It was one of the most well-liked games in its genre because of its two-dimensional battle mechanics and wide selection of characters. Another important element that drew arcade gamers to its world was the excessive gore and brutality.
Its numerous home and compilation releases at that time prepared it to become a cultural phenomenon. Last but not least, its enormous popularity spawned a number of spin-off games and film adaptations.
Its arcade game version also had added features, such as a hidden Pong game, and secret stages.
3. Centipede
1980 – Atari
Atari produced Centipede, one of the most recognizable video games ever created, in 1980. Ed Logg and Dona Bailey, who had both worked on the iconic game Asteroids before, designed it.
Their concept this time was a colorful shooter game with various spiders and bugs that you had to shoot to stay alive. Both gamers and critics appreciated it for its straightforward gameplay mechanics and distinctive, humorous visual style.
Along with many other spooky crawlers, such as spiders and scorpions, the game’s antagonists were the titular arthropods. To advance to the next game, the player must shoot or dodge each of them.
4. Asteroids
1979 – Atari
Asteroids, a shooting game, reaches the seventh position of the high-ranking bestselling games.
Atari created the game Asteroids in 1979, and it was groundbreaking at the time. Instead of just focusing on surviving, the twin joystick configuration really pushed the player to blast asteroids and spin their ship. Compared to the vintage shooter arcade game machines of the time, this created a more dynamic sense. To make the video game even more appealing, it also let two people to play simultaneously.
One of the reasons people tried to win at this game was because of its difficult gameplay.
Defender and Gravitar were among the numerous arcade games that drew influence from this game.
5. Defender
1981 – Williams
Defender is a mysterious game that ranks in the top six. Despite not being as well-known and well-liked now as well-known arcade games like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong, this game was one of the most popular in its day, selling at least 60,000 cabinets.
Williams created Defender, a fixed shooter game, in 1981. The goal is to keep aliens from capturing your planet and its people. Its machines’ unusual control system, which substituted two joysticks for conventional buttons, gave it a novel appearance that drew in a lot of players. More significantly, the game used a number of buttons to fulfill the player’s objective of protecting the planet.
In addition to being extremely difficult, the game’s opponents might shoot back and kidnap your troops if you weren’t careful. Additionally, it included several monsters and stages that kept players interested for longer.
Lastly, Defender has further demonstrated its success in the arcade sector by serving as an inspiration for a number of other games, such as Stargate and Star Castle.
6. NBA Jam
1993 – Midway
The basketball arcade game that has been around the longest Both basketball players and the general gaming public find NBA Jam to be a huge hit. The two-on-two basketball arcade game NBA Jam, created by Midway in 1993, featured actual National Basketball Association players.
It was said to have revolutionized its business and popularized this type of sports game. Players were able to execute crazy dunks and shoots because to the game’s extravagant energy meter and life-size characters.
The game was particularly well-liked since it was a limitless basketball simulator. With several re-releases and sequels throughout the years, its popularity in the home console market persisted. Even if you can now play this well-liked game on a variety of devices, one of its unique qualities is still the enjoyment it brought.
7. Donkey Kong
1981 – Nintendo
Donkey Kong, created by Nintendo, is a timeless video game that draws players from all over the world. After its 1981 debut, its notoriety quickly spread around the world.
In order to rescue Pauline from Donkey Kong’s grasp, Mario, the main character in the arcade game Donkey Kong, must scale ladders, leap over barrels and flames, and dodge other hazards. It was one of the most well-liked arcade games of its time because to its straightforward yet addictive features.
The game’s popularity prompted the creation of the highly regarded Super Mario franchise as well as a number of spin-offs, including Donkey Kong Jr. and Mario Bros.
When it first came out, the audience’s response to its novel and never-before-seen playing mechanics of scaling ladders and conquering hurdles was not entirely positive. However, both new and seasoned players may find this game to be equally entertaining and nostalgic. Because of this, Donkey Kong is an unforgettable game with an unmatched history.
8. Street Fighter II
1991 – Capcom
The direct successor to the game of the same name, Street Fighter II, comes in at number three. Capcom created and developed it in 1991, and from its first release to the following years, it was a global hit.
In this video game, two players may engage in hand-to-hand fighting with a variety of international characters. Its distinctive combat system employed a six-button control method that was groundbreaking at the time, enabling the usage of special attacks and combinations to overcome opponents.
Additionally, the game popularized the usage of special moves and finishing tactics like “combos,” which are now common in fighting games. Additionally, a lot of systems, like the Sega Genesis and the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, were able to transfer it.
Numerous spin-offs, sequels, and ports have sprung from it, sustaining the franchise to this day.
9. Space Invaders
1978 – Taito
With a staggering 750,000 arcade machine set sales, the 1978 classic Space Invaders takes over the number two position.
Taito created the fixed shooter game Space Invaders, which quickly gained popularity among arcade players in the late 1970s. In contrast to its predecessors’ conventional 8-bit vector graphics, it was among the first video games to incorporate computer graphics. In essence, the game consists of blasting aliens at the top of the screen while navigating a ship at the bottom.
One of the first instances of a multi-level game with a score was Space Invaders. In addition to being the inspiration for several other iconic space shooter games, it has undergone multiple remakes with improved visuals and functionality. As a result, many people believe it to be a turning point in the history of gaming.
10. Pac-Man
1980 – Namco
You can’t be a huge arcade game enthusiast and not be familiar with Pac-Man. With more than 700,000 copies sold and the largest game series, this classic game is the most popular arcade game.
In 1980, Namco created Pac-Man, which quickly became a hit among arcade players. In order to defeat ghosts, Pac-Man players must guide a yellow figure through a maze while using power pellets. The total number of ghosts was four, and they were all various colors.
Since Pac-Man has become a staple of popular culture, the characters are still readily identifiable. It has given rise to several spin-offs and ports, the most recent of which are mobile versions, which have seen a sharp increase in revenue. Above all, this game provides both children and adults with a number of cognitive and mental health advantages.
You can’t picture arcade classics without Pac-Man because of its immense popularity and enormous net value.
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