Arcade Games: Reliving Entertainment
Arcade gaming provided people an escape from the monotony of their daily routines and ever since entering the mainstream gaming scene in the late 1900’s, they've continued to inspire people’s lives by shaping the idea of a well-spent leisure time for an entire generation.
Here’s a list of the evergreen classics that continue to define an entire era.
Pac-Man
A classic arcade game that defined the 80’s and became a cultural phenomenon. It's considered one of the most iconic video games of all time. A simple yet addictive gameplay and distinctive characters captured the imagination of an entire generation and is still reminisced upon by people belonging from three or four decades later. It truly left an unmatchable impact: evergreen in every sense of the game.
Space Invaders
Space Invaders is the pioneer of the shooting genre and is one of the earliest successful arcade games that emerged in the 1970’s. It introduced the cliché yet classic alien invasion theme and the challenge of shooting down rows of invaders struck a chord with players worldwide. It surely played a defining role in generating the hype of aliens invading the earth, a thrilling fantasy/fear instilled in all of us ever since. Surely can’t deny that till date, we’re all anticipating the infamous extra-terrestrial arrival.
Street Fighter II
Enter the 1990’s and Street Fighter II joins the scene. It revolutionized the fighting game genre with its diverse roster of characters, precise controls and intense multiplayer battles. It popularized the concept of special moves and combos, and its competitive gameplay sparked the rise of the arcade tournament scene which riles up players even today.
Galaga
Galaga is a classic space shooter that built upon the success of its predecessor, “Galaxian”. It introduced new gameplay mechanics, such as capturing player-controlled ships and incorporating more complex enemy patterns. Galaga's addictive gameplay and iconic "dual-ship" feature made it a staple in arcades all around the world, piquing the interest of gamers.
Mortal Kombat
Mortal Kombat garnered attention for its realistic digitized graphics, unique characters and over-the-top violence. It became notorious for its fatalities, and helped people develop arcade gaming as a cathartic activity, which allowed players to perform gruesome finishing moves on their opponents. Mortal Kombat was at the center of debates surrounding video game violence and the introduction of content rating systems. This also gave rise to the arcade games stardom which then helped researchers in further understanding the violent human nature and the impact of such mediums on a normal individual.
Donkey Kong and Donkey Kong Jr.
Donkey Kong became the turning point in the journey of arcade games as it introduced the world to “Mario”, then famous as “Jump man", and helped jump-start his career as one of gaming's most recognizable characters. Donkey Kong Jr. was the sequel to the original Donkey Kong which flipped the roles, with players controlling Donkey Kong Jr. to rescue his father from Mario. The game introduced new mechanics and level designs, further establishing the Donkey Kong franchise as a significant presence in arcades.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Based on the popular cartoon series, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles allowed up to four players to join forces and take control of the heroic turtles. The game featured cooperative gameplay, beat 'em up action and memorable boss battles, making it a favorite among friends at arcades engaging them in a multi-player friendly combat.
These games not only defined a generation but also left a lasting impact on the video game industry, inspiring future developers and shaping the course of arcade gaming history. So, stay tuned as 633 Wonder World will bring on-board the classics and the latest arcade games to the twin-cities!