Honorable Mention: Centipede
Making the list as honorable mention, Centipede still holds a place in every gen “X”ers heart. Released in 1980, Centipede was an instant hit due to it’s complexity of the game action. One had to move, dodge, shoot, and move up/down all the while aiming and shooting at an ever faster falling centipede. Arcaders loved it and it remains on everyone top 10 list of all time arcade games.
Honorable Mention: Tempest
Released in 1981, Tempest was so unique for it’s time that it earns a place in our Count down. This game took a lot of hand eye coordination to play but once mastered became so thrilling. What captured players as much as the game action was the unique look of the arcade cabinet. Tempest is still one of the most recognizable arcade games in the world for it’s look and style.
5. Asteroids
Released in 1979, this Coin op game showed the potential of what was to come for the Coin-op industry. Primitive by today’s standards, nonetheless in it’s time; it thrill arcade goers with a quick reflex asteroid game that became the standard of whether you were a true gamer or not. One only needed to see a person good at asteroids to see superior hand eye coordination and lightening fast mental skills. If you were great at this game, nothing in life would every be impossible for you!
4. Donkey Kong
Released in 1980, Donkey Kong was a hit with every awkward kid who wished to save a damsel in distress. Donkey Kong’s name was originally a mistake since there is no Donkey in the game. The Japanese makers confused the donkey for an ape, but the name stuck and launched its lead character Mario into super stardom.
3. Pacman
Released in 1980, Pacman instantly became the most profitable and successful releases in Coin-op arcade history. Thrilling its players with mazes and fleeing from ghosts it remains one of the most beloved arcade game of all time. The yellow pacman image is still one of the most recognizable iconic symbols of all time.
2. Galaga
A close Second to our number 1 ranked game is the great and my personal favorite Galaga. Galaga was a super entertaining space invaders “type” space game that became so addicting to play. Released in a coin-op stand up, cocktail, and/or a mini cabinet, Galaga has become the most sought after “Man Cave” game of all time.
1. Ms Pacman
The top Arcade coin-op game of all time! Released in 1981, Ms Pacman became the most successful Coin-op arcade game in history. Nothing even came close! Ms. Pacman is still delighting players around the world. Originally designed to push women into arcade gaming, it certainly did its job. Both Women and Men or should I say female teens and male teens alike loved to play this game. By 1987, Ms Pacman had raked in over $1.2 BILLION in quarters!
