The Greatest Arcade Games of All Time - The Games that Shaped Us - Vol. 1

Published 2024-05-30
#gaming #arcade #classicgaming
It's time to take a trip back in time. A time where the Arcades ruled the gaming scene, a time where us gamers were shaped and changed forever. A time of friends, hanging out, and meeting new people.
These are the Games that Shaped Us: Arcade Edition - Volume 1

Willow: Willow is a classic arcade game developed and published by Capcom in 1989. The game is based on the 1988 fantasy film "Willow," directed by Ron Howard and produced by George Lucas. It features action-adventure gameplay and follows the storyline of the movie, with players taking on the roles of the main characters to battle against evil forces.

Astron Belt: Astron Belt is an early laserdisc-based arcade game developed by Sega in 1983. It is notable for being one of the first video games to combine pre-recorded video footage with computer-generated graphics, creating a cinematic experience that was groundbreaking at the time.

Ninja Gaiden: Ninja Gaiden, also known as "Ninja Ryukenden" in Japan, is an arcade game developed and released by Tecmo in 1988. It is the first game in the Ninja Gaiden series and is known for its fast-paced action, challenging gameplay, and impressive graphics for its time. The arcade version is distinct from the later NES versions, offering a different gameplay experience.

Smash TV: Smash TV is a classic arcade game developed by Eugene Jarvis and Mark Turmell for Williams and released in 1990. The game is a top-down, twin-stick shooter known for its intense action, cooperative gameplay, and darkly humorous take on a dystopian future. "Smash TV" draws inspiration from the 1987 film "The Running Man," and it became famous for its high-energy gameplay and over-the-top violence.

Rampage: Rampage is a classic arcade game developed and published by Bally Midway in 1986. It is well-known for its unique premise, allowing players to control giant monsters as they wreak havoc on various cities. The game combines elements of action, destruction, and humor, making it a memorable and entertaining experience.

Final Fight: Final Fight is a classic arcade game developed and published by Capcom in 1989. It is a side-scrolling beat 'em up game known for its engaging gameplay, cooperative multiplayer mode, and memorable characters. "Final Fight" has become one of the iconic titles in the beat 'em up genre and has had a significant impact on the genre's development.

Lucky and Wild: Lucky & Wild is a unique arcade game developed and published by Namco in 1992. It combines elements of both driving and shooting, offering an engaging and action-packed gameplay experience. The game is set in a crime-ridden city where players take on the roles of two vigilante cops, Lucky and Wild, as they chase down criminals.

X-Men: The X-Men arcade game, developed and released by Konami in 1992, is a classic side-scrolling beat 'em up game based on the popular Marvel Comics franchise. It is renowned for its cooperative multiplayer gameplay and vibrant representation of the X-Men universe. The game drew inspiration from the 1989 animated pilot "Pryde of the X-Men."

Dragon's Lair: Dragon's Lair is a pioneering arcade game released in 1983 by Cinematronics and developed by Don Bluth Studios. It stands out as one of the first games to utilize laser disc technology, resulting in an experience that more closely resembled an animated movie than a traditional video game. This groundbreaking use of full-motion video animation set it apart from the pixel-based games typical of the era.

Street Fighter 2: Champion Edition - Street Fighter II: Champion Edition, released by Capcom in 1992, is a pivotal fighting game that built upon the massive success of its predecessor, "Street Fighter II: The World Warrior." This edition introduced significant enhancements and changes that helped further cement the franchise's popularity and influence in the gaming world.
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All Comments (16)
  • @TheDenofGeek
    Shuttles Arcade was the "seedy" arcade in Kamloops BC. There was a sign that said no one under 16 allowed during school hours, it never worked. It was dark save for the screens, some red neon lights around the ceiling and a cheap Tiffany style lamp over a pool table. It was an awesome place. Rampage is one of my favorites simply because it was so much fun to just destroy stuff. Shuttles had Willow on the arcade, and the laser disc based dragon's lair, space ace and of course time traveller. Arcades shaped us as gamers and people. I made so many friends in those dark rooms hunched over a joystick with a pocket full of quarters
  • @Mutron_78
    'Mutron-man, muton-man?' I appreciate the accidental shout out! 🤣. Absolutely packed full of great gaming memories and some little snippets of the adventures of Young Jay! Truly excellent work my friend, looking forward to the continuation of this series. 🤘
  • I really enjoy the arcades it brings back the memories when I was young going to Brookfield Illinois Galloping ghosts with having about 800 or 900 games and a pinball arcade as well
  • @gbpackers5578
    Loved this video Jay, really well done!! ❤🔥😎
  • @Its.Chad.
    Oh now THIS video takes me back for sure!!!! Such great games and better times at the Arcades!! PS - the Ma’am is waaay better at Dragon’s Lair than I am 😂
  • @neiltemple123
    Arcades would come and go in my hometown of Ottawa. My favorite was Fire Button near Elmvale Mall. Double Dragon, Final Fight and yes the first Street Fighter game were all conquered there. It's now a Subway but the Quickie is still there. Ketchup Chips eh? 🍟
  • @destrosdesk
    Outstanding video Jay! I did not experience arcades when I was kid. Seeing these examples of a glorious time in the 80s and 90s makes me wish I could get in the time machine and go back to experience it all. Even though I don't get a lot of time to play video games these days, your video game videos inspire me to fire up an old console and escape today's world to a magical time that was nothing but joy!
  • That was a trip down memory lane. Played every one of those except for that Lucky & wild one. My personal favorite is the Xmen, Simpsons and Turtles games. Loved them.
  • @skyfall9124
    This video was fun to watch. Thanks Jay🍻
  • @jt976evl
    I also remember WIllow being hard to find and only ever saw it at this sketchy convenient store by a friend's house. I loved it. and at the time remember thinking it reminded me a bit of Cadash. Who knows if that's true? I like this video and hope it becomes a new series.
  • @808v1
    yeah, most of the games you listed here I also fondly remember - except that space/star wars cab. thx.