Five Retro Arcade Games We Loved As A Kid

The nostalgic charm of retro arcade games holds a special place in the hearts of many who grew up during the golden age of gaming. Long before advanced graphics and complex storylines, these classic arcade games provided simple yet addictive gameplay that captured the imaginations of kids and adults alike - here's five of our favourites...

1. Pac-Man (1980)

This iconic arcade game has become a timeless symbol of gaming history. Created by Namco and designed by Toru Iwatani, the game featured a yellow, pizza-shaped character named Pac-Man, who navigated a maze filled with ghosts. The objective was to guide Pac-Man through the maze while devouring pellets and avoiding the colourful ghosts. Eating a power pellet would temporarily turn the tables, allowing Pac-Man to chase and eat the ghosts. With its simple yet challenging gameplay, Pac-Man quickly became a global phenomenon and remains one of the most recognisable and beloved arcade games of all time.

2. Space Invaders (1978)

Released by Taito, Space Invaders was a ground-breaking shoot 'em up game that laid the foundation for many future arcade titles. Players controlled a laser cannon, moving it horizontally across the bottom of the screen, as waves of alien invaders descended from above. The objective was to shoot down the relentless invaders before they reached the bottom. As the levels progressed, the aliens became faster and more aggressive, increasing the intensity of the gameplay. Space Invaders became a commercial success and a cultural phenomenon, contributing significantly to the popularisation of video gaming during the late '70s and early '80s.

3. Donkey Kong (1981)

Donkey Kong marked the debut of two iconic characters in gaming history: Mario (then known as Jumpman) and Donkey Kong. Developed by Nintendo, this platform game featured Mario attempting to rescue his girlfriend, Pauline, from the clutches of the giant ape, Donkey Kong. Players had to navigate Mario through multiple levels, overcoming obstacles and avoiding barrels thrown by the antagonistic gorilla. The game's engaging storyline and innovative gameplay helped establish Mario as a beloved gaming icon and set the stage for numerous successful sequels and spin-offs.

4. Galaga (1981)

Galaga, developed by Namco, was a sequel to the successful game Galaxian and quickly became a fan favourite in arcades worldwide. In this fixed shooter game, players controlled a spaceship at the bottom of the screen, tasked with shooting down waves of alien enemies. The game's distinguishing feature was the ability of the aliens to capture the player's ship, leading to dramatic rescue attempts and intense gameplay. Galaga's addictive nature, fast-paced action, and vibrant graphics made it a standout classic that has retained its appeal among gaming enthusiasts for decades.

5. Street Fighter II (1991)

Street Fighter II, developed by Capcom, revolutionised the fighting game genre and set new standards for competitive gameplay. Players could choose from a diverse roster of fighters, each with unique moves and fighting styles, to battle against opponents from around the world. The game's innovative combination of special moves and button combinations allowed for a deep level of strategy, making it a favourite among arcade-goers and sparking the rise of competitive gaming culture.