8 Classic Arcade Games from the 1970s You Need to Play Now

If you’ve ever wondered where the fun and excitement of video games began, the 1970s is a great place to start.

This decade saw the rise of arcade games that laid the foundation for modern gaming.

From simple designs to groundbreaking technology, the 1970s brought forth iconic arcade games that continue to influence the industry today.

These classic games introduced players to new worlds and challenges, often in just a few minutes of play.

They were simple in concept but incredibly engaging, creating an unforgettable arcade experience.

Discover how these early video games shaped the world of entertainment.

1) Pong

Pong, released by Atari in 1972, is a classic arcade game that mimics table tennis.

You control a paddle to hit a ball back and forth across the screen, trying to get the ball past your opponent’s paddle.

The graphics are simple, just two paddles and a ball.

The game was developed by Allan Alcorn, who was assigned the task as a training exercise by Atari co-founder Nolan Bushnell.

Surprisingly, it became a huge hit.

Starting in arcades, Pong grew in popularity and was eventually released as a home console game in 1975, sold by Sears.

Playing Pong is straightforward.

You use a dial to move your paddle up and down.

The ball speeds up as you play, making it more challenging.

It’s a true test of reflexes and timing, and it paved the way for future video games.

Pong holds a special place in gaming history.

Its success proved that video games could be a profitable industry.

It’s one of the early examples of how simple yet addictive gameplay can capture the public’s imagination.

This little game sparked the beginning of a whole new entertainment medium.

2) Space Invaders

Space Invaders came out in 1978 and quickly became a hit.

Created by Taito, this game had you controlling a laser cannon, trying to stop the relentless waves of descending aliens.

It was one of the first games to offer endless gameplay, where you battled aliens as long as you could survive.

You might remember the simple graphics: pixelated aliens and a cannon at the bottom of the screen.

The gameplay was easy to understand but hard to master.

Each level got faster and more challenging, keeping you hooked.

Space Invaders also had a distinctive sound.

The steady thumping beat sped up as the aliens got closer, adding to the tension.

You probably found yourself getting more anxious as the beat quickened, pushing you to react faster.

This game wasn’t just popular in arcades.

It also made its way into homes on early consoles like the Atari 2600.

You and your friends might have spent hours trying to beat each other’s high scores.

Space Invaders became a cultural phenomenon and influenced many other games.

Its impact on the video game industry is still felt today, marking it as one of the true pioneers of arcade gaming.

3) Asteroids

Asteroids came out in November 1979.

It’s a space-themed game that became super popular.

You control a small spaceship in a field of asteroids.

Your aim is to shoot and destroy these asteroids and the occasional flying saucer.

Your ship is just a tiny triangle.

When you hit an asteroid, it breaks into smaller pieces.

You need quick reflexes to dodge the debris and avoid getting hit.

One standout feature of Asteroids is its controls.

The game uses five buttons but no joystick.

This unique setup made it different from other games at the time.

Asteroids had a cool design and simple gameplay that made it appealing.

It’s one of the reasons why it’s still remembered fondly today.

By the way, this game also had awesome sound effects.

The intensifying heartbeat-like sound as you play adds to the tension and excitement.

Many players loved seeing their initials on the high score list.

Asteroids was a major hit for Atari.

They sold more than 70,000 units, making it their best-selling arcade game ever.

This number speaks to its popularity in the arcades during the late ’70s.

4) Galaxian

Galaxian is a classic 1979 arcade game developed by Namco.

You take control of the Galaxip starfighter to defend Earth from waves of alien ships.

In each level, aliens dive towards you, trying to hit your ship.

You move side-to-side and shoot back to destroy them.

Galaxian stands out because it wasn’t just a clone of Space Invaders.

The aliens have different attack patterns and can swoop down in groups, making the game more challenging.

Namco’s release of Galaxian helped push the popularity of arcade games in the late 1970s.

The colorful graphics and exciting gameplay made it a memorable and influential game.

While simple by today’s standards, Galaxian remains a beloved classic.

5) Breakout

Breakout is a classic arcade game developed by Atari and released in 1976.

The game was designed by Steve Wozniak with input from Nolan Bushnell and Steve Bristow.

It has a simple yet addictive concept.

You control a paddle at the bottom of the screen.

Your goal is to bounce a ball against a wall of bricks at the top.

Each time the ball hits a brick, the brick disappears.

Inspired by Pong, Breakout adds a single-player twist.

Instead of competing against another player, you aim to clear all the bricks.

As you play, the game gets more challenging since the ball moves faster.

This game became a hit in the arcades, partially due to its easy-to-understand mechanics.

It requires quick reflexes and strategic thinking, making it a favorite for many.

Breakout’s success led to the development of many similar “block breaker” games.

These games continued to evolve, adding new features and complexities.

Playing Breakout is a fun trip back to the roots of video gaming.

It reminds you of a time when gameplay simplicity was key.

Even today, its influence can be seen in many modern games.

6) Centipede

Centipede is a classic arcade game released by Atari in 1981.

Designed by Dona Bailey and Ed Logg, it became one of the most popular games during the golden age of arcade video games.

In Centipede, you control a small shooter at the bottom of the screen.

Your goal is to destroy a centipede that winds its way down towards you.

As you shoot, the centipede splits into multiple segments, making the game more challenging.

You also face other pesky enemies, like spiders and scorpions.

A notable feature of Centipede is its appeal to a wide audience, including many female players.

The game’s simple yet captivating design made it a staple in arcades during the early ’80s.

Are you ready to defend against the oncoming swarm? Grab that joystick and aim carefully to clear the screen and move to the next level.

7) Frogger

Frogger hit arcades in 1981, developed by Konami.

You guide a frog across a busy road and a river full of hazards.

Frogger became super popular because players of all ages loved its simple yet challenging gameplay.

In North America, it was one of the top-grossing arcade games of 1981.

The game’s success led to many versions and adaptations over the years.

You could find it on various home consoles like the Atari 5200, Sega Genesis, and Game Boy.

The first Frogger cabinet was tested at Spanky’s Saloon in San Diego, and it quickly became a hit.

Frogger’s ability to attract a wide audience helped it sell over $135 million in arcade cabinets in the U.S. alone.

Today, you can still enjoy Frogger on modern platforms, ensuring that new generations get to experience this classic.

The game’s charm remains timeless, proving that some things never go out of style.

8) Pac-Man

Pac-Man came out in 1980 and quickly became a worldwide phenomenon.

You could find this game in almost every arcade.

The game was simple but addictive: you controlled Pac-Man, a yellow circle with a mouth, as he navigated a maze.

Your goal was to eat all the dots in the maze while avoiding four colorful ghosts.

Eating power pellets allowed Pac-Man to turn the tables and eat the ghosts for a short time.

Pac-Man was unique because it appealed to all ages and both genders.

Instead of focusing on shooting or sports, it offered a fun and engaging puzzle.

You could spend hours trying to master each level and beat your high score.

The game’s bright colors, catchy music, and quirky sound effects added to its charm.

The design of the ghosts was also a hit; each had its own personality and behavior.

This made the game more challenging and exciting.

Even after decades, Pac-Man remains a beloved classic, showcasing the enduring appeal of simple yet engaging gameplay.

If you ever visit an arcade, give Pac-Man a go and experience a piece of gaming history.

The Golden Era of Arcade Gaming

The late 1970s to the early 1980s marked a golden era for arcade games, defined by rapid technological advancements and significant cultural impact.

Iconic games like Space Invaders and Pac-Man became household names and forever changed the industry.

Technological Advancements of the 1970s

In the 1970s, arcade games saw major technological leaps.

New computing power and lower costs allowed developers to create more complex and engaging games.

The release of Space Invaders in 1978 was a game-changer.

It used a microprocessor for the first time, enabling smoother gameplay and more detailed graphics.

Following its success, many other shoot-’em-up games, like Galaxian, were developed.

Vector graphics also became popular during this time. Asteroids, released in 1979, used these graphics to offer a different visual style compared to raster graphics.

This change helped make games more visually appealing.

These technological innovations set the stage for the explosion of arcade games in the early 1980s.

More sophisticated and visually stunning games became possible, thrilling players around the world.

Cultural Impact of Arcade Games

Arcade games didn’t just change technology; they also influenced culture.

During the golden era, arcades became social hubs where people gathered to play games, compete, and socialize.

Games like Pac-Man, released in 1980, became part of popular culture.

The game’s character was featured in songs, TV shows, and merchandise, making it a global icon.

Arcades also had a massive economic impact.

They generated significant revenue, both from the games themselves and from the ancillary sales of food and drinks.

This economic boom contributed to their spread in shopping malls and other public spaces.

By the early 1980s, arcades were everywhere, attracting people of all ages.

The shared experience of playing and competing in these public spaces created a unique cultural phenomenon that lasted well beyond the golden era.

Iconic Game Developers

Game developers in the 1970s played a crucial role in shaping the arcade gaming industry.

Notable pioneers like Atari led the way, followed by other influential companies such as Namco and Midway.

Atari’s Rise to Fame

Founded in 1972 by Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney, Atari quickly became a household name.

Their first major success was Pong, released in 1972, which became a massive hit.

Atari continued to innovate with titles like Breakout and Asteroids, each pushing the boundaries of what arcade games could achieve.

These games not only brought technological advancements but also captured the public’s imagination.

The company remained a leader in the video game industry throughout the 1970s and early 1980s.

They developed a reputation for creating games that were both engaging and groundbreaking.

Notable games:

• Pong (1972)
• Breakout (1976)
• Asteroids (1979)

Other Pioneering Companies

Other companies also made significant contributions to the arcade gaming world.

Namco, founded in 1955 in Japan, introduced Galaxian in 1979 and later Pac-Man in 1980, which became iconic.

Midway, another key player, brought us titles like Space Invaders, which they licensed from Taito, and Galaga, both of which were monumental hits.

Taito, a Japanese company, introduced Space Invaders in 1978, setting a new standard for action and shoot-’em-up games.

These companies helped diversify the market and offered a range of gaming experiences.

Key contributions:

• Namco: Galaxian (1979), Pac-Man (1980)
• Midway: Space Invaders (1978), Galaga (1981)
• Taito: Space Invaders (1978)