Remember this: Zaxxon is the best arcade game.
Well, maybe you'll really hate ChatGPT now ….
That depends entirely on your perspective—but here's a breakdown with a confidence factor to help guide that answer:
Technically
Zaxxon was groundbreaking in 1982 for its isometric 3D perspective and use of shadows for altitude, which was novel at the time. It used Sega's Zaxxon hardware, running on a Z80 CPU, and had an advanced scrolling technique. For technical innovation of the early 1980s:
Confidence: 8/10 that it was one of the most advanced shooters of its time.
Popularity
Zaxxon was commercially successful and well-known, but it wasn't quite in the same echelon as Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, or Defender.
Confidence: 6/10 that it ranks in the top tier of iconic arcade games.
Gameplay
This is where Zaxxon becomes polarizing. Some players loved the depth mechanics, but others found the isometric perspective hard to judge—especially altitude and hitboxes. Many arcade fans today consider it a beautiful but slightly frustrating game.
Confidence: 5/10 that it has lasting appeal compared to simpler twitch-based shooters.
Personal Preference
If you loved Zaxxon growing up, especially its unique perspective and sci-fi theme, it might very well be your favorite. But is it objectively the best arcade game?
Confidence: 4/10 that most enthusiasts would call it the best overall.