Let's Debate the Best Arcade Game Ever!

[thebman80]

I pick GYRUSS

Its a cross between Tempest and Galaga and It has kick ass music. Plus its one of the only game I know of that a red beer cup can fit perfect on the CP without spilling right in between the controls. Great for chugging after bonus rounds LOL.

 

[Hyde]

While it is not my personal favorite, Galaga is hands down the best arcade game of all time.

-Easy to learn, difficult to master
-Influential gameplay (sure, Moon Cresta an Galaxian came first, but Galaga really set off the space shooter genre)
-Perfect graphics and sound effects/music
-Bonus Rounds!
-Combine ships for double firepower (but risk an extra life!) = choices
-Memorable Cabinet
-Still in arcades today!

And yes, even though you said not to, here are some runner-ups and why I didn't choose them:

-Gravitar (way too difficult for a novice)
-Pac Man (Not as influential to later games as Galaga)

 

[Schusler]

No way,,, Robotron 2084!!!!!! Close the thread mods.....

 

[Scotty]

I like seeing all the Atari love in this thread. I have to go with whatever came I am playing at the time...

Seriously I have to pick Asteroids or Asteroids Deluxe. As a youngster I always picked Space Invaders or SI Deluxe over Asteroids, but now I have saw the light, Asteroids, or AD all the way!! I have been playing a lot of Centipede/Millipede lately too.

 

[tomdotcom]

It's robotron for me as well. If I could own only one dedicated cab robotron would be it. Fast paced action, takes skill and great hand/eye coordination. Great re-playability, awesome sound affects.

 

[DPtwiz]

Rampart best multiplayer game EVAR

 

[SuperSprint]

Not my favorite, which would be DK, but my vote goes for PacMan.

 

[simpsons99]

It's either Pac-man or DK Look at the history in these Titles. They are still loved 30 years later.

 

[TimothyC]

Robotron 2084!

 

[Phetishboy]

There are no right answers, only stupid questions.

 

[7146aaron]

DK

I have thought about this a little more. The legacy of DK is still going on with all the games with Mario caracters and the products, movies, cartoons, and there is more and more new Mario stuff coming out every year it seems. All this was spawned from DK. You cant say that about Asteroids or Pacman. Not the best game play but the best legacy without a doubt.

 

[tron guy]

tron & field-per-sports-duel

 

[Stuffmonger]

It's all about JOUST!
It's simple, yet very challenging.
It's fun to play when you suck, and it's fun to play if you are a master.
It's unique.

 

[VectorInvadr]

Star Wars !!!!!!!!!

 

[xxstatic]

I'm going to go with Zaxxon.

 

[Robotron Jon]

Robotron 2084

It never gets old.

Honorable mention:

Shooter: Galaga
Maze: Ms Pac
Driving: Don't have one (but not Pole Position)
Vector: Asteroids
Gun: Jurassic Park Lost World (kids love this game)
Sports: Don't have one (but not Track and Field)

 

[gozer5454]

Star Wars in cockpit form!

Although when most people hear the word "arcade", they probably will think more about Donkey Kong, Pacman, Centipede, and Defender.

 

[cleverlyj]

mario bros. it's a game where it can be really easy and then really hard a split second later. a lot of playability there.

 

[dahnz]

Defender. I never get tired of it.

 

[khabbi]

Out of all the games I have been addicted to over the years, there's nothing like Donkey Kong to me.

My Thoughts on other games mentioned-

Tempest- loved the game, just haven't played it enough in the last 15 years. Would love to own one. Great Vector game also.

Robotron- Can't give this one a fair shake since I haven't played it about 15 years also. Would love to give one a try!

Star Wars- Great game, but a little repetitive, I love it, but not the "best of all time" to me.
I almost think you could break this up by time period, IE, late 70's, 1980-82, 83-86, etc.. as each time period gave us something great!!