Some ’80s games have stood the test of time.
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Considering the rise of home consoles that we saw within the decade, ‘80s video games paved the way for the industry we see today. Legendary characters, such as Mario and Donkey Kong, made their debuts in ’80s games, skyrocketing Nintendo to the top of the video game industry. Some of the best ’80s games are still loved and played today, while the influences of many more can be seen all across the industry. This list takes a trip down memory lane to look at these popular ’80s video games and decide which ones are worth giving a go 40 years later.
Classic ‘80s Video Games
With home consoles only becoming popularised in the 1980s, arcade games were some of the most popular games of the decade. Platformers, space shooters and action games were at the very top of the industry, with titles such as Pac-Man, Star Wars and Super Mario Bros all being heavily played.
While those home consoles would go on to change the way we play video games altogether, the actual games released also defined the industry. Many huge franchises began in the ’80s, with games such as Super Mario Bros going on to be some of the best-selling games of the decade. This list takes a look at these legendary titles, taking a trip down memory lane to see how they changed the industry, and picks the best of the best that you should still be playing today.
30. R-Type
Platforms: Arcade
A horizontally scrolling shooter, R-Type was released by Irem in 1987. R-Type forces players to play each level repeatedly, powering up as they learn the correct pathway. A game so influential it was remade multiple times, R-Type is great for players who want to learn the right way of doing things.
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29. Scramble
Platforms: Arcade
Konami’s first worldwide hit, Scramble, is a horizontally scrolling shooter that was released in 1981. Control a futuristic jet, avoid collisions, destroy enemies and make sure you don’t run out of fuel. Just like Pac-Man, it’s a simple concept, but it hits on every single point.
28. Boulder Dash
Platforms: Arcade, Atari, Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, Xbox, Switch
First Star Software’s maze-based puzzle game was released in 1984. Gameplay saw players tunnel through dirt to collect diamonds. The challenge comes when boulders and other hazards are dislodged, causing them to fall and crush the player. Perfect for players who like to think while they play.
27. Tempest
Platforms: Arcade, ZX Spectrum, Atari
Like Defender, Atari’s 1981 game Tempest features difficult and hard to master mechanics. A tube shooter that one or two players can take turns to play, the goal is simply to survive and score as many points as possible. It has alternating difficulty levels, so players who want to push themselves will love this.
26. Tron
Platforms: Arcade
Bally Midway’s 1982 arcade game Tron was inspired by the Disney classic film of the same name. Featuring four mini-games that represented parts of the film, Tron provides players with plenty of re-playability and unique gameplay. If you’re looking for an arcade game to sink some time into, this is the one for you.
25. Lords of Midnight
Platforms: ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64)
Developed by Mike Singleton, Lords of Midnight is an epic fantasy RPG that was released in 1984. Combining immersive and charming 3-D graphics with strategic, war gameplay, Lords of Midnight is a game that can be played in a multitude of ways. Perfect for players who like a little bit of variety.
24. Elite
Platforms: MS-DOS, ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64
A space trading and combat simulator developed by David Braben and Ian Bell, 1984’s Elite is regarded as one of the best games of the decade, and laid the groundwork for games released for decades to come. A genre-making game, if you love the history of games, you need to play this one.
23. Donkey Kong
Platforms: Arcade, ZX Spectrum, Atari, Commodore 64, Game Boy, Switch
The game that introduced Mario, Donkey Kong, saw everyone’s favorite Italian plumber set out to save Pauline from Donkey Kong. With four stages, Donkey Kong remains a surprisingly difficult challenge to complete, and all Mario fans need to play it.
22. SimCity
Platforms: SNES, ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, Atari
Developed by Maxis and released in 1989, SimCity is the city-builder that defined the genre. The game’s goal is to build a city, create its zoning laws, tax residents and ensure their happiness. It may be a little dated now, but if you love city-builders, this is a must-play.
21. Dungeon Master
Platforms: SNES, Atari, MS-DOS
Released in 1987 by FTL Games, Dungeon Master is a RPG game with a 3-D, first-person perspective. Utilising real-time combat instead of the turn-based approach that was common at the time, players set find a firestaff so they can destroy Lord Chaos. If you love dungeon crawlers, you’ll love this game.
20. The Hobbit
Platforms: Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum
Lord of the Ring fans will love this one. An interactive fiction game released in 1982 by Beam Software, it takes players through the story by letting them make choices through the use of a parser. Incredibly advanced game for the time, it really makes you feel like you’re experiencing Middle Earth in real-time.
19. The Legend of Zelda
Platforms: NES, Game Boy, GameCube
A game that spawned one of the biggest franchises in gaming history, Nintendo’s 1986 action-adventure game, The Legend of Zelda, was an instant classic. Playing as Link, players set out to rescue Princess Zelda from Ganon, collecting weapons and uncovering secrets while on their quest. Every fan of the Zelda games should play this.
18. Contra
Platforms: Arcade, NES
Konami’s 1987 game Contra is a run and gun game that set the tone for the genre for years to come. Able to be played solo and in two-player co-op, Contra sees players go on a mission to destroy enemies planning to wipe out humanity. A great choice for any lovers of action games.
17. Metroid
Platforms: Arcade, NES, Game Boy
Nintendo’s 1986 action-adventure game Metroid kicked off one of Nintendo’s great franchises. As Samus Aran, players attempt to retrieve Metroid creatures from Pirates who seek to clone them for their own gain. If you’re a fan of the Metroid games, you’ll love this one, especially for the reveal at the end of the game.
16. Final Fantasy
Platforms: NES
Another game that started a franchise, Square’s 1987 offering, Final Fantasy, is a legendary RPG. Following four youths who each carry an elemental crystal, the youths set out to destroy four Elemental Fiends and save their world. If you want to see how Final Fantasy made its name, this is the game for you.
15. Mega Man
Platforms: NES, PlayStation
Capcom’s 1987 game Mega Man is another franchise-starter that has mass popularity today. An action-platformer, players play as the titular hero to save the world from Dr. Wily. With nonlinear gameplay that allows players to choose the order they play the stages, Mega Man is perfect for players who love replayability.
14. Street Fighter
Platforms: Arcade, Commodore 64, Atari, ZX Spectrum
A series still going strong today, Capcom released the first Street Fighter game way back in 1987. Able to be played solo or against a friend, Street Fighter introduced special attacks to the fighter genre and stands the test of time as one of the best games the genre has to offer.
13. Star Wars
Platforms: Arcade, Atari, ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64
Atari’s 1983 rail shooter Star Wars allowed players to live out an iconic scene from cinema history, the Death Star assault from A New Hope. Playing as Luke Skywalker, players must avoid or destroy TIE Fighters and gun turrets until they destroy the Death Star. Every Star Wars fan needs to play this game.
12. Emlyn Hughes International Soccer
Platforms: Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, Atari
Named after English footballer Emlyn Hughes, Audiogenic’s Software’s 1988 sports game allowed players to play football either against the computer or against a friend. Gameplay might be more simple than the EA FC games of today, but it takes a lot of skill to master, and it’s perfect for soccer fans.
11. Prince of Persia
Platforms: Apple II, SNES, Game Boy, Atari, Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum
An iconic video game franchise, Broderbund’s Prince of Persia got its start in 1989. Utilising rotoscoping to provide players with realistic animation, Prince of Persia is a cinematic platformer where players have to lead the protagonist out of dungeons before time runs out. A must-play for Prince of Persia fans.
10. Defender
Platforms: Arcade, Atari
A horizontally scrolling shooter developed by Williams Electronics and released in 1981, Defender tasks players with defending astronauts from invading aliens. A game that features genuinely challenging levels, Defender is a game that is perfect for players that want to master something.
9. Super Mario Bros. 3
Platforms: Arcade, NES, Game Boy
The third Super Mario Bros. game released in the ’80s, this Nintendo platformer was released in 1988. Players control Mario or Luigi, and set out to save Princess Toadstool from Bowser. The first Super Mario Bros. to feature a world map between levels, this is a trip down memory lane for Mario fans.
8. Out Run
Platforms: Arcade
Sega’s 1986 driving game Out Run made you feel like you were seriously moving. Controlling a Ferrari Testarossa, players have to race against the clock while dodging traffic to reach a destination in time. Its influence on the industry is clear, and if you love timed racing, you’ll love this one.
7. Maniac Mansion
Platforms: Atari, Commodore 64
Developed by Lucasfilm games and released in 1987, Maniac Mansion is an adventure game that follows Dave Miller as he attempts to save his girlfriend from a mad scientist. With nonlinear gameplay and six playable characters, this is a game for people who want to be able to play something multiple times.
6. Frogger
Platforms: Arcade, Atari, Commodore 64
Released in 1981, Konami’s Frogger has one of the most recognizable gameplay loops in gaming. Playing as a frog, you have to cross a road and a river, dodging cars and other obstacles to safely make it to the other side. If you like playing Crossy Road, why not go and play the OG?
5. World Class Leaderboard
Platforms: Commodore 64, Atari
Access Software’s 1984 game is a golf game that features real life courses. Without any indication of the power you apply to each stroke, you’re meant to just feel it, and that’s difficult. For lovers of golf and gaming fans who like a genuine skill curve, this might be the greatest game ever made.
4. Missile Command
Platforms: Arcade, Atari, Game Boy
Atari’s 1980 arcade shoot ‘em up Missile Command perfectly preyed upon the Cold War fears of the time. Using a trackball, players had to defend cities from intercontinental ballistic missiles by shooting them down with missiles of their own. A great game for those who like experiences like Space Invaders.
3. Tetris
Platforms: MS-DOS, Apple DOS
Created in the Soviet Union by Alexey Pajitnov, the story of Tetris’ worldwide release is something out of a spy movie. Finally coming to the West in 1988, the puzzle gameplay of arranging falling obstacles is completely addictive. For players who like to beat their own high scores, look no further than Tetris.
2. Pac-Man
Platforms: Arcade
Perhaps the most iconic arcade game of all time, Namco’s 1980 classic Pac-Man is still played and loved today and has spawned spin-off games such as Pinball and World Rally, a kart-racing game.
Pac-Man itself has a very easy concept: Eat all the dots inside a maze while you avoid four colored ghosts. It’s simple, it’s addictive and it’s no surprise that it’s stood the test of time. Perfect if you’re just looking to relax and don’t want to get too sucked in.
1. Super Mario Bros.
Platforms: Arcade, NES
Released in 1985 by Nintendo, Super Mario Bros. is the first title in the iconic series. Sending players out as either Mario or Luigi, players must advance through side-scrolling worlds to rescue Princess Toadstool from Bowser. You know the story. You know the gameplay. If you love Mario games, you’ll love this.
Bottom Line
1980s video games were nothing short of revolutionary. Whether they were produced for arcades or for the plethora of new home consoles, they captivated audiences like no games had before. Laying the grounds for the industry, the impact of ’80s games is still clear today.
