If you’re anything like us, hearing the phrase “arcade games"harkens back to a simpler time in life. Was it just because we were kids? Probably. But who doesn’t want to relive their childhood once in a while? The closest you can get is by introducing the kids in your life to some incredible arcade games, whether they’re the same ones you played or updated for the newest generations.
Keep in mind that phrase “arcade games” can refer to two concepts. First, you’re referring to actualcabinet arcade gamesthat can or could be found in a physical location called an arcade. Second, you’re referring toarcade-style gamesthat play like they could be a cabinet arcade game.
Arcade cabinet
ESRB Rating
E for Everyone (all editions)
There arefour Mario Kart Arcade GP gamesin total! The picture above shows the very first one from 2005. Then there was Mario Kart Arcade GP 2 not long after, in 2007. The third game, Mario Kart Arcade GP DX, arrived in 2013. Finally, the most recent edition is Mario Kart Arcade GP VR from 2017. Depending on your country and local arcades, you may see any of these, but GP DX is probably the most common.
These games function essentially the same as the Mario Kart games you have at home, but with all theadded benefit of large speakers, a cool chair, and a real wheel!People can play on their own, or multiple chairs can race against one another.
Horizon Chase Turbo
Platform(s)
Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Linux, Amazon Luna, Microsoft Windows, macOS
E for Everyone
Horizon Chase Turbo isa tribute to all those classic arcade driving gamesthat you might remember from childhood. You can see that inspiration in the art style; it’s blocky and simplistic, but very stylized and full of personality.
You’ll get to experience it in lots of different environments, too,from the packed city streets to icy mountain tracks.Up to 4 people can enjoy those races in split-screen co-op mode!
Beat Saberis an incredibly popular VR rhythm game that iseasy to understand but difficult to master.
Basically, you hold a red saber in one hand and a blue saber in the other. Using your VR controls, you need to use the blue saber to slice through blue blocks and the red saber for red blocks. These blocks are flying at you and match the tune of a selected song. It’ssurprisingly addictive, but alsogreat exercise!One reviewon Steam boasted “it’s the only reason why I’m in shape.”
VR Games like this are interesting because you might find them in an arcade - which is nice for those who don’t have the money to afford, or space to put, a VR set - but it’s also not unreasonable to see them in your home.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge is aside-scrolling beat ‘em up game, reminiscent of many of the old arcade cabinets that we enjoyed.
TMNT is a franchise that sells itself these days - who doesn’t love some mutant turtles forging brotherly bonds? - but the game was reviewed very well by critics on its own merits.Basically every aspect was praised,from the visuals to the seamless multiplayer to the charming writing. It sold more than a million copies in its first week.
Cupheadis a real challenge, but it’s a challenge that none of us can resist. This arcade-style game isbasically one long series of bosses.There’s stuff to do in-between, but the crux of the game is made up ofchallenging the next big, bad boss.Thankfully, that means there’s no need to feel embarrassed about failure; you’re expected to die (alot) before you learn the boss’ moves and the best weapons to bring along.
It was also a real passion project for its development team. The entire game was made with animation techniques akin to the classic Mickey Mouse cartoons, meaningeverything was painstakingly hand-drawn.The backgrounds were made with watercolors, then the whole thing was colorized in Photoshop. They began working on it in 2010, and it didn’t release until 2017.
Streets of Rageis a side-scrolling beat ‘em up franchise that dates back to the ’90s. Youplay as vigilanteswho used to be cops, but are now working outside the law totake down a crime syndicatein Wood Oak City.
The original trilogy was released between 1991 and 1994 and has been beloved by fans ever since. The world was thrilled when it learned that it would be treated toStreets of Rage 4in 2020. It released to great reviews,praising its replayability, co-op,andhomage to the ’90s.
