5 Best ’70s Arcade Games Of All Time, Ranked

The birth of the arcade scene happened in the 1970s, taking those early computer games and putting them in commercially available cabinets worldwide. From simple displays of moving lines and dots to more advanced vector-based animation and spritework, the medium evolved dramatically across the decade. Some forgotten arcade games from the ’70s really made the scene what it was, even if they aren’t as widely recognized today. But beyond impact and enduring appeal, today we’re looking at the arcade games from the ’70s that tower above the rest released during the decade.

From ’70s arcade titles that changed gaming forever to the enduring classics that we still love today, we’re delving into our favorite arcade games from the era. Many of these games still hold up today, while the impact of these titles can still be felt throughout the industry. The ’70s was an enormously pivotal decade for gaming, and it was these titles that led the charge. These are the five best ’70s arcade games of all time ranked, epitomizing the medium during the decade.

5. Pong

Though it was predated by “Computer Space” the year before, “Pong” helped cement arcade games’in its presentation and gameplay, basically coming off as an electronic variation on tennis. Using rotating knob controls, players move the paddles to deflect the ball to try to get past their opponent. In the original version of the game, the first player to reach 11 points is declared the winner

“Pong” is reportedly the first commercially successful video game and certainly the one that put its publisher and developer, Atari, on the map. In addition to its popularity at arcades, the game received numerous ports on home platforms, expanding its legacy. The game is also a clear reminder that a simple concept and gameplay mechanics are all you need to deliver a fun-filled experience. The ultimate in enduring gaming, “Pong” continues to stand the test of time well over 50 years after its release.

4. Asteroids

Another black-and-white Atari classic is “Asteroids,” as the prolific developer and publisher added its own twist to the space shooter genre. Whereas contemporaries featured players in a fixed location at the bottom of the screen, the 1979 game lets players rotate and move in 360 degrees. Players blast asteroids filling up the level, which then break into smaller and faster moving pieces until they’re eventually obliterated completely. When surrounded, players can risk jumping into hyperspace, teleporting to a random location on the screen, but could appear directly in harm’s way.

With its omnidirectional scope, “Asteroids” offered a relatively unique take on arcade space shooters at the time. The game also places a stronger emphasis on physics than its contemporaries, as asteroid fragments move at an accelerated pace, raising the intensity and challenge. Atari subsequently ported their arcade classic to virtually every home console it had in the ’80s, but that original version has its own charm. Ambitious for its time and still a lot of fun to play, “Asteroids” helped Atari stay on top in the North American gaming industry.

3. Super Breakout

One last Atari game to include on this list is “Super Breakout,” the 1978 sequel to Atari’s own 1976 arcade title, “Breakout.” Like its predecessor, “Super Breakout” is a block-breaker, now with a total of three modes for players to choose from. One mode allows for two paddles to be used, with two balls in play to keep players at full attention. Another mode adds up to three balls to be used simultaneously while the last mode has the breakable blocks descend steadily from the top of the screen.

When it comes to block-breakers released for arcades in the ’70s, “Super Breakout” is a clear cut above the rest. Feature-rich, the game gave fans plenty of different ways to play and revel in the block-breaking action with a heightened sense of challenge. The game’s subsequent ’80s home console ports were even better, not least because they were finally natively presented in full color. Offering steady replayability and easy to pick up and play, “Super Breakout” is the ultimate block-breaker released in the ’70s.

2. Space Invaders

Arguably the most recognizable arcade game released in the ’70s, “Space Invaders” has been a staple since 1978. Developed and published by Taito, the game popularized the space shooter genre as it placed players in a fixed row at the bottom of the screen. While moving left and right, players blasted descending rows of enemies while taking cover behind fortifications. With the enemies accelerating as time passes, the game ends when the player runs out of lives or the invaders reach the bottom of the screen.

“Space Invaders” created the space shooter formula that thrived in the arcade scene for years and connected with audiences. With its number of enemies on-screen compared to preceding titles, the game looked impressive for its time and its appeal has a timeless quality. Because of its worldwide success, “Space Invaders” inspired a wave of copycats, but it’s hard to top the classic. That said, the top spot on this list goes to a subsequent game that managed to handle its similar premise a bit better.

1. Galaxian

While “Space Invaders” popularized space shooters, the following year’s “Galaxian” improved upon the gameplay formula and presentation. Another fixed location space shooter, the Namco title features a much more vibrant presentation, including variations of enemy types and colored sprites. Enemies also regularly break formation and launch attacks on the player, keeping them on their toes as they anticipate attack patterns. In essence, “Galaxian” took the bones of “Space Invaders” and took everything to the next level, from technical possibilities to the gameplay itself.

Some may scoff at the idea of “Galaxian” topping “Space Invaders,” but just looking at the 1979 title, it should be clear that it’s superior. In addition to its more visually striking display, the gameplay feels subtly more refined than Taito’s title the preceding year. Namco improved upon the experience further with the game’s 1980 sequel “Galaga,” which became an ’80s game with endless replay value. But that all starts with “Galaxian,” which is a singularly impressive space shooter in its own right.