5 Arcade Games From 1986 That Still Hold Up Today

With the arcade scene vibrant throughout the ’80s, many popular arcade titles were released in 1986. From racing games to shoot’em ups, the video game medium was growing more diverse and technically sophisticated as the decade progressed. But more than just offering technological advances, many of the games released during this period still retain an enduring fun factor 40 years later. Even in the face of significantly more technically advanced titles, there is something that keeps us coming back to games released in 1986.

It’s games like these that are the ’80s video games that made arcades crowded, attracting casual players and high score chasers alike. Several of the franchises introduced in 1986 are still putting out new games today for new generations to enjoy. But there really is an undeniable charm to these original releases and the ’80s arcade scene that they vibrantly epitomized. 

Here are five arcade games from 1986 that still hold up today and are each well worth revisiting.

Ikari Warriors

Long before filling arcades with its fighting games like “Fatal Fury,” SNK found success with its run-and-gun games. This includes the top-down shooter “Ikari Warriors,” which feels like an alternate perspective precursor to Konami’s “Contra,” which debuted the following year. Taking cues from Capcom’s “Commando,” released in 1985, the game has players control special forces soldiers as they run towards the top of the level, blasting enemies in their way. The arcade cabinet’s joystick setup lets players move and aim more intuitively around them, while allowing for two-person co-op.

“Ikari Warriors” was ported to a number of home platforms, but this is a game that really excels on the arcade. This version features more natural gameplay mechanics and a more manageable difficulty, while its home versions are only fun if you cheat with its continue code. Buoyed by the game’s success, SNK created several other run-and-gun game properties like “Metal Slug” and the underrated ’80s video game “Guerrilla War.” But there’s something about “Ikari Warriors” that continues to loom large for the company’s arcade history that we still personally enjoy.

Arkanoid

Thanks to their straightforward presentation and gameplay mechanics, block-breaker titles have a tendency to age better than many of their contemporaries. Taito’s “Arkanoid” rethought what was possible for the genre without omitting the classic gameplay that made it an enduring presence in arcades. Not only boasting a vibrant display, the game features powered up balls and a variety of blocks as players progress through more than 30 levels. “Arkanoid” proved that block-breakers were still alive well into the ’80s, upping the presentation and gameplay depth involved.

Subsequent block-breakers, like “DX-Ball” and “Shatter,” feel like they’re directly influenced by what “Arkanoid” brought to the table. The game doesn’t try to change up the genre’s core gameplay that much but significantly enhances it compared to its counterparts. The types of power-ups, including equipping the paddle with blasters and deploying multiple balls, keep players on their toes and the gameplay fresh. “Arkanoid” keeps things relatively simple but makes its presentation look and sound far better than the genre ever had at that time while adding a light story.

Rampage

Midway Games put its own spin on the kaiju genre with its monster mash smash’em up “Rampage.” Players choose between a large gorilla, lizard, and wolf, the first two being legally distinct from King Kong and Godzilla, of course. Players are encouraged to tear down all the buildings on the screen while enduring attacks from the military trying to stop them. Heightening the kaiju-fueled spectacle, the arcade cabinet supports up to three-person multiplayer with players able to attack each other as they compete for the high score.

“Rampage” is a lot of fun, if a bit repetitive as players restart this cycle of municipal destruction with each level. When the franchise was revived over a decade later as “Rampage World Tour,” the gameplay wisely kept within the same basic mechanics as the original game, only updating the presentation. But for fans looking to blow off some steam by embracing their inner kaiju, the arcade title definitely delivers on that score. The ultimate in escapist action best enjoyed with friends, “Rampage” keeps things fun while keeping each level relatively quick to keep things from getting stale.

Bubble Bobble

One more Taito title to include on this list is “Bubble Bobble,” a deceptively deep platforming game. The game has players control a dragon able to trap enemies in bubbles which they can then send spiraling to their defeat. There are 100 stages to complete in all, each with unique layouts, with players pursued by an invincible enemy if they take too long to clear a stage. The title encourages a two-person cooperative multiplayer mode in order to unlock the game’s true happy ending, as well as a harder difficulty setting.

Whether on the arcade or the Nintendo Entertainment System, “Bubble Bobble” is an ’80s game that always feels great to pick up and play. While many video games are more fun playing with others, the Taito title takes that distinction to another level and makes it a key part of the experience. While the gameplay mechanics are simple enough, the game finds a way to keep things riveting as players progress through each level. Easily one of the greatest video games released in 1986, “Bubble Bobble” is Taito’s enduring classic.

Out Run

There were several arcade racing games released in 1986, like “Hang On,” but our personal favorite is “Out Run.” Developed and published by Sega, the game isn’t a conventional racing title, but instead, it has players try to reach a destination as quickly as possible. This is done through trying to find optimized routes in each map, all while avoiding traffic that’s filling up the roads. The gameplay feels like an homage to toxic driving, with players controlling a Ferrari convertible and encouraged to drive aggressively to succeed.

With its synthwave soundtrack and slick ’80s cars, “Out Run” is a racing game for the “Miami Vice” generation. It’s those elements, along with its nonlinear progression, that really makes the game stand out from its contemporaries. The expected high-octane thrills are there, but this is a driving game all about unapologetic and enduring vibes. Elevated by its embrace of ’80s cool, “Out Run” is a breezy good time and a welcome alternative to any number of generic racing titles.