15 Iconic Arcade Games from the ’80s and ’90s You Forgot About
These forgotten arcade gems from the ‘80s and ‘90s once ruled the gaming world, and it’s time to give them the credit they deserve.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
Arcades were magical places filled with flashing lights, endless beeps, and that one kid who was way too good at Street Fighter. While classics like Pac-Man and Mortal Kombat still get all the love, many other incredible games have slipped through the cracks. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and rediscover 15 underrated arcade masterpieces.
1. Sunset Riders
Konami on Wikimedia Commons
Before Red Dead Redemption, there was this fast-paced, side-scrolling cowboy shooter. You and your friends could play as bounty hunters taking down outlaws in the Wild West. The colorful graphics and over-the-top action made every duel feel like a spaghetti western on steroids. It had charm, chaos, and just the right amount of cheesy voice lines.
2. Snow Bros
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Imagine if Bubble Bobble and a snowstorm had a baby. You played as a chubby snowman, throwing snowballs to freeze enemies and rolling them into giant, destructive snow boulders. It was simple but addictive, with each level getting trickier as you scrambled to stay alive. The catchy music and goofy animations made it impossible to play just once.
3. Cadillacs and Dinosaurs
Rico Shen on Wikimedia Commons
A game where you punch dinosaurs in the face while driving a Cadillac? Instant masterpiece. Based on the cult comic series, this beat-em-up had ridiculous action, over-the-top characters, and nonstop fun. The mix of mutants, prehistoric chaos, and street fighting made it feel like someone threw every cool idea into a blender.
4. The Punisher
小石川人晃 on Wikimedia Commons
Long before superhero games were a big deal, this brutal beat-em-up let you play as Marvel’s angriest vigilante. You could unleash furious combos, use enemy weapons, and even throw bad guys through windows. The action was fast, the levels were intense, and the bosses were satisfyingly tough. It was the perfect game for anyone who thought Batman wasn’t violent enough.
5. Alien vs. Predator
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This game lets you play as either a Predator, a space marine, or a futuristic ninja, all while fighting off endless waves of Xenomorphs. The combat was smooth, the enemies were relentless, and every level felt like a sci-fi action movie. The Predators had crazy weapons, and the humans had explosive firepower, making every fight feel like a war zone. It was an arcade brawler that deserved way more attention.
6. Ninja Baseball Bat Man
小石川人晃 on Wikimedia Commons
Yes, that’s really the name. It was a side-scrolling beat-em-up where you played as baseball-themed ninjas fighting robot umpires and evil sports equipment. The gameplay was frantic, the designs were bizarre, and it was weird in the best possible way. Few people played it, but those who did never forgot its absolute madness.
7. Toki
VMzB on Wikimedia Commons
This game was about a caveman who got turned into a fireball-spitting monkey. You had to hop through jungles, dodge monsters, and spit your way to victory. It was tough, weird, and had some of the most bizarre enemy designs in arcade history. A remake emerged years later, but the original still has a strange, goofy charm.
8. Rastan
Orderinchaos on Wikimedia Commons
Basically, this was Conan the Barbarian in video game form. You slashed your way through monsters, climbed ancient ruins, and collected legendary weapons. The soundtrack was pure ‘80s epicness, making you feel like you were starring in a low-budget fantasy film. It was brutal, but beating it made you feel like a true warrior.
9. Magic Sword
Rob Boudon on Wikimedia Commons
This sword-swinging, dungeon-crawling adventure was an arcade classic that doesn’t get enough credit. You climbed a massive tower, freeing captured heroes who would then fight alongside you. The action was nonstop, with giant bosses, deadly traps, and a constant sense of urgency. It was like an old-school RPG mixed with a side-scrolling hack-and-slash.
10. Growl
George Hotelling on Wikimedia Commons
Indiana Jones meets PETA in one of the strangest beat-em-ups ever made. You played as an animal-loving hero who punched poachers into oblivion while rescuing endangered wildlife. The game threw everything at you, from evil hunters to rampaging elephants, and somehow made it all work. It was cheesy, ridiculous, and a little ahead of its time.
11. Vendetta
DC Vertigo o Wikimedia Commons
Vendetta was the ultimate ‘90s arcade brawler for fans of gritty street fights. It had four playable characters, each with brutal moves, and let you smash through gangs with whatever weapons you could find. The combat was raw, with enemies who didn’t play fair and bosses who made you work for every win. It felt like an action movie straight out of a VHS tape.
12. Shadow Dancer
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A ninja game where you had a pet dog that helped attack enemies was an instant classic. This Shinobi sequel kept the fast-paced swordplay but added a four-legged sidekick, making every battle more strategic. The challenge was high, but once you mastered the controls, it was ninja perfection.
13. Night Slashers
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Zombies, vampires, and cyborgs were in one of the goriest beat-em-ups ever made. You played as monster hunters using brutal special moves to rip through undead hordes. The art style was dark and horror-inspired, making it stand out from other arcade games. It was like a B-movie horror flick turned into a button-mashing masterpiece.
14. Cyberbots: Full Metal Madness
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This game would let you pick a pilot and then hop into a giant, customizable battle mech. The fights were fast, the animations were slick, and every robot had a unique feel. It never got as famous as Street Fighter, but its mecha combat was deep and satisfying. It was a hidden gem for anyone who loved giant robot battles.
15. Darkstalkers
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Street Fighter had the fame, but Darkstalkers had style. This fighting game featured vampires, werewolves, and mummies in over-the-top battles with insane moves. The characters were weird, the animation was gorgeous, and the combos felt ahead of their time. It deserved more attention and is still one of Capcom’s coolest creations.