Arcade games were all the rage in the 1970s and 1980s. They were a great way to kill time and have some fun.
Many of today’s popular console games got their start in arcades and have subsequently managed to remain rather popular with a newer generation of gamers, although it could potentially be argued that some have not been as successful as their glory days decades ago.
Nonetheless, while there are some timeless classics that many continue to enjoy, and some that have had spin-offs across various other gaming industries with some available as online pokies at Joe Fortune, there are others that will surprise gamers in regard to the origins of the title and how they started off.
Here is a list of 10 popular console games that began their life as arcade games!
Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong was one of the earliest arcade games. It was released in 1981 and became an instant hit. The game featured a then-unknown character named Mario who had to rescue a damsel in distress from the titular Donkey Kong. The game was so popular that it spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs, including the hugely popular Super Mario Bros. series.
Pac-Man
Pac-Man is one of the most iconic arcade games of all time. It was released in 1980 and became an instant classic. The object of the game is to navigate a maze while eating pellets and avoiding ghosts. The game was so popular that it was made available to play on other devices, including home consoles.
Street Fighter II
Street Fighter II was released in 1991 and quickly became one of the most popular arcade games ever made. The game featured a roster of characters from around the world who fought using a variety of special moves and combos. Street Fighter II was so popular that it spawned numerous sequels and imitators.
Final Fight
Final Fight was released in 1989 and is considered one of the best arcade games ever made. The game featured three playable characters who fought their way through hordes of enemies to rescue a kidnapped damsel in distress. Final Fight was so popular that it was made available to play on home consoles and spawned numerous sequels.
Space Invaders
Space Invaders is another classic arcade game that was released in 1978. The objective of the game is to destroy waves of aliens with a laser cannon. The game was so popular that it spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs, including Space Invaders II and Galaga.
Tetris
Tetris is a puzzle game that was released in 1984 after being created by Alexey Pajitnov. The game’s objective is to rotate and place tetrominoes to form complete lines. The game was so popular that it was made available to play across a variety of different platforms including home consoles, handheld devices, and even mobile phones.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a side-scrolling beat ’em up game that was released in 1989. The game featured the four titular characters who fought their way through hordes of enemies to rescue hostages and stop the villain Shredder. The game was so popular that it spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs, as well as other forms of media entertainment such as TV shows and films.
Marvel Vs. Capcom 2
Marvel Vs. Capcom is a fighting game that was released in 1996. The game featured characters from both the Marvel and Capcom universes who fought each other using a variety of special moves and combos. Marvel Vs. Capcom was so popular that it spawned numerous sequels, including Marvel Vs. Capcom: Infinite which was released in 2017.
Mortal Kombat II
Mortal Kombat II is a fighting game that was released in 1993. The game featured a roster of characters who fought using a variety of brutal moves and combos. Mortal Kombat II was so popular that it spawned numerous sequels and imitators.
Sonic the Hedgehog
Sonic the Hedgehog is a platform game that was released in 1991. The game featured a blue hedgehog who could run at super speed and use his spin attack to defeat enemies. Sonic the Hedgehog was so popular that it spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs, including the highly successful Sonic the Hedgehog franchise.
Final Thoughts
These are just a few of the many arcade games that were originally created as arcade games before being made available to play on home consoles. There are many others not to have been included on this list, too!
