Jul. 14, 2025
Sega and Namco often went toe-to-toe in the arcades during the '90s; Virtua Fighter took on Tekken, while Ridge Racer and Daytona USA would compete for coinage. When it came to light guns, Sega had Virtua Cop and Namco had Time Crisis, both of which attracted their own fans for different reasons.
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However, Namco's offering was unique in that it introduced a foot pedal which not only caused your gun to reload but also allowed you to duck into cover. The catch is in the title; spend too long hiding, and you run out of time. The single-player original is so good we almost included it in this list, but the sequel – which allows two people to get involved – is arguably superior.
The most recent entry – the Unreal Engine-powered Time Crisis 5 – arrived in , proving that the series still has legs in the arcades.
One of the quintessential light gun games of the s, Operation Wolf takes a storyline you'd normally see in an action movie of the period and recreates it in video game form. The cabinet even features a life-sized Uzi, which will certainly have added to its appeal at the time of release.
The big, bold visuals helped to turn Taito's coin-op into a money-spinning classic, not just in arcades but also on home formats, such as the PC Engine, Master System, ZX Spectrum and Commodore Amiga.
Sequels followed, but they predictably failed to have the same impact. The game is about to be updated again this year, in the form of Operation Wolf Returns.
By the time Konami released Silent Scope in arcades, the light gun genre was in danger of becoming somewhat stale. This title – which came with a huge sniper rifle attached to its cabinet – gave it a shot in the arm (pun not intended).
The rifle has a tiny LCD display inside its scope, and the idea is that you use the main screen to locate your target and then use the scope screen to fine-tune your zoomed aim – just like a real sniper would do.
While it was impossible to replicate this setup in the home, Silent Scope received successful ports on the Dreamcast, PlayStation 2 and Xbox. Two sequels followed in and , with the third game being exclusive to the PS2.
Sega's Virtua Cop, very much like Virtua Fighter and Virtua Racing, really did feel like a groundbreaking release. It took the light gun shooter into the realm of 3D, building on the good work done in the company's scaler-based shooters (like Jurassic Park and Alien 3: The Gun) to offer the kind of depth and perspective that was often absent from 2D shooters like Operation Wolf and Duck Hunt.
Its sequel was even better, and that's why it makes this list. Great design, a stern challenge and some fantastic set-pieces make Virtua Cop 2 a rollercoaster ride from beginning to end – and one you shouldn't miss at any cost. The Saturn version is also excellent.
Sega's House of the Dead series has to rank as one of the most successful in the realm of light gun games, and that makes picking the 'best' entry tricky.
We've gone with the second outing, which feels like the one where Sega really found its zombie-slaying groove, but all of the HotD titles are worth a look. House of the Dead 2 is notable for its arcade-perfect Dreamcast port, which came with its own light gun accessory in some regions.
One of the most fun arcade games of all time (no, we won't hear otherwise), Namco's Lucky & Wild isn't just a light gun game – it's also a driving game.
The idea is that one player takes the wheel while the other mans the gun, but it's possible to play both roles at once (if you're skilled enough, that is). Boasting amazing 2D visuals and a keen sense of humour, Lucky & Wild is one heck of a ride – but sadly, it was never ported to any home system (although it is playable today via MAME).
Movie tie-ins are often a mixed bag, but this one is something of an exception. What could be cooler than blowing away advancing T-800s using a massive machine gun?
Showcasing impressive 2D visuals and plenty of links to the box office giant that was James Cameron's film, Terminator 2 Judgment Day is one of the most recognisable light gun shooters ever made. Its home ports are less impressive, of course, but they show just how huge this game was at the time.
While they've not been quite as acclaimed, Raw Thrills' more recent Terminator Salvation light gun shooter is also worth a look if you're a fan of the franchise.
Yes, there have been far superior light gun games for home consoles since Duck Hunt arrived on the scene in the '80s, but it earns its place on this list thanks to the fact that, for many people, it was their first introduction to the genre.
Outwardly simplistic but boasting more depth than you might at first think, Nintendo's NES shooter is still fun to play today – even if it has long since been overtaken in terms of mechanics and content. It will go down in history as one of the foundational examples of this game style.
Games which use digitised sprites fell in and out of fashion quite swiftly, but Konami's Lethal Enforcers arrived just as the boom was taking place and therefore earned its way into the hearts of many an arcade-going light gun fan.
For the standards of the time, it was as realistic as it got, and it was fun to brandish the 'Justifier' light gun – a blaster which would make the transition to home consoles when the domestic ports were released. Lethal Enforcers 2, which took the action back in time to the Wild West, is also good fun.
We've been a bit cheeky here and included a second House of the Dead entry, but hear us out on this one – Overkill is seriously good. In fact, it's such a crazy, rollercoaster ride of a video game that it stands alone, even by the zany standards of the rest of the series.
Not only is the action exciting, gore-filled and challenging, but there are also segments in Overkill which make the game feel like some kind of fever dream. It really has to be seen to be believed; it's a good job, then, that it was also released on the PlayStation 3.
Namco's Point Blank series (known as Gun Bullet in Japan) is effectively a shooting gallery-style experience which challenges players to blast as many targets as possible within a set time limit.
The colourful visuals, zany vibe and catchy music make all three Point Blank games worth a look, but this third outing is perhaps the best place to start.
Point Blank X () is the latest entry in the series and remains exclusive to arcades – but at least it proves that Bandai Namco hasn't completely forgotten about the franchise.
One of the most unique entries on this list, Elemental Gearbolt is a mixture of light gun shooter and RPG, and one of the best examples of the genre on the PlayStation.
Bolstered by lavish anime cutscenes directed by Shigeyuki "Rintaro" Hayashi (Metropolis, Galaxy Express 999) and a wonderful orchestrated soundtrack, Elemental Gearbolt is a must-play if you're a fan of this kind of game, purely to see how a humble light gun shooter can be expanded and enriched by adding in role-playing mechanics and AAA production values.
It also looks a lot like Sega's Panzer Dragoon series, which is no bad thing in our book.
Sega and Rambo go way back, with the character appearing on both the Master System and Mega Drive.
However, in the company decided to rekindle its relationship with Stallone's famous movie alter-ego in this Lindbergh-powered epic. The cabinet's 62-inch screen remains impressive even by modern standards, but it's the typically over-the-top Sega gameplay which really keeps you glued to the gun.
It's not all shooting, either; there are segments involving close-quarters combat and stealth missions. Tragically, Rambo was never ported to any home console – so if you're lucky enough to see a cabinet out in the wild, make sure you give it a go.
Sega and Namco may have been rivals in the light gun space, but with this gothic-themed blaster, the pair joined forces.
Developed by Sega's Wow Entertainment (which began life as Sega AM1 and these days is known by that name once more) and published by Namco, Vampire Night feels like a companion piece to House of the Dead (it even uses the same game engine), with blood-sucking enemies replacing flesh-eating zombies. It's also blessed with a surprisingly deep storyline for an arcade light gun shooter.
Because it was built on Namco's System 246 arcade hardware – which is based on the PlayStation 2 – a home port to Sony's system was quickly forthcoming at the close of .
Following on from Sega's earlier Jurassic Park light gun game released in , The Lost World: Jurassic Park would update the 2D scaled sprites with full-3D models for a more convincing (not to mention terrifying) experience.
With boss fights against such huge monsters as the Tyrannosaurus Rex and Carnotaurus, it's little wonder this particular game proved incredibly popular with arcade-goers, and it's not unusual to see cabinets still doing the rounds today.
It was housed in a huge pod-like cabinet which boasted a 50-inch screen and four-speaker surround sound, which also added to its popularity.
Welcome, retro gamers and arcade enthusiasts! Let’s dive into the best classic arcade games of all time with our classic arcade games list! From pixelated adventures to cigarette burnt joystick showdowns, these games defined an era and continue to be beloved by gamers worldwide.
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Classic Arcade Games List #100-74
Classic Arcade Games List #75-49
Classic Arcade Games List #50-26
Classic Arcade Games List #25-1
I can’t in good conscience include this in the top 100, because frankly the game itself was…not good. The gameplay sort of followed the same idea as Dragon’s Lair that you were required to do certain action’s at designated times to progress to the next scene and repeat. However, few games captivated an audience in our local arcade as Time Traveler. The first game I ever saw to cost a dollar to play and virtually impossible to beat without many multiple playthroughs.
Still that hologram gimmick always drew a crowd.
Navigate ladders and platforms while defeating enemies in this charming puzzle-platformer.
Help Popeye collect hearts, musical notes, and more while avoiding Bluto.
An enhanced sequel to Galaga with improved graphics and gameplay.
Explore colorful caverns while shooting enemies in this multidirectional shooter.
Swing from vine to vine, swim, and run through the jungle to rescue the girl.
Race in Formula 1 cars and avoid obstacles to qualify for the Grand Prix. Came in standard cab and and incredible sit down cabinet. The coolest of the 80’s!
Introduced shotguns and branching paths to the horror-themed lightgun series, offering players more strategic choices and replayability. It feels weird putting this on a classic list, but it’s officially old enough to drink and vote.
A side-scrolling run and gun game with stunning hand-drawn graphics, intense action, and a quirky sense of humor.
Drive a moon buggy, jump over craters, and shoot obstacles in this unique arcade classic. Theme song is a bop that will stick with you.
A popular lightgun shooter set in a secret military base, best known for its fast-paced action and cooperative gameplay.
Guide a marble through obstacle-filled courses, requiring precision and timing. Another trackball gem.
Race against opponents in this top-down view racing game.
Drive through cities, paint the roads, and avoid police cars in this quirky and colorful arcade classic. All-timer soundtrack!
Defend against waves of demons in this unique shooter with a medieval theme.
Sadly, somewhat forgotten space shooter that was unique for it’s multiple gameplay modes, each level offering a different challenge.
Shoot alien birds and their mothership in this classic vertical shooter.
Introduced an innovative free-roaming space combat experience in an era dominated by linear shooters.
Guide the police mouse to retrieve stolen goods from cats in this cheerfully great platformer. (scope out the size of that marquee!)
Master precision and timing in this pioneering one-on-one fighting game that laid the groundwork for future martial arts arcade titles. RED!
Race through rugged tracks in this thrilling off-road arcade game, featuring high-speed action and competitive multiplayer gameplay. I don’t know where Ivan “Ironman” Stewart is today but thanks, my dude!
Serve drinks to thirsty patrons as quickly as possible in this fast-paced and highly entertaining bartending arcade game. Super fun beer tap controls.
Fly through fantastical landscapes, dodging obstacles and blasting enemies in this fast-paced, third-person rail shooter. The arcade version featured an immersive cockpit cabinet
Pioneering lightgun shooter with early 3D graphics and intense action, setting the standard for the genre.
A first-person shooter that let players relive iconic scenes from the Star Wars movies, with impressive graphics and engaging gameplay
Racer that takes players through diverse tracks across the United States, celebrated for its enjoyable and easy-to-pick-up gameplay.
Pilot a tank and destroy enemy tanks in a 3D vector graphics environment.
An updated version of Asteroids with improved graphics and new challenges.
A racing game that offered realistic driving physics and detailed tracks, providing a thrilling mix of pavement and off-road racing experiences. Players must juggle between different grip levels as each stage progresses.
Shoot down wave after wave of alien formations in this precursor to Galaga.
Play as a giant monster and destroy cities while avoiding military forces.
A fighting game that stood out with its combo system, detailed graphics, and memorable characters.
Assemble burgers while avoiding enemies in this quirky and fun game.
A weapon-based 3D fighting game that impressed with its fluid animations, diverse characters, and engaging combat.
A challenging platformer with spooky monster enemies and levels from Capcom.
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A vertical shooter with powerful weapons and enemies.
A side-scrolling shooter set in the Wild West. Players team up to take down outlaws and collect bounties. Its unique blend of cooperative gameplay and Western-themed action made it a standout hit in arcades.
An intense lightgun shooter that lets players take on the role of the Terminator, battling through waves of enemies to prevent Judgment Day. Featuring digitized graphics and voices from the movie, it delivered an immersive arcade experience that captured the essence of the blockbuster film.
A lightgun game where you take down enemies in various missions.
Mortal Kombat 3 represented the ultimate culmination of the series, refining its brutal combat system and introducing a rich roster of characters with diverse fighting styles. With enhanced graphics, new fatalities, and innovative gameplay mechanics like combo chaining and the “Run” button, it delivered the most polished and intense experience of the franchise to date.
An update to the classic Asteroids game with new features.
Use your bionic arm to swing through levels in this unique platformer.
A racing game based on the popular manga and anime, featuring realistic driving physics and iconic cars from the series you can actually sit in. Don’t spill your tofu!
A precursor to the Guitar Hero series, this rhythm game challenged players to hit notes in time with the music using a guitar-shaped controller.
A side-scrolling shooter with unique weapons and enemies, a visual and gameplay masterpiece.
Play as a ninja and rescue hostages in this stealth and action-packed game.
Land a spacecraft on the moon with precision and control. Utilizing a realistic physics engine, players must carefully manage their fuel and thrust while navigating treacherous lunar terrain.
A shooter where you manage fuel and ammo, requiring resource management and skill.
Destroy the rotating shields and defeat the star castle in this challenging shooter.
A vertical shooter with hidden targets to find, blending discovery and destruction.
Navigate buildings and complete missions in this blend of platforming and shooting.
The sequel to the popular racing game with new tracks and improved gameplay.
A unique driving game where players raced against the clock to deliver passengers in a bustling city environment. Ya, ya, ya, ya yaaaaah!
Defend your cities from incoming missiles with quick reflexes and strategy. Amazing trackball action!
Build bombs to destroy the evil Sinistar in this frantic and challenging space shooter.
An under-the-radar gem from the 90s, Windjammers combines fast-paced, competitive disc-throwing action with vibrant, colorful graphics. Though it flew under the radar during its initial release, it has found a dedicated audience in recent years, due to it’s fun easy gameplay and pure 90’s feel.
Capture enemies in bubbles and pop them in this all timer for cuteness and addictiveness.
A run and gun game that’s synonymous with difficulty and fun.
A twin-stick shooter where you compete in a deadly game show, surviving waves of enemies.
An updated version of Gauntlet with better graphics and gameplay. This action-packed dungeon crawler introduced new characters, power-ups, and expansive levels. Gauntlet Legends allowed you to save your character’s level at the arcade via initials and a PIN code.
Pilot a fighter jet and shoot down enemies in this fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping game. After Burner set itself apart with its unique moving arcade cabinet that bothtilted and swiveled.
Massive arcade smash hit basketball game with over-the-top action and memorable catchphrases. Boomshakalaka!
A run and gun game where you take down drug dealers in a gritty theme. Over the top 90’s police in Porsches!
A hack and slash where you team up with Conan, Red Sonja, and a dwarf to defeat enemies with powerful moves. It’s a fantasy brawler delight.
The first 3D fighting game that wowed with its graphics and realistic fighting style. It paved the way for all future 3D fighters.
A beat ’em up where you play as your favorite mutants and team up to save the day. Came in 2, 4 and an incredible 6 player version for the ultimate X-perience (see what I did there?)
A lightgun game with a pedal for cover, adding a whole new layer of gameplay.
A high-speed racing game featuring realistic graphics, smooth controls, and a multiplayer mode that allowed you to challenge up to 3 of of your friends on the oval. Sega Rally improved on this, but Daytona’s initial impact can’t be overstated.
Step on the arrows to the beat of the music. It brought a new dimension to arcade gaming.
A crossover fighting game featuring characters from Marvel Comics and Capcom’s video games, featuring fast-paced action, beautiful 2D animation and flashy combos.
A multiplayer arcade game where players defend their castles from incoming fireballs using a shield. One of the most fun 4-player games ever made, it combines elements of Pong and Breakout, offering intense, competitive gameplay that’s easy to learn.
A racing game with a convertible and branching paths, standing out for its relaxed vibe and incredible soundtrack. Magical Sound Shower!
A lightgun game where you shoot zombies in a thrilling, horror-filled experience.
Transform into beasts and defeat enemies in this beat ’em up classic.
A vertical shooter set in World War II. Shoot down enemy planes in this classic arcade video game. Its unique loop-de-loop mechanic allowed players to dodge enemy fire, adding a strategic layer to the fast-paced action and setting it apart from other shooters of its time.
Fly a knight riding a flying ostrich and defeat enemy knights. Unique and engaging, it’s still fun today.
Relive the trench run from the original movie in vector graphics. A must-play for any Star Wars fan. Some of the most gorgeous side-art of any arcade cabinet ever.
Drive a car equipped with weapons to take down enemy vehicles, like James Bond on wheels.
Jump on cubes to change their color while avoiding enemies. A challenging yet charming game.
Tunnel through the ground and inflate enemies until they burst in this unique and addictive game.
Fly through a space fortress and shoot enemies in this innovative isometric shooter.
Choose your hero and fight through dungeons filled with monsters. Cooperative play between 4 distinct Dungeons & Dragons influenced characters made this game a hit.
Deliver newspapers while avoiding obstacles. A fun and quirky take on arcade action with a cool bicycle handle controller.
Compete in various Olympic events by rapidly pressing buttons. It’s all about skill and timing.
Pilot a claw-like spaceship along the rim of a 3D tunnel, shooting enemies in this unique tube shooter.
Box your way through various opponents, each with unique patterns and strategies. No Mike Tyson to be found…yet!
An animated adventure game with quick-time events, groundbreaking animation by Don Bluth studios.
A 2 player beat ’em up classic where you rescue a kidnapped girl. Debatably the most important side-scrolling beat ’em up of all time.
Defend the last human family from relentless waves of robots. Intense and fast-paced twin-stick shooter action. One of many masterpieces by Eugene Jarvis.
Known for its violent gameplay and fatalities. It pushed the boundaries of what an arcade game could depict and caused moral panic among an entire generation of 90s parents.
Inspired by the movie, it features multiple game genres and controller in one arcade machine. A licensed visual and gameplay treat.
Protect humans from alien abductions in this side-scrolling shooter. A game changer for its complexity, intensity and radar screen.
A sequel that surpassed the original with better gameplay and new mazes, among the most popular and sought after arcade games to this day.
Pioneered the fighting game genre with its diverse characters and special moves. A defining game in the arcade industry.
Blast through segmented insect enemies as they crawl down the screen. Fast-paced and frenetic trackball smash hit.
Help the frog cross a busy road and river. Simple yet addictive, it’s popularity led to it’s being the focus of entire episode of Seinfeld.
Fly a spaceship and destroy asteroids before they crash into you. Its innovative vector graphics and the ability to control the ship’s thrust and rotation added a level of precision and strategy, making it a groundbreaking game in the arcade industry.
A thrilling shooter where you fend off alien formations. Its innovative mechanics at the time, such as the ability to rescue captured ships to double your firepower, added depth and excitement, solidifying its S-Tier legendary shooter status.
Shoot waves of enemy aliens in the original iconic shooter game. One of the first video games to reach legendary status.
Explore the background and significance of Space Invaders: Space Invaders History.
Help Jumpman (aka Mario) rescue Pauline from the clutches of the giant ape. Considered the first platformer, introduced Mario to the world.
Learn more about the origins of Donkey Kong and Mario: Donkey Kong History.
Navigate the maze while avoiding ghosts. The single recognized video game of all time and a cultural phenomenon that redefined arcade action.
Learn more about the cultural impact and history of Pac-Man on the official Pac-Man website: Pac-Man History (PAC-MAN Official).
Whether you’re a fan of Pac-Man, Street Fighter, or Frogger, these games hold a special place in the hearts of gamers young and old. They are a reminder of simpler times, where the only thing that mattered was getting the high score and beating your friends.
So, next time you come across an arcade cabinet, take a moment to appreciate the history and nostalgia that these classic games bring. Who knows, you may just find yourself lost in the pixelated world of 8-bit gaming once again. From Pac-Man to Donkey Kong, these games have stood the test of time and have become ingrained in popular culture. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a die-hard enthusiast, there’s no denying the impact these games have had on the gaming world.
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