Arcade (coin-op)

The coin-operated arcade video game cabinet was the first video game platform to gain mass approval. The first known arcade game, Galaxy Game, was operational in 1971. Galaxy Game was essentially an arcade port of Spacewar!, one of the earliest computer games, that charged patrons ten cents to play one game. However, as only one Galaxy Game cabinet was designed, its commercial merits were limited. The first arcade game that succeeded from a financial standpoint was Pong, developed and published by Atari in 1972. Formerly, arcade machines were the major source of revenue for video game companies, however, with the rise of home consoles, this began to change. Even though arcade cabinets could offer better graphics and controls than home consoles, the convenience and the perceived value of the consoles won over the masses. Pundits have been predicting the death of the arcade for the past two decades, but the platform nevertheless persists. The majority of the most successful arcade games are those in the fighting, action (particularly shooters) and driving genres. However, more unique titles like Dance Dance Revolution have also found success.

The Greatest Arcade Games of All-time:

1. [2] Tetris (1986)
2. [6] Street Fighter (series) (1991)
3. [26] Pac-Man (series) (1980)
4. [35] Virtua Fighter (series) (1993)
5. [42] Space Invaders (1978)
6. [45] Pong (1972)
7. [55] Tekken (series) (1998)
8. [57] Donkey Kong (1981)
9. [70] Dance Dance Revolution (series) (1999)
10. [75] Daytona USA (1994)
11. [76] Tempest (1980)
12. [88] Mortal Kombat II (1993)
13. [92] After Burner (1987)
14. [98] Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo (1996)
15. [104] Defender (1980)
16. [106] OutRun (series) (1986)
17. [113] Robotron 2084 (1982)
18. [117] Sega Rally (series) (1995)
19. [148] Final Fight (1989)
20. [152] Galaga (series) (1981)
21. [157] NBA Jam (1993)
22. [164] Asteroids (1979)
23. [169] R-Type (1987)
24. [178] Gradius (series) (1986)
25. [179] Double Dragon (1987)