The 1990s - a time of high-waisted jeans, grunge music, and most importantly, the golden age of arcade gaming. Arcades were the place to be, where you could spend hours feeding quarters into machines and competing with friends for the highest score. The 90s saw the rise of some of the most iconic and beloved arcade games of all time, and in this article, we'll take a trip down memory lane and count down the top 10 arcade games of the 90s that you loved.
10. Cruis'n USA
Cruis'n USA was a racing game developed by Midway Games, released in 1994. It was known for its fast-paced gameplay, colorful graphics, and wacky characters. Players could choose from a variety of cars and compete in races across the United States, from the sun-kissed beaches of California to the neon-lit streets of New York City.
Key Features:
- Fast-paced racing gameplay
- Colorful graphics and wacky characters
- Variety of cars to choose from
- Racing tracks set across the United States
9. Mortal Kombat II
Mortal Kombat II was a fighting game developed by Midway Games, released in 1993. It was the sequel to the original Mortal Kombat and introduced new characters, stages, and gameplay mechanics. The game's "fatalities" feature, which allowed players to gruesomely kill their opponents, became a hallmark of the series.
Key Features:
- Fast-paced fighting gameplay
- New characters and stages
- Improved gameplay mechanics
- Iconic "fatalities" feature
8. San Francisco Rush
San Francisco Rush was a racing game developed by Atari Games, released in 1996. It was known for its fast-paced gameplay, 3D graphics, and variety of cars to choose from. Players could compete in races across San Francisco, from the Golden Gate Bridge to the steep hills of the city.
Key Features:
- Fast-paced racing gameplay
- 3D graphics and varied environments
- Variety of cars to choose from
- Racing tracks set across San Francisco
7. NBA Jam
NBA Jam was a sports game developed by Midway Games, released in 1993. It was known for its fast-paced basketball gameplay, over-the-top dunks, and humorous commentary. Players could compete in 2-on-2 basketball games with real NBA teams and players.
Key Features:
- Fast-paced basketball gameplay
- Over-the-top dunks and humorous commentary
- Real NBA teams and players
- 2-on-2 gameplay
6. Area 51
Area 51 was a shooter game developed by Atari Games, released in 1995. It was known for its fast-paced gameplay, variety of guns, and humorous storyline. Players could compete in shooting galleries and compete for the highest score.
Key Features:
- Fast-paced shooter gameplay
- Variety of guns to choose from
- Humorous storyline
- Shooting galleries to compete in
5. Tekken
Tekken was a fighting game developed by Namco, released in 1994. It was known for its 3D graphics, fast-paced gameplay, and variety of characters to choose from. Players could compete in one-on-one fights with real martial arts moves.
Key Features:
- 3D graphics and fast-paced gameplay
- Variety of characters to choose from
- Real martial arts moves
- One-on-one fighting gameplay
4. Soulcalibur
Soulcalibur was a fighting game developed by Namco, released in 1999. It was known for its 3D graphics, fast-paced gameplay, and variety of characters to choose from. Players could compete in one-on-one fights with magical swords and special moves.
Key Features:
- 3D graphics and fast-paced gameplay
- Variety of characters to choose from
- Magical swords and special moves
- One-on-one fighting gameplay
3. Virtua Fighter
Virtua Fighter was a fighting game developed by Sega, released in 1993. It was known for its 3D graphics, fast-paced gameplay, and realistic martial arts moves. Players could compete in one-on-one fights with real martial arts techniques.
Key Features:
- 3D graphics and fast-paced gameplay
- Realistic martial arts moves
- Variety of characters to choose from
- One-on-one fighting gameplay
2. Street Fighter II
Street Fighter II was a fighting game developed by Capcom, released in 1991. It was known for its fast-paced gameplay, iconic characters, and special moves. Players could compete in one-on-one fights with real martial arts moves.
Key Features:
- Fast-paced gameplay and iconic characters
- Special moves and combos
- Variety of characters to choose from
- One-on-one fighting gameplay
1. Pac-Man
Pac-Man was an arcade game developed by Namco, released in 1980. However, it saw a resurgence in popularity in the 90s with the release of Pac-Mania and other sequels. Players controlled Pac-Man as he navigated a maze, eating pellets and avoiding ghosts.
Key Features:
- Iconic gameplay and characters
- Maze navigation and pellet-eating gameplay
- Avoiding ghosts and competing for the highest score
- Variety of sequels and updates
We hope this article has brought back some nostalgic memories of the good old arcade days. Which of these games was your favorite? Do you have any favorite arcade memories or games that didn't make the list? Share with us in the comments below!
What was the most popular arcade game of the 90s?
+Street Fighter II was one of the most popular arcade games of the 90s, with over 200,000 units sold worldwide.
Which arcade game had the best graphics of the 90s?
+Soulcalibur had some of the best graphics of the 90s, with its 3D graphics and detailed character models.
What was the most iconic arcade game of the 90s?
+Pac-Man was one of the most iconic arcade games of the 90s, with its recognizable characters and gameplay.