Arcade games are a genre of games that are known for their addictive gameplay and their challenge. They usually have short play times, consistent difficulty, and simple controls. They are also marked by their increase in challenge as the game progresses. Some popular examples of arcade games include Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Tetris.
Best Arcade Games on Mobile
However, arcade games are not limited to the old-school classics. There are many modern arcade games that you can play on your mobile device that offer a variety of themes, settings, and mechanics. Whether you want to race, shoot, jump, or puzzle, there is an arcade game for you.
We will introduce you to 10 of the best arcade games that you can play on your mobile device. These games are fun, engaging, and challenging. They will keep you entertained for hours and test your skills and reflexes.
1. Asphalt 9: Legends
Asphalt 9: Legends is the latest game in one of the most popular arcade racing franchises on mobile. The game features stunning graphics, realistic physics, and fast-paced action. You can choose from over 100 cars from famous brands and customize them to your liking. You can also race across various locations around the world and compete with other players online.
Asphalt 9: Legends is a game that offers a lot of excitement and variety. You can use various modes, such as career, events, multiplayer, and club, to enjoy different aspects of the game. You can also use various features, such as nitro, drift, shockwave, and 360° spins, to perform amazing stunts and boost your speed.
Asphalt 9: Legends is free to play on the Google Play Store, but it offers in-app purchases to unlock more content.
2. Crossy Road
Crossy Road is a simple but addictive arcade game that challenges you to cross various roads, rivers, and tracks without getting hit by cars, trains, or other obstacles. You can choose from over 150 characters, such as chicken, frog, unicorn, and zombie, and unlock new ones as you play. You can also play with your friends or other players online and see who can get the highest score.
Crossy Road is a game that offers a lot of fun and charm. The game has a pixelated art style that is colorful and cute. The game also has a lot of humor and references to pop culture. The game is easy to play but hard to master.
Crossy Road is free to play on the Google Play Store, but it offers in-app purchases to remove ads and buy coins.
3. Duet
Duet is a minimalist but challenging arcade game that tests your concentration and coordination. You have to control two balls that are attached by a circle and rotate them to avoid the obstacles that come your way. The game has over 100 levels that are divided into nine chapters, each with its own theme and music.
Duet is a game that offers a hypnotic and immersive experience. The game has a sleek design that is elegant and soothing. The game also has a captivating soundtrack that matches the mood of the game. The game is hard but fair.
Duet is free to play on the Google Play Store, but it offers in-app purchases to unlock more modes and features.
4. Fruit Ninja
Fruit Ninja is one of the most popular arcade games on mobile that has been around for over a decade. The game is simple but satisfying: you have to swipe your finger across the screen to slice as many fruits as possible while avoiding the bombs that will end your game. You can also use various power-ups, such as freeze, frenzy, and double points, to boost your score.
Fruit Ninja is a game that offers a lot of fun and freshness. The game has colorful graphics that are appealing and juicy. The game also has various modes, such as classic, arcade, zen, and event, to suit different preferences and moods. The game is easy to play but hard to put down.
Fruit Ninja is free to play on the Google Play Store, but it offers in-app purchases to buy coins and power-ups.
5. Geometry Dash
Geometry Dash is a rhythm-based arcade game that requires you to tap the screen to make your character jump over spikes, gaps, and other obstacles while following the beat of the music. The game has over 20 levels that are each unique and challenging. You can also create your own levels using the level editor and share them with other players online.
Geometry Dash is a game that offers a lot of challenge and satisfaction. The game has a neon style that is flashy and cool. The game also has a catchy soundtrack that matches the tempo of the game. The game is hard but rewarding.
Geometry Dash is available for $1.99 on the Google Play Store.
6. Jetpack Joyride
Jetpack Joyride is an endless runner arcade game that features Barry Steakfries, a guy who steals a jetpack from a secret laboratory and goes on a wild ride. You have to tap the screen to make Barry fly and avoid the lasers, missiles, and zappers that try to stop him. You can also collect coins and power-ups, such as dragons, mechs, and magnets, to enhance your gameplay.
Jetpack Joyride is a game that offers a lot of action and humor. The game has cartoonish graphics that are lively and funny. The game also has various missions, achievements, and events to keep you engaged and motivated. The game is simple but addictive.
Jetpack Joyride is free to play on the Google Play Store, but it offers in-app purchases to buy coins and items.
7. Pac-Man
Pac-Man is one of the most iconic and classic arcade games of all time that has been adapted for mobile devices. The game is simple but timeless: you have to control Pac-Man and eat all the dots in the maze while avoiding the ghosts that chase you. You can also eat the power pellets to turn the tables and eat the ghosts for extra points.
Pac-Man is a game that offers a lot of nostalgia and fun. The game has the original graphics and sounds that are familiar and retro. The game also has various modes, such as classic, tournament, and adventure, to offer different experiences and challenges. The game is easy to play but hard to master.
Pac-Man is free to play on the Google Play Store, but it offers in-app purchases to buy tokens and items.
8. Pinball Deluxe: Reloaded
Pinball Deluxe: Reloaded is a pinball arcade game that features various tables with different themes and features. You have to use the flippers to launch and control the ball and score as many points as possible by hitting the bumpers, targets, ramps, and other elements on the table. You can also unlock various mini-games, power-ups, and bonuses to spice up your gameplay.
Pinball Deluxe: Reloaded is a game that offers a lot of variety and realism. The game has realistic physics and graphics that make you feel like you are playing on a real pinball machine. The game also has various modes, such as arcade, challenge, career, and multiplayer, to suit different preferences and moods. The game is simple but addictive.
Pinball Deluxe: Reloaded is free to play on the Google Play Store, but it offers in-app purchases to buy coins and items.
9. Space Invaders
Space Invaders is another classic arcade game that has been adapted for mobile devices. The game is simple but thrilling: you have to control a cannon and shoot down the alien invaders that move across the screen while avoiding their projectiles. You can also use the shields to protect yourself from the enemy fire.
Space Invaders is a game that offers a lot of excitement and nostalgia. The game has the original graphics and sounds that are retro and cool. The game also has various modes, such as classic, arcade, and challenge, to offer different experiences and difficulties. The game is easy to play but hard to beat.
Space Invaders is available for $5.49 on the Google Play Store.
10. Subway Surfers
Subway Surfers is an endless runner arcade game that features a group of young graffiti artists who have to run away from the police on their skateboards while dodging trains, barriers, and other obstacles on their way. You can also collect coins, power-ups, keys, and other items to enhance your gameplay. You can also unlock various characters, boards, and outfits to customize your appearance.
Subway Surfers is a game that offers a lot of fun and charm. The game has colorful graphics that are vibrant and cheerful. The game also has various locations, such as New York, Paris, Tokyo, and Rio, to offer different sceneries and challenges. The game is simple but addictive.
Subway Surfers is free to play on the Google Play Store, but it offers in-app purchases to buy coins and items.
10 Best Arcade Games on PC
Now we will introduce you to 10 of the best arcade games that you can play on your PC. These games are fun, engaging, and challenging. They will keep you entertained for hours and test your skills and reflexes.
1. Cuphead
Cuphead is a run and gun arcade game that features Cuphead and Mugman, two brothers who have to repay their debt to the devil by fighting his minions. The game is inspired by the cartoons of the 1930s and has a unique hand-drawn art style and a jazzy soundtrack. The game has over 20 boss battles and several run and gun levels that are extremely hard but fair.
Cuphead is a game that offers a lot of challenge and satisfaction. You will have to use your skills and abilities, such as shooting, parrying, dashing, and super moves, to overcome the enemies and obstacles. You will also have to deal with the random and dynamic elements of the game, such as enemy patterns, attacks, and phases.
Cuphead is available for $19.99 on Steam.
2. Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight is a metroidvania arcade game that features a knight who has to explore a vast underground kingdom filled with secrets, enemies, and bosses. The game has a dark and atmospheric art style and a haunting soundtrack. The game has over 150 enemies and over 40 bosses that are challenging and diverse.
Hollow Knight is a game that offers a lot of exploration and discovery. You will have to use your skills and abilities, such as jumping, slashing, dashing, and casting spells, to traverse the world and fight the enemies. You will also have to collect various items and upgrades that will help you progress and unlock new areas.
Hollow Knight is available for $14.99 on Steam.
3. Celeste
Celeste is a platformer arcade game that features Madeline, a girl who has to climb a mysterious mountain while dealing with her inner demons. The game has a pixelated art style and a catchy soundtrack. The game has over 700 levels that are hard but rewarding.
Celeste is a game that tests your precision and patience. You will have to use your skills and abilities, such as jumping, dashing, and wall-jumping, to reach the end of each level. You will also have to avoid various hazards and obstacles, such as spikes, wind, and enemies.
Celeste is available for $19.99 on Steam.
4. Dead Cells
Dead Cells is a roguelike arcade game that features a prisoner who has to escape from an ever-changing island that is infested with monsters. The game has a colorful pixel art style and a rocking soundtrack. The game has over 90 weapons and skills that are randomly generated and can be upgraded as you play.
Dead Cells is a game that offers a lot of action and variety. You will have to use your skills and abilities, such as slashing, shooting, rolling, and dodging, to fight the enemies and bosses. You will also have to deal with the permadeath and procedural generation of the game, which make each run unique and unpredictable.
Dead Cells is available for $24.99 on Steam.
5. Super Meat Boy
Super Meat Boy is a platformer arcade game that features Meat Boy, a boy made of meat who has to rescue his girlfriend Bandage Girl from the evil Dr. Fetus. The game has a cartoonish art style and a humorous tone. The game has over 300 levels that are short but brutal.
Super Meat Boy is a game that challenges your reflexes and persistence. You will have to use your skills and abilities, such as running, jumping, and wall-jumping, to reach the end of each level. You will also have to avoid various traps and hazards, such as saws, needles, and lava.
Super Meat Boy is available for $14.99 on Steam.
6. Enter the Gungeon
Enter the Gungeon is a bullet hell arcade game that features four adventurers who have to enter a dungeon that is filled with guns and bullets. The game has a pixel art style and a quirky soundtrack. The game has over 200 guns and items that are randomly generated and can be used to fight the enemies and bosses.
Enter the Gungeon is a game that offers a lot of fun and chaos. You will have to use your skills and abilities, such as shooting, dodging, and reloading, to survive the onslaught of bullets and enemies. You will also have to deal with the random and dynamic elements of the game, such as enemy types, room layouts, and secrets.
Enter the Gungeon is available for $14.99 on Steam.
7. Sonic Mania
Sonic Mania is a platformer arcade game that features Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles, who have to stop Dr. Eggman from using a powerful gem to alter the world. The game is a tribute to the classic Sonic games of the 1990s and has a retro art style and a catchy soundtrack. The game has over 12 zones that are based on the original games or are new and original.
Sonic Mania is a game that offers a lot of speed and nostalgia. You will have to use your skills and abilities, such as running, jumping, spinning, and flying, to collect rings and defeat enemies. You will also have to deal with various obstacles and challenges, such as loops, springs, spikes, and bosses.
Sonic Mania is available for $19.99 on Steam.
8. Ori and the Blind Forest
Ori and the Blind Forest is a platformer arcade game that features Ori, a spirit who has to restore the life and balance of a dying forest. The game has a beautiful art style and a touching soundtrack. The game has over 10 areas that are interconnected and can be explored in different ways.
Ori and the Blind Forest is a game that offers a lot of emotion and beauty. You will have to use your skills and abilities, such as jumping, gliding, climbing, and shooting, to navigate the world and solve puzzles. You will also have to collect various items and upgrades that will help you progress and unlock new abilities.
Ori and the Blind Forest is available for $19.99 on Steam.
9. Nuclear Throne
Nuclear Throne is a roguelike arcade game that features various mutants who have to fight their way through a post-apocalyptic wasteland in search of the ultimate power: the nuclear throne. The game has a pixel art style and a rocking soundtrack. The game has over 120 weapons and items that are randomly generated and can be used to fight the enemies and bosses.
Nuclear Throne is a game that offers a lot of challenge and replayability. You will have to use your skills and abilities, such as shooting, dodging, and using special powers, to survive the waves of enemies and bullets. You will also have to deal with the permadeath and procedural generation of the game, which make each run unique and unpredictable.
Nuclear Throne is available for $11.99 on Steam.
10. Downwell
Downwell is a minimalist arcade game that features a boy who has to descend into a well that is filled with monsters and treasures. The boy has gunboots that can be used to shoot enemies or slow down his fall. The game has a monochrome art style and a retro soundtrack. The game has four worlds that are randomly generated and have different themes and enemies.
Downwell is a game that tests your precision and patience. You will have to use your skills and abilities, such as shooting, jumping, stomping, and comboing, to collect gems and items and defeat enemies. You will also have to deal with various hazards and challenges, such as spikes, darkness, water, and bosses.
Downwell is available for $2.99 on Steam.
10 Best Arcade Games on Console
1. OutRun
OutRun is a racing arcade game that features a Ferrari Testarossa convertible and a beautiful blonde passenger. You have to drive across various scenic routes and reach the checkpoints before the time runs out. You can also choose your own path and music at each fork in the road.
OutRun is a game that offers a lot of excitement and nostalgia. The game has colorful graphics that are vibrant and realistic. The game also has a catchy soundtrack that features synth-pop tunes such as Magical Sound Shower and Splash Wave.
OutRun is available for $7.99 on the PlayStation Store and the Microsoft Store.
2. Street Fighter II
Street Fighter II is a fighting arcade game that features 12 characters from different countries and backgrounds. You have to fight against each other using various moves and special attacks. You can also compete with another player in a versus mode or team up with them in a co-op mode.
Street Fighter II is a game that tests your skill and strategy. You will have to use your skills and abilities, such as punching, kicking, blocking, and throwing, to defeat your opponents. You will also have to master the special moves and combos of each character, such as Hadoken, Shoryuken, and Sonic Boom.
Street Fighter II is available for $7.99 on the Nintendo eShop.
3. Galaga
Galaga is a shoot 'em up arcade game that features a spaceship that has to shoot down waves of alien invaders. You have to avoid the enemy fire and capture the enemy ships that try to abduct you. You can also use the captured ships to double your firepower.
Galaga is a game that offers a lot of action and challenge. You will have to use your skills and reflexes to dodge and shoot the enemies and obstacles. You will also have to deal with the increasing difficulty and speed of the game as it progresses.
Galaga is available for $3.99 on the PlayStation Store and the Microsoft Store.
4. NBA Jam
NBA Jam is a basketball arcade game that features two-on-two matches between NBA teams. You have to score more points than your opponent by shooting, dunking, passing, and stealing the ball. You can also use various features, such as turbo, fire, and big head mode, to enhance your gameplay.
NBA Jam is a game that offers a lot of fun and humor. The game has cartoonish graphics that are lively and exaggerated. The game also has a hilarious commentary that features phrases such as “Boomshakalaka!” and “He’s on fire!”
NBA Jam is available for $14.99 on the PlayStation Store and the Microsoft Store.
5. Mortal Kombat
Mortal Kombat is a fighting arcade game that features 10 characters who have to fight in a tournament to decide the fate of Earthrealm. You have to fight against each other using various moves and special attacks. You can also perform brutal finishing moves called fatalities to end the match.
Mortal Kombat is a game that offers a lot of violence and gore. The game has realistic graphics that are bloody and gruesome. The game also has a dark tone and atmosphere that matches the theme of the game.
Mortal Kombat is available for $19.99 on the PlayStation Store and the Microsoft Store.
6. Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong is a platformer arcade game that features Mario, who has to rescue his girlfriend Pauline from Donkey Kong, a giant ape who throws barrels at him. You have to climb ladders, jump over gaps, and avoid obstacles to reach the top of each level.
Donkey Kong is a game that offers a lot of challenge and satisfaction. You will have to use your skills and timing to dodge and overcome the enemies and hazards. You will also have to deal with the random and dynamic elements of the game, such as the barrel patterns and the hammer power-up.
Donkey Kong is available for $7.99 on the Nintendo eShop.
7. Marvel vs. Capcom 2
Marvel vs. Capcom 2 is a crossover fighting arcade game that features 56 characters from Marvel Comics and Capcom games. You have to form a team of three characters and fight against another team using various moves and special attacks. You can also use various features, such as assists, snapbacks, and hyper combos, to enhance your gameplay.
Marvel vs. Capcom 2 is a game that offers a lot of variety and spectacle. You will have to use your skills and strategy to choose and combine the best characters for your team. You will also have to master the fast-paced and flashy combat system of the game.
Marvel vs. Capcom 2 is available for $14.99 on the PlayStation Store and the Microsoft Store.
8. Tetris
Tetris is a puzzle arcade game that features falling blocks of different shapes and colors. You have to rotate and move the blocks to form complete horizontal lines that will disappear and clear space. You have to prevent the blocks from reaching the top of the screen.
Tetris is a game that offers a lot of fun and challenge. You will have to use your skills and logic to arrange the blocks in the best way possible. You will also have to deal with the increasing speed and difficulty of the game as it progresses.
Tetris is available for $9.99 on the Nintendo eShop.
9. The Simpsons
The Simpsons is a beat 'em up arcade game that features Homer, Marge, Bart, and Lisa, who have to rescue Maggie from Mr. Burns and Smithers. You have to fight through various levels that are based on the locations and episodes of the show. You can also use various weapons and items, such as skateboards, vacuum cleaners, and bowling balls, to fight the enemies.
The Simpsons is a game that offers a lot of humor and nostalgia. The game has colorful graphics that are faithful to the show’s style and animation. The game also has a lot of references and jokes that fans of the show will appreciate.
The Simpsons is available for $9.99 on the PlayStation Store and the Microsoft Store.
10. Pac-Man Championship Edition 2
Pac-Man Championship Edition 2 is a modern version of the classic arcade game Pac-Man. You have to eat all the dots in the maze while avoiding the ghosts that chase you. You can also eat the power pellets to turn the tables and eat the ghosts for extra points.
Pac-Man Championship Edition 2 is a game that offers a lot of excitement and innovation. The game has colorful graphics that are flashy and cool. The game also has various modes, such as score attack, adventure, and co-op, to offer different experiences and challenges. The game is easy to play but hard to master.
Pac-Man Championship Edition 2 is available for $12.99 on the PlayStation Store, the Microsoft Store, and the Nintendo eShop.