While arcades have slowly become less and less popular, the games they once contained undoubtedly haven’t. Developers across the spectrum have taken many of our favorite arcade titles and turned them into PC games. Ranging from stand-alone titles to online games, here are a few of the best arcade legends you can play on PC right now.
Pac-Man
There is arguably no bigger game in arcade history than Pac-Man. The simple yet addictive gameplay was a go-to for arcade fans back in the day, and you can enjoy the same excitement and frustration on PC. The game is straightforward to play but incredibly difficult to master; plus, the Steam port version allows you to take advantage of the famous level 256 bug.
Tetris
Tetris is another classic and famous arcade game that has been played for millions and millions of hours, but possibly by an equal number of players. There is probably nothing more simple than trying to build levels using shapes but don’t let that distract you from just how good the game is. Players must ensure their screen isn’t filled with mismatched shapes, creating layers and earning points in the process; it is a game you can’t seem to put down.
Super Mario
There are very few gaming franchises bigger than Super Mario. Everyone’s favorite plumber has been collecting stars and smashing Goombas for as long as anyone can remember. Nowadays, this side-scroller adventure and action game can be found on PC. There are also multiple versions of Super Mario available on PC, including Super Mario 3 and Mario Forever Galaxy.
Tekken 7
There is no bigger series and franchise in fighting game history than Tekken. First released in 1994 on PS1 and in the Arcade, Tekken has continued to grow and thrive. When it comes to Tekken on PC, look no further than Tekken 7. Arguably one of the best titles in the franchise, Tekken 7 has all the incredible moves and modes we know and love; it also features dozens of our favorite characters, plus a few new ones.
Metal Slug 3
If you were a gamer in the 90s, there probably wasn’t a single arcade you stepped into that didn’t have Metal Slug. The run-and-gun side-scroller features all manner of vehicles and weapons that you can use to defeat your enemies. The game is colorful and action-packed, with the difficulty and skill needed varying, allowing for any and all types of players to enjoy it.
Street Fighter V
If you aren’t a fan of Tekke, it is almost certainly because you love Street Fighter. Often imitated but never duplicated, Street Fighter has remained one of the world’s biggest and best fighting games, no matter the competition. With over 40 characters to choose from and an almost endless movie set, Street Fighter V gives you all the arcade nostalgia and fun mixed with the performance and graphics of a PC; the perfect combination.
Contra
Very few games have been as successful as Contra on as many platforms. Around since 1987, you could play in the arcade, on the Commodore 64, and then on PlayStation, Sega Saturn, and now on PC. With a handful of colorful characters, constant action and shooting, and some of the best fun you will ever have with such a simple game, Contra is one of the best game franchises ever created for a reason.
Dead or Alive 6
The Dead or Alive cabinet at the arcade always had a queue and was always the one you never wanted to get off. A fighting game with a skill gap that always seemed out of reach, the game never became boring at any point. Dead or Alive 6 was released in 2019 and featured new mechanics and improved gameplay but kept the old framework that drew fans in to begin with.
Mortal Kombat X
The Mortal Kombat series hasn’t always received the love it so often deserved, but it has a soft spot in the hearts of many gamers. Combined with the great, although sometimes cheesy films, the series has managed to stand the test of time. The intense gameplay and famously brutal finishers have kept the game fresh and different from other titles in the fighting genre. With so many characters to choose from, there are also hours upon hours of gameplay within the story modes and other game modes available.
