Silk Worm 1988
Why it still holds upTwo different vehicles to share still make it a natural game for two players on one screen.
1980s action games that still hold up
Brawling, fighting, and never quite standing still
Games
Silk Worm 1988
Why it still holds upTwo different vehicles to share still make it a natural game for two players on one screen.
Castlevania 1986
Why it still holds upA whip with a short delay and a running clock make every stage a careful one, and that is still the case.
Rygar 1986
Why it still holds upEven now, a one hit death and a single chained weapon make every jump and throw a commitment.
Pac-Man 1980
Why it still holds upA maze chase with four different pursuers still has plenty to figure out.
Rampage 1986
Why it still holds upA city knocked down by up to three friends still makes for shared chaos today.
Boulder Dash 1984
Why it still holds upEvery move loosens rocks and frees creatures, so a cave still changes while you work it out.
Spy Hunter 1983
Why it still holds upA spy car with a machine gun and a gearshift still has its place today.
Joust 1982
Why it still holds upOne button and one rule, the higher lance wins, are still quick to understand.
The Revenge of Shinobi 1989
Why it still holds upA somersault that is both jump and attack still keeps the action sharp today.
R-Type 1987
Why it still holds upEven now, a charged cannon and an orb you place yourself make each stage a puzzle of positioning.
Ghostbusters 1984
Why it still holds upRunning the business instead of starring in the film still gives it a flavor of its own.
Missile Command 1980
Why it still holds upEvery shot is a choice about where to place a fireball with limited missiles, which gives each level a clear problem to solve even now.
Super Contra 1988
Why it still holds upCommitting to one gun is still rewarded, since you upgrade a weapon by taking the same pickup again.
Road Fighter 1984
Why it still holds upA clock and a fuel gauge raced at once still keep every drive busy today.
Donkey Kong Junior 1982
Why it still holds upDodging enemies from vine to vine still holds the attention.
Circus Charlie 1984
Why it still holds upEach act asks for one clear task, which makes it simple to pick up today.
Ghosts 'n Goblins 1985
Why it still holds upA knight who loses his armor in two hits still keeps every fight tense.
Double Dragon 1987
Why it still holds upGrabbing an enemy while a friend does the punching is still a teamwork move worth trying.
Golden Axe 1989
Why it still holds upMagic that clears the screen, fed by thieves you chase down, still makes it a brawl worth playing today.
Galaga 1981
Why it still holds upEven now, rescuing a captured ship for double the firepower is a goal worth chasing.
Alex Kidd in Miracle World 1986
Why it still holds upIts 17 stages still alternate between scrolling and single screen play, with puzzles and bought vehicles in between.
Mario Bros. 1983
Why it still holds upEvery round fits on one screen and uses only running and jumping, so it is quick to learn today.
Donkey Kong 1981
Why it still holds upMario's first appearance in a video game is still worth a visit, with the barrels waiting where they always were.
Duck Hunt 1984
Why it still holds upA light gun and a flying duck are still all it takes.