Tekken 3 1997
Why it still holds upWhat holds up today is smooth controls and distinct movesets.
Arcade games that still hold up
First released in arcades
Games
Tekken 3 1997
Why it still holds upWhat holds up today is smooth controls and distinct movesets.
In a bundle
Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes 2000
Why it still holds upTeams of three with a call in assist and a snapback that forces a switch still turn each match into a puzzle of who is on screen today.
In a bundle
Street Fighter II 1991
Why it still holds upEach match still comes down to special moves and spacing between two people.
SoulCalibur 1998
Why it still holds upEight way movement, a forgiving input buffer and Guard Impact still let you step around an opponent or turn their attack against them today.
Ikaruga 2001
Why it still holds upEven now, a single polarity switch that turns bullets from danger into ammunition makes every screen a puzzle of order and timing.
On sale
Metal Slug 1996
Why it still holds upEven now, animation that reacts to everything you do, and a tank that arrives at set points, give each level its pace, and unlimited continues in the Switch version let you see it all.
On sale
Guilty Gear X2 #Reload 2003
Why it still holds upThe fighting system is why it is worth playing now: each character plays differently, and the same gauges turn every exchange into a choice between attacking, defending and cancelling.
On sale
Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus R 2012
Why it still holds upReading your opponent is the contest today, as throws can be broken and a parry shortens block stun.
SoulCalibur II 2002
Why it still holds upEach exchange is a read of what your opponent will try, since the guard system answers each height of attack, and that keeps it worth playing today.
Virtua Tennis 1999
Why it still holds upControls that a joystick and buttons keep simple, and a ranking you climb match by match, make a game of tennis easy to pick up today.
Action Fighter 1986
Why it still holds upThe course is still new each time, with a change of vehicle from level to level.
On sale
Metal Slug 2 1998
Why it still holds upA fight that never stops, in scenery you can blow apart, still makes each level a rush toward the boss.
In a bundle
Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike 1999
Why it still holds upYou still play defense and not just sit through it, because parries need exact timing, even in guard stun.
BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma Extend 2014
Why it still holds upA roster that grew by nine characters and a reworked Overdrive system still give you plenty to learn.
Windjammers 1994
Why it still holds upEach point is still a test of reflexes, in a rally that speeds up with every throw.
On sale
Guilty Gear Xrd: Revelator 2015
Why it still holds upA burst you save and a tension gauge you build still make each round a matter of when to commit.
Bucky O'Hare 1992
Why it still holds upThe opening still gives you freedom, with four planets in any order and a team you can switch between.
Metal Slug 3 2000
Why it still holds upA run still has more than one shape, because a level that forks lets you pick a harder or an easier route.
In a bundle
Super Street Fighter II Turbo 1994
Why it still holds upThe adjustable speed lets players set the pace of a match, which still helps today.
Alien vs. Predator 1994
Why it still holds upFour fighters who reload in different ways still make the choice of character matter.
In a bundle
Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes 1998
Why it still holds upA tag team format keeps matches quick, which still suits a few rounds with friends.
In a bundle
Capcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millennium 2001 2001
Why it still holds upAnyone who wants to build a team out of two fighting traditions still has a reason to try it.
Rally-X 1980
Why it still holds upA scrolling maze with smoke screens is a game that is still worth a try.
Soul Edge 1996
Why it still holds upWeapon duels are still worth a go with a friend.
Tapper 1983
Why it still holds upA bartender sliding drinks across four bars is a quick idea that is still easy to follow.
In a bundle
Street Fighter Alpha 3 1998
Why it still holds upWith three styles to choose from, a player today has plenty of room to experiment.
Cadillacs and Dinosaurs 1993
Why it still holds upThree players side by side is still a lively sight today.
Rival Schools: United by Fate 1997
Why it still holds upA partner you call in at the right moment still makes every round a decision about when to spend vigor.
The King of Fighters '97 1997
Why it still holds upChoosing a style before a match still makes the fight a matter of how you want to play.
Blades of Steel 1987
Why it still holds upA fast game of hockey with fights is still a good pick for two players.
Ghouls 'n Ghosts 1988
Why it still holds upIt still asks for more than getting through once, with a second pass through the same stages and a new weapon.
Arkanoid 1986
Why it still holds upBouncing a ball off a paddle is a simple loop, and it still has a hold on players.
Volfied 1989
Why it still holds upCarving up a screen while an alien hunts you is a simple idea, and the tension is still there.
In a bundle
Dungeons & Dragons: Shadow over Mystara 1996
Why it still holds upFor friends who want to brawl in a fantasy world, the game is still a fine fit.
Aero Fighters 1992
Why it still holds upA shooter that changes its route each time is still a fine reason to start another run.
Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection 2005
Why it still holds upThe Tekken 5 cast plus three newcomers is still there to play today.
NBA Jam 1993
Why it still holds upIts exaggerated two on two play is still a good time with a friend today.
Metal Slug 5 2003
Why it still holds upSliding under fire in a fast side-scroller is a pleasure that has held up well even now.
On sale
Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 1995
Why it still holds upFor a night with friends, modes for several players on one side are still a good choice.
In a bundle
Contra 1987
Why it still holds upEven now, with so few lives and continues, every stage is something you learn by repeating it, so a run is tense from the first screen.
Bosconian 1981
Why it still holds upFlying in every direction with a radar that shows where the bases are still gives each round a clear goal.
In a bundle
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1989
Why it still holds upFour turtles to swap between are still a good team to take on a mission with.
Arkanoid: Revenge of Doh 1987
Why it still holds upToday the choice of gate gives a level a branch to think about.
In a bundle
Darkstalkers: The Night Warriors 1994
Why it still holds upA super meter that drains if you hold it still pushes every fight toward spending it.
Wonder Boy: Monster Land 1987
Why it still holds upA quest for a stronger sword and a few more hearts is still a fine way to pass an hour.
Metal Slug 6 2006
Why it still holds upCarrying two weapons still gives every shootout more tactical choices.
Moon Patrol 1982
Why it still holds upA jump at one moment and a brake at the next are all it asks, so a short session still gets you a full run.
Xybots 1987
Why it still holds upToday a map you can buy and a stick that turns you in place still make each maze something to learn to read, and it suits two players at the same screen.