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.
Arcade platformers that still hold up
First released in arcades
Games
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Midnight Resistance 1989
Why it still holds upChoosing which gun to buy before every stage still gives each run a plan to make and revise.
Toki 1989
Why it still holds upA spitting ape with a helmet has a charm that is still worth a look.
The NewZealand Story 1988
Why it still holds upIt is still worth looking around the big mazes before rushing for the exit.
Rainbow Islands: The Story of Bubble Bobble 2 1987
Why it still holds upThe rising sea is a clock that keeps every climb tense, and it still does today.
Buster Bros. 1989
Also known as Pang
Why it still holds upPopping balloons one landmark at a time is a goal that is still easy to follow.
Rygar 1986
Why it still holds upEven now, a one hit death and a single chained weapon make every jump and throw a commitment.
Bubble Bobble 1986
Why it still holds upTwo players can share the bubbles, which is a reason it is still worth coming back to.
Joust 1982
Why it still holds upOne button and one rule, the higher lance wins, are still quick to understand.
In a bundle
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.
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.
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.