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Arcade shooters that still hold up

First released in arcades

42 games

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
$7.09 on Fanatical -11%
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.
Action Fighter 1986 Why it still holds upThe course is still new each time, with a change of vehicle from level to level.
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.
Alien vs. Predator 1994 Why it still holds upFour fighters who reload in different ways still make the choice of character matter.
Aero Fighters 1992 Why it still holds upA shooter that changes its route each time is still a fine reason to start another run.
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.
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.
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.
Metal Slug 4 2002 Why it still holds upEven today, a bonus scoring system gives a reason to replay a level.
Crack Down 1989 Why it still holds upYou still get a countdown, bombs to plant and a way out to reach, and together they turn each level into a route you plan and shorten.
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.
Phoenix 1980 Why it still holds upThe reason to play it now is a force field that cannot be used twice in a row, which makes every dive a decision about timing.
Toki 1989 Why it still holds upA spitting ape with a helmet has a charm that is still worth a look.
Fantasy Zone 1986 Why it still holds upIt still has a rhythm of its own, from flying both ways and spending between waves.
R-Type II 1989 Why it still holds upCheckpoints and a charged cannon make each section something to learn and retry, and that rhythm is still how it plays.
Battlezone 1980 Why it still holds upSteering a tank with two sticks is still a distinct way to play today.
Galaga '88 1987 Why it still holds upRescuing a ship in mid-dive is a risk that is still worth taking.
Sunset Riders 1991 Why it still holds upA shootout with a poster for a target is still a fine game for a group.
U.N. Squadron 1989 Why it still holds upSpending money between stages makes your loadout part of every run, and that planning is still at its core.
Berzerk 1980 Why it still holds upA room full of robots and an enemy that cannot be killed still make for tense play.
Zaxxon 1982 Why it still holds upJudging height from a shadow still makes every wall a test of the eye.
Silk Worm 1988 Why it still holds upTwo different vehicles to share still make it a natural game for two players on one screen.
Spy Hunter 1983 Why it still holds upA spy car with a machine gun and a gearshift still has its place 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.
Space Invaders 1978 Why it still holds upA shrinking gap between a cannon and a descending formation still builds pressure today.
Galaxian 1979 Why it still holds upOne shot at a time makes every miss count, and that is still true.
Commando 1985 Why it still holds upYou still have to think about where to stand, with a grenade that goes only one way.
Galaga 1981 Why it still holds upEven now, rescuing a captured ship for double the firepower is a goal worth chasing.

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