There’s nothing like stepping into an arcade with a pocket full of coins, ready to tackle the leaderboards on your favorite game. Back in the ’70s and ’80s, this was how most gamers got their gaming fix. Unfortunately, with so many home and handheld consoles available now, most of today’s youth likely won’t experience the buzz of button-smashing and joystick-twirling their way to a winning streak as fellow gamers cheer them on from behind.
Although the glory days of arcade gaming are long over, there are still quite a few gems being developed out there that won’t be found on any console. Here are some of the best arcade games created in the 2010s that haven’t gotten nearly enough attention.
10 Terminator Salvation (2010)
Terminator Salvation was released in 2010 by Raw Thrills. The game is based on the hit 2009 Terminator movie of the same name, so it’s a perfect choice for fans of the franchise. The machine includes neon mounted rifles and a giant replica T-600 with glowing eyes.
Players take on the role of John Connor in the midst of the war with Skynet machines. During two missions, John can use multiple different weapons against armies of T-600, Moto-Terminators, and more. Terminator Salvation was praised for its simple controls and epic soundtrack.
9 Cho Chabudai Gaeshi (2010)
In a word, Cho Chabudai Gaeshi is… odd. But fun nonetheless. This Japanese title, which roughly translates to Super Dinner Table Flipping, was published by Taito in 2010. You know the table-flipping meme often used to express frustration? That’s pretty much what Cho Chabudai Gaeshi is about.
Yes, the object of the game is to flip tables. There are four different scenarios: a man sitting at the table with his family, a bride at her wedding, a man at a host club, and an employee in an office. The brightly-colored arcade machine includes a table, which players must pound on as hard as they can in 60 seconds. The bigger the mess, the more points. It may be a bit painful on the hands after a while, but it’s an awesome game for stress release.
8 Dariusburst: Another Chronicle EX (2011)
The Darius series, also published by Taito, dates back to 1987. The games are known for their non-linear structure, as branching paths create multiple different playable endings. Dariusburst was the final sequel to be released in the main Darius line in 2009, but Dariusburst later received a few of its own follow-ups, which is where Dariusburst: Another Chronicle came in.
The original version of Dariusburst: Another Chronicle was released in 2010 and received an update, known as EX, in 2011. The horizontal scrolling shooter is set in outer space as players must defeat fish-shaped robots.
7 ReRave (2012)
ReRave is the perfect game for rhythm-lovers. It’s like the iconic Dance Dance Revolution, but for your fingers. The machine features a multi-touch display where the object is hit the screen at the right time. Power symbols appear on screen upside-down and turn counter-clockwise. Players must touch the symbol right when it reaches the top.
ReRave was first released on iOS devices in 2011 and hit arcades one year later. An upgraded version, called ReRave Plus, added more difficulty levels, a new design, and a new user interface in 2014.
6 Dark Escape 4D (2013)
Would you survive in a horror movie? Find out in Dark Escape 4D, the perfect immersive experience for horror lovers. Bandai Namco created this innovative gaming cabinet in 2013. Dark Escape 4D literally shows players how scared they are using panic sensors that record rises in heart rates.
Dark Escape 4D uses 3D glasses, surround sound speakers, rumbling seats, and air blowers to truly put players in the game. The object is for players to shoot their way out of a mad scientist’s lab filled with experiments gone wrong. Be warned: only the bravest can escape.
5 Star Wars Battle Pod (2014)
Fans of the Star Wars franchise are lucky if they’ve gotten to try their hands at this amazing homage to the films. These pod-shaped (couldn’t have guessed that) machines were also Bandai Namco creations in 2014. Players descend on a journey through space as they shoot their way through some of the most iconic battles from the entire franchise.
A revised version of Star Wars: Battle Pod has since been invented, using only seats and flat TVs. This has made the original arcade game harder to come by. However, those with enough money can always purchase one for their own home for a whopping $35,000, as TheGamer previously reported.
4 Mach Storm (2014)
Mach Storm is another immersive Bandai Namco title that creates a flight simulation with a dome screen. Players can really feel like they’re flying as they shoot down enemy forces all over the world. Released internationally in 2014, Mach Storm was one of the first arcade games to incorporate the Namco System N2 P.O.D. (panoramic optical display).
Players can choose any of five missions on scripted paths. Each level contains different, lifelike, cinematic scenes that Bandai Namco promises will keep players hooked.
3 Jurassic Park Arcade (2015)
Jurassic Park Arcade is another light gun arcade game developed by Raw Thrills and inspired by the iconic dino films. Specifically, the game references moments from the first three Jurassic Park movies, as an Isla Nublar security team must wrangle one of every dinosaur species on the island before it’s destroyed by a volcano eruption.
Fans of the arcade classic, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, would likely enjoy this modern take.
2 Lord of Vermilion IV (2017)
Square Enix announced the release of Lord of Vermilion IV in 2017. This arcade fantasy collectible card game is the fourth sequel to the 2008 original in which players engage in combat in an ancient world via virtual playing cards. The fourth installment allowed up to eight players.
The series has been known to collaborate with other game franchises, including Final Fantasy,Magic: The Gathering, The King of Fighters, and more. Unfortunately, with all of Square Enix’s other successful releases this decade, Lord of Vermilion has fallen by the wayside.
1 Halo: Fireteam Raven (2018)
Raw Thrills teamed up with 343 Industries and Mechanix to deliver Halo: Fireteam Raven. The game follows the timeframe of the 2001’s Halo: Combat Evolved as players join the Fireteam Raven to shoot out the alien Covenant. Four or two players can work together on any of the game’s six campaigns.
Halo: Fireteam Raven was initially released as a Dave & Buster’s North America exclusive in 2018, but it later made its way overseas.
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