Top Arcade Games of 1985

1985 was a landmark year for arcade gaming, ushering in a slew of iconic titles that not only defined the arcade era but also laid the groundwork for future gaming innovations. This period was marked by intense competition, rapid technological advancements, and the emergence of games that have since become cultural touchstones. The top arcade games of 1985 captured the imagination of players worldwide, and many of these titles remain influential in gaming culture today. Let's take a deep dive into the most significant arcade games released in 1985, exploring their gameplay, impact, and legacy.

1. Gauntlet

Released by Atari in 1985, Gauntlet was a revolutionary multiplayer dungeon crawler that set the stage for cooperative gameplay. Featuring up to four players simultaneously, each controlling one of four unique characters (Warrior, Valkyrie, Wizard, and Elf), Gauntlet offered a fast-paced, action-packed experience. The game’s innovative design allowed for team-based strategies, as each character had distinct abilities and strengths. Gauntlet was not only a commercial success but also a critical hit, inspiring countless future dungeon crawlers and cooperative games.

2. Space Harrier

Space Harrier, developed by Sega and released in 1985, was a groundbreaking shooter that introduced players to a surreal, fast-moving world filled with bizarre enemies and obstacles. The game's distinctive feature was its pseudo-3D graphics, achieved through Sega's "Super Scaler" technology, which allowed for smooth and dynamic scaling of sprites. Space Harrier’s unique gameplay, vibrant visuals, and memorable soundtrack by Hiroshi Kawaguchi made it a standout title in 1985. Its influence is evident in many subsequent rail shooters and action games.

3. Commando

Developed by Capcom, Commando (known as Senjō no Ōkami in Japan) is a top-down, vertically scrolling shooter that became one of the defining arcade games of the mid-80s. The game places the player in the role of a lone soldier, "Super Joe," who must infiltrate enemy territory and rescue prisoners of war. Commando’s fast-paced action, coupled with its challenging gameplay and tight controls, made it a favorite among arcade-goers. The game’s success led to numerous ports and inspired a generation of run-and-gun shooters.

4. Yie Ar Kung-Fu

Konami’s Yie Ar Kung-Fu, released in 1985, is often credited as one of the earliest fighting games to feature a diverse roster of opponents, each with their own unique fighting style. The game’s protagonist, Oolong, must face off against a series of martial artists in one-on-one combat. Yie Ar Kung-Fu’s influence is profound, as it laid the groundwork for the fighting game genre that would explode in popularity in the 1990s with titles like Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat. The game’s simple yet deep mechanics and varied enemy design made it a standout in arcades.

5. Ghosts 'n Goblins

Another Capcom classic, Ghosts 'n Goblins is a notoriously difficult platformer that has both frustrated and delighted players since its release. Players control Sir Arthur, a knight on a quest to rescue Princess Prin-Prin from the demon king, Astaroth. The game is known for its punishing difficulty, requiring precise jumps, quick reflexes, and careful memorization of enemy patterns. Despite its challenge, Ghosts 'n Goblins was a major success in arcades and has since become one of Capcom’s most beloved franchises, spawning multiple sequels and spin-offs.

6. The Legend of Kage

The Legend of Kage, released by Taito in 1985, is a side-scrolling action game that casts players as Kage, a ninja warrior on a mission to rescue Princess Kiri from an evil warlord. The game is notable for its fluid controls, large character sprites, and the ability to jump to incredible heights, which was a unique feature at the time. While The Legend of Kage did not achieve the same level of fame as some of its contemporaries, it remains a fondly remembered title for its innovative gameplay and distinctive style.

7. Mat Mania: The Prowrestling Network

Wrestling fans flocked to the arcades to play Mat Mania, a wrestling game developed by Technōs Japan in 1985. The game offered players a chance to step into the ring as a professional wrestler, taking on a series of increasingly difficult opponents. Mat Mania was praised for its smooth animation, varied move set, and the ability to grapple, slam, and pin opponents with a level of depth that was unprecedented for the time. The game’s success helped to popularize the wrestling game genre, leading to many more wrestling titles in the years that followed.

8. Section Z

Section Z, another Capcom title from 1985, is a side-scrolling shooter that stood out for its non-linear level design and intense difficulty. Players take on the role of a space soldier tasked with infiltrating a massive space station and destroying the alien threat within. The game features 60 sections, each filled with a variety of enemies and obstacles, requiring players to carefully choose their path through the station. Section Z was praised for its challenging gameplay and strategic elements, making it a favorite among hardcore arcade gamers.

9. Hang-On

Sega’s Hang-On was a revolutionary motorcycle racing game that debuted in 1985, known for being one of the first arcade games to feature a fully interactive cabinet. Players could lean into turns on the motorcycle-like cabinet, providing a level of immersion that was unheard of at the time. The game’s smooth, fast-paced gameplay and innovative use of Sega’s Super Scaler technology made it a hit in arcades. Hang-On set a new standard for racing games, influencing future titles like Out Run and the MotoGP series.

10. Paperboy

Developed by Atari Games and released in 1985, Paperboy is a unique arcade game that put players in the shoes of a young paperboy delivering newspapers along a suburban street. The game is played from an isometric perspective, with the player navigating their bike through various obstacles while attempting to deliver papers to the correct houses. Paperboy stood out for its unusual premise, charming graphics, and humorous gameplay. The game was a commercial success and has since been ported to numerous home systems.

The Legacy of 1985 Arcade Games

The arcade games of 1985 represent a significant period in the history of video gaming, with many of the titles released that year going on to become foundational experiences for gamers around the world. These games introduced new genres, pushed technological boundaries, and offered innovative gameplay experiences that have left a lasting impact on the industry. Whether through their influence on game design, their role in shaping the arcade culture of the 1980s, or their enduring popularity in the retro gaming community, the top arcade games of 1985 remain a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of game developers during this era.

1985 was not just a year of great games but a pivotal moment in the history of gaming itself. As arcade technology continued to evolve, the games released that year helped to establish video games as a major entertainment medium, paving the way for the future of the industry. From the cooperative gameplay of Gauntlet to the challenging platforming of Ghosts 'n Goblins, these games have left an indelible mark on gaming history.

Conclusion

The top arcade games of 1985 are more than just nostalgic memories; they are the building blocks of the gaming industry as we know it today. These titles continue to be celebrated by gamers and developers alike, serving as inspiration for new games and reminding us of a time when arcades were the epicenter of gaming culture. The legacy of these games is still felt today, and their influence can be seen in countless modern titles. As we look back on 1985, it’s clear that this was a year of innovation, creativity, and enduring impact in the world of arcade gaming.