R-Type
Irem took plenty of graphical cues from Aliens, yet this side-scrolling shooter certainly innovated with its use of the R-9 spacecraft’s ‘force’ pod. This handy little power-up could be mounted on the ship’s stern or bow for improved firepower, or left to float around, shooting and clearing as it travelled. The R-9 could also ‘brew-up’ firepower with the shoot button held down, game mechanics that have been imitated ever since.
Publisher Irem
Chase HQ
Yes, Sega’s Outrun could have taken this slot, but Taito took the concept and jazzed it up for a more enjoyable, and cooler, cult classic. Track down master criminals and do whatever you can to ram them off the road. Immense fun, especially with the added turbo boosts and Nancy on the radio dishing out orders. Grand Theft Auto inspiration, no doubt.
Publisher Taito
Final Fight
This one took the Double Dragon concept and gave it a protein shake of huge sprites – and huge numbers of them – beating seven shades out of each other. Two-player action, atmospheric ninja-style sound effects, with knives, samurai swords and crow-bars on offer. You even got to thrash a car to bits and watch its owner cry – what more could you want? The fact that Capcom ported this to iOS in 2011 speaks volumes.
Publisher Capcom
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COMMENTS
This is an outrage
No Afterburner on the list? For shame, sir!
Bestest Game Evar!
I suspect the 'best' coin-ops were the popular ones when you were 12-16 years old, however old you are.
(unless you're under 20, in which case you can just f*ck off back to your console)
Space invaders, yes, of course
But where was Galaxians? Space invaders that attacked you from behind - spent far too much money on that one.
And Gorf: "SOME GALACTIC COMMANDER *YOU* MAKE"
Showing my age, I know. I got bored with video games after then, never got into PC/console gaming at all.
Others
The definitive list will never be agreed on, but here are my faves from the era:
Bubble Bobble (I mean, come on! 100 levels, hidden portals, easter eggs galore)
Wonder Boy (I can still hum the music)
Shinobi
1943
