The 80s were an interesting time for the video game industry. It was only the second decade of existence and experienced both highs and lows. A golden age of arcade games and a video game crash in 1983 made it look like this burgeoning industry might not make it to the newest century. Despite it all, the industry made it through while making some truly brilliant games. It’s because of all the hundreds of video games from this era that we have made this list of the best 1980s video games.
Some of the games that came out in the 80s are brands that are still going to this day, so strong was their impact. Others were more of a one-and-done or petered out over time. Regardless of which category they fit in, these games have helped grow the industry to where it is today. With all of that out of the way, let us get into:
The best 1980s video games!
10. Elite
Elite was a game for the home computer systems that spawned an entire generation of spin-offs and other games inspired by it. It used 3D graphics that were revolutionary at the time, while the open-ended model of the game meant that users could practically do whatever they wanted.
Other space simulators took their core beats from Elite, with some of the most famous examples over the years being Freelancer (2000), No Man’s Sky (2016), EVE Online (2003), and Wing Commander: Privateer (1993). There are 2 sequels to Elite, with the most recent one Elite Dangerous, launched in 2014.
9. Ultima IV: Quest of The Avatar
Switching from a space sim to a fantasy adventure, Ultima IV: Quest of The Avatar is one of the more ambitious switches from designer Richard Garriott. A series that had been more of a hack and slash fight against ultimate evil, Ultima IV focuses on a more nuanced story.
Moral dilemmas face down the main character as they try to fulfill the Eight Virtues. Instead of basic stat improvements to build their character, the player answers ethical dilemmas to a fortune-teller. This focus on story, morals, ethics, and philosophy was a profound change in the realm of RPGs and deserves recognition for how well it pulled that change off.
8. Prince of Persia
When most people think of this series, they are inclined to picture those sequels released in the 2000s. However, such titles would not exist if not for this original, released right at the end of the decade.
Designer Jordan Mechner used rotoscoping to capture the revolutionary animations that appeared in the game. Despite the pixel sprites, the figures moved like humans and it simply blew people away. Thus, Prince of Persia opened the path for techniques like rotoscoping, used further down the line for graphical fidelity.
7. Defender
All the games to this point have been those that you could bring home. Defender was one of those arcade games that drew everyone in to come to play it. Williams Electronics developed the game right at the start of the decade, spawning a whole host of side-scrolling shooters.
The game challenged players with 5 different buttons and a joystick used to control the game. Add in a whole host of enemies and you have got a recipe for one of the most difficult (and addicting) arcade games ever made.
6. SimCity
One of the most fascinating tales of success comes in the form of the city builder SimCity. Released in 1989, many critics believed that the gameplay elements, where the player manages city development, were commercial suicide. No directed goal, a “boring” simulation of the real world, and no correct way of doing things were all taboo at the time. Yet, these elements combined to give players the ultimate freedom and challenge to build their city and make their own goals. Such success even spawned The Sims (2000), a lifestyle simulator (and best-seller) down the line.
5. Metroid
Nintendo had a fantastic time in the 80s, ending the decade with the release of Metroid. While everyone remembers the shocking (for the time) reveal at the end that Samus was a woman, the gameplay is what makes Metroid stand out. Exploring tunnels, fighting bosses like Ridley and Kraid, collecting power-ups, and making the final escape all keep the flow thrilling from start to finish. There is a good reason why Samus Aran is one of the most well-known game characters of all time.
4. The Legend of Zelda
Another success from Nintendo, The Legend of Zelda formed a dynasty that has lasted to this day. Yet, from these humble beginnings was a simple series of caves and worlds to save Zelda from Ganon. Unique to this game was the ability to restart with a mode akin to the current “New Game Plus” once you had beaten it. The new game changed areas, strengthened enemies, and moved secrets. The game was the 8th most successful of the 80s since both American and Japanese audiences craved playing Zelda. It’s now known as one of the best 1980s video games and the start of one of the most valuable and profitable video game series.
3. Pac-Man
Is there a more iconic “old” video game character than Pac-Man? The little yellow circle running away from ghosts is a notable example of simple gameplay being very addictive. It could appeal to both men and women, thanks to the focus being away from war or sports. After the release of Pac-Man and its success, “maze-chaser” games exploded in popularity, trying to reach the same level of fame. Yet, none could quite match the renown of the original.
2. Super Mario Bros.
The highest selling game of the decade surely must deserve a spot. Not only is Mario one of the most recognizable characters in the world of gaming, but one of the most recognizable of all time. The fluidity of controls and the creative design of the Mushroom Kingdom meant that the gameplay was about as smooth as it could get. Add in the multiplayer capability (with then-side-character Luigi) and you have a game that deserves its place at the top of the sales chart.
To audiences in the 1980s, Nintendo was unbeatable, yet their game did not reach the number one spot despite it being one of the best 1980s video games. So, whose game could have taken the top spot of our list?
1. Tetris
That is right. This puzzle game from Alexey Pajitnov is at the top and is one of the best 1980s video games and even some of the best video games ever made. The gameplay loop is about as simple as you could get, match the pieces in such a way as to not let them stack to the top. Yet, this loop was so compelling, so satisfying that it made the franchise one of the most popular in the world. Only the Mario franchise, which has crossed multiple genres and had many releases down the years, is more popular. This serves as the inspiration and standard of what many mobile games now look for: a simplicity that both compels and allows users to stop and start whenever they wish.
There you have it. Our top 10 video games from the 80s. Millions of fans around the world played and praised each of the games listed above at the time of their release. Each game has left a lasting impression on the world of gaming as it is today, though some more than others.
Which game do you think has had the biggest impact?
About the Author
Author: Chris Ingledue
Contact: email
Bio: I am the founder and owner of Wheeljack’s Lab pop Culture and Toy Shop. My vision has always been to reunite customers with their favorite childhood toys and pop culture, triggering fond memories, and reigniting their imaginations. Every day, I work in the “lab” where it’s Christmas 365 days a year. I scour the internet, like when we had the Sears Catalog of yesteryear, for the next great treasure. Then, I await the arrival of the postman as if he were Santa Claus himself and helping collectors worldwide with their versions of Christmas. Every day as a vintage toy buyer is an absolute joy!