8 best multiplayer arcade games of all time
If you miss the days of hanging out at the mall and spending all your quarters on one game (and then maybe moving on), this list is for you.
Get ready to put your tokens in the slot and battle it with your friends because we're taking a trip down memory lane to explore the best multiplayer arcade games of all time! From classic fighting games to co-op shooters, these arcade favorites have brought gamers joy (and maybe a little bit of frustration) for decades.
So grab your quarters, gather your crew, and dive into the top 8 best multiplayer arcade games guaranteed to bring back those nostalgic feelings.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade Game
Suppose you're looking for an exciting action game where teamwork is vital, and victory comes only after many hours of hard work and practice. In that case, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles may be just what you're looking for!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a fun multiplayer arcade game that you can play with up to four players simultaneously. This game aims to defeat Shredder and his Foot Clan minions. You can choose which turtle you would like to be, each with unique skills, before beginning your quest through New York City.
Street Fighter II Turbo Hyper Fighting
Street Fighter II Turbo Hyper Fighting is a fighting game released in 1992 by Capcom. The game was ported to the SNES, Sega CD, and mobile phones, among other platforms.
The original Street Fighter II was released with several characters in 1991 and then expanded with two more in 1992 (with one more coming out later). These three versions are Street Fighter II: The World Warrior, Champion Edition, and Hyper Fighting, respectively.
Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes
Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes is a fighting game, and you can play as characters from various Marvel and Capcom franchises. There's also a boss fight, which is cool because it gives you a break from all the other characters you're playing against.
The gameplay modes include Arcade mode (where you fight multiple enemies), Versus mode (you versus another player), Training mode (to practice against an AI opponent), Team Battle Mode (fight alongside another player), and Survival Mode (keep fighting until you lose all your lives).
The multiplayer options set this arcade game apart: up to four players can join forces in local co-op or challenge each other head-to-head via split-screen multiplayer action!
Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes
Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes is a side-scrolling fighting game that pits Marvel characters against Capcom's best. The game is arcade-style, so it's easy to pick up and play.
The graphics are great for the period (1999), but the gameplay is what makes this game stand out from other fighting games. You can choose from a variety of characters with different move sets and skill sets, which means there's always something new to learn when you're playing again after some time away from it!
If you love multiplayer or classic arcade games, we highly recommend this one!
Mortal Kombat Trilogy
Mortal Kombat Trilogy is a fighting game that offers 2D graphics and 3D graphics, depending on the version of the game you're playing. This arcade game has a multiplayer mode where players can fight each other using characters from different backgrounds (such as Sub-Zero).
It also includes sub-bosses who serve as opponents before facing off against Shang Tsung or Shao Kahn himself! The first version was released for consoles in 1997, while the second one came out in 1999.
Tekken 7
Tekken 7 is a 3D fighting game developed and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. It is the ninth installment in the Tekken series, taking place after Tekken 6 and featuring several new characters.
First off, the graphics in Tekken 7 are stunning. The attention to detail in each character's design is incredible, from the fluidity of their movements to the unique look of their outfits. You'll feel like you're really in the ring, duking it out with some of the best fighters in the world.
And if you're looking for some multiplayer action, Tekken 7 has you covered. You can face off against other players online or challenge your friends to local matches. It's the perfect game to show off your skills and see who reigns supreme as the King of the Iron Fist.
X-Men: Children of the Atom
X-Men: Children of the Atom is a fighting game released in 1994 by Capcom. The game is a sequel to X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse and features characters from the X-Men series.
The player chooses one of six X-Men or Marvel villains, each with unique abilities (e.g., Wolverine has unlimited knives). The player then battles their way through an arcade ladder until they reach Magneto and defeat him; if successful, they continue to fight more difficult opponents until Cyclops beats him at last--at which point the true final boss emerges: a giant Sentinel robot!
The Simpsons Arcade Game
The Simpsons Arcade Game is an old-school side-scrolling game based on a television show of the same name. It came out in 1991 and since then has become a classic among fans of the series.
The game has a four-player co-op mode where players can work together to fight bosses and save Springfield from villains like Sideshow Bob and Mr. Burns (who also happens to be Homer's boss). There is also a two-player versus mode where you compete against each other for high scores and bragging rights. Finally, there's even a one-player mode where you can control all four members of The Simpson family as they explore different areas around town--it's great fun!
Honorable mentions.
This list holds some of the many best multiplayer arcade games, that's why we also wanted to give an honorable mention to some titles that were also epic:
- Gauntlet Legends
- NBA Jam
- Golden Axe
- Daytona USA
- Time Crisis
- House of the Dead
- Killer Instinct
- Pac-Man Battle Royale
- The King of Fighters series
- Dance Dance Revolution
Join the arcade evolution!
Ready to level up your gaming experience? If you want to take your gaming skills to the next level, head to Gamestate, the ultimate destination for modern arcade fun. With locations across the globe, you can immerse yourself in a world of cutting-edge gaming technology, epic multiplayer battles, and unbeatable prizes.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your friends, and let the games begin! Who knows? You might even set a new high score or two. See you at Gamestate!