Arcade, while evoking retro more than anything else, is truly timeless and a fan favorite. In the arcade, there are gobs of people around all playing at each cabinet against a high score or parents and kids bopping around, getting some enjoyment out of more kid-appropriate titles. This is the magic of types of arcade games—you can keep bringing back memories and social experiences for the young as well as the old.
Arcade game cabinets have a unique ability to captivate customers and draw them in. However, with such a diverse array of arcade games available, how do you determine which arcade games will provide the greatest enjoyment and maintain player interest, ultimately encouraging repeat visits?
Join YUTO GAMES as we delve into the different types of arcade games and uncover the enchanting qualities of arcade cabinets that keep regular customers returning for more.
Table of Contents
Video Arcade Machines
Video Arcade Machines allow players to control virtual characters using provided tools (joysticks and buttons). This type of arcade machine has been around since the early 1970s and offers various games to cater to different players’ needs, including driving and fighting games. These games have traditionally been coin-operated, but many have transitioned to card-based systems. In this category, you can find all types of machines, from popular fighting games like Street Fighter IV to classic games like Pac-Man.
Types of games:
- Air hockey/competition: ice hockey
- Racing Game: Tank Superiority, Dido Kart 2, SRS Racing
- Simulator Game: Operation Firestorm
Why popular: Arcade video games have extremely high competitiveness, and players don’t pursue tickets and prizes; their goal is to have fun, compete, and achieve high scores. Players always hope to refresh their highest scores and engage in deep battles with others, and the competitive spirit of arcade video games inspires players to unleash unlimited energy.
Suitable for: Multi-player arcade games
Shooting Arcade Games
Facing countless enemies, players have no other aid except their gun. This scenario is thrilling, and players become fully immersed in the game, experiencing excitement and tension. Shooting arcade games have gained recognition, and players have enjoyed excellent gaming experiences.
Types of games:
Why popular: Simple and intuitive operation and exciting game scenarios quickly capture players’ attention and provide entertainment. These games are suitable for children and adults of all skill levels.
Suitable for：Single-player/double-player arcade games
Sports Arcade Games
Sports games simulate various athletic activities, including boxing, basketball, soccer, or air hockey. These arcade machines allow players to experience the thrill of sports in a fun and entertaining way. For example, basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world, and arcade games like King Basketball allow players to compete in 1V1 matches and create new high scores.
Types of games:
- Basketball: King Basketball
- Boxing: Boxing Mars, Ultimate Punch 3
- Electronic Darts Machine: Electronic Darts Game Machine
Why popular: Sports arcade games can help players improve their physical fitness, and high scores can be achieved with practice. Players can also engage in competitive matches.
Suitable for: Single-player/double-player arcade games
Dance Rhythm Arcade Games
Players follow the dance moves of characters in the game, completing “button” judgments on a bright dance floor. Turning dance into a game makes it more engaging. Fashionable dance games with innovative gameplay that combines full-body movements, bringing excitement to customers.
Types of games:
- Pump It Up 2023
- Dance Live
- Taiko
- Maimai
Why popular: Dance machines are a source of joy! As long as players keep playing, they can get a sense of accomplishment, self-recognition, and satisfaction. If they consistently watch others play, their happiness will increase exponentially.
Suitable for: Single-player/double-player arcade games
Classic Arcade Games
These are the early arcade games that laid the foundation for the industry. Examples include Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Donkey Kong. Puzzle Games: Players solve puzzles or complete tasks that require logical thinking and pattern recognition.
Why popular: These machines can significantly boost revenue for businesses by drawing in customers seeking a unique entertainment experience.
Suitable for: Single-player/double-player arcade games
Pinball Machines
Though not video games, pinball machines are often found everywhere, from simple pinball machines at night markets to professional electronic game centers with large machines featuring cartoon characters. Pinball machines combine technique and strategy, allowing players to fully demonstrate their coordination and reaction skills.
Why popular: Many people nostalgically remember playing pinball as children, and this emotional connection sparks interest among both old and young generations. Simple mechanisms are suitable for beginners and experts, as well as for gatherings and competitions among friends and family.
Suitable for: Single-player arcade games
Ticket Redemption Arcade Games
Players win tickets based on their performance, which can be exchanged for prizes.
Types of games:
- Carnival Skill Game: Balloon Shooting, Planet Ball, Down the Clown, Axe Heroes
- Carnival Fair Game: Balloon Shooting
- Ball Drop: Pinball Raiders, Colorful World
- Coin Pusher: Mysterious Treasure, Happy Mania
Why popular: The ability to win tickets and exchange them for prizes adds an extra layer of excitement to arcade games. This feature enhances the overall gaming experience and encourages repeat visits.
Suitable for: Multiplayer arcade games
Merchandise Arcade Games
This is another version of redemption games, offering a variety of items, from candy to bulk vending products. Mainly, it refers to displaying goods in a transparent box with a mechanical arm that can be controlled by players to retrieve the desired items.
Types of games:
- Crane game
- Photo booth
- Candy vending machine
- Vending Machine
Why popular: The variety of goods inside the machine is rich and diverse. With a small amount of money, players can receive high-value items, and the need for skillful challenges makes these prize vending machines popular.
Suitable for: Single-player vending arcade games
Virtual Reality
Virtual Reality (VR) has revolutionized arcade gaming, providing immersive experiences that transport players to new worlds. Although VR can be used at home, VR720 and games like Tank Superiority are not just about wearing goggles; they simulate motion, just like in the game.
Why popular: VR games’ key feature is using a large number of sensors to provide a sense of presence, which is difficult for many home gaming consoles to achieve.
Suitable for: Single-player arcade games
Conclusion
In summary, by understanding the different types of arcade games, you can more effectively allocate entertainment space to cater to various game types, ensuring a comfortable gaming environment that attracts players of all types.
If you need help determining which type of arcade experience is best for your business, YUTO Sales Team can provide free consultation on this topic.
