Top 5 Vehicles from Arcade Games
Jan 25
Arcade games have always had a knack for putting us behind the controls of something extraordinary. From sleek fighter jets to iconic spaceships, these vehicles are more than just modes of transport—they’re an integral part of what makes arcade gaming so magical. So wit that in mind, here are the top 5 vehicles that defined the arcade era.
5. SV-001 "Metal Slug" – Metal Slug
This tank isn’t just a vehicle; it’s a legend. The SV-001, aka the Metal Slug, was an absolute game-changer. The moment you hopped into this tank, you knew something special was happening. It wasn’t just about the added firepower (though that was chef’s kiss); it was the sheer joy of mowing down enemies with an arsenal that felt both powerful and playful. Long before Halo let players commandeer vehicles, Metal Slug was blowing minds and raising the bar with its creative, chaotic, and undeniably cool combat. Who needs realism when you have this much fun?
4. The R-9 "Arrowhead" – R-Type
The 1980s and ’90s were a golden age for arcade spaceships, with games like Gradius and Salamander offering fantastic designs. But R-Type’s R-9 Arrowhead stood out from the crowd. Why? Because it looked different. Its sleek curves and unique design gave it personality, making it instantly recognisable even decades later. Ask anyone to identify spaceships from other arcade classics, and you’ll probably get a few blank stares. Show them the R-9? Chances are, they’ll nail it immediately. Its combination of style, functionality, and iconic status secures its spot as one of the coolest arcade vehicles of all time.
3. F-14 Tomcat – Afterburner
The F-14 Tomcat is a damn cool jet on its own. I mean, it’s a jet fighter—how could it not be awesome? But Afterburner took things to a whole new level, especially with its deluxe cabinet. Yu Suzuki, the mastermind behind this arcade masterpiece, delivered an experience that blurred the line between simulator and game. Stepping into the deluxe version of Afterburner, with its tilting seat and immersive controls, was like climbing into the cockpit of the real deal. Few arcade experiences matched the sheer thrill of unleashing missiles while feeling the "flight" beneath you. One word: awesome.
2. X-Wing – Star Wars: The Atari Game
Let’s be honest: the X-Wing is one of the most iconic starships in pop culture history. But Star Wars: The Atari Game did more than just exploit that recognition—it put us right in the cockpit, where the magic of the movies came to life. And for those lucky enough to play the cockpit version of the game, it was pure arcade bliss. Sitting in that machine, gripping the controls, and firing lasers at TIE Fighters was nothing short of revolutionary. It wasn’t just a game; it was a full-blown experience, and for that, the X-Wing earns its rightful place on this list.
1. Ferrari Testarossa convertible (Kind of) – OutRun
Because of course it is. Yes, we know—it technically wasn’t licensed as a Ferrari Testarossa, but come on, we all know it was. OutRun wasn’t just about driving; it was about living. The deluxe cabinet took that feeling to the next level, putting players in the driver’s seat of one of the coolest cars ever made (or at least a very convincing replica). The wind in your hair, the open road stretching out before you, and Magical Sound Shower playing in the background—OutRun was pure joy. The Ferrari Testarossa (wink, wink) isn’t just a great arcade vehicle; it’s the best vehicle ever committed to an arcade game. End of story.