ROBERT MATTESON'S TOP TEN COIN-OP VIDEOGAMES


Rmatteson@co.oneida.ny.us


I just couldn't get it down to ten, so here's my Top 11...

11. Bosconian

(Namco)
    Talking space game with a somewhat Australian accent. The convenience store where I bought my papers (news, not rolling) had one, and I'd always put a dollar or so in it. Whan the store took it out, I bought my papers somewhere else.
10. Wizard of Wor
(Bally/Midway)
    Cool game play and simple but well-done music. On 2-player mode, a trained team can almost play forever.
9. Astro Blaster
(Sega/Gremlin)
    One of the first "talkies." Secret bonuses, overheated lasers, and low fuel. Astro Blaster encourages you to play on the edge -- you get double points if you fuel status is "Critical."
8. Sinistar
(Williams)
    The scariest game ever. If you can find a cockpit-style Sinistar, have the owner turn the volume *way* up. The first time you hear the Sinistar declare that he is alive is better than a Hitchcock movie!
7. Gorf
(Bally/Midway)
    On the default setting, Gorf is a "play forever" game. When it's cranked, the Galaxian segment is way harder than the original Galaxian.
6. Berzerk
(Stern)
    Two things I like in games: sci-fi action and speech. And it helps if it has Evil Otto, too.
5. Indy 800
(Atari)
    The coolest multi-player game ever. Eight players, all with the same hardware, hit the track all at once. Somewhat like a box-stock class slot car race, but cheaper. And that huge cabinet......
4. Reactor
(Gottlieb)
    At full volume in the arcade, nothing sounded cooler. The best use of a trackball since Missile Command. Abstract and trippy with a hard rockin' score!
3. Robotron: 2084
(Williams)
    The hair just stands up on the back of your neck when the first Brain Wave appears. Dozens, then hundreds of robots, all moving independently. A techno marvel, and a Jarvis Classic.
2. Tempest
(Atari)
    Color vector graphics and frantic vertigo spinning action!
1. Defender
(Williams)
    This is the one. When you really get into the higher levels, your planet exploding is a truly terrifying experience. Only the Track & Field machines take more abuse in the normal course of game play. Try this one: get a paper bag and cover the screen, except for the radar.
Honorable Mentions:

  • Joust (Williams)
  • Pole Position (Namco)
  • Quarterback (Leland)
  • Stargate (Williams)
  • Toobin' (Atari Games)
  • Turbo (Sega)
  • Xevious (Namco)

    • Go to previous page