Arcade Joystick Games

Pac-Man

• According to Arcade History, the arcade game Pac-Man, released toward the end of 1980, brought about what some consider the golden age of video games. The game allows two players and game play is by four-direction joystick. The player guides Pac-Man through the maze, eating dots and avoiding four ghosts. Touching a ghost makes the player lose one life. Losing three lives ends the game.

Galaga

• In 1981, NAMCO released Galaga. In Galaga, the player, using a joystick, moves a spaceship left and right along the bottom of the screen. The object of the game is to fire at enemies as they form into groups and try to attack you. The game allows a maximum of two alternating players. As you are hit by enemies, you lose ships, and three lost lives ends the game.

Donkey Kong

• Released in 1981 by Nintendo, Donkey Kong uses a four-direction joystick and one button to jump. Up to two players can alternate play. In Donkey Kong, Mario must avoid barrels, flames, and other obstacles to save his girlfriend, Pauline, from the giant ape Donkey Kong. Whenever Mario reaches Pauline, Donkey Kong will carry her to a higher level. Mario must remove the rivets to cause Donkey Kong to fall, allowing Mario and Pauline finally to be together. The game then starts over with increased difficulty.

Street Fighter

• Capcom released Street Fighter in 1987. This fighting game allows a maximum of two simultaneous players. Controls consist of an eight-direction joystick and six buttons for combinations of punching and kicking. Two players fight using martial arts in matches held in different locations. The player with two out of three wins advances. As players unlock bonuses, they earn more points.