Over the last decade or so, there’s been a steadily increasing interest in retro gaming. The reasons for this are numerous, with speculation being rife. Some think it may be a kickback against the hyper-slick and super immersive games of today, whilst others believe it to be simply a consequence of the retro gaming generation getting older (and richer) and feeling nostalgic about their childhoods.
We don’t know the exact reasons of every last gamer (probably a combination of many), but we certainly know that retro’s newfound popularity has led to a massive expansion of the number of Xbox One arcade games.
To help clear the way through this sizeable list of available retro games, TheXboxHub decided to round up the top four Xbox One arcade games that cost under a fiver:
- Ms. Pac-Man
- Dig Dug
- Pinball
- Video Poker
The Joystick Renaissance
However, before looking at these individual titles, it’s also worth mentioning that one of retro gaming’s most trusty companions is making a comeback too – the joystick. As we all know, retro games were designed to be played on joysticks with big mashable buttons, not the super ergonomic gamepad that most consoles have now. The rapid button presses and quick (but big) movements are what fight sticks were made for, and gamepads just can’t compete.
If you want to play the games above with the full retro feel, then you’ll need an Xbox One arcade stick. The Mayflash F300 Arcade Fight Stick is a good option – with modifiable parts, reversible X/Y axis, customisable buttons, and across the board compatibility (so you can use it on your PC in addition to your Xbox One). However, a quick Amazon search will bring up plenty of Xbox One arcade stick alternatives – just in case the Mayflash is a little pricey.
Now, without further delay, here’s our top 3 retro Xbox One arcade games.
Ms. Pac-Man
Ms. Pac-Man was first released in 1982, two years after the release of the eponymous game which started the entire Pac-Man series. Whilst the first is always an icon, Ms. Pac-Man was considered by many to be the players’ favourite, mainly due to the introduction of new features in the game.
For starters, Ms. Pac-Man had four different mazes rather than just one, which alternated as you climb the levels. Players could also use more warp tunnels within the mazes, allowing you to switch to the other side. The introduction of randomness into more of the game stopped players simply relying on patterns to win, making the challenge harder. Finally, the behavioural patterns of the ghosts were modified, and so too were the placements of the fruits. We know it doesn’t sound much, millennials, but back then these were pretty big developments!
Luckily, Ms. Pac-Man is only £3.19, so you can start playing this fan-favourite for under £5.
Dig Dug
Dig Dug was also released in 1982 and quickly became another fan favourite, admittedly with much more of an underground status than Ms. Pac-Man. In this retro classic, you play as Dig Dug and are responsible for eliminating the two different types of enemies: Pookas (tomato-like, ball-people) and Fygars (fire breathing dragons).
The game mechanics are simple on this Xbox One arcade game, but the reward is great. You dig through the earth in order to either flatten your enemies or pop them by inflating them. The more enemies you kill at once, the more points you get.
Dig Dug is also only £3.19, so you’re not going to break the bank with this one.
Pinball
Nothing says ‘retro’ or ‘arcade’ like a classic pinball machine. If you’re wanting to get your fill of flipper action then Pinball Arcade is a great outlet. It’s said to be the most comprehensive pinball game ever made, with loads of real tables. These include:
- AC/DC® Premium
- Star Trek™ Vengeance Premium
- Ghostbusters™ Premium
- Harley-Davidson® / Third Edition
- + many more!
Best of all, Pinball Arcade is completely free on the Microsoft Store – so it won’t cost you a single penny.
Video Poker
Finally, if you’re a fan of casino skill games then Video Poker on Xbox One might be a good choice. Just like Pinball, Video Poker is completely free and you don’t actually wager any money. Just hit download to begin.
What you’ll be getting is a Las Vegas casino like experience, but without the cost of a plane ticket. You’re given detailed instructions on how to play Video Poker if the concept is new – but don’t worry, it’s not overly complex.
If you enjoy this free Video Poker download then you can put that saved fiver to good use! Head on over to a £5 deposit casino to test your luck on real money Video Poker machines from the best casino sites. Who knows, maybe you’ll be able to buy even more retro Xbox One arcade games!
