Antstream Arcade has had a bit of a rocky time over the last year as they have lost over 100 games during 2023. But there is plenty left to play on the platform! So, I want to go over what I think are the ten best games out of the current 1316 games on the service. You may know what some of these games are and you may not; let’s dive in!
Bubble Ghost (Game Boy Version)
The first game on this list is the video game Bubble Ghost. In this game, you need to guide a bubble through a series of puzzling levels as you try to reach the end of the game. This game is a puzzle-based action video game that was released on the original Nintendo Game Boy. This is one of the more recent additions to Antstream which I enjoyed quite a bit; so, if you want to try something new, I recommend checking this game out on Antstream Arcade right now.
Flea! (Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) Version):
The next game on our list is Flea! by Lowtek Games. In this action platforming game, you play as Henry the hyperactive flea who can’t stop jumping. You must guide Henry through levels past beasts and collect vials of blood to progress through the levels. An interesting fact about this game is that Henry doesn’t ever stop jumping because of the Flea! developer who wanted a game that would appeal to gamers with ADHD. You can check out Flea! now on Antstream Arcade.
Space Invaders (Arcade Version):
Now let’s move on to an arcade classic from 1978. Space Invaders needs no introduction as it is one of the most iconic video games to have ever been created. It may be from 1978, but it’s a game you can play on Antstream Arcade right now. This game is a shooter where you must shoot alien invaders and bonus UFOs whilst defending your base. This is the original arcade version from 1978, which means it’s the best version of this game that you can access!
Pac-Man (Arcade Version):
Another arcade classic that everyone reading this article has probably heard of is Pac-Man. In this title, you play as the titular “Pac-Man” who runs around a maze eating pellets and fruit powerups whilst being chased by four colorful ghosts named Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde. What’s awesome about this version of the game, though, is that it is the arcade version meaning it doesn’t suffer from the slowdown that the NES version of the game had.
Boulder Dash (Commodore 64):
The next game on my list is the puzzle game which includes falling rocks (or “Boulders”). As you “Dash” through levels, you avoid the falling rocks as you dig tunnels. Boulder Dash is an extremely fun yet simple game from the early 1980s, this version is the Commodore 64/C64 version which is arguably the best version of this microcomputer classic.
Burger Time (Arcade Version):
The next game we have is a gem from the now defunct Japanese game developer Data East. Burger Time is a well-known arcade game from 1982 where you are chased by anthropomorphic sausages and eggs as you (a chef) try to build burgers by knocking the ingredients down. Even though it might not look like it by today’s standards, this game is extremely addicting at times, especially if you want to chase a high score. This is also the arcade version which means it doesn’t suffer from the slowdown that the NES and Intellivision versions suffered from.
The Chaos Engine 2 (Amiga Version):
The next game on this list is a certified British classic, that comes in the form of The Bitmap Brothers’ developed game The Chaos Engine 2. This game is a sequel to the steampunk-soaked original game developed by the same team. This sequel features the same awesome co-op that made the original so great. The reason I have put this game on the list over the original is largely because this game is essentially the same as the previous game but with nicer graphics.
Alien Breed Special Edition (Amiga Version):
The next game is another British classic. Inspired by Ridley Scott’s Alien movies, the video game Alien Breed Special Edition is a top-down shooter where you travel through what appears to be an abandoned space station. However, you’ll end up needing to blast your way through hordes of aliens as you try to escape from the station alive. This game is by legendary indie game publisher Team17 and is worth playing if you want a top-down action game that will provide you with a fun British feel.
Earthworm Jim (SNES Version):
The next game is a platforming classic that I’m sure many gamers will remember: Earthworm Jim. In Earthworm Jim you take control of a regular everyday earthworm called Jim who comes across an ultra high tech super suit that gives Jim superpowers and also a strong urge to launch cows into space. You must also take on the evil Psy-Crow in this video game which screams nineties nostalgia.
Witch N Wiz (NES Version):
The final game on this list is the video game Witch N Wiz, which (pun intended) is an indie homebrew puzzle game that was developed for the Nintendo Entertainment System and published just recently in 2021. In this game, you must journey into a mysterious tower which leads to you having to solve puzzle after puzzle in the cutest little 8-bit adventure you can imagine.
What do you think? Will you be playing any of these games? Do you have other favorite Antstream Arcade titles? Let us know on social media!
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