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The Ultimate Guide to Arcade Shooting Games: From Space Invaders to Time Crisis



Arcade Shooting Games: A Blast from the Past




If you grew up in the 80s or 90s, chances are you have fond memories of playing arcade shooting games. These games were some of the most popular and exciting attractions in any arcade, offering players a chance to shoot their way through hordes of enemies, aliens, zombies, and more. Whether you used a light gun, a joystick, or a trackball, you felt like a badass as you blasted your way to the high score.




arcade shooting games




But what are arcade shooting games exactly? How did they evolve over time? What makes them so fun and addictive? And where can you play them today? In this article, we will answer these questions and more, as we take a look at some of the best arcade shooting games of all time. Let's get started!


What are arcade shooting games?




Arcade shooting games are video games that involve shooting at targets on a screen, using either a physical or a virtual controller. They are also known as shooters, shoot 'em ups, or shmups. Arcade shooting games are different from other genres of video games, such as first-person shooters or third-person shooters, because they usually have a fixed perspective and limited movement. They also tend to focus more on fast-paced action and scoring points than on story or realism.


The history of arcade shooting games




The first arcade shooting games were not even video games, but rather mechanical devices that actually fired pellets at physical objects within the cabinet. These games were popular in the 1930s and 1940s, and were often based on hunting or carnival themes. Some examples of these early shooters are Seeburg Ray-O-Lite (1936), Seeburg Shoot the Bear (1949), and Midway's Shooting Gallery (1950).


The first video game that resembled an arcade shooter was Spacewar! (1962), which was developed by Steve Russell at MIT. It was a two-player game that involved piloting spaceships and firing missiles at each other. However, Spacewar! was not intended for commercial use, and was only played on university computers.


The first commercially successful video game that featured shooting was Space Invaders (1978), which was created by Tomohiro Nishikado at Taito. It was a fixed shooter game that had players defending the Earth from waves of alien invaders. Space Invaders was a huge hit, and spawned many imitators and sequels. It also influenced other genres of video games, such as platformers and puzzle games.


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The types of arcade shooting games




Over the years, arcade shooting games have diversified into many subgenres, each with its own characteristics and gameplay mechanics. Here are some of the most common types of arcade shooting games:


Light gun shooters




Light gun shooters are games that use a light gun as a controller, which is a device that emits a beam of light when the trigger is pulled. The game detects where the light hits on the screen, and registers it as a shot. Light gun shooters usually have realistic graphics and settings, such as police stations, haunted houses, or war zones. Some examples of light gun shooters are Duck Hunt (1984), Operation Wolf (1987), Time Crisis (1995), House of the Dead (1996), and Virtua Cop (1996).


Run and gun shooters




Run and gun shooters are games that combine shooting with platforming elements, such as jumping, climbing, and dodging obstacles. Run and gun shooters usually have cartoonish graphics and humorous tones, such as robots, aliens, or zombies. Some examples of run and gun shooters are Contra (1987), Metal Slug (1996), Gunstar Heroes (1993), and Metal Slug (1996).


Fixed shooters




Fixed shooters are games that have a fixed screen, where the player can only move left and right, or up and down, and shoot at enemies that come from the opposite direction. Fixed shooters usually have simple graphics and abstract themes, such as space, geometric shapes, or insects. Some examples of fixed shooters are Space Invaders (1978), Galaxian (1979), Galaga (1981), and Centipede (1980).


Rail shooters




Rail shooters are games that have a predetermined path that the player follows, while shooting at enemies that appear on the screen. Rail shooters usually have 3D graphics and immersive settings, such as jungles, cities, or futuristic landscapes. Some examples of rail shooters are Star Fox (1993), Panzer Dragoon (1995), Star Wars: Rebel Assault (1993), and Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles (2007).


Why are arcade shooting games so fun?




Arcade shooting games are fun for many reasons, but here are some of the most common ones:


The thrill of shooting




Shooting is an instinctive and primal activity that appeals to many people. It gives a sense of power, control, and satisfaction, especially when you hit your target. Shooting also releases adrenaline and dopamine in the brain, which make you feel excited and happy.


The challenge of aiming




Aiming is a skill that requires concentration, coordination, and precision. It is a challenge that tests your reflexes, accuracy, and timing. Aiming also adds a strategic element to the game, as you have to decide when and where to shoot, and how to conserve your ammo.


The variety of enemies and environments




Arcade shooting games offer a wide range of enemies and environments to shoot at, which keep the game interesting and unpredictable. You never know what you will face next, whether it is a giant boss, a swarm of aliens, or a hidden trap. You also get to explore different settings, such as outer space, ancient temples, or haunted mansions.


The social aspect of playing with others




Arcade shooting games are often designed for multiplayer modes, where you can play with or against other players. This adds a social aspect to the game, as you can cooperate with your friends, compete with your rivals, or chat with other gamers. Playing with others also increases the fun factor, as you can share your experiences, tips, and jokes.


What are some of the best arcade shooting games of all time?




There are many arcade shooting games that are considered classics by fans and critics alike. Here are some of the best ones:



TitleYearTypeDescription


Time Crisis1995Light gun shooterA game that introduced a pedal system that allowed players to duck and reload their weapons.


Metal Slug1996Run and gun shooterA game that featured hand-drawn graphics, humorous animations, and over-the-top action.


Galaga1981Fixed shooterA game that improved on its predecessor Galaxian by adding more enemies, bonus stages, and the ability to capture enemy ships.


Doom1993Rail shooterA game that popularized the first-person shooter genre by having players fight demons in hell.


How to play arcade shooting games online?




If you want to play arcade shooting games online, you have several options:


The benefits of playing online




Playing online has many benefits over playing in an actual arcade. For one thing, you don't have to pay any coins or tokens to play. You also don't have to wait in line or deal with noisy crowds. You can play anytime and anywhere you want, as long as you have an internet connection. You can also access a larger variety of games than what an arcade can offer.


The best websites to play online shooting gamesThere are many websites that offer online shooting games for free, without the need to download or install anything. You can play these games on your browser, using your keyboard and mouse, or your touchscreen. Here are some of the best websites to play online shooting games:


  • : This website has a large collection of shooting games, from FPS to 2D shooters. You can play games like Bullet Force, Shell Shockers, Krunker, and more.



  • : This website has a variety of shooting games, from realistic to cartoonish. You can play games like Combat Reloaded, Stick Defenders, Venge.io, and more.



  • : This website is dedicated to a single game, Venge.io, which is an objective-based FPS game. You can choose from different classes, weapons, and maps, and play with or against other players.



Conclusion




Arcade shooting games are some of the most fun and exciting video games ever made. They have a long and rich history, spanning from mechanical devices to online platforms. They have many subgenres and styles, each with its own appeal and challenge. They are also easy to play and enjoy, whether you use a light gun, a joystick, or a mouse. If you are looking for a blast from the past, or a new way to have fun, arcade shooting games are the way to go.


FAQs




  • What is the difference between arcade shooting games and other shooting games?



Arcade shooting games are video games that involve shooting at targets on a screen, using either a physical or a virtual controller. They usually have a fixed perspective and limited movement, and focus more on fast-paced action and scoring points than on story or realism. Other shooting games, such as first-person shooters or third-person shooters, have more freedom of movement and camera angle, and often have more complex plots and graphics.


  • What are some of the benefits of playing arcade shooting games?



Some of the benefits of playing arcade shooting games are:


  • They improve your hand-eye coordination and reflexes.



  • They enhance your spatial awareness and problem-solving skills.



  • They stimulate your brain and release positive hormones.



  • They provide entertainment and stress relief.



  • They foster social interaction and competition.



  • What are some of the drawbacks of playing arcade shooting games?



Some of the drawbacks of playing arcade shooting games are:


  • They can be addictive and time-consuming.



  • They can cause eye strain and headaches.



  • They can expose you to violence and gore.



  • They can be expensive and inaccessible.



  • They can be frustrating and rage-inducing.



  • How can I play arcade shooting games at home?



You can play arcade shooting games at home by using one of these methods:


  • You can buy an arcade machine or a console that supports arcade games.



  • You can use an emulator or a simulator software that mimics arcade games on your computer or mobile device.



  • You can visit an online website that offers arcade shooting games for free.



What are some tips for playing arcade shooting games?Some tips for playing arcade shooting games are:


  • Practice your aiming and shooting skills regularly.



  • Learn the patterns and behaviors of the enemies and bosses.



  • Use the cover and dodge mechanics wisely.



  • Collect power-ups and bonuses whenever possible.



  • Manage your ammo and health carefully.



I hope you enjoyed this article about arcade shooting games. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Thanks for reading! 44f88ac181


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