Best MAME Games in 2023 – Top 11 Arcade Games Worth Exploring
Unless you are a hardcore gamer, being confused with the term “MAME” is common. To make things simpler for you, MAME stands for Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator. Developed by Nicola Salmoria, the main objective behind the development of the game was to keep the concept of old arcade games intact.
The concept of MAME was released back in the late 90s but its simplicity has made it easier for us to access things a lot easier, especially when you want to play interactive games. What’s great is that ever since its inception, over 7000+ arcade games have been added to the list.
If you are considering getting into MAME games but don’t know the best ones to get started with, we have got your back. This article will explore some of the best ones to take a look into.
Table Of Contents
1. BurgerTime
The first one on the list is BurgerTime, which is a timeless game that’s loved by people of all ages. This is one of those few games that let you play around with your food and have the time of your day doing so.
To give you a better understanding of the game, we’d have to compare this one with Mario and Yoshi. If you have played that game and genuinely liked it, be assured that you will love BurgerTime too since the game is pretty similar to that.
Your work is to walk over through the game to make burgers by trapping the ingredients in salient layers so you aren’t missing out on any. You also have to protect the burger’s items from getting snatched by your enemy at the same time too.
2. Contra
If food isn’t your forte, Contra is another great MAME game that’s worth taking a look at. The simple gameplay might put you off a little in the beginning but you will find yourself getting addicted to the game soon after.
This is a type of run-and-gun game that’s simple but doesn’t feature high-end graphics, so you’d have to make do with what’s available. The game introduces you to powerful bosses and enemies that you have to take down as you progress through the game.
Also, unlike some of the retro arcade games that are too easy to play, this one isn’t like that. If you genuinely like the challenge, Contra is a game we’d recommend you check out.
3. Track and Field
Released in 1983, Track and Field is another popular MAME game worth exploring. The gameplay is heavily inspired by the basis of the Olympic Games, so that’s something you won’t regret indulging in. The only issue is that the different levels in the game are quite difficult to overcome.
Your work throughout the game is to first qualify in one event and then move on to the next one. If you get tired through the levels, you can even get help from your friends to get a little break from the process, making the whole process even more fun.
Like most of the older MAME games, even Track and Field features a very simple and old-school layout but the gameplay is worth it.
4. Rampage
The gameplay and storyline of Rampage are quite interesting and unlike any other games, you will come across. Your objective in the game is to tame a monster that’s going around destroying the city and being a threat to the people around you.
As you climb through the skyscrapers and rave through the city, you have to work through the same and survive the wrath of the situation. Unlike other video games, the gameplay of this video game is based on one objective – destroy the city.
The gameplay is unique but you do have to work through the action genre and is a highly unpredictable game but that’s what contributes to the whole fun and the gameplay experience. Also, the game supports co-op mode for up to 3 players.
5. Pong
Another popular and addictive MAME game that’s worth looking into is Pong. But, did you know the catch of this game? It is 50 years old and is to this day one of the most popular MAME games in the lot that’s worth exploring.
The game, by itself, isn’t complicated. This means that anyone can play the game without any complications. It consists of three elements – two sliding bats, a ball and there’s a line that runs down the middle of the screen.
Your objective? Play through the game and acquire 11 points and you will win the game. Things are as simple as that. Also, there is no catch. All you have to do is acquire 11 points first in the game.
6. Metal Slug 2
Moving on, the next MAME game that deserves a mention is Metal Slug 2. Your work in the game is to be a powerful warrior through the game and makes the most despite being a one-man army. You are armed to the teeth and the gameplay is quite complicated but it’s worth the time.
Much like other action games, your work is to play against the enemies and the end goal is to kill the boss that comes at the end. The playable tanks in the game are quite great, meaning that you will have to work through challenging levels in the game.
Also, one unique feature of this game is its amazing soundtrack. The gameplay is not only dynamic but quite fun too, making things even more engaging and interactive.
7. Robotron 2084
Next up on the list of MAME games is Robotron 2084. The gameplay, like most of the other MAME games is simple. All you have to do is kill the minions in the game before they end up killing you. Things are as simple as that.
Two joysticks are in the center of the game, designed to help the players navigate through the game with ease. The pace of the game is terrifying though because you have to be quick before things gulp and kill you in the process.
8. Cadillacs and Dinosaurs
Not only is the game’s name unique, but Cadillacs and Dinosaurs are also based around a highly uncommon theme, which is fun, engaging, and quirky at the same time. The game involves prehistoric reptiles, which can be a little off-putting but it’s worth the time.
Also, the standard gameplay is quite simple and organized, meaning that you wouldn’t end up being on the side of the crossroad, provided that you are following the game’s rules as it is.
The players do get access to unique varieties of weapons in the game, making the whole experience even more interactive. Also, you have four different characters to choose from, further streamlining the whole gaming experience.
9. Ghosts and Goblins
We have discussed the best MAME games to try out that are simple yet interactive. Ghosts and Goblins aren’t like that. It is particularly for those that enjoy a touchy and challenging game. The game follows King Arthur as the game character.
In the game, we witness Arthur going after trying to save Guinevere from the different enemies and evil that you encounter in the game. From gorgons to trolls and cyclops, there’s a lot that you will come across in the game.
But what’s great is that this is a classic arcade game that you need to play at least once in your life. Also, there are limited lives to lose, so you need to be quite careful while playing.
10. Street Fighter II: The World Warrior
If fighting games is your thing, Street Fighter II: The World Warrior is a worthy MAME game that we had to include in the list without any further discussions. It is a sequel to the original game and consists of elements that are pretty exciting to play.
One factor in the game that stands out is the combo system, which allows you to take down a bunch of the opponents that you cross paths with in the game.
Also, the game comes with various characters that you can discover and master along the way. It is undoubtedly one of the most fun games you can indulge in in real-time.
11. Out Run
Last on the list is Out Run, a MAME game released in 1986. This is a racing game and was a highlight during the 80s and rightfully so. The graphics of the game isn’t as enticing but the course and the challenges that you experience along the way make the whole experience one of a kind.
Also, the players get to drive some of the most stunning cars, including a Ferrari Testarossa. So, as you compete and drive through the bumps and swerves, your only aim is to have control over the car and stay ahead of the rest.
Conclusion
MAME games are a testament to the classic retro arcade games that we have grown up playing. If you have been meaning to venture into those games and have been looking for good options, we hope the ones we have sorted for you in the list are worth taking a look at. The only thing we’d recommend you do is to find the ones that best align with your gaming prowess.
