Top 10 Capcom arcade classics you need to know

Capcom is one of the pioneers in the world of video games, with a history that goes back decades and includes a wide variety of titles released on consoles and arcades, also known as video arcades. His legacy is marked by countless contributions to the industry, from fighting games to action adventures and survival horror.

In this context, we decided to create a Top 10 that celebrates some of the classics released by Capcom in the arcades. We chose to highlight some lesser-known titles, leaving aside the obvious ones, to offer a more comprehensive and diverse perspective of the company's catalog.

Join us on this journey and discover the treasures hidden in the halls of Capcom arcades!

1942

Ghosts 'n Goblins

In 1985, Capcom released another great success: Ghosts 'n Goblins. The platform game has as its protagonist a knight called Sir Arthur, who must defeat zombies, ogres, demons and other demonic creatures to save his beloved who was kidnapped by Satan himself, king of the underworld. In 1988 the company released the sequel Ghouls 'n Ghosts, which became even more popular than its predecessor, both known for their high degree of challenge. Arthur also appeared in several fighting games in the Versus series.

Commando

Also from 1985, Commando popularized the run & gun genre with aerial vision and vertical displacement, where the player commands a soldier against an enemy army and with intense action. Its sequel, Mercs, was also a huge success in 1989.

Black Tiger

Released in 1987, it was one of the first games set in a medieval fantasy universe by the Japanese company, where the player takes control of a warrior who must restore peace to his kingdom. The platform and gameplay style are similar to Konami's Castlevania.

Strider

Strider was released in 1989 and won many fans by presenting a ninja from the future in a 2D platformer. The title gained home versions on platforms of the time, especially the Mega Drive, where it was a great success. Furthermore, the main character appeared in several of the company's fighting games, such as Marvel vs Capcom, among others.

Magic Sword

In 1990, another fantasy arcade and 2D platform arrived, where the hero must climb a gigantic mystical tower and destroy hordes of monsters to save the world. Up to two players can play together.

The King of Dragons

Launched in 1991, The King of Dragons is a beat-'em-up with RPG elements set in a medieval fantasy universe, with strong inspirations from the world of Dungeons & Dragons. Up to three players can play cooperatively and choose between five different characters (Fighter, Dwarf, Elf, Cleric and Wizard).

Knights of the Round

Capcom liked the medieval fantasy genre and in 1991 released another title, Knights of the Round, which is based on the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table – basically Capcom's Golden Ax (1989, Sega). It also features a lot of 2D fighting with RPG elements and up to three players can help each other simultaneously.

Dungeons & Dragons: Tower of Doom

With so many medieval fantasy games, of course Dungeons & Dragons couldn't be missing from this list. Tower of Doom was released in 1993, mixing the successful beat 'em up + RPG formula, with the possibility of up to four simultaneous players on the screen. It received a sequel in 1996, also highly praised, called Dungeons & Dragons: Shadow over Mystara – one of the last 2D platform arcades released by Capcom.

Alien vs. Predator

And to finish our list, the 1994 beat 'em up Alien vs. Predator. Earth has been invaded by the terrible Aliens, and a group of humans are fighting against them. Seeking fun and new hunts, a group of Predators help humans decimate the deadly animals. Up to three players can join the hunt together, choosing between four characters (two humans and two Predators).