No reminiscence of the 80s is complete without a nod to arcade games. These coin-operated machines were widely found in amusement centers, arcades, and even eateries. Redemption games that rewarded players based on their score, computerized video games, and pinball games involving metal balls were all popular.

Arcade gaming gained immense popularity in the early 70s after Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney created Atari's Pong game - an instant hit with gamers. The success of this game led to many similar versions being developed; it also gave rise to numerous avid gamers. In no time, video game arcades sprang up across America- shopping malls, bars or restaurants- you name it.

The most talked-about arcade games from the 80s include Space Invaders – one of the pioneering modern-day video games made by Toshihiro Nishikado from Japan. It was released back in 1978 where players used a laser cannon placed below the screen to shoot down aliens that passed over them while raining bombs and deadly rays at every turn.

Pac-Man is another classic arcade game created by Namco which became instantly famous when distributed globally in 1980. This non-violent yet enjoyable game appealed both young and old alike as they maneuvered Pac-Man through mazes eating small dots along his way while avoiding ghosts named Blinky, Pinky, Inky & Clyde who chase him around.

Donkey Kong (made by Nintendo) emerged as one of the top-ranking arcade games among others during this decade when introduced back in '81. Players had to help Mario save a girl kidnapped by Donkey Kong whilst navigating platforms full of obstacles along each level.

Other notable mentions for popular 80's arcade gaming include Battlezone, Pengo Tron Tetris Rubiks Cube among others until eventually, fighting-based video consoles took over such as Street Fighter II requiring two players resulting ultimately leading to the decline of arcade gaming.