10 CRIMINALLY Overlooked Recent Video Games

3. Arcade Paradise

Katana Zero
Wired Productions

Arcade Paradise boasts a whopping 35 retro-styled games, many of which are based on classic arcade titles like Dance Dance Revolution, Bomberman, and Arkonoid.

However, you can't access these games at first. The story (yes, there's a story) takes place in a rundown laundromat, which our protagonist is gradually turning into an arcade.

In order to afford arcade cabinets, you need to work your butt off by washing clothes, clearing gum, taking out the trash, and cleaning toilets. (Yes, the trailer uses the "clean the toilets" angle to promote the game!

It mightn't sound appealing, but managing your business is surprisingly addictive. Because cabinets can only be unlocked by putting the work in, playing them is far more rewarding.

I know what you're thinking. Why buy a collections of rip-offs when you can just buy the real thing? I mean, why settle for a Bubble Bobble clone when you play Bubble Bobble?

Well each arcade game has its own unique spin, so it never comes across as a mere knock-off. In fact, some titles are more fun and creative than the game they're emulating. (Except Solitaire. Their version is just Solitaire.)

Contributor

James Egan has been with Whatculture for five years and prominently works on Horror, Film, and Video Games. He's written over 80 books including 1000 Facts about Horror Movies Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about The Greatest Films Ever Made Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about Video Games Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts About James Bond 1000 Facts About TV Shows