Introduction

Arcade Classics is a 1996 compilation for the Sega Genesis that brings together three Atari arcade hits on a single cartridge: Centipede, Missile Command and Pong. Each game keeps the simple rules that made it popular in arcades, so you can switch from blasting bugs in a mushroom field to defending cities from nuclear missiles or playing a quick match of electronic table tennis. The Genesis versions add two-player options, making the cartridge a good choice for short sessions with a friend. Because all three games are easy to learn but hard to master, they are ideal for chasing high scores directly in your browser.

Arcade Classics

How to Play Arcade Classics Online

Click inside the game window and press Start to boot the Genesis emulator, then pick Centipede, Missile Command or Pong from the menu. By default the arrow keys act as the D-pad, the Z, X and A keys act as the Genesis buttons and Enter is Start. You can check or remap them in Control Settings inside the emulator menu, or connect a gamepad.

The Three Games

Centipede

Your small shooter sits at the bottom of a field full of mushrooms while a centipede winds its way down toward you. Every segment you hit turns into a mushroom and splits the centipede in two. Watch out for the bouncing spider near the bottom, the flea that drops straight down and leaves mushrooms behind, and the scorpion that poisons mushrooms so the centipede dives straight at you.

Missile Command

Enemy missiles rain down on six cities. Move the crosshair and launch counter-missiles from your bases; each explosion destroys every incoming missile that flies into it. A wave ends when the attack is over, and you earn bonus points for every city and missile you save.

Pong

The original video table tennis. Move your paddle up and down to return the ball, hit it with the edge of the paddle to send it at a sharper angle, and be the first to reach the winning score.

Tips

Centipede: stay low and keep the bottom of the field clear of mushrooms so you have room to dodge. Shooting the head of the centipede first stops it from splitting into many fast pieces.
Centipede: shoot the spider when it is close to you for the highest points.
Missile Command: fire ahead of incoming missiles, not at them. Place explosions where several missiles will pass.
Missile Command: do not waste ammunition early in a wave; the fastest attacks come at the end.
Pong: aim for the corners and use paddle edges to change angle; straight returns are easy for your opponent.

More Arcade Games

If you enjoy these Atari originals, try other early arcade classics on CraazyGames such as Galaxian, Galaga, Space Invaders and Pac-Man, or browse the full Arcade section.