As video gaming blossomed in the 1980s, it brought forth a wave of innovation and creativity. From the arcades to the home console, this decade is truly a golden era for gamers. Here we rank the 50 best games of the ’80s, considering their impact, innovation, gameplay, and lasting appeal.

1.Super Mario Bros. (1985)

2.The Legend of Zelda (1986)

3.Tetris (1984)

4.Pac-Man (1980)

5.Donkey Kong (1981)

6.Space Invaders Deluxe (1980)

7.Contra (1987)

8.Megaman 2 (1988)

9.Galaga (1981)

10.Final Fantasy (1987)

11.Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988)

12.Castlevania (1986)

13.Excitebike (1984)

14.Metroid (1986)

15.The Oregon Trail (1985)

16.Dragon Warrior (Dragon Quest) (1986)

17.Duck Hunt (1984)

18.Frogger (1981)

19.Punch-Out!! (1987)

20.Prince of Persia (1989)

21.Missile Command (1980)

22.Double Dragon (1987)

23.Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (1987)

24.Street Fighter (1987)

25.Q*bert (1982)

26.Battlezone (1980)

27.Centipede (1980)

28.Dig Dug (1982)

29.SimCity (1989)

30.Kid Icarus (1986)

31.Golden Axe (1989)

32.Gauntlet (1985)

33.Mega Man (1987)

34.Ghouls ‘n Ghosts (1988)

35.Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!! (1987)

36.Adventure Island ( 983)

37 Gradius ( 985)

38 Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back ( 982)

39 Defender ( 980)

40 BurgerTime ( 982)

41 Altered Beast ( 988)

42 River Raid  ( 982)

43 Bomberman (( 985))

44 Marble Madness  (( 987))

45 Tempest ((981))

46 Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar ((985))

47 Asteroids Deluxe ((981))

48 Paperboy ((984))

49 Ghosts’n Goblins ((985))

50 Elite ((984))

Each of these games has left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape and continues to influence game design and culture today.