Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 20, 2026

Arcade Classics

Arcade Classics is a Genesis/Mega Drive compilation of three Atari, Inc. arcade video games: Pong (1972), Missile Command (1980), and Centipede (1981), plus a revised version of each one. It was published in 1996 by Sega. A version was also released for the Game Gear, with Ultrapong replacing Pong.

Last revised
Jun 20, 2026
Read time
≈ 1 min
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314 w
Citations
15
Source
Wikipedia ↗
Arcade Classics
Mega Drive box art
DevelopersAl Baker & Associates
PublisherSega
ProgrammersAl Baker
Nathan Baker
ComposerMatt Scott
PlatformsGenesis/Mega Drive, Game Gear
ReleaseGenesis
  • NA: July 19962
  • EU: July 19, 19961
Game Gear
GenresAction, shoot 'em up
ModesSingle-player, multiplayer

Arcade Classics is a Genesis/Mega Drive compilation of three Atari, Inc. arcade video games: Pong (1972), Missile Command (1980), and Centipede (1981), plus a revised version of each one. It was published in 1996 by Sega. A version was also released for the Game Gear, with Ultrapong replacing Pong.

Reception

Arcade Classics was panned by critics. Reviews commented that Arcade Classics includes very few games compared to other retro compilations,647 that it fails to recreate the experience the games offered in the arcades,84 that the "enhanced" versions offer nothing but mild cosmetic changes,947 and that the overly "busy" backgrounds in the enhanced version of Centipede interfere with the gameplay.107

References

References

  1. "CTW Games Guide" (PDF). Computer Trade Weekly. No. 596. Opportunity Publishing. 15 July 1996. p. 17. Retrieved 15 February 2026.
  2. "Next Wave: Genesis - Arcade Classics". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 84. July 1996. p. 86. Retrieved January 10, 2022.
  3. "Review Crew: Arcade Classics". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 84. July 1996. p. 22. Retrieved January 10, 2022.
  4. "Arcade Classics". Next Generation (21). Imagine Media: 160. September 1996.
  5. Mayhew, Malcom (October 12, 1996). "Resorting to retro". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. p. 123. Retrieved December 7, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. "Review Crew: Arcade Classics". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 84. July 1996. p. 22. Retrieved January 10, 2022.
  7. "16-Bit ProReviews: Arcade Classics". GamePro. No. 95. IDG. August 1996. p. 68.
  8. "Review Crew: Arcade Classics". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 84. July 1996. p. 22. Retrieved January 10, 2022.
  9. "Review Crew: Arcade Classics". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 84. July 1996. p. 22. Retrieved January 10, 2022.
  10. "Review Crew: Arcade Classics". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 84. July 1996. p. 22. Retrieved January 10, 2022.