In 1984 – the year, not the novel of course – the video game industry experienced a surge of creativity and innovation with the release of several groundbreaking titles. While pretty much the entire entertainment industry is sustained by eternally milking 80’s nostalgia, some of these games from ’84 truly earned their place as all-timers.
These games not only captivated audiences but also laid the foundation for future developments in gaming technology and design. What makes them more impressive is they came out right after the disastrous Video Game Crash of 1983. It’s not an overstatement that some of the greatest games would not have been possible without these titles from 40 years ago.
From pioneering new genres to pushing the boundaries of technology, each of these games contributed to the rich tapestry of gaming history leading to the year 2024. Let’s delve into the top ten most influential video games of 1984 and explore why they were significant.
Elite
Developed by David Braben and Ian Bell under Acornsoft, Elite is a space trading and combat simulator game that revolutionized the space exploration genre. Its open-ended gameplay, groundbreaking 3D graphics, and addictive strategy set a new standard for immersive gaming experiences.
Elite is often credited to be the video game that truly started the space simulation genre and the open-ended, open world games. Elite’s persistent open world would influence such games as World of Warcraft, EVE Online, Grand Theft Auto, and Starfield – and, of course, Elite: Dangerous, the modern entry in the franchise which manages to be completely authentic to the original while fulfilling all the dreams it had back then but couldn’t achieve due to pesky technical restraints.
The Black Onyx
This role-playing video game, created by Bullet-Proof Software, introduced Japanese audiences to the genre of RPGs, effectively making it the first JRPG. Its fantasy narrative, diverse cast of characters, and party-based gameplay mechanics laid the groundwork for future RPG classics and an entire subgenre.
It’s easy to dismiss now, but The Black Onyx had features like a bank for gold and a health meter to track hit points. Games like Elden Ring, Diablo, and Baldur’s Gate 3 certainly had a few elements that came from The Black Onyx.
1942
Developed by Capcom, 1942 is a vertically scrolling shoot ’em up arcade game that became an instant classic. Set in the Pacific theater of World War II, the game’s intuitive controls, intense action, and memorable soundtrack were hallmarks of its success.
It’s not the actual gameplay that makes 1942 influential. 1942 is the first Capcom game franchise that had a run of sequels to its name. With five 194X titles, Capcom would later have other games that followed a similar pattern: Street Fighter, Mega Man, Resident Evil, Devil May Cry, and Monster Hunter.
Duck Hunt
Created by Nintendo, Duck Hunt is a light gun shooter game that became synonymous with the iconic Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). The simple yet addictive gameplay, coupled with the innovative use of the NES Zapper accessory, made it a household favorite for generations of gamers.
Plus, that stupid giggling dog became a viral meme decades after the fact.
Adventure Construction Set
Designed by Stuart Smith, Adventure Construction Set empowered players to create their own role-playing adventures. Its user-friendly interface, robust design tools, and limitless creative possibilities inspired a new wave of game developers and modders.
This is more of a toolkit than a video game in and of itself. However, without this gem from Electronic Arts, Bethesda’s Todd Howard would not have been inspired to add similar features to The Elder Scrolls: Morrowind which birthed a million modders. Modding remains a massive and active subculture within gaming.
Beyond Castle Wolfenstein
Sequel to the classic Castle Wolfenstein from Muse Software, this stealth-based action-adventure game challenged players to infiltrate enemy territory and assassinate high-ranking Nazi officers. Its tense gameplay, intricate level design, and strategic depth set a new standard for stealth games.
The Metal Gear series, Assassin’s Creed, and even Among Us owe some of its DNA to Beyond Castle Wolfenstein.
Karate Champ
Developed by Technos Japan and distributed by Data East, Karate Champ is considered one of the earliest fighting games and a pioneer of the genre. Its realistic martial arts animations, precise controls, and competitive multiplayer mode paved the way for future fighting game franchises and tournaments with body odor issues.
It looks quaint and primitive now, but Karate Champ would lead to later games like Street Fighter, Tekken, Mortal Kombat, King of Fighters, and more.
Pac-Land
Inspired by the iconic Pac-Man series, Pac-Land is a side-scrolling platformer game that brought the beloved character into a new dimension. Its colorful visuals, whimsical level design, and addictive gameplay added a fresh twist to the platformer genre.
Namco’s 1984 game that starred one of the most iconic video game characters was one of the first to tie-in to another medium. In this case, Pac-Land was directly inspired by the animated series by Hanna-Barbera. The physics and mechanics within the game influenced later platformers like Ghosts’n Goblins, Alex Kidd, Sonic the Hedgehog, and of course the legendary Super Mario Bros.
I, Robot
Designed by Atari, I, Robot is a groundbreaking arcade game that pushed the boundaries of 3D graphics and gameplay mechanics. Its innovative use of polygonal graphics, unique perspective-shifting gameplay, and futuristic aesthetic set it apart from other arcade titles of its time.
You have to remember that real 3D graphics were far from the norm. The closest would be the vector graphics in arcades and consoles like the Vectrex. I, Robot paved the way for the 4K Ultra HD multi-polygon titles you’re playing on current generation platforms.
Kung-Fu Master
Known as Spartan X in Japan, Kung-Fu Master is a side-scrolling beat ’em up game that became a cultural phenomenon. Its fast-paced combat, challenging level design, and iconic protagonist inspired countless martial arts-themed games in the years to come.
Without this game from Irem and Data East, games like Double Dragon, Streets of Rage, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time, X-Men: The Arcade Game, and more would be very different.
As we reflect on the legacy of these iconic titles, we’re reminded of the power of innovation and creativity in shaping the future of gaming. What will the next generation of video games bring that are as influential as these games from 1984? How will they continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible?
