Coin Detected

A deep dive into the golden age of video arcade games. Each episode unpacks the history, development, and cultural legacy of a single arcade classic from the 1980s. Whether it was a blockbuster or a hidden gem, if it had a cabinet and took quarters, it’s fair game. With a focus on real arcade releases, not home ports or prototypes, Coin Detected delivers detailed storytelling, behind-the-scenes developer insights, and smart analysis for the generation that grew up with CRT screens and joystick blisters. No fluff. Just pure arcade history, told like you were back in line at the mall food court waiting for your turn.

Qix - 1981 - Taito 07/29/2025

Qix - 1981 - Taito Qix, Taito’s abstract strategy-action game from 1981, was built on dual-processor hardware, innovative area-claiming mechanics, and a completely original concept that stood apart from traditional arcade genres. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became a cult favorite that helped launch a new subgenre in arcade gaming. /episode/index/show/e9580a40-7d3d-48f0-bff4-c5751a31fef0/id/37597615

Gorf - 1981 - Bally Midway 07/21/2025

Gorf - 1981 - Bally Midway Gorf, Bally Midway’s genre-blending space shooter from 1981, was built on a multi-mission design, synthesized speech, and a talking villain that mocked players in real time. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became a cult favorite of the golden age of arcades. /episode/index/show/e9580a40-7d3d-48f0-bff4-c5751a31fef0/id/37485955

Tempest - 1981 - Atari 07/18/2025

Tempest - 1981 - Atari Tempest, Atari’s groundbreaking vector shooter from 1981, was built on color vector graphics, a rotary spinner controller, and wildly original tunnel-based gameplay. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became one of the most unique and influential arcade games of its era. /episode/index/show/e9580a40-7d3d-48f0-bff4-c5751a31fef0/id/37459405

Scramble - 1981 - Konami 07/09/2025

Scramble - 1981 - Konami Scramble, Konami’s side-scrolling shooter from 1981, was built on forced scrolling, fuel management, and multi-stage progression that gave players a real mission to complete. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became a foundational title in arcade history and a launching point for Konami’s future classics. /episode/index/show/e9580a40-7d3d-48f0-bff4-c5751a31fef0/id/37348460

Galaga - 1981 - Namco 07/02/2025

Galaga - 1981 - Namco Galaga, Namco’s fixed space shooter from 1981, was built on multi-CPU hardware, dual-fighter mechanics, and precise bullet logic that redefined the genre. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became one of the most iconic and widely collected arcade games of all time. /episode/index/show/e9580a40-7d3d-48f0-bff4-c5751a31fef0/id/37266385

Frogger - 1981 - Sega-Gremlin 06/30/2025

Frogger - 1981 - Sega-Gremlin Frogger, Sega/Gremlin’s traffic-dodging arcade hit from 1981, was built on deceptively simple joystick controls, grid-based gameplay, and one determined frog. This episode covers how it was developed by Konami, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became a massive cultural and commercial success in arcades around the world. /episode/index/show/e9580a40-7d3d-48f0-bff4-c5751a31fef0/id/37228335

Donkey Kong - 1981 - Nintendo 06/25/2025

Donkey Kong - 1981 - Nintendo Donkey Kong, Nintendo’s genre-defining platformer from 1981, was built on character-driven storytelling, multi-screen level design, and clever hardware limitations. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became one of the most influential and successful arcade games of all time. /episode/index/show/e9580a40-7d3d-48f0-bff4-c5751a31fef0/id/37153885

Rally-X - 1980 - Namco 06/25/2025

Rally-X - 1980 - Namco Rally-X, Namco’s innovative maze chase game from 1980, was built on dynamic scrolling, a tactical radar, and fuel management. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became a foundational influence on future arcade titles. /episode/index/show/e9580a40-7d3d-48f0-bff4-c5751a31fef0/id/37143040

Battlezone - 1980 - Atari 06/20/2025

Battlezone - 1980 - Atari Battlezone, Atari’s immersive 3D tank combat game from 1980, was built on vector graphics, dual joystick controls, and a pioneering first-person perspective. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became one of the most innovative and influential arcade games of the golden age. /episode/index/show/e9580a40-7d3d-48f0-bff4-c5751a31fef0/id/37085330

Phoenix - 1980 - Amstar Electronics 06/18/2025

Phoenix - 1980 - Amstar Electronics /episode/index/show/e9580a40-7d3d-48f0-bff4-c5751a31fef0/id/37047680

Berzerk - 1980 - Stern Electronics 06/17/2025

Berzerk - 1980 - Stern Electronics Berzerk, Stern Electronics’ talking maze shooter from 1980, was built on randomized level design, relentless enemy pressure, and the unforgettable menace of Evil Otto. This episode covers how it was developed by Alan McNeil, the hardware behind its speech synthesis and fast-paced gameplay, the strategies expert players used to outlast its robotic hordes, and how it became one of the most iconic and memorable arcade games of the golden age. /episode/index/show/e9580a40-7d3d-48f0-bff4-c5751a31fef0/id/37043865

Missile Command - 1980 - Atari 06/16/2025

Missile Command - 1980 - Atari Missile Command, Atari’s iconic base defense arcade game from 1980, was built on raster graphics, a trackball controller, and a relentless doomsday theme that mirrored Cold War fears. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became one of the most emotionally resonant and unforgettable games of the golden age. /episode/index/show/e9580a40-7d3d-48f0-bff4-c5751a31fef0/id/37030715

Defender - 1980 - Williams Electronics 06/16/2025

Defender - 1980 - Williams Electronics Defender, Williams Electronics’ side-scrolling space shooter from 1980, was built on intense rescue mechanics, blistering speed, and a control scheme that challenged even the most seasoned arcade veterans. This episode covers how it was developed by a rookie video game team led by Eugene Jarvis, the hardware and sound innovations that powered its chaotic gameplay, the high-level strategies that separate casual players from legends, and how it became one of the most challenging and iconic arcade games of all time. /episode/index/show/e9580a40-7d3d-48f0-bff4-c5751a31fef0/id/37018595

Tail Gunner - 1979 - Vectorbeam 06/15/2025

Tail Gunner - 1979 - Vectorbeam Tail Gunner, Vectorbeam’s defensive space shooter from 1979, was built on monochrome vector graphics, a reversed starfield effect, and first-person turret gameplay. This episode covers how it was developed in the final days of Vectorbeam, the unique hardware it ran on, the gameplay mechanics that challenged players, and how it earned a cult following despite technical setbacks and limited production. /episode/index/show/e9580a40-7d3d-48f0-bff4-c5751a31fef0/id/37016975

Lunar Lander - 1979 - Atari 06/15/2025

Lunar Lander - 1979 - Atari Lunar Lander, Atari’s gravity simulation arcade game from 1979, was built on precision vector graphics, realistic physics, and immersive analog controls. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became a foundational title in arcade history—even as its successor stole the spotlight. /episode/index/show/e9580a40-7d3d-48f0-bff4-c5751a31fef0/id/37013625

Fire Truck - 1978 - Atari 06/15/2025

Fire Truck - 1978 - Atari Fire Truck, Atari’s cooperative driving game from 1978, was built on dual steering controls, analog sound, and black-and-white top-down visuals. This episode covers how it was developed by Wendi Allen and John Ray, the custom cabinet hardware behind it, the teamwork-driven gameplay, expert scoring strategies, and how it became one of the earliest co-op arcade games ever made. /episode/index/show/e9580a40-7d3d-48f0-bff4-c5751a31fef0/id/37013410

Wizard of Wor - 1981 - Midway 06/05/2025

Wizard of Wor - 1981 - Midway Wizard of Wor, Midway’s monster-filled maze shooter from 1981, was built on early voice synthesis, intense two-player action, and clever dungeon design. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became a cult favorite in arcades with a lasting legacy in cooperative gaming. /episode/index/show/e9580a40-7d3d-48f0-bff4-c5751a31fef0/id/36875970

Galaxian - 1979 - Namco 05/29/2025

Galaxian - 1979 - Namco Galaxian, Namco’s groundbreaking space shooter from 1979, was built on true RGB color graphics, a scrolling starfield, and aggressive enemy dive attacks that pushed arcade visuals and gameplay to the next level. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became a massive global hit that helped define the golden age of arcades and paved the way for Galaga and countless shooters that followed. /episode/index/show/e9580a40-7d3d-48f0-bff4-c5751a31fef0/id/36773730

Space Invaders - 1978 - Taito 05/29/2025

Space Invaders - 1978 - Taito Space Invaders, Taito’s pioneering fixed shooter from nineteen seventy-eight, was built on relentless enemy waves, innovative sound design, and a steadily increasing difficulty curve that created the blueprint for modern arcade gameplay. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became a global phenomenon that launched the golden age of video arcades and changed gaming history forever. /episode/index/show/e9580a40-7d3d-48f0-bff4-c5751a31fef0/id/36770970

720 – 1986 – Atari Games 05/29/2025

720 – 1986 – Atari Games 720 (720° in the arcade), Atari Games’ innovative skateboarding arcade game from 1986, was built on open-ended level design, distinctive joystick controls, and a high-energy soundtrack. This episode covers how it was developed, the custom hardware that powered it, the techniques top players used to master the challenges, and how it became a cult favorite that helped define extreme sports gaming. /episode/index/show/e9580a40-7d3d-48f0-bff4-c5751a31fef0/id/36764945

Pac-Man - 1980 - Namco 05/29/2025

Pac-Man - 1980 - Namco Pac-Man, Namco’s genre-defining maze chase game from 1980, was built on colorful character design, simple yet challenging mechanics, and a unique enemy AI system. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became one of the most iconic and influential video games in arcade history. /episode/index/show/e9580a40-7d3d-48f0-bff4-c5751a31fef0/id/36764900

Asteroids - 1979 - Atari 05/29/2025

Asteroids - 1979 - Atari Asteroids, Atari’s breakout space shooter from 1979, was built on vector graphics, tight physics, and addictive gameplay. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became one of the most successful arcade games of all time. /episode/index/show/e9580a40-7d3d-48f0-bff4-c5751a31fef0/id/36764640

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