The 1980s were a golden age for arcade games, and many classic titles were released during this decade. One of the most commonly used integrated circuits (ICs) in arcade game cabinets was the Z80 microprocessor, which was developed by Zilog in 1976. The Z80 was widely used in a variety of arcade games, as well as home computers and other electronic devices.
Some of the most popular arcade games of the 1980s that used the Z80 microprocessor include:
- Pac-Man: This classic game, released in 1980, features a yellow circle that travels through a maze, eating dots and avoiding ghosts. Pac-Man was a huge hit in arcades and is still enjoyed by players today.
- Donkey Kong: This 1981 game features a character named Mario (who later became the star of the Super Mario Bros. series) trying to rescue a damsel in distress from a giant ape named Donkey Kong. Donkey Kong was a critical and commercial success and spawned a number of sequels and spin-offs.
- Space Invaders: This 1978 game features a player controlling a spaceship that must defend against waves of alien attackers. Space Invaders was a huge hit in arcades and is considered one of the first true video games.
- Asteroids: This 1979 game features a player controlling a spaceship that must destroy asteroids and avoid colliding with them. Asteroids was a popular arcade game and was later released for home consoles.
- Galaga: This 1981 game is a space-themed shooter in which the player controls a spaceship and must destroy waves of attacking aliens. Galaga was a hit in arcades and has been re-released on numerous platforms.
These are just a few examples of the many popular arcade games that were released in the 1980s. The Z80 microprocessor played a crucial role in the development of these games, and its use helped to make the 1980s a memorable decade for arcade gaming.