Greatest Classic Arcade Games of All Time
Pac-Man or Defender
Pick Your Favorite
VS
Your GOAT List
Why This Battle Matters
Who could forget the electric hum of arcades, where the glow of Pac-Man’s chase met the relentless alien blasts of Defender? This isn’t just a battle between games; it's a clash between the irresistible allure of simple, labyrinthine escapism and the chaotic, strategic defense against an alien invasion. At stake? More than bragging rights—this is about which philosophy underpins our nostalgic heartstrings the most. Do we value the clear, yellow icon of gaming simplicity or the complex, multicolored battleground of space? Your choice tells a story of what sits at the core of your gaming soul.
🔥 Fan Takes
How Fans Are Voting
In this battle:
Fans currently prefer Pac-Man over Defender when it comes to the greatest Classic Arcade Games of all time. In head-to-head matchups, fans pick Pac-Man 85.7% of the time over Defender.
Across all battles:
Pac-Man win rate: 76.1%
Defender win rate: 18.2%
Fan FAQs
Who's the #1 contender on GoatWars in the Greatest Classic Arcade Games of All Time league?
Currently, Galaga holds the title of #1 contender in the Greatest Classic Arcade Games of All Time league. You can check out the full GOAT List to see how all the games stack up.
What makes Defender so popular despite trailing in the current matchup?
Fans of Defender love the game's complexity and the high level of skill required to master it. It introduced several innovations in gameplay mechanics, giving it a special place in the hearts of die-hard arcade fans.
Why is Pac-Man winning by so much in the Greatest Classic Arcade Games of All Time league?
Pac-Man is absolutely crushing it thanks to its iconic status and massive cross-generational appeal. Almost everyone associates arcade nostalgia with chomping those dots and dodging ghosts, which resonates more broadly compared to lesser-known games.