LOL-Worthy Throwbacks: The Hilarious 1983 Games You Need to See

1983 was a year of significant growth and transformation in the world of video games. Amid the pixelated adventures and early arcade classics, a few titles stood out for their unique sense of humor and sheer ability to make players smile. These games weren’t just about high scores and speed runs; they were about laughter and enjoyment. Let’s take a trip down memory lane to revisit some of the funniest games that made 1983 a year to remember in video gaming.

1. Tapper

Picture this: you’re a bartender frantically sliding mugs of beer down a counter to thirsty patrons. In Tapper, the comedic chaos ramps up as you try to keep customers happy without letting any mugs crash to the ground. The game’s charm is in its escalating difficulty and the hilarious animations of impatient customers. This is one game where the ability to multitask is put to the ultimate test, and it leads to a lot of genuine laughter.

2. Popeye

Inspired by the beloved cartoon character, Popeye takes players on a whimsical quest to rescue Olive Oyl while dodging the menacing Bluto and other quirky adversaries. The humor comes through in the silly animations and sound effects. Eating spinach to boost Popeye’s strength never gets old, and the cartoonish antics blend action with lighthearted fun, making it a standout title in 1983.

3. trip

This game is as bizarre as it is amusing. Based on the rock band trip, players guide each band member through a series of unusual challenges to recover their stolen instruments. The game’s premise is inherently funny, but what truly stands out are the digitized images of the band members’ faces, adding a layer of surreal humor. It’s an eccentric mix of rock stardom and arcade antics, guaranteed to raise a few eyebrows and elicit laughs.

4. M.A.D.

Short for Mutually Assured Destruction, M.A.D. places you in control of a missile defense system, fending off waves of nukes. The humor here is dark and satirical, poking fun at Cold War anxieties. The tension between the dire setting and the exaggerated gameplay provides a unique comedy experience. The absurdity of protecting your base from endless missiles with increasingly frantic strategies is sure to tickle a different kind of funny bone.

5. Q*bert

This list would be incomplete without mentioning Q*bert. The game features an endearing character navigating a pyramid of cubes while avoiding foes and cursing up a storm—albeit in comical, nonsensical speech bubbles. Its humor lies in Q*bert’s expressive reactions and the unpredictable nature of the gameplay. Players delight in the little orange hero’s misadventures, making it a timeless source of giggles.

From the booze-soaked counters of Tapper to the rock ‘n’ roll absurdity of trip, 1983 provided no shortage of laughter in the gaming world. These titles managed to blend challenging gameplay with humor, creating experiences that were as captivating as they were funny. Whether you’re a retro gaming enthusiast or new to classic games, these gems are worth a try for a hearty dose of amusement.

1. Tapper on MobyGames
2. Popeye on Wikipedia
3. trip on Retro Gamer
4. M.A.D. on Giant Bomb
5. Q*bert on Arcade Museum