arcade shooter

An arcade shooter is a video game genre emphasizing fast-paced gunplay, reflexes, and high scores over complex mechanics or narrative.

The term evokes coin-operated arcade cabinets where such games originated: Galaga, Space Invaders, Time Crisis.

Modern arcade shooters retain the pick-up-and-play accessibility and relentless action of their cabinet ancestors, whether played on console, PC, or mobile: It's a pure arcade shooter—no story, just waves of enemies.