10 Vintage Video Games That Have Been Lost to Time

Many classic video games have faded into obscurity, lost to time as technology rapidly advanced and gaming tastes evolved. These vintage titles, once revolutionary, are now rare gems that only true gaming enthusiasts remember. Their legacy, however, remains important in gaming history, making them highly sought-after by collectors today. Here is a detailed list of ten such games that have been lost to time, along with their current market values.

Poly Play (1985)

Poly Play was an arcade game developed in East Germany, one of the few video games produced under socialist rule. It was not just a single game but a compilation, featuring various mini-games like racing and platformers. Due to strict governmental control, very few units were ever made, and it was exclusively available in state-run amusement halls. The game became a rare collectible after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Given its historical and political background, the price of a Poly Play machine can reach up to $7,000 at auctions, though some private collectors have been known to pay even more for fully functional units.

SegaSonic the Hedgehog (1993)

SegaSonic the Hedgehog was a unique arcade game featuring Sonic the Hedgehog, Mighty the Armadillo, and Ray the Flying Squirrel. It had a trackball control scheme, making it stand out from other Sonic titles. Unfortunately, its reliance on arcade hardware made it difficult to port to home consoles, leading to its eventual disappearance. Due to its limited availability and unique setup, finding an original arcade cabinet can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000, depending on condition.

The Great Giana Sisters (1987)

The Great Giana Sisters gained notoriety for its striking resemblance to Super Mario Bros., leading to legal pressure from Nintendo that saw the game pulled from shelves shortly after release. Developed for the Commodore 64, this action-platformer became legendary due to its scarcity. Today, collectors highly seek after complete versions of the game, with prices ranging from $300 to $800 for a boxed copy, depending on its condition.

Air Raid (1982)

Air Raid, developed for the Atari 2600, is widely considered one of the rarest video games ever made. What sets it apart is its unique T-shaped cartridge handle and distinctive artwork. Very few copies have surfaced, and complete-in-box versions are almost unheard of. In 2010, one of the only known boxed copies sold for an astonishing $33,000, making it one of the most expensive games ever sold. Loose cartridges typically fetch between $3,000 and $10,000, depending on condition​.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1989)

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles arcade game was one of the most popular multiplayer beat ’em ups of its time. Developed by Konami, it allowed up to four players to control the iconic turtles as they fought Shredder and his Foot Clan. Despite its popularity, original arcade cabinets are now scarce, as many were worn out or destroyed. Fully restored versions typically sell for $2,500 to $3,500, with cabinets in less-than-pristine condition going for about $1,500.

Kingdom of Kroz (1987)

Kingdom of Kroz was one of the early shareware games distributed by Apogee Software, pioneering the shareware model in the gaming industry. The game mixed action, adventure, and puzzle-solving, and its distribution through BBS systems made it a hit among early PC gamers. Today, physical copies are exceedingly rare, as most were distributed digitally. If a boxed version can be found, it typically sells for $100 to $300, depending on the edition and condition.

All Points Bulletin (1987)

All Points Bulletin (APB) is a 1987 arcade game developed by Atari Games. It’s a unique driving and police-themed game where players take on the role of a rookie police officer tasked with arresting criminals while avoiding traffic violations themselves. The gameplay consists of patrolling the streets in a police car, arresting minor criminals, and eventually working up to apprehending major felons, all within a time limit. Original APB arcade machines are relatively rare today. Complete machines in good working condition typically sell for around $1,500 to $3,000, depending on their condition and whether they have original parts.

Cosmic Avenger (1981)

Cosmic Avenger is one of the lesser-known arcade shooters released by Universal. Although it pioneered scrolling shooter gameplay before more famous titles like Gradius, it didn’t achieve the same commercial success. Its limited production run makes it a valuable find for collectors of early arcade machines. Prices for a working Cosmic Avenger arcade cabinet range from $1,500 to $2,000, though this depends on the condition of the machine’s internals and artwork.

Congo Bongo (1983)

Congo Bongo was Sega’s attempt at a 3D isometric platformer, drawing inspiration from Donkey Kong. Despite innovative graphics and gameplay, it didn’t achieve widespread success, especially in the U.S. The game’s arcade cabinets are now rare, and those that remain can be found in varying conditions. A well-maintained Congo Bongo cabinet can sell for $1,000 to $2,500, making it a solid collector’s item for arcade enthusiasts.

Brave Fencer Musashi (1998)

Brave Fencer Musashi is an action RPG released by Square for the PlayStation. Although it had a modest fanbase, the game is often overlooked in favor of Square’s other RPGs like Final Fantasy VII. Its mix of real-time combat and puzzle-solving elements gave it a unique feel, but it faded from public memory. Complete-in-box copies of Brave Fencer Musashi sell for $120 to $200, with sealed versions occasionally reaching $300.

This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.

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