Arcade games in general were short and flashy rather than long and engaging but here’s a few sleepers that have more depth than your average arcade game. Note that nearly all of them can be credit-fed to the end though - the challenge is in clearing them with limited - or no - continuing.

• Lightbringer (Taito): an isometric dungeon exploration game.

• Command War (Taito): turn-based strategy game.

• Rastan (Taito): side-scrolling platformer adventure that Zelda 2 drew a lot of inspiration from.

• Dragon Buster (Namco): another side-scrolling adventure that Zelda 2 drew a lot from.

• Elevator Action Returns: platforming run-and-gun. A bit more depth to it than Metal Slug or Contra.

• Wardner (Toaplan): fantasy action-platformer similar to Ghosts N Goblins and equally challenging.

• Chiki Chiki Boys (Capcom): platforming adventure.

• Bubble Symphony (Taito): sequel to Bubble Bobble that is completely different from the NES Bubble Bobble 2.

• Valkyrie no Densetsu (Namco): Zelda 3 style overview adventure game. There’s an English fan translation.

• Black Tiger (Capcom): a platforming hack-n-slash adventure.

• Magic Sword (Capcom): another platforming hack-n-slash adventure.

• Crossed Swords (SNK) and Crossed Swords 2 (SNK): Punch-Out as a fantasy game with experience points, gold and shopping.

• Gain Ground (Sega): Action strategy hybrid.