Similar Games as Inspiration

I've basically decided on which game I'd like to cover, but I want to be sure. Below, I've rounded up some extra-popular arcade games, which share the same retrospec as my decision. If anything, having covered these should help me create a similar experience when it comes to tuning my own.

During the late 1970s, video arcade game technology had become sophisticated enough to offer good-quality graphics and sounds, but it was still fairly basic (realistic images and full motion video were not yet available, and only a few games used spoken voice) and so the success of a game had to rely on simple and fun gameplay. This emphasis on the gameplay is why many of these games continue to be enjoyed today despite their technology being vastly outdated by modern computing technology.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_age_of_arcade_video_games

Space Invaders
1978

Considered the game that revolutionized the video game industry. The first blockbuster video game, it established the shoot 'em up genre, and has influenced most shooter games since.

Galaxian
1979

Created to compete with Space Invaders. Featured a color screen and had aliens attack in swooping formation. It also featured levels and boss encounters.

Lunar Lander
1979

First Atari game to use vector graphics.

Asteroids
1979

Atari's most successful coin-operated game.

Battlezone
1980

Custom cabinet with novel dual-joystick controls, using two 2-way joysticks for movement, and periscope-like viewer.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_age_of_arcade_video_games#List_of_most_popular_games