Sega has a remarkable and lengthy history in the video game world. From the 1970s onward, they’ve been a key force in every generation of gaming, starting with arcade dominance, then competing with Nintendo for home console supremacy, and ultimately becoming a hugely successful game developer.
What really sets them apart is their history in arcades. Their rivalry with Nintendo was a fascinating story, but beyond that, they’ve consistently led the way with cutting-edge arcade technology. Their arcade machines have always featured the most advanced hardware available.
The Sega Model 3 arcade board remains a standout achievement in the company’s history. It delivered some truly amazing arcade games, including classic fighting titles and immersive, interactive experiences based on movies.
Here’s a list of fantastic games for your Model 3. These were all huge hits in arcades and are still a lot of fun to play now.
8. Fighting Vipers 2
Fight Night
The 1990s were full of fighting games, and it’s a shame that Fighting Vipers didn’t achieve the same popularity as giants like Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter. The original game was built using Sega’s Model 2 arcade board, but Fighting Vipers 2 really showcased the power of Sega’s next-generation hardware.
Fighting Vipers 2 has a really responsive and satisfying feel to it. This level of quality was typical of Sega’s fighting games in the 90s, but Fighting Vipers 2 stands out with its crisp and quick gameplay.
As a fighting game fan, I’m blown away by how solid the hits feel in this game! Every punch and kick has real weight behind it, and it just feels right. Honestly, it nails everything a great fighting game needs to, and it’s easily one of the best arcade fighters I’ve played in years.
7. Ski Champ
Downhill Domination
| Release Date | 1998 |
|---|---|
| Developer | Sega AM1 |
| Board | Model 3 |
You know, what always struck me about 90s arcade games is how they’d pick the most random activity – like, seriously, anything – and then just perfect it. I barely know how to ski in real life, but I could honestly play Ski Champ forever. It’s just that good!
This incredibly fun and well-made skiing game is still a blast to play. The feeling of speed as you race down the mountains is remarkably exciting, even now.
The game features impressive physics and particle effects, which the Model 3 board handles exceptionally well. You genuinely feel the rush of wind and the texture of snow as you speed along. The Model 3 was fantastic at creating a sense of realistic, high-speed movement, and Ski Champ perfectly captures that feeling.
6. Daytona USA 2: Battle on the Edge
Rolling Start!
| Release Date | September 1998 |
|---|---|
| Developer | Sega AM2 |
| Board | Model 3 |
For years, home console gamers desperately wanted a good version of the original Daytona USA. Getting a truly accurate port of that classic arcade game felt like a long and difficult search. The same was true for Daytona USA 2, which was a significant upgrade and really showcased the power of the newer arcade hardware.
Daytona USA 2 is incredibly fast, especially if you’re new to the series. While the first game felt like piloting a fighter jet, this sequel is more like an unstoppable nuclear missile. The sheer speed and intensity of the gameplay are captivating.
Daytona USA 2 is arguably the most addictive and polished arcade racing game ever made. If Sega were to release a collection of its classic arcade titles, this game would definitely be at the top of the list.
5. Emergency Call Ambulance
911? Yes, I Need a Crazy Taxi!
| Release Date | September 1999 |
|---|---|
| Developer | Sega Software R&D Dept. 1 |
| Board | Model 3 |
This quirky little arcade game is like Crazy Taxi, but with ambulances! It’s one of the most interesting games I’ve ever experienced, and it really shows how willing Sega was to try anything new back then.
Emergency Call Ambulance is a simulation game where you experience the fast-paced life of a first responder. You drive an ambulance and race to get patients to the hospital. It’s a strange game, but surprisingly enjoyable!
Okay, so it’s not quite as open-ended as Crazy Taxi – there’s a bit more of a set path you follow. But honestly, that doesn’t bother me at all. What really struck me was the vibe – it was totally different from anything else Sega was doing back then, even compared to Crazy Taxi. It felt surprisingly realistic, which makes it stand out even now and makes it totally worth checking out if you haven’t played it.
4. Sega Bass Fishing
Reel It In
People often think of fishing as a relaxing way to unwind and enjoy nature. While the arcade game Sega Bass Fishing doesn’t quite capture that peaceful feeling, it’s still one of the best arcade games ever created.
Sega Bass Fishing aims for an over-the-top, energetic fishing experience. It uses vibrant colors, upbeat music, and an enthusiastic announcer who provides a score with every fish you reel in, creating a lively and exciting game.
This game doesn’t really capture the feeling of actual fishing, and that’s okay! But if you ever get a chance to play the original arcade version, you’ll get to use one of the best game controllers ever made – a real fishing rod!
3. L.A. Machineguns
Everything Must Explode
| Release Date | April 1998 |
|---|---|
| Developer | Sega AM3, Sega AM4 |
| Board | Model 3 |
There are lots of different kinds of arcade games, but I especially enjoy the ones where you shoot everything until it explodes. The Model 3 arcade boards didn’t have a huge number of those types of games, but it did give us a fun one called L.A. Machineguns.
Honestly, this game is just pure, exhilarating chaos! I’ve never played anything that feels so wild and explosive. Everything looks amazing too – the worlds are so bright and colorful, and the explosions and particle effects are just gorgeous. It’s a real feast for the eyes!
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The shooting mechanics are incredibly smooth, and the gun controller in the arcade – when arcades were still around – provided fantastic feedback. It’s sad that arcades faded away, but losing games like this one feels even worse.
2. The Lost World: Jurassic Park
Light Finds a Way
| Release Date | October 1997 |
|---|---|
| Developer | Sega AM3, Sega AM4 |
| Board | Model 3 |
Light gun games were incredibly popular in the past, and though they’re making a comeback, they’ve changed a lot. Sega has a long history with these games, and their collaboration with the AM3 team on Jurassic Park was a particularly brilliant success.
This game is incredibly addictive – you’ll want to play it again as soon as you finish! It’s a fast-paced experience, perfect for a quick but thrilling playthrough, and the shooting mechanics are remarkably satisfying. Expect intense action with dinosaurs and plenty of shooting as you explore dangerous environments.
Plus, the machine’s cabinet is incredibly well-designed – it’s based on the iconic jeeps from a beloved classic movie series! It truly feels like stepping into the films themselves.
1. Star Wars Trilogy Arcade
I Have a Good Feeling About This
Just four months before the first movie of the Star Wars prequel trilogy came out in 1999, the Star Wars Trilogy Arcade game was released. With George Lucas’s classic space saga returning to theaters, the franchise was getting a lot of attention, and this impressive arcade game perfectly captured memorable scenes from the original three films.
This game lets you relive three iconic battles: the attack on the Death Star, the escape from the ice planet Hoth, and the thrilling speeder bike chase. You’ll experience a great mix of action, switching between dogfights with Tie Fighters, speeding across landscapes on a speeder bike, and ultimately fighting to defeat the Empire by destroying the Death Star.
The Star Wars Trilogy Arcade game features really fun bonus levels. Controlling a lightsaber with the joystick felt amazing, and the ability to block shots from Boba Fett or fight Darth Vader was a dream come true for many kids in the late 1990s.
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2026-02-08 18:41