The flashing lights and cacophony of the arcade might seem worlds apart from the methodical pacing of traditional RPGs, yet arcade developers masterfully wove dungeon-crawler and role-playing game (RPG) mechanics into their coin-operated cabinets. This integration was a clever adaptation to the arcade's unique environment, prioritizing short, intense sessions while preserving the essence of adventure and progression.

One primary method was through progressive level design. Games like *Dungeons & Dragons: Tower of Doom* (1993) by Capcom used side-scrolling stages that represented distinct dungeon sections. Each level culminated in a boss fight, mimicking the structure of a dungeon crawl. Players advanced through a linear path, encountering enemies and traps, fulfilling the core fantasy of exploring a dangerous labyrinth.

Character progression, a staple of RPGs, was simplified for quick sessions. Instead of complex stat trees, arcade machines used immediate power-ups. In *Gauntlet* (1985), players collected food for health, keys for doors, and potions for special effects. Upgrades like increased strength or magic were found in treasure chests or purchased between levels with accumulated points, offering a tangible sense of growth without lengthy menus.

Another key adaptation was the implementation of RPG-like choice and strategy. Games often featured multiple character classes—such as the Warrior, Valkyrie, Wizard, and Elf in *Gauntlet*—each with unique strengths and weaknesses. This forced players to adopt different strategies and, in co-op mode, roles, much like a party-based RPG. The limited lives system was reinterpreted as a finite health bar that constantly ticked down, adding urgent resource management to the strategic depth.

Finally, narrative was delivered in snippets. Brief cutscenes between levels, often with text dialogue, advanced a simple story of rescue or revenge. This provided context and motivation, making players feel part of an epic quest despite the arcade's focus on high-score chasing. Through these ingenious designs, arcade machines captured the spirit of dungeon-crawlers and RPGs, creating immersive, bite-sized adventures that thrived on a quarter per play.