While often remembered for their straightforward, quarter-munching gameplay, arcade games have a rich history of incorporating branching paths and multiple endings. This design philosophy was not just about extending playtime but about creating a deeper, more rewarding experience that encouraged repeat visits.

The implementation of branching paths often boiled down to player performance or specific in-game choices. In many shoot-'em-ups (shmups) like "Darius" (1987), defeating a mid-boss would present the player with a choice of two or more routes. Each path led to different levels, unique bosses, and ultimately, a distinct ending. The path taken was frequently determined by which boss was defeated, directly tying player skill and choice to the narrative outcome.

Fighting games, a staple of the arcade, were pioneers in multiple endings. Titles like "Street Fighter II" (1991) featured character-specific endings that were unlocked by completing the game with that fighter. This provided a powerful incentive to master the entire roster, greatly enhancing the game's replay value. These endings added crucial narrative depth, transforming the experience from a simple tournament into a personal story for each combatant.

Beat 'em ups also utilized this concept. "Final Fight" (1989) offered a simple branch where players could choose their path at a few points, while later games like "Cadillacs and Dinosaurs" (1993) featured more elaborate hidden paths that led to altered level sequences. The ultimate goal was to make players feel their actions and skills had a tangible impact on the game's world, pushing them to explore every possibility the cabinet had to offer.

This design ethos persists in modern neo-arcade titles, proving that player agency and meaningful consequences are timeless attractions. Branching paths and multiple endings transformed arcade games from pure tests of skill into compelling, narrative-driven experiences that kept players coming back for more.