Play Ali Baba and 40 Thieves Online

Ali Baba and 40 Thieves was released by Sega in 1982, and it's one of those early arcade games you can now play through MAME. It came out during a time when platformers were still finding their footing, and it has that straightforward, screen-by-screen design typical of the era. The game doesn't try to be revolutionary; it just drops you into a world of traps and enemies and expects you to survive.

You control Ali Baba, moving through a series of single-screen stages, each filled with thieves, obstacles, and treasure. Your main goal is to collect all the jewels in a level while avoiding or defeating the thieves who pour in from both sides. You have a sword for close combat, but timing your strikes is crucial because enemies respawn quickly. The pacing is relentless, and the difficulty ramps up fast, demanding quick reflexes and careful positioning. It feels tense and unforgiving, like every mistake could be your last.