It always amazes me how much I love Xevious (still do, it's available in one of the Jakks TV plug ins, as well as Gametap) while being completely horrid at the game. Galaga is still my all time favorite coin-op, followed by Elevator Action and Pengo.
Tempest was one of my faves too. They have it on a compilation, but it isn't the same without the spinny thing.
I was best at Galaga, though.
Ahhh, Tempest.
I remember spending hours and hours on that game.