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Midway Arcade Treasures Extended Play
Midway Arcade Treasures Extended Play has finally
arrived on the PlayStation Portable that features 21 coin-op classics
from the days of yesteryear. Even though this compilation features some
of the best known games of the 20th century, I must admit that this was
an extremely difficult title to review, considering how far gaming has
come in 20 years and what was once considered the pinnacle of gaming can
now be found on mobile phones and the like. Not to mention that many
childhood memories may now be crushed because of lacklustre graphics,
simplistic gameplay and limited sound effects.
Fortunately the creators of this modern
release have not rested on their laurels and have added some extra
features into this version that is perfect for the world of mobile
console gaming. That's right, Midway Arcade Treasures Extended Play now
contains wireless multiplayer for the
Klax, Joust, Marble Madness, Toobin,
Rampage, Gauntlet, Rampart, Wizard of Wor, Xybots, Championship Sprint,
Arch Rivals, Cyberball 2072, Xenophobe, Mortal Kombat, Mortal Kombat 2,
Mortal Kombat 3. Although most of these titles support an extra player
via wireless, Gauntlet actually supports 4-players via multiplayer
wireless for some truly interesting and extremely entertaining gameplay.
Some
of the classics featured on this compilation include Defender, that had
the gamer transforming into a space fighter pilot who had to defend the
planet from alien invaders and what made matters worse is that these
aliens kidnapped humans. The gameplay, although simplistic was quite
difficult as the levels progressed and as more and more humans were
being kidnapped, you had to increase the ante of your gaming skills that
meant attacking aliens, rescuing falling humans and making sure that you
didn't hit anything as you flied through the battlefield. Unfortunately
one wrong move or one enemy shot and you were history. A classic game!
Gauntlet was probably my favorite game of this entire compilation but
virtually had thousands upon thousands of levels where the gamer (1 to 4
players) was transformed into Thor the warrior, Thyra the
Valkyrie, Merlin the Wizard or Quester the Elf. You basically had to
work as a team to destroy as many monsters as you can before they
engulfed the entire dungeon. This was done through upgrades, weapons,
potions and of course that famous character called Death who really put
a spanner in the works when he was accidentally released. The best part
of Gauntlet is that you can play wirelessly with other PSP owners for
some great old school fun of up to 4-players.
The
treasures compilation also features all three Mortal Kombat games that
were the precursor to many fighting games of today that let the gamer
choose from a variety of different fighters and perform some of the most
deadly and horrendous martial arm maneuvers. Needlessly to say, the
graphics for all three games are impressive with extraordinary sound
effects. Outstanding!
Other
games such as Paperboy, Spy Hunter and the Wizard of Wor are classic
titles that have not been kind in the ages and are rather bland, both
graphically and in gameplay. Needless to say, this compilation is a hit
and miss affair when compared to games of today that not everyone will
be able to appreciate the nostalgic view of gaming history. Other games
such as Rampage or Championship Sprint will make you appreciate how good
these titles were in their time that have spawned many remakes and
copies of these entertaining classics.
The
control system of Midway Arcade Treasures Extended Play is brilliant and
maximizes the PSP control system perfectly with the analog stick (or
d-pad) used to control your characters with the main button being used
is the X button for most titles, apart from Mortal Kombat.
Graphically, all the games feature sprites (or pixels) with limited
colors and simplistic animation that actually do the job quite well.
Although the Mortal Kombat series of this compilation easily have the
best graphics on this disc. In its days, voice acting on games was
rather rare but titles such as Gauntlet and Mortal Kombat contain some
limited voice acting that was an amazing feat in its day and match that
with a variety of sound effects from the 80's such as beeps and bops and
you have a true trip down memory lane.
In
conclusion, Midway Arcade Treasures Extended
Play at $49.95 is a great value pack that is recommended to the more
refined gamer who wishes to play games of yesteryear but be warned, some
of the titles may destroy existing memories of an easier time. Perfect
for a long trip or for those kids who have everything. A great
collection!
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