10 Forgotten Midway Games That Deserve A Remake

Midway was a significant game developer and publisher that played a crucial role in creating games from the 70s up until the early 2000s. Their impact on the gaming industry is undeniable, with games such as Mortal Kombat still being a key title in the fighting genre today.

Additionally, the company boasts an extensive collection of less popular hits and games that have been overshadowed by time. If you’re keen on exploring Midway’s stockpile and unearth some games in need of a modern makeover, here are some timeless titles to kickstart your search.

10. PSI-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy

Is It My Fault Even If I Didn’t Pull The Trigger?

On the PlayStation 2, there were several daring endeavors involving mind-control games, but let’s face it, some of them left much to be desired (I’m thinking specifically of Mindjack). However, other titles showcased a wealth of innovative concepts.

Despite its peculiar title, PSI-Ops: The Mind Gate Conspiracy offers an entertaining 3D adventure experience that merits a revival in today’s gaming landscape. In this game, you assume the role of Nick Scryer, a soldier endowed with exceptional psychic talents.

Those skills enable you to tackle foes and situations in distinctive manners. You possess the power to psychokinetically manipulate objects, and can also subtly guide your adversaries towards precarious edges.

PSI-Ops made an impressive effort at blending intriguing psychic abilities into a well-crafted 3D action game. Given that there’s no sequel, it seems the game didn’t do too well commercially, but it remains an excellent choice for single-player gaming.

9. Hydro Thunder

A New Meaning To ‘Off-Road’

Nowadays, you’ll find that racing games tend to stick to familiar ground more frequently, with a select number of franchises leading the pack. Compared to the PS1 and PS2 eras, where developers were more adventurous and innovative, games like Hydro Thunder stand out for their uniqueness.

One of Midway’s games that bears ‘Thunder’ in its title is Hydro Thunder. This game stands out due to its bold endeavor to create an arcade-style boat racing game. Despite being somewhat rough, it’s harder to design a racing game without a defined track like a road.

It’s clear that the console has some restrictions, yet it’s evident the developers had an admirable goal in mind, making it a generally well-regarded racer. However, if you could add ray tracing to those waves and really push my graphics card to its limits, that would be fantastic!

8. Rampage Through Time

Even Time Cannot Stop The Carnage

The “Rampage” game series has consistently delivered an enjoyable, nostalgic brand of uncomplicated entertainment throughout its history. It achieved notable success in arcade environments, and boasts a decent lineup of titles for home gaming consoles as well.

For those newcomers, you take on the role of one of various colossal creatures and need to wreak havoc upon urban landscapes, all the while enduring attacks from numerous military units.

In the game “Rampage Through Time” for the PS1, you have the ability to cause destruction not just in modern settings, but also in ancient and future civilizations. You can feed on innocents to restore your health, much like King Kong perched on the side of buildings.

The game incorporates a competitive aspect, along with mini-games, and it might be feasible to introduce a “continuous support” feature similar to that of Helldivers 2.

7. Jackie Chan Stuntmaster

A Respectful Homage

Back in the day, when it came to action and martial arts films, Jackie Chan was simply unmatched. And guess what? I happened to have a fantastic PlayStation 1 game featuring none other than the man himself!

As a devoted admirer, I’d express it like this: “I’m utterly captivated by the exhilarating 3D side-scroller, Jackie Chan Stuntmaster. It’s a thrilling journey where I embody the legendary Jackie Chan, punching and kicking my way through hordes of foes. Each level presents a challenging maze of obstacles that test my agility and reliance on Chan’s incredible acrobatic prowess. Plus, there are moments when wall jumping becomes essential, especially during the intricate platforming sections that keep me on my toes.

Of course, due to its roots in PlayStation 1, the title’s scope is somewhat confined. However, this limitation could be dramatically expanded on contemporary hardware. A fresh installment of Stuntmaster, for instance, might incorporate scenes from his more recent films, such as the forthcoming Rush Hour 4.

6. Team Buddies

Not-So-Clean Fun

Team Buddies is a hidden gem on the PS1 featuring RTS mechanics and potty-mouthed beans.

The goal is to gather cubes scattered across the map, exchange them for rewards such as weapons, vehicles, and potential team members at your base. However, be aware that your competitors aim to achieve the same objective. You’ll need to exert pressure on your opponents and grow your forces all at once.

The pursuit of cubes can be approached through various methods. One method is to simply pick them up from the ground, or another less desirable approach would be to intimidate others to acquire their cubes.

Although Team Buddies didn’t become popular back in 2000, there’s a strong possibility that it could thrive with online multiplayer. I am confident that its concept holds potential, making it an excellent choice for a fun-filled party game.

5. SpyHunter

Where’s my License To Kill?

In this particular discussion, I’m referring explicitly to the version of ‘SpyHunter’, which was launched on PlayStation 2 in the year 2000.

In simpler terms, “SpyHunter” is an adrenaline-pumping automobile game, but unlike other car games, it’s not about competing to be the fastest. Instead, the focus is on something else.

As a unique operative, your vehicle is jam-packed with an array of high-tech devices that would leave even the suave James Bond envious. Your mission involves tirelessly chasing down targets and overpowering them using your car’s weapons, frequently under stringent time constraints.

When your adversaries are exhausted from continuous defeats on the highway, you could even pursue them into rivers, for the SpyHunter vehicle transforms into a boat!

Despite its seemingly vintage nature, the idea is not outdated; in fact, we’ve recently witnessed the re-release of Tokyo Xtreme Racer, an old-school arcade racing game, to great acclaim. It serves as a reminder that traditional racing games can still captivate audiences without relying on live services to build a following.

4. Stranglehold

In The Shoes Of An Action Hero

Key Information Details
Developer Midway Chicago
Genre Shooter
Release Date October 2007

Perhaps Midway aimed to rekindle the charm of “Jackie Chan’s Stuntmaster” with the 2007 film “Stranglehold”, as it shares several similar elements.

In Stranglehold, you get a chance to step into the role of another renowned action hero, Chow Yun-Fat, or Agent Tequila. With its hardware upgrade, Stranglehold transforms into a fully immersive 3D action game as you embark on a mission to rescue your missing daughter.

Just as Jackie Chan exhibits remarkable agility in the movie “Stuntmaster”, Agent Tequila displays an equally impressive ability to gracefully maneuver and skillfully utilize his surroundings.

Indeed, not only can you engage ‘Tequila Time,’ reminiscent of Max Payne’s bullet time antics, but playing this game makes you feel like the star in a pulse-pounding action film. The PS3 classic ‘Stranglehold’ remains impressive to this day, however, it could undeniably benefit from some modern graphical enhancements.

3. The Suffering

Midway Even Did Horror

Midway dabbled in various gaming categories, including sports and on-rail-shooters, with varying degrees of achievement. They also released a grim horror shooter, named The Suffering, which is so gruesome and unpleasant that it desperately needs a modern update.

In a grim, high-security penitentiary, the story unfolds. You assume the role of a condemned prisoner known as Torque, who is serving time for the tragic act of taking the lives of his own family.

The problem is, you can’t remember this event taking place. Subsequently, an unusual tale unfolds in which you find yourself battling formidable supernatural perils within a penal institution. Simultaneously, you’re unraveling Torque’s shadowy background.

Remarkably, the game “The Suffering” allows players to choose between playing in the third or first person perspective. Although the game mechanics may be simple within the shooter genre, it excels due to the ‘Insanity Meter.’

As a devoted admirer, I’d express it like this: When I’m empowered, I can transform into a formidable creature and tear adversaries apart mercilessly. The game offers a plethora of grim spectacles, although the title may not initially bombard the player with frightening moments.

2. NBA Jam T.E

A Sports Title Anyone Can Enjoy

It’s true that my interest in sports games doesn’t go much further than playing golf simulations occasionally. However, I can’t deny the immense respect I have for the legendary status of NBA Jam Tournament Edition.

NBA Jam is famed for its exceptional basketball experience, offering gameplay that surpasses typical sports game standards. Despite its simplicity, it’s incredibly engaging, making it an enjoyable choice for even those who might not be fans of basketball.

As a newcomer to gaming, I’ve found that diving into this title is incredibly inviting. The intuitive controls make it easy for even a total beginner like me to step onto the virtual court and start racking up points. But what really sets this game apart is its ability to challenge and engage more seasoned players as well.

There are numerous methods for optimizing performance, and it’s quite enjoyable to explore these options by analyzing stats on various players. Back in the ’90s, NBA Jam excelled at finding a perfect equilibrium that many modern sports games struggle to achieve.

1. Shadow Hearts

A Legendary RPG You Never Played

I saved one of the best role-playing games ever made for last – Shadow Hearts. This game is a dark, Gothic turn-based RPG filled with ambitious warlocks, sorcerers, and a troubled Harmonixer character. You take on the role of this Harmonixer, who has the ability to merge with monstrous forms during battles.

As a devoted fan, I’d like to share my excitement about “Shadow Hearts”. While it follows a turn-based combat system, what sets it apart is the integration of a timing-based minigame on the Judgement Ring. Mastering the timing rewards enhanced healing or critical damage. The system evolves into something quite intricate as you can opt to simplify the minigame for less damage, or go for the high risk, high reward approach.

In this narrative, there’s an unrelenting gloominess; stories filled with torment, hopelessness, and powerlessness are commonplace in “Shadow Hearts”. This game series creates a somber atmosphere that stands in stark contrast to lighter tales such as “Final Fantasy X” on the same platform.

Despite its serious aspects, there are playful instances scattered throughout, and the game abounds with hidden treasures and various conclusions. If you’re an enthusiast of Role-Playing Games (RPGs), this is a game you shouldn’t miss out on, and I eagerly anticipate a remake that would allow more players to savor its charm.

Read More

2025-01-28 17:14