In my continuing effort to convert my garage into my own retro arcade, I'm indebted to the wonderful Arcade1Up. A company that continues to bring the magic of the arcade era into the modern home with their range of lovingly produced full size cabinets, not least of which is the Midway Legacy cabinet. This machine is a tribute to Midway Games, a powerhouse in the arcade industry during the '80s and '90s, known for creating some of the most iconic and innovative games of the time. The Midway Legacy cabinet captures the essence of this golden era, offering a carefully curated selection of classics that defined a generation of gamers.
Visually, the Midway Legacy cabinet is a work of art, featuring striking artwork inspired by the legendary Mortal Kombat series. The marquee lights up, adding an authentic arcade ambiance, and the joystick and button layout are meticulously recreated to mirror the original machines. The cabinet's build quality is robust, and its design echoes the iconic look of arcade cabinets from the past, making it a perfect addition to any game room or nostalgia collection.
The centerpiece of this cabinet is the Mortal Kombat trilogy, which includes Mortal Kombat, Mortal Kombat II, and Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3. The original Mortal Kombat, released in 1992, shocked the gaming world with its graphic violence, digitized characters, and groundbreaking Fatalities. It introduced iconic fighters like Scorpion, Sub-Zero, and Raiden, each with unique special moves and finishing techniques. The game's realistic visuals and controversial content sparked debates and led to the creation of the ESRB rating system.
Mortal Kombat II, released in 1993, expanded the roster, added new Fatalities, and improved gameplay mechanics. It remains a fan favorite for its deeper story, memorable characters, and refined combat system. Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 further built on its predecessors, adding even more characters, new moves, and the fast-paced "Run" mechanic, making it one of the most beloved entries in the series. The game's multiplayer aspect, with its competitive one-on-one battles, made it a staple in arcades and a key title in the fighting game community.
Beyond the Mortal Kombat series, the Midway Legacy cabinet offers a rich collection of other classic games. Joust is a unique blend of platforming and combat, where players control a knight riding a flying ostrich, battling enemies by colliding with them at higher elevations. The game's simple yet challenging gameplay and cooperative multiplayer mode made it a standout title of its time. Defender is a side-scrolling shooter where players must protect humans from an alien invasion, rescuing them while battling waves of enemies. The game's intense action, innovative control scheme, and complex mechanics set a high standard for the shooter genre.
Rampage offers a different flavor of destruction, where players take control of giant monsters—George, Lizzie, and Ralph—as they wreak havoc on cities. The game's appeal lies in its chaotic, multiplayer destruction and the humorous antics of the monstrous trio. Gauntlet, which for me is one of the stand-out inclusions within this cabinet, is a dungeon crawler that lets players choose from a roster of fantasy characters, each with unique abilities, as they navigate mazes filled with enemies and treasures. Its cooperative gameplay and memorable voiceovers ("Wizard needs food, badly!") have left a lasting impact on the genre.
Paperboy brings a whimsical take on the daily grind of newspaper delivery. Players control a paperboy navigating suburban streets, dodging obstacles, and delivering papers while avoiding hazards like cars and angry homeowners. The game's charming graphics and unique premise make it a memorable experience. Bubbles offers a quirky twist on arcade action, where players control a soap bubble navigating a kitchen sink, avoiding dirt and collecting items to grow larger. The game's whimsical concept and simple controls provide a fun and unique challenge.
Root Beer Tapper is a fast-paced game where players serve root beer to a parade of thirsty patrons, catching empty mugs and managing multiple bars. The game's frantic pace and simple yet addictive gameplay made it a hit in arcades. Wizards of War, developed by Midway in 1980, features a blend of shooter and maze-chase gameplay, where players control a space warrior navigating mazes filled with monsters. The objective is to eliminate all enemies, including the titular wizards, while avoiding their attacks. The game's fast-paced action and unique two-player cooperative mode make it a memorable arcade experience. Finally, Toobin' offers a relaxing yet challenging experience, where players navigate a character down a river on an inner tube, avoiding obstacles and collecting items. The game's unique setting and laid-back vibe make it a standout among arcade titles.
In conclusion, the Arcade1Up Midway Legacy cabinet is a must-have for any fan of classic arcade games. It offers a well-rounded selection of titles that showcase the diversity and creativity of Midway's catalog. The cabinet's authentic design, coupled with modern enhancements, makes it an excellent addition to any game room. Whether you're reliving your childhood or discovering these classics for the first time, the Midway Legacy cabinet provides a window into the rich history of arcade gaming. Arcade1Up continues to celebrate and preserve the legacy of these iconic games, ensuring they remain a beloved part of gaming culture. View all the Arcade1Up cabinets here.
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