Midway Retro Games Collection
15 total gamesAn American arcade giant that defined the 1990s with a legendary run of smash-hits, including the revolutionary Mortal Kombat and the over-the-top sports action of NBA Jam.
About Midway Games
Midway's story begins long before the home console era, with roots in the amusement and pinball machine industry. The company became a pivotal force during the golden age of arcade video games, initially by licensing and distributing some of the most influential titles from Japan for the North American market, including the cultural sensations Space Invaders and Pac-Man. This role as a distributor established Midway as a dominant name in arcades and paved the way for them to develop jejich own groundbreaking original games.
In 1992, Midway released a game that would change the industry forever: Mortal Kombat. Using digitized sprites of real actors instead of traditional animation, the game had a gritty, realistic look that stood out in crowded arcades. Its intense one-on-one fighting was coupled with the now-infamous "Fatalities"—gory finishing moves that made the game a massive, controversial hit. The public debate surrounding the violence in Mortal Kombat was a primary catalyst for the creation of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), shaping how video games are rated in the United States to this day.
Beyond the fighting genre, Midway perfected a unique brand of over-the-top, arcade-style sports games that prioritized fun and exaggerated action over realistic simulation. NBA Jam became a phenomenon with its 2-on-2 basketball, gravity-defying dunks, and iconic announcer exclaiming "He's on fire!". They applied this successful formula to American football with NFL Blitz, creating another fast-paced, hard-hitting arcade classic. This style, along with other beloved titles like the monster-mashing game Rampage, defined Midway's reputation for creating immediately fun and memorable arcade experiences.
As the industry shifted heavily toward home consoles in the 2000s, Midway faced challenges adapting to the changing market. After producing a number of titles for various consoles, the company filed for bankruptcy in 2009, bringing an end to its long history as an independent entity. However, its influence continues. Key assets, most notably the Mortal Kombat franchise and the development studio in Chicago, were acquired by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. That studio was renamed NetherRealm Studios, allowing the creative team to continue the Mortal Kombat saga and ensure the spirit of Midway's most famous creation thrives for new generations.
All Midway Retro Games
15 games available
Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3
Experience the definitive arcade fighting action of Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3, bringing enhanced combat and a massive roster to the SNES.
Mortal Kombat
Mortal Kombat is a groundbreaking fighting game that introduced a new level of realism and intensity to the genre with its digitized graphics and signature Fatalities.
Mortal Kombat
You will enter the brutal Mortal Kombat tournament, mastering unique character-specific fighting styles and special moves to defeat your opponents in intense one-on-one combat and claim victory in this iconic fighting game.
Mortal Kombat II
Enter the brutal Mortal Kombat tournament on your Sega Genesis, mastering each unique fighter's special moves and devastating fatalities to defeat your opponents and progress through the deadly challenges of Mortal Kombat II.
Mortal Kombat 4
In Mortal Kombat 4, you'll engage in brutal 3D combat, mastering combos and utilizing an array of weapons to defeat formidable opponents and ultimately vanquish the fallen Elder God Shinnok, all while experiencing the series' signature gore and fatalities.
Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance
In Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance, you'll master unique fighting styles and execute devastating combos to defeat the evil sorcerers Quan Chi and Shang Tsung, progressing through a gripping story mode on your GBA.
Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3
In Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3, you'll master brutal combos and unique special moves with your chosen fighter, strategically blocking and attacking your way through a roster of legendary warriors to defeat Shao Kahn and save Earthrealm.
Mortal Kombat Trilogy
You'll step into the arena to battle a massive roster of kombatants, mastering unique special moves and brutal finishing moves to defeat your opponents and ultimately triumph over Shao Kahn, proving your worth as the ultimate warrior in Mortal Kombat Trilogy.
Ultimate Mortal Kombat
In Ultimate Mortal Kombat on the NDS, you'll engage in visceral one-on-one martial arts battles, mastering each fighter's unique combos and special moves to vanquish your foes and claim victory in the deadly tournament.
Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker
You take on the role of Batman Beyond, using a combination of aerial mobility with your jetpack and close-quarters combat to combat the resurgent Joker and his gang across Neo-Gotham, powering up your attacks with the Justice meter.
Trog!
In Trog, you guide a caveman through top-down mazes, pushing blocks to crush enemies and clear the path, with the ultimate goal of rescuing trapped cave people and advancing through each challenging stage.
NBA Jam: Tournament Edition
In NBA Jam: Tournament Edition, you control a pair of NBA stars in fast-paced 2-on-2 basketball matches, using turbo sprints and spectacular slams to score points and activate 'on fire' capabilities for your team.