Midway Arcade Treasures

Midway Arcade Treasures is another nostaglic arcade collection of some of your favorite Midway games from years past, in particular, games from the early 80s into the early 90s. Some Gen-Y'ers will most likely remember those games that were released on the Nintendo NES system, like 720, Spyhunter, Paperboy, Joust, Gauntlet, Rampage, and Marble Madness. Some Gen-X'ers will appreciate the games that go before that, like Defender and such (I myself being a Gen-Y'er, dont' really care much for the older games). To summarize what I mean, Gen-Y'ers are those who were born in the early 80s to the early 90s, and most likely those in the earlier bracket will appreciate these most (I myself being born in 1981). Others may be too young to ever have played these games in the arcade or the NES.Anyway, what's to really complain about? These are the original arcade versions of the games as you remember them, minus the big crowds and quarters. Continues are infiniate as you simply press start from where you left off from, which may defeat some of the challenge as back in the day how far you got in the game depended on how many quarters you were willing to spend. This is really the case with other arcade collections as well, but only owning the Capcom collection I have to say that this one tops it. While the games on the Capcom collection (the original I mean) are ones I prefer personally, the presentation and style of this game is a step above. Now, granted you aren't treated to much - some cheesy intro of inside a pyramid (get it, treasures?) and a somewhat bland game selection screen. I myself own the component video cables for my gamecube playing on a 42" Samsung plasma HDTV, and the colors STILL look particularly bland, fuzzy and plain in the selection screens. Yet, the Capcom collection in the same way. I figure these companies figure they are giving you a whole slew of games completely ported, so a vivid presentation isn't exactly on their priority list.So the games are good, and even though this collection is missing what I consider to be VERY essential in a Midway collection, *ahem, cough* Mortal Kombat 1, it's ok because this feels more like an evened out collection, as having an MK game on here wouldn't necessarily "fit in" with the other games... I guess they also figure that having such a notoriously violent game on this collection of very family-friendly hits (well, minus Smash TV to an extent) will turn away potential buyers. So there is something I can live with, because I really purchased this game personally for a perfect arcade port of Smash TV... as before this and considering I don't own an Xbox hence can't download it on Xbox Live, all the other previous translations of Smash TV (SNES, Game Gear) have been utter garbage.What I did appreciate about this collection is that there are more options. Games have an option to pick various difficulty levels, unlike the Capcom collection that only contained 1 difficulty level for every game. This one also has the option of configuring control schemes.Anyway, a great bonus is the "dvd extras" contained on this disc for mostly EVERY game. Some games don't have as many extras as others, but some go to great lengths. For example, for Smash TV there are brief video interviews with the actual creators of the game, and for Paperboy there are pictures of the original arcade machine as well as promotional stills. Some games also contain various history facts. So not only do you get to enjoy your old favorites, but you also get to learn more about them and their creation and history. This is a great extra that the majority (if any) of the other arcade collections simply do not have.If there was any gripe I would hold for this Gamecube version of the game, it is not with the game itself (minus any very minor complaints I just voiced), but with the Gamecube control scheme. Some people may not like the layout of the Gamecube controller for these classic games. This game is out for the PS2 and Xbox, and those other systems have a much more standard control pad layout, thus being very easy to pick up and play. The Gamecube controller has always been a bit unusual, and if you need a second joystick, the somewhat small and clunky 'C' joystick is definitely not as good as having 2 equally smooth analog joysticks such as the ones on the PS3 controller (personally I dislike the Xbox controller, as I feel it is too awkward on the thumbs as well as not having to equally parallel analog joysticks). So if you do happen to own either of the other systems besides the Gamecube, I would suggest buying it for those instead. Still the same game, but minus the somewhat awkward controller. Still, it's not the game's fault, and that is why I am leaving this review SPECIFICALLY for the Gamecube version of the game. If I were reviewing this on either of the other systems, I might have given it a better score.

Call me old (it's...uh, sorta true) but I still have way more fun out of these old quarter-munchers than the latest hi-tech game offerings. And at less than a buck a game, it's hard to find fault with this collection.If you were into coin-op games in the early-to-mid 80's, you'll likely know most of the games here. I would have paid the 20 bucks just for perfect copies of acknowledged Midway classics like Defender, Joust, Marble Madness and Paperboy. But I never dreamed I would see minor but fondly-remembered stuff like Satan's Hollow or Road Blasters on my home system.It's true, some of the controls are a bit awkward. But nearly all can be customized to your preferences. Mastering Defender II with a Gamecube controller will make you feel like a winner, no matter what you score. And the options menu can be a bit tedious at first. Remember to save your high scores to a memory card!The sights and sounds are all there, as well as some decent supplemental materials (but not for every game). If you fondly recall feeding quarters to these games all those years ago, this is a must-have.

As I mentioned in my arcade treasures 2 review the item arrived ahead of schedule, was as described, and I felt it was at a fair price. Its like having a classic video arcade room in my basement...and I don't have to bug my mom for a couple buck anymore.

Midway Arcade Treasures is a game that I absolutely love. I enjoy all the games that I play them over and over. It's a challenge for some people including myself. I just love this game and it also brings the family closer because there spending time together. It's a game I recommend others do buy.

The controls aren't as responsive but otherwise I like it.

Good collection without any software bugs, but the disc came damaged. Fortunately, I was able to have it repaired. Worked perfectly after that.

This is a great game I love it has a lot of arcade classics on it its pretty good I would recommend it. Good to have in your collection of gamecube games.

Great set of games. A must have for arcade fans. The best part is quarters aren't required. Fast delivery made it even better.

Works great thank you.