MAT2 features more than twenty classic games, which means the gamer is paying only about $2 a game, which is unarguable value. Some of the highlights in the MAT2 compilation include Mortal Kombat 2 & 3, NARC & Spy Hunter 2. For more information on each individual title we advise you scroll down a little.
For those of you who saw the “LIVE ENABLED” tag on the box and started to get excited about playing Mortal Kombat online we advise you take a deep breath and collect yourself. Unfortunately MAT2 only features basic Xbox Live support allowing players to post their high scores on the Internet. However, back in the days of the coin-op high scores were bragging rights, so the support is appreciated.
For those of you who are a little confused about why the original Mortal Kombat title is missing, it appears in the collector’s edition of Mortal Kombat: Deception which it doesn’t look like PAL Gamers will be able to get a hold of. Midway really should have included Mortal Kombat 1 even if just for PAL Gamers. Originally, it was announced that MAT2 would include the original Mortal Kombat, so we cannot help but feel a little cheated by the omission.
MAT 2 also features bonus features for every game including a brief history of the title, a gallery and a video. These bonuses are relatively novel but are an appreciated inclusion.
So how do the games play? Well we’ve played them all and like the original MAT there are some hits and some misses, all of the games play well without any slowdown and they all play just like they did while they were in the arcades:
A.P.B:
APB is a police title that looks and plays extremely similar to Spy Hunter, the only difference is that you are a police officer who tries to arrest criminals. It isn’t a terribly thrilling game but features some decent graphics.
Arch Rivals
Arch rivals is a simplistic basketball game with simple controls, All there is to remember is shoot / jump and pass / punch. For those of you who thought Leisure Suit Larry was rude, take a look at the cheerleader when you score a three-pointer. Arch Rivals only puts two players on each team and some would suggest that this game was the motivation for NBA Jam.
Championship Sprint:
If you thought Arch Rivals was simple wait until you get to championship sprint. We swear we’ve seen this game on a lot of freeware sites but we never actually knew where it came from. Basically the game entails driving around a circuit from a birds-eye view, it isn’t particular hard and it isn’t particularly enthralling.
Cyberball 2072:
This game is a futuristic NFL game where robots have replaced human professional football players. The game has a lot of plays but essentially plays like Madden but with a bomb.
Gauntlet 2:
Gauntlet II is probably the most in-depth game on the collection with three buttons needed to play the game. Gauntlet II features over 100 levels and would be one of the titles, which would last the longest on the entire collection.
Hard Drivin:
What was before Gran Turismo? Hard Drivin which is described by the developers as the “Ultimate Driving Simulator.” This is a 3D game (shock!) but it still looks terrible. At one stage my car fall through the road as well, so we advise gamers to steer clear of this title. (pardon the pun)
Kozmik Kroozr:
Kozmik Kroozr was one of the late additions to MAT2 after the original Mortal Kombat was removed. It is a bland 2D shooter and in no way makes up for Mortal Kombat’s absence.
Mortal Kombat II / Mortal Kombat III:
Without these two titles in the collection it would be doubtful whether we would even recommend trying MAT2 out. Mortal Kombat is still a classic game and the two conversions here are fantastic. Mortal Kombat II & III are the standout games in the package.
NARC:
NARC is a fantastic 3D shooter that plays well and is highly addictive. It is a great game and we were really surprised how addictive it becomes. We can envisage lots of hours being wasted alone on this title.
Pit Fighter:
Another fighting game that just doesn’t compare after playing Mortal Kombat, the game play just isn’t as fluent and more importantly it just isn’t as fun.
Primal Rage:
If there were a licensed Jurassic park fighting game, this would be it. A dinosaur fighting isn’t to enthralling but is a lot better than Pit Fighter.
Rampage World Tour:
Speaking of dinosaurs there is Rampage World Tour. This has to be one of the newest titles on the compilation, having been released in 1997. It wasn’t fun then, it isn’t fun now.
Spy Hunter 2
Most people remember Spy Hunter so they will be instantaneously familiar with Spy Hunter 2. It’s the same game with a few small variations such as top down play, definitely not as fun as we remember.
Timber:
Timber is best described as a tree lopping gamer, it’s boring as hell and is likely to remain selected for about ten seconds until you come to your senses.
Total Carnage:
Another action shooter features on MAT2 that just isn’t as good as NARC. The humorous side of this game is the fact that the game is set in 1999 after a world war.
Wacko:
Another action shooter that controls exactly the same as Total Carnage, except this time you’re an alien. Not very exciting stuff.
Wizard of Wor:
If Pac-man had a gun this is how the game would turn out. Navigate your character around a maze and shoot the enemies that try to kill you, very repetitive and just plain boring.
Xenophobe:
This game is meant for three players so when only one player plays it only occupies a third of the screen. Games you have to squint to see aren’t fun, so this isn’t.
Xybots:
We finally reach the last game on the compilation. Remember that maze screensaver on your computer? Imagine that but with a third person character shooting and destroying enemies and you have the gist of Xybots.
One of the hardest things about reviewing a game like this is scoring the visuals. They were truly innovative at the time, but obviously now the game looks outdated. However, This was the intent of Midway and anyone purchasing MAT2 wouldn’t be purchasing it for it’s eye candy.
Just like the graphics, the sound isn’t anything special. Unfortunately custom soundtracks aren’t supported, this would have been a good inclusion and a great way to hide how poor the sounds of these games actually are.
Midway Arcade Treasures 2 is a good look at how far gaming has come. Mortal Kombat has really evolved (stayed tuned to PALGN for a review of Mortal Kombat: Deception in the next week) and some games will always remain addictive, no matter how far games come. $2 a game is great value, but when only half (if not less) of these titles are any fun then the games start becoming a lot more expensive.
For those who remember the games and used to play them in the arcades this is a must purchase and a great trip down memory lane. For those who are gaming in this century the only reason to purchase this would be if you really want to try the classic games or you just want a trip down memory lane. We suggest you hire this and make up your own mind for yourself.
maybe they made it easier? hehe
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