Midway Games first started making video games in 1973 and created many popular titles. Although the company closed in 2010, its games are still enjoyed today, often through Warner Bros. This list focuses only on games directly made or published by Midway. With so many great options, it was tough to pick just six! To make things more manageable, I’ve limited the list to one game from each series. While the Mortal Kombat series could easily fill several spots, I wanted to showcase a wider variety of games.
With that explanation out of the way, here are the six best games from Midway.
6) Ms. Pac-Man
Namco originally created and released Pac-Man in most parts of the world. While Midway did handle publishing in North America and France, it feels inaccurate to credit them with the game’s creation based on that alone. However, Midway played a key role in developing and publishing Ms. Pac-Man, so it’s a clear choice to include them for that title.
It’s no surprise that Ms. Pac-Man, the follow-up to the original Pac-Man, was incredibly popular. While it wasn’t drastically different, improvements like new music and more unpredictable ghost movements kept the gameplay exciting. Ultimately, Ms. Pac-Man earned over a billion dollars in the 1980s, making it a must-include on any list of top games.
5) Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy
Even though Psi-Ops received good reviews, it didn’t sell very well, so a sequel was never made. If you can find a way to play it, though, you should! This action-adventure game is worth experiencing to see the creative ways Midway let you use the main character’s psychic abilities.
You can dramatically change the course of any fight by throwing objects with your mind, stealing energy from enemies, or even controlling their actions. This game offers a lot more than that, though – it’s a truly unique experience. While it occasionally feels like a preview of something bigger, it’s a preview everyone needs to check out.
4) John Woo Presents: Stranglehold
Let’s be honest, slow-motion effects in video games are awesome. Think about games like Max Payne or movies like The Matrix – you get why it’s so cool to play as someone, like a police officer, who can manipulate time.
What makes Stranglehold special is that it’s a direct sequel to John Woo’s Hard Boiled. Since that 1992 game is considered a classic and one of the greatest action games ever made, fans were thrilled to see Chow Yun-fat return to play the same role in this excellent video game.
While we never got a follow-up to the anticipated Gun Runner, Stranglehold is still a fantastic game. Playing as Tequila Yuen, you move through each level and use a unique fighting style called “gun ballet” to defeat enemies – it’s almost like watching a beautifully choreographed action sequence. Once you master the Stranglehold system, you’ll feel like a Hollywood fight choreographer yourself.
3) NFL Blitz 2000
I almost included Blitz: The League on this list. There’s something appealing about a game that shows the less glamorous side of professional sports. Both The League games don’t shy away from tough topics, which makes them really engaging to play, but the actual football gameplay isn’t quite as strong.
Though NFL Blitz 2000 skips realistic details like performance-enhancing drugs and player treatments, it’s still considered one of the greatest arcade-style football games ever made. It’s a fast-paced, over-the-top experience that won’t appeal to those looking for a simulation. But if you enjoy explosive, silly fun – like blowing up opposing receivers – Blitz 2000 delivers in spades.
The home release of the game was very similar to the popular arcade version, known as NFL Blitz ’99. While the PC, Game Boy Color, and Dreamcast versions weren’t great, players on Nintendo 64 and PlayStation got a fantastic experience. It wasn’t unusual for home versions to be good by 1999, but it’s still worth noting that console players didn’t miss out on much compared to the arcade game.
2) NBA Jam Tournament Edition
NBA Jam Tournament Edition is the definitive version of the classic NBA Jam. While NBA Hangtime has a strong case with its character customization and career mode, Tournament Edition remains the top choice for fans of the original NBA Jam experience.
This update to Jam lets you play with a third player. It doesn’t create 3-on-3 games, but it allows you to switch players in and out, adding a new layer of strategy. For example, you could start with two strong offensive players and then bring in a good defender when you’re ahead. It’s a minor change, but it makes a big difference.
Plus, the Tournament mode disables any help from the game, making NBA Jam TE all about your own skill. With new players from the 1994 draft and a few secret characters from Mortal Kombat added to the roster, this is truly the ultimate Jam experience.
1) Mortal Kombat 3
A Mortal Kombat game nearly made the top spot on this list. It was one of Midway’s best games, and the series continues to thrive thanks to NetherRealm Studios. While I’m a big fan of NBA Jam, it just feels right to have a Mortal Kombat game ranked higher.
It’s easy to compare MK2 and MK3, but I think MK3 is a little better. Some players weren’t thrilled with the changes to the character roster – swapping favorites like Scorpion and Kitana for characters like Stryker, for example – but overall, the new gameplay features were a big improvement.
Run meters and chain combos were the highlights of the game. Some levels also featured interactive elements, letting players advance by performing an uppercut. While Animalities weren’t as central, they were still a fun bonus. Ultimately, MK3 stands out as the best version, largely because Midway quickly released Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3. It refined the gameplay players enjoyed in MK3 and brought back popular characters like Scorpion, solidifying its place as one of Midway’s top games.
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2025-12-27 23:15