Summary

• Release Year: 1987
• Genres: Shooter
• Platforms: Atari ST/STE
• Developers: Xanth Software F/X
• Publishers: Hybrid Arts, Inc

Midi Maze (1987): The Game That Pioneered Deathmatch

Released in 1987, Midi Maze was a groundbreaking networked first-person shooter maze game that introduced the concept of deathmatch to gaming. It was one of the first games to allow players to compete against each other in a 3D environment, and its fast-paced, action-packed gameplay helped to lay the foundation for the FPS genre as we know it today.

Gameplay

Midi Maze is played from a first-person perspective in a flat-shaded maze. Players are represented by Pac-Man-like smiley avatars in various colors, and bullets are represented as small spheres. The game area occupies only roughly a quarter of the screen, with the rest of the screen displaying information such as the player’s score, the current time, and a minimap of the maze.

The goal of the game is to score as many points as possible by killing other players. Players can kill other players by shooting them with bullets, or by running into them. When a player is killed, they respawn at a random location in the maze.

Midi Maze can be played with up to 16 players over a network, or with up to 4 players on a single computer. The game supports a variety of game modes, including deathmatch, team deathmatch, and capture the flag.

Development

Midi Maze was developed by programmer Bob Stevenson and artist John Carmack, who would later go on to co-found id Software and develop the groundbreaking FPS Doom. Midi Maze was inspired by the arcade game Pac-Man, and it was one of the first games to use 3D graphics and networking technology.

Legacy

Midi Maze was a critical and commercial success, and it is credited with popularizing the deathmatch mode in FPS games. The game’s fast-paced, action-packed gameplay and innovative use of 3D graphics and networking technology helped to lay the foundation for the FPS genre as we know it today.

Midi Maze has been ported to a variety of platforms, including the PC, the Amiga, and the Atari ST. The game is still played by a small but dedicated community of fans, and it is considered to be one of the most important early FPS games.

Cultural Impact

Midi Maze has had a significant impact on popular culture. The game’s deathmatch mode has been featured in numerous other FPS games, and it has helped to popularize the concept of competitive online gaming. Midi Maze has also been referenced in numerous TV shows, movies, and songs.

Conclusion

Midi Maze is a groundbreaking FPS game that introduced the concept of deathmatch to gaming. The game’s fast-paced, action-packed gameplay and innovative use of 3D graphics and networking technology helped to lay the foundation for the FPS genre as we know it today. Midi Maze is still played by a small but dedicated community of fans, and it is considered to be one of the most important early FPS games.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots