Midi Maze

FPS - long before Doom!

Midi Maze is a multiplayer first-person shooter that hit the shelves in 1987, thanks to the talents of Xanth FX. This really is an early taste of multiplayer first-person gaming, similar to a typical deathmatch. It takes place inside a labyrinth of weird smilies who roam looking for blood. So ignore their happy faces because they're anything but nice - and need killing!! You could say, the last sphere "standing" wins?

The controls are rather straightforward and very easy to master. You can use either the joystick or the mouse, but I personally think the joystick works the best (and I never expected to say that, as I figured the mouse would be best). Those without MIDI cables can play in Solo mode, which allows up to 15 computer-controlled bots with three levels of AI. Those with MIDI cables and other Atari STs can invite friends over with the potential to link 2-16 computers. Think about that, it is quite staggering for an '80s deathmatch. This was 1987, folks!!

The graphics are good, but nothing like Wolfenstein, Substation, and others. The walls are "paper-thin" and also without any texture or ambient lighting - but remember just how old this game is. Frame rates are fast and exceptionally smooth, and I was impressed to see the baddies have a shadow, thus adding to the 3D perspective. Sound effects aren't going to win any awards, but they do their job.

There is nothing I enjoy more than a good first-person shooter, and Midi Maze certainly packs a punch! Single-player is welcome and works well, but Midi Maze comes into its own when linked with other Atari computers. Midi Maze is one of the best games I have featured and is easily a true Atari ST gaming legend!!

• Check out this Midi Maze fanzine (It's in German, but Google Translate will help!
• Here is a PDF document of the original game manual
• Atarimania has all three games listed in their Atari ST database.
• Floppy disk images are available from Old Games Finder.