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 that 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 easy to master. You can use either the joystick or the mouse, but I think the joystick works best (and I never expected to say that, since 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 shadows, which adds 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.