Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Midway Arcade Treasures: Extended Play delivers an eclectic mash-up of 20 classic arcade titles in one portable package, and its gameplay is as varied as its roster. Whether you’re carving ramps in 720º, duking it out in Mortal Kombat II, or navigating the labyrinths of Gauntlet, each game has been faithfully emulated to preserve the original speed and responsiveness. The PSP’s controls adapt well to most titles—though some multi-button fighters like Mortal Kombat 3 feel a touch cramped on the handheld’s layout, the inclusion of customizable button mapping goes a long way toward smoothing out those rough edges.

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Sports and racing fans will appreciate Championship Sprint’s tight handling and Spy Hunter’s twin-stick shooting mechanics, both of which translate smoothly to the PSP’s analog nub. Arcade shooters such as Defender and Sinistar maintain their frantic pace, while the overhead perspective in Xybots offers surprisingly deep strategic shooting. For arena-style bouts like Arch Rivals or Wizard of Wor, the quick pick-up-and-play formula remains intact, and local ad hoc multiplayer breathes new life into these classics—though four-player sessions require multiple consoles and game cards, naturally.

Beyond the core emulation, Midway Arcade Treasures: Extended Play includes adjustable dip-switch settings, difficulty tiers, and even CRT scan-line filters to replicate that authentic arcade feel. Pausing and saving anywhere is a godsend for portable gaming, allowing you to leap out of Paperboy or Rampage and pick up right where you left off. While a few titles show minor slowdown under heavy on-screen action, the vast majority run buttery-smooth and retain the pick-up-and-play magic that made them hits in the first place.

Graphics

The graphical presentation in Extended Play walks a tightrope between faithful emulation and handheld enhancements. Most games appear in their original 4:3 aspect ratio, surrounded by simple black borders that keep stretching artifacts at bay. Sprite work in titles like Klax and Marble Madness is vibrant and crisp, with colors that pop on the PSP’s bright screen. Even the faded palettes of early vector-style games such as Joust remain clear, preserving that charming retro aesthetic.

Emulation accuracy is largely superb: animations in Rampart and Rampage look just as fluid as they did in arcades, and the gritty details of Cyberball 2072’s futuristic arenas show minimal pixelation. A handful of titles benefit from optional visual tweaks—scan-line overlays and screen curvature simulations reminiscent of CRT monitors add atmosphere, though purists may prefer the unfiltered look. Occasional sprite flicker in fast-moving scenes, like the swirling maelstroms of Defender, can be a minor distraction but never enough to detract from the gameplay.

The PSP’s resolution poses some challenges for text-heavy menus and score displays, which can appear small or slightly blurred at certain zoom levels. However, on the whole, Midway Arcade Treasures: Extended Play maintains the original arcade charm without introducing noticeable glitches or color inaccuracies. When you dive into the neon hues of Xenophobe’s alien worlds or the earthy tones of Gauntlet’s dungeons, the visuals hold up surprisingly well for a portable compilation.

Story

By design, arcade classics aren’t known for deep narratives, and Extended Play stays true to that heritage. Most titles open with a simple premise—deliver newspapers in Paperboy, battle demons in Gauntlet, or crush opponents in Joust—before hurling you into nonstop action. This streamlined approach means players spend less time reading exposition and more time honing high scores, which is exactly the point of an arcade anthology.

Where Extended Play shines is in the subtle lore sprinkled throughout certain games. The linchpin of Mortal Kombat’s world tournament, complete with rivalries between characters like Liu Kang and Sub-Zero, offers more narrative flavor than you’d expect from a 2D fighter of its era. Meanwhile, Spy Hunter’s story of espionage on wheels, underscored by its iconic theme song, gives each chase sequence a sense of purpose beyond mere shooting.

For those craving contextual depth, titles like Rampart weave in a basic tale of kingdom defense and siege warfare, while Cyberball 2072 injects a sci-fi twist into gridiron sports, pitting cyborg teams against one another in futuristic arenas. Though none of these storylines are cinematic epics by modern standards, they provide enough ambiance to make each session feel like more than just button-mashing nostalgia.

Overall Experience

As a portable arcade museum, Midway Arcade Treasures: Extended Play stands out for its sheer breadth of content. From pulse-pounding shooters to competitive sports games and classic beat-’em-ups, there’s a title to suit nearly every taste. Whether you’re a die-hard fan revisiting childhood favorites or a newcomer exploring gaming history, this anthology offers dozens of hours of bite-sized entertainment, courtesy of fast loading times and the convenience of saves.

The PSP form factor elevates the experience: lengthy commutes become perfect opportunities to tackle high-score challenges in games like Klax, while social gatherings can turn into impromptu multiplayer tournaments in Arch Rivals or Rampage. Battery life holds up well under typical play sessions, though marathon races in Championship Sprint may require a quick recharge. The minimal tutorial content means you’ll need to learn many mechanics through trial and error, but that trial-by-fire approach is part of the arcade charm.

Ultimately, Midway Arcade Treasures: Extended Play succeeds in capturing the golden age of arcades and making it portable. Its faithful emulation, deep roster of varied titles, and nostalgic appeal deliver an engaging package for both casual players and hardcore collectors. If you’re on the hunt for a PSP game that offers endless pick-up-and-play fun alongside a nostalgic trip through gaming’s storied past, this anthology is well worth your time.

Retro Replay Score

6.3/10