Y2K Game: MDK

MDK

This is one of those games that is just simply outdated. The most obvious cue of that is the graphics, naturally. However, I don't think it's only because the game was released nearly thirty years ago - the art style itself didn't exactly age well, either. More accurately, it's both of these attributes in conjuction that makes the MDK look like a game that was made in, well, the mid-90s. It's also got some control issues, but they're not big and can be managed easily. Despite these setbacks, it is still fun to play. It has a certain charm to it that keeps you amused through its short but entertaining run.

Outdated Visuals

The graphical fidelity is definitely from three decades ago. It's low resolution, jagged, and very much limited by the hardware that was available at the time. Ultimately, I couldn't admire the art style. There’s a lot of dark, heavy color: greys, blacks, deep oranges, browns, and reds. It can be hard to distinguish and appreciate what you’re looking at. Occasionally, I'll reach platforms and rooms where bright colors where suddenly introduced. This did break up the monotony of color, but it also started burning my eyes like a flashlight directed towards them. Those red platforms you had to hop across where particularly offensive. You young folk surely have stronger sets of eyes that can tolerate this, but I just found it harsh. Still, deserves credit for uniqueness. There's definitely nothing quite like it. The color scheme, especially at such low resolution, is just not for me.

Outdated Controls

Harsh visuals aside, the real question is "How's the gameplay?". The answer is "Despite visual setbacks, surprisingly good." It is a third-person shooter, and a rather mindless one, which happens to be right up my alley. However, there is another problem: the controls. It is clear that this game was created before WASD became the standard. You're going to want to remap those keys accordingly. Hell, it was made before moving the mouse up and down meant looking up and down. You can't even map up/down vision to the mouse! Different times, indeed.

Fortunately, the game was designed with these limitations in mind. You don't have to actually aim using the mouse. You just use it to turn your view towards enemies and fire away and you're almost certain to hit your target. This makes the gameplay even more mindless. It still manages to be satisfying, though. What adds to this satisfaction is the general movement, especially that parachute. Its smooth and cool running around from one objective to the next.

Comforting Mindlessness

I am not the type of person to complain about mindless entertainment. Despite my grievances with the visuals and, to a much lesser extent, the controls, I did have quite a bit of fun with this game. You're essentially just running through corridors, rooms, and some open spaces just blasting bullets into bad guys. There are a few clever puzzles and bits of platforming, but nothing frustrating. It really is a "brain-off" type of game. It's quite easy, too. This is not the type of game I would play again, but I can totally understand why it would be someone's comfort game.

The Case for Remakes

I've always rolled my eyes at remakes and remasters. First of all, I view it as a cheap and lazy cash grab that lacks any real creativity. Remakes don't really introduce any new ideas and bank on familiarity with the source material. Second, they only ever remake or remaster established masterpieces. They're just taking a game that everyone already likes and re-release it in a safe bet that it will sell well. I haven't seen anyone remake an obscure game or a hidden gem. MDK is a game that should be remade. It is old. It is outdated. It is absolutely beaming with potential.

With modern hardware, a bump in resolution and a slight touch of vibrant colors, it would go a long way to make the setting more attractive while retaining its eccentric charm. Modernizing the controls to include full aim control on mouse would make shooting bad guys more challenging and fun.

Conclusion

At the time of this writing, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion and Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater where remastered or remade in the current year. It was just announced that the very first Halo is going to be remade. I have zero interest in playing any of these. The originals are more than good enough. I would love to see a game like MDK be remade. Unfortunately, it's an obscure game that only has a loyal cult following. There is some hope that it will draw a new and large audience if where to be remade. It's just not a safe investment. That's why companies aren't interested in remaking or remastering it. Too bad. I would love to play a modernized version of this. I'm looking forward towards playing the sequel.