Midway Games: Difference between revisions

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{{PageCredits|description=Logophile and EnormousRat|capture=EnormousRat, CuriousGeorge60 and NewAccountLOL|edits=Kyats24, CuriousGeorge60, KirbyGuy2001 (Logoblin) and CrazySpruiker2001|video=TheProductreviewsinc}}
Logo descriptions by Logophile and EnormousRat
===Background===
Logo captures by EnormousRat and CuriousGeorge60
'''Midway''' Manufacturing Company was founded in 1958 in Chicago, Illinois, as an arcade game company. It was sold to Bally in 1969, and reincorporated as "Bally/Midway" in 1982 after merging with Bally's assets, and reverted back to "Midway Manufacturing" in 1988 after it was sold to WMS Industries, and entered the home console gaming market as "Midway Home Entertainment" in 1996 after a renaming from [[Williams Entertainment]] (the former [[Tradewest]]), with the parent unit becoming "Midway Games". In 1991, Williams folded its videogame unit to Midway, and then transferred the assets to Midway outright in 1996 after it bought out [[Atari Games]]. In 1998, the company spun off from [[Williams Entertainment]]. Major troubles came in 2008, when Midway closed several of its divisions. In February 2009, the US-based operations of Midway filed for bankruptcy, while the European assets were sold and two of them were renamed "[[Tradewest]]". Most of Midway's key assets, including former divisions Surreal Software and Midway Chicago (now "[[NetherRealm Studios]]"), and publishing rights to the ''Mortal Kombat'' and ''Wheelman'' series were acquired by [[Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment]].
Editions by CuriousGeorge60, KirbyGuy2001 (Logoblin), and CrazySpruiker2001
Video captures courtesy of TheProductreviewsinc


{{ImageTOC
|Williams_%26_Midway_(1996).png|1st Logo (October 10, 1996-January 17, 1997)
|Midway_Home_Entertainment_(1997).png|2nd Logo (December 20, 1996-February 28, 1999)
|Midway Games (1997) (Taken from War Gods, PSX).png|3rd Logo (Still variants) (May 21, 1997-October 21, 2008)
|Midway_(1997,_E).png|4th Logo (September 30, 1997-March 31, 1999)
|Midway_(1999).jpg|5th Logo (November 10, 1998-February 28, 1999)
|Midway Games (1999) (Taken from Klax, GBC).png|6th Logo (Klax variant) (1999)
|Midway Games (1999) (Taken from NFL Blitz 2000, GBC).png|7th Logo (1999)
|Midway_(2000).png|8th Logo (August 17, 1999-May 1, 2001)
|Midway_Home_Entertainment_(2000).png|9th Logo (May 18, 2000-February 12, 2001)
|Midway_Home_Entertainment_(2003).png|10th Logo (September 12, 2000-November 17, 2002)
|Midway Home Entertainment (2000) (Taken from NFL Blitz 2001, GBC).png|11th Logo (September 12, 2000)
|Midway Games (2001) (Taken from NFL Blitz 20-02, GBA).png|12th Logo (September 17, 2001-November 3, 2002)
|Midway_(2001).png|13th Logo (September 24, 2001-June 24, 2002)
|Midway_(2002).png|14th Logo (May 14, 2002-August 27, 2003)
|Midway_(2002,_B).png|15th Logo (November 22, 2002-October 9, 2006)
|Midway Games (2003) (Taken from San Francisco Rush 2049 Special Edition, Arcade).png|16th Logo (2003)
|Midway_(2006,_D).png|17th Logo (October 17, 2005-December 12, 2006)
|Midway_(2006,_B).png|18th Logo (Rampage: Total Destruction variant) (April 24, 2006)
|Midway_(2008).png|19th Logo (May 29, 2007-November 16, 2008)
}}


===1st Logo (October 10, 1996-January 17, 1997)===
'''Background:''' Midway Manufacturing Company was founded in 1958 in Chicago, Illinois, as an arcade game company. It was reincorporated as "Midway Games" in 1988 and formed Midway Home Entertainment in 1996. In 1998, the company spun off from WMS (Williams Entertainment). Major troubles came in 2008, when Midway closed several divisions, and in February 2009, the US-based operations of Midway filed for bankruptcy. The European assets were sold and two of them were renamed "Tradewest". Midway's former divisions, Surreal Software and Midway Chicago (now "NetherRealm Studios") were acquired by Warner Bros.
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:Williams & Midway (1996).png
File:Williams & Midway (1996, C).png
File:Williams & Midway (1996, B).png
</gallery>
See the 5th logo on the [[Williams Entertainment]] page for the description.


===2nd Logo (December 20, 1996-February 28, 1999)===
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:Midway Home Entertainment (1997).png
File:Midway Home Entertainment (1996).png
File:Midway Home Entertainment (1996, C).png
File:Midway Home Entertainment (1996, B).png
File:Midway (1997, B).png
</gallery>
{{YouTube|id=4V9neT5YhU4}}


'''Visuals:''' On a space background, twelve shooting stars fly from all over the screen and meet in the center. They disappear and the Midway logo (a {{color|red}} elongated arc with a jacked-up "{{color|red|''M''}}" inside it) and "'''''MIDWAY'''''" (all in 3D) spin toward the screen. "HOME ENTERTAINMENT" appears underneath, conjoined. The words scroll to their proper wording.
===1st Logo (1996)===


'''Variants:'''
See the 4th logo on the [[Williams Entertainment]] page for the description.
*On ''Arcade's Greatest Hits: The Atari Collection 1'', the text is {{color|gold}}. Plus, the circle "M" is polygon-styled.
*On the SNES version of ''Arcade's Greatest Hits: The Atari Collection 1'', the still version of the variant was shown along with the [[Digital Eclipse Software, Inc.|Digital Eclipse Software]] logo. Above the logo is "Presented by". Next to the Digital Eclipse logo is "Developed by DIGITAL ECLIPSE SOFTWARE, INC." in stacked words.
*On ''Wayne Gretzky's 3D Hockey '98'', the still Midway logo shares the screen with the NHL, NHLPA and N64 logos below, along with Wayne Gretzky's signature above. The N64 logo is absent on the PS1 version.
*On ''Nagano Olympic Hockey '98'', the still logo shares the screen with the NHLPA, N64, and Nagano 1998 logos.
*On ''San Francisco Rush: Extreme Racing'' and ''California Speed'' for Nintendo 64, a copyright notice is under the still logo.


'''Technique:''' CGI.


'''Audio:''' A low humming tune. None for the still version.


'''Availability:''' Seen on ''Arcade's Greatest Hits: The Atari Collection 1'' and ''Maximum Force'' for PlayStation and Sega Saturn. It also appears on other games such as ''Wayne Gretzky's 3D Hockey '98'' and ''Nagano Olympic Hockey '98'', although the PlayStation version of the former has the next logo preceding it.
===2nd Logo (Late 1996-1998)===


===3rd Logo (Still variants) (May 21, 1997-October 21, 2008)===
'''Nicknames:''' "Shooting Stars", "The Circle M"
<gallery mode="packed" heights="178">
Midway Games (1997) (Taken from War Gods, PSX).png
Midway Games (2000) (Taken from San Francisco Rush 2049, GBC).png
Midway Games (2001) (Taken from Rampage - Puzzle Attack, GBA).png
Midway (2001) (Taken from Cruis'n Velocity, GBA).png
Midway (2005) (Taken from Maya the Bee - Sweet Gold, GBA).png
Midway (2006).png
Midway (2007) (Taken from TouchMaster, DS).png
Midway (2007) (Taken from The Bee Game, DS).png
Midway (2008) (Taken from TouchMaster 2, DS).png
</gallery>
'''Visuals:''' On a black or white background is a flat version of the Midway logo from the previous logo. On the right side is the same text from the previous logos, albeit in 2D.


'''Variant:''' Sometimes, "PRESENTS" is below the logo.
'''Logo:''' On a space background, twelve shooting stars fly from all over the screen and meet in the center. They disappear and the Midway logo (a red elongated arc with a red jacked-up "M" inside it) and "MIDWAY" (all in 3D) spin toward the screen. "HOME ENTERTAINMENT" appears underneath, conjoined. The words scroll to its proper wording.


'''Technique:''' A still, sprite-based graphic.
'''Variants:'''
* On ''Arcade's Greatest Hits: The Atari Collection 1'', the text is in yellow. Plus, the Circle "M" is in polygon style.
* On the SNES version of ''Arcade's Greatest Hits: The Atari Collection 1'', the still version of the variant was shown along with the Digital Eclipse Software logo. Above the logo is "Presented by". Next to the Digital Eclipse logo is "Developed by DIGITAL ECLIPSE SOFTWARE, INC." in stacked words.
* On ''Wayne Gretzky's 3D Hockey '98'' and ''Nagano Olympic Hockey '98'', it's a still logo. Plus on the former, it shares the screen with the NHL, NHLPA and N64 logos below along with Wayne Gretzky's signature above. On the PS1 version of the former, only the NHL and NHLPA logos are seen. On the latter, it shares the screen with the NHLPA, N64, and Nagano 1998 logos.
* On ''San Francisco Rush: Extreme Racing'' and ''California Speed'' for Nintendo 64, the copyright notice is under the still logo.


'''Audio:''' None.
'''FX/SFX:''' The shooting stars and the Midway logo spinning in. None for the still version.


'''Availability:''' Seen on a handful of Nintendo 64, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, and Nintendo DS games, starting with ''War Gods'' for N64. It also appears on ''Muppet RaceMania'' for PlayStation.
'''Music/Sounds:''' A low humming tune. None for the still version.


===4th Logo (September 30, 1997-March 31, 1999)===
'''Availability:''' Rare.
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
* Seen on ''Arcade's Greatest Hits: The Atari Collection 1'' and ''Maximum Force'' for the PlayStation and Saturn. * It also appears on other games such as ''Wayne Gretzky's 3D Hockey '98'' and ''Nagano Olympic Hockey '98'', although the PlayStation version of the former has the next logo preceding it.
File:Midway (1997).png
File:Midway (1997, C).png
File:Midway (1997, D).png
File:Midway (1997, E).png
</gallery>
{{YouTube|id=_PRbjrHEt7U}}


'''Visuals:''' On a black background, a comet moves counter-clockwise. As the comet moves, it leaves a trail of {{color|red}} fog. The comet then moves from right to left, making an "M" shape in the process. Then it moves up and down and left and right a couple of times. Then the Midway logo appears as it's formed by the comet, starting with the arc and the "{{color|red|''M''}}", which eases back a bit. After the logo is formed, the comet goes right and "'''''MIDWAY'''''" in white appears near the logo. The fog dissipates.
'''Editor's Note:''' None.



===3rd Logo (1997-1998)===

'''Nicknames:''' "The Comet", "The Circle M II"

'''Logo:''' On a black background, a comet moves counter-clockwise. As the comet moves, it leaves a trail of red fog. The comet then moves from right to left, making an "M" shape as it does this. Then it moves up and down and left and right a couple of times. Then the Midway logo appears as it's formed by the comet, starting with the arc and the "M". It eases back as it does this. After the logo is formed, the comet goes right and "MIDWAY" in white appears near the logo. The fog dissipates.


'''Variants:'''
'''Variants:'''
* On some games, a copyright stamp appears below the logo.
*On some games, a copyright stamp appears below the logo.
* On ''NBA Fastbreak '98'', the logo is in slow motion, but the music still plays as normal.
*On ''NBA Fastbreak '98'', the logo is in slow motion, but the music still plays as normal.
*On a trailer for ''San Francisco Rush: Extreme Racing'', the logo is still.


'''FX/SFX:''' The comet.
'''Technique:''' CGI.


'''Music/Sounds:''' The comet flying around. When the logo is formed, electrical crackling is heard, then it ends with a low synth note.
'''Audio:''' The sound of the comet flying around. When the logo is formed, electrical crackling is heard, then it ends with a low synth note.


'''Music/Sounds Variant:''' On some games, such as ''Arcade's Greatest Hits: The Atari Collection 2'', the music is in high tone.
'''Audio Variant:''' On some games, such as ''Arcade's Greatest Hits: The Atari Collection 2'', the music is in high tone.


'''Availability:''' Uncommon. Seen on Midway games for the PlayStation, such as ''Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero'', ''Gex 3D: Enter the Gecko'', ''Pandemonium 2'', ''Bio FREAKS'', ''NFL Blitz'', the PlayStation port of ''San Francisco Rush: Extreme Racing'', ''Rampage: Universal Tour'' and ''Mortal Kombat 4''.
'''Availability:''' Seen on Midway games for the PlayStation, such as ''Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero'', ''Gex 3D: Enter the Gecko'', ''Pandemonium 2'', ''Bio FREAKS'', ''NFL Blitz'', ''San Francisco Rush: Extreme Racing'', ''Rampage 2: Universal Tour'', and ''Mortal Kombat 4''. Also seen on several arcade game attract modes from the time, including ''NFL Blitz 99''.


===5th Logo (November 10, 1998-February 28, 1999)===
'''Editor's Note:''' None.
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:Midway (1998).png
File:Midway (1999).jpg
</gallery>


'''Visuals:''' On a black background, several {{color|red}} pieces fly in and come together to form the Midway "M" logo. The camera rotates until the logo is facing the camera. The "{{color|red|''M''}}" then zooms out, and "'''''MIDWAY'''''" wipes in to the right of the logo.


'''Technique:''' CGI.


'''Audio:''' None.
===4th Logo (November 10, 1998-February 28, 1999)===


'''Availability:''' Only known to appear on ''Rush 2'' and ''California Speed'' for Nintendo 64.
'''Nickname:''' "The Circle M III"


===6th Logo (''Klax'' variant) (1999)===
'''Logo:''' On a black background, several red pieces fly in and come together to form the stylized Midway "M" logo. The camera rotates till the logo is facing us. The "M" then zooms out, and "MIDWAY" wipes in to the right of the logo.
[[File:Midway Games (1999) (Taken from Klax, GBC).png|center]]
'''Visuals:''' Over a black background is the Midway logo. A {{color|blue}} grid scrolls through the logo, and then the logo shines.


'''Technique:''' 2D sprite animation.
'''FX/SFX:''' The flying of the pieces, the zooming of the logo, and the wiping in of the text.


'''Audio:''' A four-note synth, which was actually one of the game's sound effects.
'''Music/Sounds:''' None.


'''Availability:''' Only known to appear in ''Rush 2'' and ''California Speed'' for N64.
'''Availability:''' Only seen on ''Klax'' for Game Boy Color.


===7th Logo (1999)===
'''Editor's Note:''' None.
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
Midway Games (1999) (Taken from Paperboy, GBC).png
Midway Games (1999) (Taken from NFL Blitz 2000, GBC).png
</gallery>
'''Visuals:''' Over a black background is the Midway logo. Two comets streak out, forming two symbols, a trademark symbol on the top left of the "M" logo, and the registered trademark symbol on the right of the name. "PRESENTS" is shown below the logo.


'''Variant:''' On ''NFL Blitz 2000'', a football strikes, while the comet moves over the logo.


'''Technique:''' 2D sprite animation.
===5th Logo (1999-2000)===


'''Nickname:''' "The Circle M IV"
'''Audio:''' None.


'''Availability:''' Only seen on ''Paperboy'' and ''NFL Blitz 2000'' for Game Boy Color.
'''Logo:''' On a black background, a shiny version of the Midway logo flips quickly towards the screen. When it gets extremely close, an explosion appears behind it. Then the logo moves back slowly as the explosion dissipates. As this happens, the letters in the word, "MIDWAY" fly in quickly from top and bottom and one at a time forming the name.


===8th Logo (August 17, 1999-May 1, 2001) ===
'''Variant:''' Different animation was used on ''4 Wheel Thunder''. The banner zooms in and the name vertically compresses.
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:Midway (2000).png
File:Midway (2000, B).png
</gallery>


'''Visuals:''' On a black background, a shiny version of the Midway logo flips quickly towards the screen. When it gets extremely close, an explosion appears behind it. Then the logo moves back slowly as the explosion dissipates. As this happens, the letters in the word "'''''MIDWAY'''''" fly in quickly from top and bottom one-by-one, forming the name.
'''FX/SFX:''' The flipping Circle M logo, the explosion, and the company name appearing.


'''Variant:''' On ''4 Wheel Thunder'', the banner zooms in and the name vertically compresses.
'''Music/Sounds:''' When the logo flips, a flipping noise is heard, followed by an explosion with two low notes that sustain themselves.


'''Technique:''' CGI
'''Availability:''' Uncommon. Seen on ''Mortal Kombat: Special Forces'', ''Gauntlet'', ''NFL Blitz 2000'', ''NBA Showtime: NBA on NBC'' (PlayStation and Dreamcast versions only of the latter two), and the North American edition of ''Destruction Derby Raw''.


'''Audio:''' When the logo flips, a flipping noise is heard, followed by an explosion with two low notes that sustain themselves.
'''Editor's Note:''' None.


'''Availability:''' Seen on ''Mortal Kombat: Special Forces'', ''Gauntlet Dark Legacy'', ''NFL Blitz 2000'', ''NBA Showtime: NBA on NBC'' (PlayStation and Dreamcast versions only of the latter two), and the North American edition of ''Destruction Derby Raw''.


===9th Logo (May 18, 2000-February 12, 2001)===
[[File:Midway Home Entertainment (2000).png|center|350x350px]]
{{YouTube|id=AV3KEDX2GCk}}


'''Visuals:''' Many flaming lines rush through the inner liquid surface of a cylinder. It moves and becomes the circle "M", with a spark running around it and then creating the word “'''''MIDWAY'''''”. "''HOME ENTERTAINMENT INC.''" also appears below.
===6th Logo (2000-2001)===


'''Technique:''' CGI.
'''Nicknames:''' "Liquid Lines", "The Circle M V"


'''Audio:''' Buzzing and whooshing sounds.
'''Logo:''' Many flaming lines rush through the inner liquid surface of the cylinder. It moves and becomes the Circle M, with a spark running around it and then creating the word “MIDWAY”. "HOME ENTERTAINMENT INC." also appears below.


'''Availability:''' Seen on ''Kurt Warner’s Arena Football Unleashed'', ''NBA Hoopz'', ''Muppet Monster Adventure'', ''Ready 2 Rumble Boxing: Round 2'', the Dreamcast ports of ''Army Men: Sarge's Heroes'' and ''San Francisco Rush 2049'', and the US version of ''Formula One 2000'' for PlayStation, among others.
'''FX/SFX:''' The lines moving.


=== 10th Logo (September 12, 2000-November 17, 2002) ===
'''Music/Sounds:''' Buzzing and whooshing sounds.
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
Midway Home Entertainment (2003).png
</gallery>
'''Visuals:''' On a black background is a relief version of the Midway M-Shield. On the right is the company name, and below it, the text "''HOME ENTERTAINMENT INC.''" in small print.


'''Technique:''' A still, sprite-based graphic.
'''Availability:''' A little more common than its predecessors, but still uncommon.
* Seen on ''Kurt Warner’s Arena Football Unleashed'', ''NBAHoopz'', ''Muppet Monster Adventure'', ''Ready 2 Rumble Boxing Stage 2'', the Dreamcast ports of ''Army Men: Sarge's Heroes'' and ''San Francisco Rush 2049'', and the US version of ''Formula 1 2000'' for PlayStation, among others.


'''Editor's Note:''' None.
'''Audio:''' None.


'''Availability:''' Seen on ''NFL Blitz 2001'' and ''NFL Blitz Special Edition'' for Nintendo 64 and ''Justice League: Injustice for All'' for Game Boy Advance.


===11th Logo (September 12, 2000)===
[[File:Midway Home Entertainment (2000) (Taken from NFL Blitz 2001, GBC).png|center]]
'''Visuals:''' Over a black background is the usual Midway logo, and below it was the text "HOME ENTERTAINMENT". The M-Shield spins from the left to the right.


'''Technique:''' 2D sprite animation.
7th Logo
(September 24, 2001-August 25, 2003)


'''Audio:''' None.
'''Nicknames:''' "CardioSquad", "The Circle M VI"


'''Availability:''' Seen only on ''NFL Blitz 2001'' for Game Boy Color.
'''Logo:''' A lot of pink cardiograms pass the screen. The closest one suddenly creates the "M" letter instead of heart rate. They all collapse into one single line and the Midway logo appears once the lines vanish.


===12th Logo (September 17, 2001-November 3, 2002)===
'''Variant:''' On ''Spy Hunter'' and ''Mortal Kombat: Tournament Edition'' for GBA, the logo is still and "GAMES INC." was added below. Also, a cardiogram line passes from left to right.
<gallery mode="packed" heights="177">
Midway Games (2001) (Taken from NFL Blitz 20-02, GBA).png
Midway Games (2002) (Taken from Defender, GBA).png
</gallery>
'''Visuals:''' On a black background is an outline of the Midway text from the last two logos. The M-Shield slides in, and then rotates, and the logo shines, and the company name wipes in to fill out.


'''Variant:''' On ''Defender'', the logo is still.
'''FX/SFX:''' The lines.


'''Technique:''' CGI.
'''Music/Sounds:''' An uprising electronic tune with electronic beats that drum faster as the lines move back, then an abrupt stop with a low tone as the logo appears.


'''Availability:''' Uncommon.
'''Audio:''' None.
* It was only seen on three games, ''NHL Hitz 2002'', ''NFL Blitz 2002'', and ''SpyHunter''. Strangely, this was seen on ''RedCard 2003'', despite being released under the Midway Sports label.


'''Availability:''' Seen on ''NFL Blitz 20-02'' and ''Defender'' for Game Boy Advance.
'''Editor's Note:''' None.


===8th Logo (2002-2006)===
===13th Logo (September 24, 2001-June 24, 2002) ===
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:Midway (2001).png
</gallery>
{{YouTube|id=xDeILzME58k}}


'''Visuals:''' A bunch of {{color|hotpink|pink}} cardiograms pass the screen. The closest one suddenly creates the "M" letter instead of heart rate. They all collapse into one single line and the Midway logo appears once the lines vanish.
'''Nicknames:''' "Red Impulse", "The Circle M VII"


'''Technique:''' CGI.
'''Logo:''' On a black background, an orange and red cardiogram appears twice. The third time, the M-like shape of it suddenly starts to resemble a red line having slashed through the background. This slash mark zooms out and forms the Midway Circle M as the company appears near it. The Circle M slowly zooms in.


'''Audio:''' An uprising electronic tune with electronic beats that drum faster as the lines move back, then an abrupt stop with a low tone as the logo appears.
'''Variants:'''


'''Availability:''' It was only seen on four games: ''NHL Hitz 2002'', ''NFL Blitz 2002'', and ''SpyHunter'', and ''RedCard 2003''.
* On ''Area 51'', the logo is tinted green.
* On ''Justice League'' for GBA, the logo has a 3D effect and "HOME ENTERTAINMENT INC." is added below.
* ''Gauntlet: Dark Legacy'' instead had the M Shield rotating and the text created by a spinning axe, flying through the screen. The company's name is said by a deep voice.
* On ''Haven: Call of the King'', the logo is still and lies on a white background with a copyright stamp below. Another variant is used in the opening credits, where the logo in 3-D while floating in space.
* On ''The Suffering'', the logo projects from the blood splattered on the wall.
* There exists an enhanced version of this logo as well.


===14th Logo (May 14, 2002-August 27, 2003)===
'''FX/SFX:''' The line moving and creating the logo.
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:Midway (2002).png
</gallery>
'''Visuals:''' Over a black background is the usual Midway logo from the period, but the text "''GAMES INC.''" in a Futura font is added below. A cardiogram line passes over from the left to the right side of the logo.


'''Technique:''' 2D sprite animation.
'''Music/Sounds:''' Three stylized heartbeat sounds followed by three speedy whooshes and a deep, quick slamming sound while the logo fades out.


'''Availability:''' Common.
'''Audio:''' None.
* Some of the games that have this logo include ''Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance'', ''Ed, Edd, ‘n Eddy: The Mis-Ed-ventures'', and all three volumes of ''Midway Arcade Treasures'' (including the Extended Play and Deluxe Edition releases). The enhanced version only appeared on ''Mortal Kombat: Deception'' and ''Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks''.


'''Availability:''' Only seen on ''Spy Hunter'', ''Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance'', and ''Mortal Kombat: Tournament Edition'' for Game Boy Advance.
'''Editor's Note:''' None.


===15th Logo (November 22, 2002-October 9, 2006) ===
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:Midway (2002, B).png
File:Midway (2003).png
File:Midway (2002, C).png
File:Midway (2005, B).png
File:Midway (2005).png
</gallery>
{{YouTube|id=c7p9o7n6_KQ|id2=o_QtivWJdlQ|id3=7jMLwTD-Jag}}


'''Visuals:''' On a black background, an {{color|orangered|orange-red}} cardiogram appears twice. The third time, the M-like shape of it suddenly starts to resemble a {{color|red}} line having slashed through the background. This slash mark zooms out and forms the Midway circle "M" as the company name appears next to it. The circle "M" slowly zooms in as the logo shines from left to right.


'''Variants:'''
===9th Logo (Rampage Variant) (April 24, 2006)===
*On ''Area 51'', the logo glitches in and is tinted {{color|green}}, then it flashes to its normal colors after the animation is complete.

*On ''Justice League Chronicles'' for GBA, the logo has a 3D effect and "HOME ENTERTAINMENT INC." is added below.
Nicknames: "Monkey Rampage", "The Circle M VIII"
*''Gauntlet: Seven Sorrows'' instead has the circle "M" rotating and the text created by a spinning axe, flying through the screen. The company's name is said by a deep voice.

*On ''Haven: Call of the King'', the logo is still and lies on a white background with a copyright stamp below. Another variant is used in the opening credits, where the logo in 3-D while floating in space. The logo zooms out as the camera then pans up to reveal "PRESENTS", then to the right for "A GAME BY", then the [[Traveller's Tales]] logo variant from the game appears.
Logo: The Midway logo hangs among the cyan-colored space and casts a shadow. Suddenly an enraged ape lands directly at the logo, breaking part of it, and proceeds with the destruction. It uses the "I" letter to crush the remaining text, then takes the M shield and throws it into the screen, which cracks. The background clears, leaving the banner and cracked glass for one second more.
*On ''The Suffering'', the logo projects from the blood splattered on the wall.

FX/SFX: The monkey lands and blows the logo to ashes.
*There exists an enhanced version of this logo as well.

Music/Sounds: The falling soundaccompaning the falling ape, then the raging growls and the destruction noise.

Availability: Exclusively on Rampage: Total Destruction.

Editor's Note: None.



10th Logo
(2006)


'''Technique:''' CGI.
Nicknames: "Multiplied Midway", "The Circle M IX"


'''Audio:''' Three stylized heartbeat sounds followed by three speedy whooshes and a deep, quick slamming sound while the logo fades out.
Logo: The background is covered with many M Shields and the "MIDWAY" text. We zoom inside and the Midway logo appears and flashes. After this the background clears out.Midway Games (1997)


'''Availability:''' Seen on such games as ''Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance'', ''Ed, Edd, ‘n Eddy: The Mis-Ed-ventures'', and all three volumes of ''Midway Arcade Treasures'' (including the ''Extended Play'' and ''Deluxe Edition'' releases). The enhanced version appeared on ''Mortal Kombat: Deception'', ''Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks'', and ''Mortal Kombat: Armageddon''.
FX/SFX: The red light moving through the Midway replicas, and the logo shining.


===16th Logo (2003)===
Music/Sounds: A beating electronic tune followed with the "wzzh" sound.
[[file:Midway Games (2003) (Taken from San Francisco Rush 2049 Special Edition, Arcade).png|300px|center]]


'''Visuals:''' Same as the San Francisco Rush 2049 variant of the 1996-1999 [[Atari Games (1996-1999)|Atari Games]] logo, except the Atari Games logo is replaced by the {{color|red}} Midway "M-Shield".
Availability: Fairly common. Appeared on Rise & Fall, NBA Ballers Rebound (for PSP), Myst (PSP and DS), MLB SlugFest 2006, Blitz: The League (and it’s PSP port,Blitz Overtime), and SpyHunter: Nowhere to Run.


'''Technique:''' CGI.
Editor's Note: None.


'''Audio:''' See the 1996-1999 [[Atari Games (1996-1999)|Atari Games]] logo.


'''Availability:''' Seen on the arcade game ''San Francisco Rush 2049: Special Edition''.


===17th Logo (October 17, 2005-December 12, 2006)===
11th Logo
[[File:Midway (2006, D).png|center|350x350px]]
(2007-2008)
{{YouTube|id=56c62DnuXAg}}


'''Visuals:''' The background is covered with many circle "M"'s and "'''''MIDWAY'''''" texts. The logo zooms inside and the Midway logo appears and flashes. After this, the background clears out.
Nicknames: "Midway HD Gaming", "The Circle M X"


'''Technique:''' CGI.
Logo: The red gyroscope comes into the screen, whirls and forms the Midway symbol, which blasts a ring made of white and rapidly zooms out. Immediately the complete logo returns.


'''Audio:''' A beating electronic tune followed with a "wzzh" sound.
Variant: On HD games, the HD logo appears afterwards.


'''Availability:''' Appeared on ''Rise & Fall'', ''NBA Ballers Rebound'', European releases of ''Myst'',, ''MLB SlugFest 2006'', ''Blitz: The League'', ''Blitz Overtime'', and ''SpyHunter: Nowhere to Run''.
FX/SFX: The gyroscope forming and whirling.


===18th Logo (''Rampage: Total Destruction'' variant) (April 24, 2006) ===
Music/Sounds: Various bumps and whooshes.
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:Midway (2006, B).png
File:Midway (2006, C).png
</gallery>


'''Visuals:''' The Midway logo hangs among a {{color|cyan}}-tinted space and casts a shadow. Suddenly, an enraged ape lands directly at the logo, breaking part of it, and proceeds with the destruction. It uses the "'''''I'''''" letter to crush the remaining text, then takes the circle "M" and throws it into the screen, which cracks. The background clears, leaving the banner and cracked glass for a few more seconds.
Availability: Common. Appears on games made in 2007, including Mortal Kombat VS DC Universe,Stranglehold,Game Party and it’s sequel, both of which are for Wii (with no HD logo), Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends,Mechanic Master (the latter two both for NDS),and trailers for The Wheelman.


'''Technique:''' CGI.
Editor's Note: None.


'''Audio:''' The falling sound accompanying the falling ape, then the raging growls and the destruction noise.


'''Availability:''' Only seen on ''Rampage: Total Destruction''.


===19th Logo (May 29, 2007-November 16, 2008)===
12th Logo
[[File:Midway (2008).png|center|350x350px]]{{YouTube|id=2Xqqs5UfpGw}}
(2008-March 24, 2009)


'''Visuals:''' A {{color|red}} gyroscope comes into the screen, whirls and forms the Midway symbol, which blasts a ring made of white and rapidly zooms in. The complete logo immediately returns, shakes once with a {{color|red}} buzz, then zooms in as well.
Nicknames: "Holo Glow", "The Circle M XI"


'''Variant:''' On HD games, the "'''''HD'''''" symbol appears afterwards.
Logo: We move near the two-layered holographic wall consisting of Midway-licensed franchises. The Midway logo appears over it, with "NEWCASTLE" written below. Then the logo's quality switches to HD.Midway Newcastle (2009)


'''Technique:''' CGI.
FX/SFX: The holographic wall moving.


'''Audio:''' Various bumps and whooshes.
Music/Sounds: None.


Availability: Appears only on The Wheelman and the trailers for it.
'''Availability:''' Appears on such games as ''Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe'', ''Stranglehold'', ''Game Party'' and its sequel, ''Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends'', ''Mechanic Master'', and trailers for ''Wheelman''.


{{Chronology|[[Williams Entertainment]]|}}
Editor's Note: None.
{{Navbox-WarnerBrosDiscovery}}
[[Category:American video game logos]]
[[Category:United States]]
[[Category:Video game logos]]
[[Category:Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment]]
[[Category:Warner Bros.]]
[[Category:Warner Bros. Discovery]]
[[Category:Midway Games]]

Latest revision as of 00:35, 10 April 2024

Credits
Descriptions by
Logophile and EnormousRat

Captures by
EnormousRat, CuriousGeorge60 and NewAccountLOL

Editions by
Kyats24, CuriousGeorge60, KirbyGuy2001 (Logoblin) and CrazySpruiker2001

Video captures courtesy of
TheProductreviewsinc

Background

Midway Manufacturing Company was founded in 1958 in Chicago, Illinois, as an arcade game company. It was sold to Bally in 1969, and reincorporated as "Bally/Midway" in 1982 after merging with Bally's assets, and reverted back to "Midway Manufacturing" in 1988 after it was sold to WMS Industries, and entered the home console gaming market as "Midway Home Entertainment" in 1996 after a renaming from Williams Entertainment (the former Tradewest), with the parent unit becoming "Midway Games". In 1991, Williams folded its videogame unit to Midway, and then transferred the assets to Midway outright in 1996 after it bought out Atari Games. In 1998, the company spun off from Williams Entertainment. Major troubles came in 2008, when Midway closed several of its divisions. In February 2009, the US-based operations of Midway filed for bankruptcy, while the European assets were sold and two of them were renamed "Tradewest". Most of Midway's key assets, including former divisions Surreal Software and Midway Chicago (now "NetherRealm Studios"), and publishing rights to the Mortal Kombat and Wheelman series were acquired by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.


Contents

1st Logo (October 10, 1996-January 17, 1997) 2nd Logo (December 20, 1996-February 28, 1999) 3rd Logo (Still variants) (May 21, 1997-October 21, 2008) 4th Logo (September 30, 1997-March 31, 1999) 5th Logo (November 10, 1998-February 28, 1999)
1st Logo (October 10, 1996-January 17, 1997) 2nd Logo (December 20, 1996-February 28, 1999) 3rd Logo (Still variants) (May 21, 1997-October 21, 2008) 4th Logo (September 30, 1997-March 31, 1999) 5th Logo (November 10, 1998-February 28, 1999)
 
6th Logo (Klax variant) (1999) 7th Logo (1999) 8th Logo (August 17, 1999-May 1, 2001) 9th Logo (May 18, 2000-February 12, 2001) 10th Logo (September 12, 2000-November 17, 2002)
6th Logo (Klax variant) (1999) 7th Logo (1999) 8th Logo (August 17, 1999-May 1, 2001) 9th Logo (May 18, 2000-February 12, 2001) 10th Logo (September 12, 2000-November 17, 2002)
 
11th Logo (September 12, 2000) 12th Logo (September 17, 2001-November 3, 2002) 13th Logo (September 24, 2001-June 24, 2002) 14th Logo (May 14, 2002-August 27, 2003) 15th Logo (November 22, 2002-October 9, 2006)
11th Logo (September 12, 2000) 12th Logo (September 17, 2001-November 3, 2002) 13th Logo (September 24, 2001-June 24, 2002) 14th Logo (May 14, 2002-August 27, 2003) 15th Logo (November 22, 2002-October 9, 2006)
 
16th Logo (2003) 17th Logo (October 17, 2005-December 12, 2006) 18th Logo (Rampage: Total Destruction variant) (April 24, 2006) 19th Logo (May 29, 2007-November 16, 2008)
16th Logo (2003) 17th Logo (October 17, 2005-December 12, 2006) 18th Logo (Rampage: Total Destruction variant) (April 24, 2006) 19th Logo (May 29, 2007-November 16, 2008)


1st Logo (October 10, 1996-January 17, 1997)

See the 5th logo on the Williams Entertainment page for the description.

2nd Logo (December 20, 1996-February 28, 1999)


Visuals: On a space background, twelve shooting stars fly from all over the screen and meet in the center. They disappear and the Midway logo (a red elongated arc with a jacked-up "M" inside it) and "MIDWAY" (all in 3D) spin toward the screen. "HOME ENTERTAINMENT" appears underneath, conjoined. The words scroll to their proper wording.

Variants:

  • On Arcade's Greatest Hits: The Atari Collection 1, the text is gold. Plus, the circle "M" is polygon-styled.
  • On the SNES version of Arcade's Greatest Hits: The Atari Collection 1, the still version of the variant was shown along with the Digital Eclipse Software logo. Above the logo is "Presented by". Next to the Digital Eclipse logo is "Developed by DIGITAL ECLIPSE SOFTWARE, INC." in stacked words.
  • On Wayne Gretzky's 3D Hockey '98, the still Midway logo shares the screen with the NHL, NHLPA and N64 logos below, along with Wayne Gretzky's signature above. The N64 logo is absent on the PS1 version.
  • On Nagano Olympic Hockey '98, the still logo shares the screen with the NHLPA, N64, and Nagano 1998 logos.
  • On San Francisco Rush: Extreme Racing and California Speed for Nintendo 64, a copyright notice is under the still logo.

Technique: CGI.

Audio: A low humming tune. None for the still version.

Availability: Seen on Arcade's Greatest Hits: The Atari Collection 1 and Maximum Force for PlayStation and Sega Saturn. It also appears on other games such as Wayne Gretzky's 3D Hockey '98 and Nagano Olympic Hockey '98, although the PlayStation version of the former has the next logo preceding it.

3rd Logo (Still variants) (May 21, 1997-October 21, 2008)

Visuals: On a black or white background is a flat version of the Midway logo from the previous logo. On the right side is the same text from the previous logos, albeit in 2D.

Variant: Sometimes, "PRESENTS" is below the logo.

Technique: A still, sprite-based graphic.

Audio: None.

Availability: Seen on a handful of Nintendo 64, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, and Nintendo DS games, starting with War Gods for N64. It also appears on Muppet RaceMania for PlayStation.

4th Logo (September 30, 1997-March 31, 1999)


Visuals: On a black background, a comet moves counter-clockwise. As the comet moves, it leaves a trail of red fog. The comet then moves from right to left, making an "M" shape in the process. Then it moves up and down and left and right a couple of times. Then the Midway logo appears as it's formed by the comet, starting with the arc and the "M", which eases back a bit. After the logo is formed, the comet goes right and "MIDWAY" in white appears near the logo. The fog dissipates.

Variants:

  • On some games, a copyright stamp appears below the logo.
  • On NBA Fastbreak '98, the logo is in slow motion, but the music still plays as normal.
  • On a trailer for San Francisco Rush: Extreme Racing, the logo is still.

Technique: CGI.

Audio: The sound of the comet flying around. When the logo is formed, electrical crackling is heard, then it ends with a low synth note.

Audio Variant: On some games, such as Arcade's Greatest Hits: The Atari Collection 2, the music is in high tone.

Availability: Seen on Midway games for the PlayStation, such as Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero, Gex 3D: Enter the Gecko, Pandemonium 2, Bio FREAKS, NFL Blitz, San Francisco Rush: Extreme Racing, Rampage 2: Universal Tour, and Mortal Kombat 4. Also seen on several arcade game attract modes from the time, including NFL Blitz 99.

5th Logo (November 10, 1998-February 28, 1999)

Visuals: On a black background, several red pieces fly in and come together to form the Midway "M" logo. The camera rotates until the logo is facing the camera. The "M" then zooms out, and "MIDWAY" wipes in to the right of the logo.

Technique: CGI.

Audio: None.

Availability: Only known to appear on Rush 2 and California Speed for Nintendo 64.

6th Logo (Klax variant) (1999)

Visuals: Over a black background is the Midway logo. A blue grid scrolls through the logo, and then the logo shines.

Technique: 2D sprite animation.

Audio: A four-note synth, which was actually one of the game's sound effects.

Availability: Only seen on Klax for Game Boy Color.

7th Logo (1999)

Visuals: Over a black background is the Midway logo. Two comets streak out, forming two symbols, a trademark symbol on the top left of the "M" logo, and the registered trademark symbol on the right of the name. "PRESENTS" is shown below the logo.

Variant: On NFL Blitz 2000, a football strikes, while the comet moves over the logo.

Technique: 2D sprite animation.

Audio: None.

Availability: Only seen on Paperboy and NFL Blitz 2000 for Game Boy Color.

8th Logo (August 17, 1999-May 1, 2001)

Visuals: On a black background, a shiny version of the Midway logo flips quickly towards the screen. When it gets extremely close, an explosion appears behind it. Then the logo moves back slowly as the explosion dissipates. As this happens, the letters in the word "MIDWAY" fly in quickly from top and bottom one-by-one, forming the name.

Variant: On 4 Wheel Thunder, the banner zooms in and the name vertically compresses.

Technique: CGI

Audio: When the logo flips, a flipping noise is heard, followed by an explosion with two low notes that sustain themselves.

Availability: Seen on Mortal Kombat: Special Forces, Gauntlet Dark Legacy, NFL Blitz 2000, NBA Showtime: NBA on NBC (PlayStation and Dreamcast versions only of the latter two), and the North American edition of Destruction Derby Raw.

9th Logo (May 18, 2000-February 12, 2001)


Visuals: Many flaming lines rush through the inner liquid surface of a cylinder. It moves and becomes the circle "M", with a spark running around it and then creating the word “MIDWAY”. "HOME ENTERTAINMENT INC." also appears below.

Technique: CGI.

Audio: Buzzing and whooshing sounds.

Availability: Seen on Kurt Warner’s Arena Football Unleashed, NBA Hoopz, Muppet Monster Adventure, Ready 2 Rumble Boxing: Round 2, the Dreamcast ports of Army Men: Sarge's Heroes and San Francisco Rush 2049, and the US version of Formula One 2000 for PlayStation, among others.

10th Logo (September 12, 2000-November 17, 2002)

Visuals: On a black background is a relief version of the Midway M-Shield. On the right is the company name, and below it, the text "HOME ENTERTAINMENT INC." in small print.

Technique: A still, sprite-based graphic.

Audio: None.

Availability: Seen on NFL Blitz 2001 and NFL Blitz Special Edition for Nintendo 64 and Justice League: Injustice for All for Game Boy Advance.

11th Logo (September 12, 2000)

Visuals: Over a black background is the usual Midway logo, and below it was the text "HOME ENTERTAINMENT". The M-Shield spins from the left to the right.

Technique: 2D sprite animation.

Audio: None.

Availability: Seen only on NFL Blitz 2001 for Game Boy Color.

12th Logo (September 17, 2001-November 3, 2002)

Visuals: On a black background is an outline of the Midway text from the last two logos. The M-Shield slides in, and then rotates, and the logo shines, and the company name wipes in to fill out.

Variant: On Defender, the logo is still.

Technique: CGI.

Audio: None.

Availability: Seen on NFL Blitz 20-02 and Defender for Game Boy Advance.

13th Logo (September 24, 2001-June 24, 2002)


Visuals: A bunch of pink cardiograms pass the screen. The closest one suddenly creates the "M" letter instead of heart rate. They all collapse into one single line and the Midway logo appears once the lines vanish.

Technique: CGI.

Audio: An uprising electronic tune with electronic beats that drum faster as the lines move back, then an abrupt stop with a low tone as the logo appears.

Availability: It was only seen on four games: NHL Hitz 2002, NFL Blitz 2002, and SpyHunter, and RedCard 2003.

14th Logo (May 14, 2002-August 27, 2003)

Visuals: Over a black background is the usual Midway logo from the period, but the text "GAMES INC." in a Futura font is added below. A cardiogram line passes over from the left to the right side of the logo.

Technique: 2D sprite animation.

Audio: None.

Availability: Only seen on Spy Hunter, Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance, and Mortal Kombat: Tournament Edition for Game Boy Advance.

15th Logo (November 22, 2002-October 9, 2006)


Visuals: On a black background, an orange-red cardiogram appears twice. The third time, the M-like shape of it suddenly starts to resemble a red line having slashed through the background. This slash mark zooms out and forms the Midway circle "M" as the company name appears next to it. The circle "M" slowly zooms in as the logo shines from left to right.

Variants:

  • On Area 51, the logo glitches in and is tinted green, then it flashes to its normal colors after the animation is complete.
  • On Justice League Chronicles for GBA, the logo has a 3D effect and "HOME ENTERTAINMENT INC." is added below.
  • Gauntlet: Seven Sorrows instead has the circle "M" rotating and the text created by a spinning axe, flying through the screen. The company's name is said by a deep voice.
  • On Haven: Call of the King, the logo is still and lies on a white background with a copyright stamp below. Another variant is used in the opening credits, where the logo in 3-D while floating in space. The logo zooms out as the camera then pans up to reveal "PRESENTS", then to the right for "A GAME BY", then the Traveller's Tales logo variant from the game appears.
  • On The Suffering, the logo projects from the blood splattered on the wall.
  • There exists an enhanced version of this logo as well.

Technique: CGI.

Audio: Three stylized heartbeat sounds followed by three speedy whooshes and a deep, quick slamming sound while the logo fades out.

Availability: Seen on such games as Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance, Ed, Edd, ‘n Eddy: The Mis-Ed-ventures, and all three volumes of Midway Arcade Treasures (including the Extended Play and Deluxe Edition releases). The enhanced version appeared on Mortal Kombat: Deception, Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks, and Mortal Kombat: Armageddon.

16th Logo (2003)

Visuals: Same as the San Francisco Rush 2049 variant of the 1996-1999 Atari Games logo, except the Atari Games logo is replaced by the red Midway "M-Shield".

Technique: CGI.

Audio: See the 1996-1999 Atari Games logo.

Availability: Seen on the arcade game San Francisco Rush 2049: Special Edition.

17th Logo (October 17, 2005-December 12, 2006)


Visuals: The background is covered with many circle "M"'s and "MIDWAY" texts. The logo zooms inside and the Midway logo appears and flashes. After this, the background clears out.

Technique: CGI.

Audio: A beating electronic tune followed with a "wzzh" sound.

Availability: Appeared on Rise & Fall, NBA Ballers Rebound, European releases of Myst,, MLB SlugFest 2006, Blitz: The League, Blitz Overtime, and SpyHunter: Nowhere to Run.

18th Logo (Rampage: Total Destruction variant) (April 24, 2006)

Visuals: The Midway logo hangs among a cyan-tinted space and casts a shadow. Suddenly, an enraged ape lands directly at the logo, breaking part of it, and proceeds with the destruction. It uses the "I" letter to crush the remaining text, then takes the circle "M" and throws it into the screen, which cracks. The background clears, leaving the banner and cracked glass for a few more seconds.

Technique: CGI.

Audio: The falling sound accompanying the falling ape, then the raging growls and the destruction noise.

Availability: Only seen on Rampage: Total Destruction.

19th Logo (May 29, 2007-November 16, 2008)


Visuals: A red gyroscope comes into the screen, whirls and forms the Midway symbol, which blasts a ring made of white and rapidly zooms in. The complete logo immediately returns, shakes once with a red buzz, then zooms in as well.

Variant: On HD games, the "HD" symbol appears afterwards.

Technique: CGI.

Audio: Various bumps and whooshes.

Availability: Appears on such games as Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe, Stranglehold, Game Party and its sequel, Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends, Mechanic Master, and trailers for Wheelman.

◄ Williams Entertainment
Midway Games
Retrieved from "https://www.avid.wiki/Midway_Games?oldid=844185"
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