MDK, for all its faults, rather deserved to be numbered among the PC classics of yore. Thing is, it’s not. I guess you could call it a cult classic, but that would take some doing as well, considering most of the people who played it in its heyday are now pushing thirty and haven’t heard the name in close to a decade.
Enter the new digital future and its glorious power of giving forgotten almost-classics a new lease on life. “MDK 2 for WiiWare has entered the final stages of the certification process,” Trent Oster, head of IdeaSpark Labs, the people behind the port, announced on the company’s forums.
So what Steam did for Psychonauts is what WiiWare should do for MDK 2, now that it’s getting a release on Nintendo’s service, right? Not exactly, since WiiWare isn’t breaking any sales or marketing records.
The Legacy of MDK
MDK, originally released in 1997, was developed by Shiny Entertainment and published by Interplay. The game was notable for its innovative gameplay mechanics, including the use of a sniper helmet and parachute, which were groundbreaking at the time. The sequel, MDK 2, developed by BioWare and released in 2000, continued the story with enhanced graphics and more complex gameplay. Despite its innovations and critical acclaim, MDK 2 never achieved mainstream success, which is why its re-release is significant for fans of the series.
Enter the new and improved PC version, aka MDK 2 HD, which will be launched on the… Beamdog distribution service? Wait, what? Apparently, they’re also taking feedback about the upcoming PC MDK 2 HD. Umm, I don’t know, launch it on Steam?
The Role of Digital Distribution
Digital distribution platforms like Steam have revolutionized the way we access and play games. They have the power to resurrect forgotten titles and introduce them to a new generation of gamers. Steam’s success with games like Psychonauts, which saw a resurgence in popularity thanks to its availability on the platform, is a testament to this. However, not all digital distribution platforms have the same reach or impact. WiiWare, for instance, has struggled to make a significant mark in the market, which raises questions about the potential success of MDK 2 on this platform.
Beamdog, the distribution service chosen for MDK 2 HD, is another interesting choice. While not as well-known as Steam, Beamdog has a reputation for handling classic games with care. They have previously worked on enhanced editions of games like Baldur’s Gate and Planescape: Torment, which have been well-received by the gaming community. This could bode well for MDK 2 HD, provided Beamdog can leverage its niche audience effectively.
The re-release of MDK 2 on both WiiWare and Beamdog highlights the challenges and opportunities in the digital distribution landscape. While platforms like Steam offer broad reach and established user bases, smaller platforms can provide more focused and dedicated support for niche titles. The success of MDK 2 in this new digital era will depend on how well these platforms can engage both old fans and new players.
Via Joystiq
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