Difference between revisions of "Williams Arcade's Greatest Hits (Mega Drive)"

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{{otherPage|desc=the [[Sega Saturn]] game|page=Midway Presents Arcade's Greatest Hits (Saturn)}}
 
{{Bob
 
{{Bob
−
| bobscreen=WAGH_title.png
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| bobscreen=WAGH title.png
−
| publisher={{MD}} [[Williams Entertainment]] (US), [[THQ]] (EU) {{SAT}} [[Midway]]
+
| title=Williams Arcade's Greatest Hits
 +
| publisher={{company|[[Williams Entertainment]]|region=US}}, {{company|[[THQ]]|region=Europe}}
 
| developer=[[Digital Eclipse]]
 
| developer=[[Digital Eclipse]]
−
| system=[[Sega Mega Drive]], [[Sega Saturn]]
+
| licensor=[[Williams Electronics Games]]
 +
| system=[[Sega Mega Drive]]
 
| sounddriver=
 
| sounddriver=
−
| peripherals=[[Saturn Floppy Drive]]
+
| peripherals=[[Six Button Control Pad (Mega Drive)|Six Button Control Pad]]  
 
| players=1-2
 
| players=1-2
 
| genre=Compilation
 
| genre=Compilation
 
| originaldevelopers=[[Williams Electronics]]
 
| originaldevelopers=[[Williams Electronics]]
−
| gamecount=6
+
| gamecount=5
 
| originalsystem=Arcade boards
 
| originalsystem=Arcade boards
 
| releases={{releasesMD
 
| releases={{releasesMD
−
| md_date_us=1996-04-10
+
| md_date_us=1996-09-15{{magref|vga|0209|46}}
 
| md_code_us=T-97126
 
| md_code_us=T-97126
 +
| md_rating_us=ka
 
| md_date_eu=1996
 
| md_date_eu=1996
−
| md_date_uk=1996-11{{magref|gamesmaster|47|11}}
+
| md_code_eu=T-97126-50
 +
| md_date_uk=1997-02-14{{magref|ctw|623|17}}<!--1996-11{{magref|gamesmaster|47|11}}-->
 +
| md_code_uk=T-97126-50
 
| md_rrp_uk=39.99{{magref|mms|51|76}}
 
| md_rrp_uk=39.99{{magref|mms|51|76}}
−
| md_code_eu=T-97126-50
 
 
| md_date_br=1997-07
 
| md_date_br=1997-07
 
| md_code_br=042790
 
| md_code_br=042790
 +
| md_rating_br=ti
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{releasesSat
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| otherformats={{NonSega|SNES}}
−
| sat_date_us=1996-12-23
 
−
| sat_code_us=T-9703H
 
−
}}
 
−
| esrb=ka
 
−
| tectoy=ti
 
−
| otherformats={{NonSega|PS|SNES}}
 
 
}}
 
}}
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{{stub}}'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is a compilation of arcade games released in 1996/1997 for, among other systems, the [[Sega Mega Drive]] and [[Sega Saturn]]. The Mega Drive version was published by [[Williams Entertainment]] in North America, which, following restructuring and buyouts in the mid-1990s, became part of [[Midway Games]], who published the European Mega Drive and Saturn versions as '''''Midway Presents Arcade's Greatest Hits'''''.
+
'''''Williams Arcade's Greatest Hits''''' is a compilation of arcade games released in 1996 for the [[Sega Mega Drive]]. The Mega Drive version was published by [[Williams Entertainment]] in North America, which, following restructuring and buyouts in the mid-1990s, became part of [[Midway Games]], who published the game in Europe as '''''Midway Presents Arcade's Greatest Hits'''''.
−
 
 
−
''Arcade's Greatest Hits'' contains a selection of arcade games originally released by Williams Electronics in the early 1980s. The ports were handled by [[Digital Eclipse]], who would go on to produce numerous re-releases of this nature (such as ''[[Midway Presents Arcade's Greatest Hits: The Atari Collection 1]]''). Though the Saturn versions are nearly identical to their original arcade forms, on the Mega Drive slight alterations exist to accommodate the differing hardware. The Saturn version also has extras, such as videos and artwork.
 
−
 
 
−
The [[Sega Dreamcast]] game ''[[Midway's Greatest Arcade Hits Volume 1]]'' is much the same as this release, although features higher quality emulations.
 
  
 
==Gameplay==
 
==Gameplay==
−
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=200|
+
In total, five games are available for play in this compilation.  Unlike most games that use six button control schemes by default when a [[Six Button Control Pad (Mega Drive)|Six Button Control Pad]] is detected, the {{Mode}} button must be pressed during gameplay to enable the six button controls for ''Defender II'' and ''Robotron 2084''.
 +
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=320|
 
{{InfoRow
 
{{InfoRow
 
| title=''Defender'' (1980)
 
| title=''Defender'' (1980)
−
| screenshot=WAGH_Defender.png
+
| screenshot=WAGH Defender.png
 
| desc=''Defender'' is a 2D side-scrolling shoot-'em-up, in which the objective is to shoot aliens, avoid projectiles and obstacles and protect humans from being captured. It was unique for its day for allowing the player to move both left and right, the maps "looping" to create a "circular" playfield. It is also the primary influence for the [[Sega]] classic, ''[[Fantasy Zone]]''.
 
| desc=''Defender'' is a 2D side-scrolling shoot-'em-up, in which the objective is to shoot aliens, avoid projectiles and obstacles and protect humans from being captured. It was unique for its day for allowing the player to move both left and right, the maps "looping" to create a "circular" playfield. It is also the primary influence for the [[Sega]] classic, ''[[Fantasy Zone]]''.
  
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{{InfoRow
 
{{InfoRow
 
| title=''Defender II'' (''Stargate'') (1981)
 
| title=''Defender II'' (''Stargate'') (1981)
−
| screenshot=WAGH_DefenderII.png
+
| screenshot=WAGH DefenderII.png
 
| desc=''Defender II'' is the sequel to ''Defender'', though curiously was never known as ''Defender II'' in the arcades, instead opting for the title of ''Stargate'' on grounds of legal issues (''Defender II'' being reserved for the NES and older Atari 2600 ports). ''Defender II'' is much the same as the first game, but introduces new enemies, a cloaking device and similar minor gameplay additions.
 
| desc=''Defender II'' is the sequel to ''Defender'', though curiously was never known as ''Defender II'' in the arcades, instead opting for the title of ''Stargate'' on grounds of legal issues (''Defender II'' being reserved for the NES and older Atari 2600 ports). ''Defender II'' is much the same as the first game, but introduces new enemies, a cloaking device and similar minor gameplay additions.
  
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{{InfoRow
 
{{InfoRow
 
| title=''Joust'' (1982)
 
| title=''Joust'' (1982)
−
| screenshot=WAGH_Joust.png
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| screenshot=WAGH Joust.png
 
| desc=''Joust'' is a single-screen 2D "platform game", in which players control a man riding a "buzzard", who needs to hit the heads of enemies, similar to traditional jousting.
 
| desc=''Joust'' is a single-screen 2D "platform game", in which players control a man riding a "buzzard", who needs to hit the heads of enemies, similar to traditional jousting.
  
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{{InfoRow
 
{{InfoRow
 
| title=''Robotron 2084'' (1982)
 
| title=''Robotron 2084'' (1982)
−
| screenshot=WAGH_Robotron2024.png
+
| screenshot=WAGH Robotron2024.png
 
| desc=''Robotron 2084'' is a dual-joystick top-down shoot-'em-up, in which you attempt to save the last surviving human family from robots. This game traditionally causes problems on systems with less than four face buttons (like the Mega Drive), as without a means to emulate the dual joysticks, eight directional firing is hindered, making the game significantly harder.
 
| desc=''Robotron 2084'' is a dual-joystick top-down shoot-'em-up, in which you attempt to save the last surviving human family from robots. This game traditionally causes problems on systems with less than four face buttons (like the Mega Drive), as without a means to emulate the dual joysticks, eight directional firing is hindered, making the game significantly harder.
  
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| title=''Sinistar'' (1982)
 
| title=''Sinistar'' (1982)
 
| screenshot=WAGH_Sinistar.png
 
| screenshot=WAGH_Sinistar.png
−
| desc=''Sinistar'' is a top-down shooter similar to [[Atari, Inc. (1972–1984)|Atari]]'s ''Asteroids'', however as well as shooting enemies, players need to locate sinibombs to prevent the creation of the extremely powerful ''Sinistar''.
+
| desc=''Sinistar'' is a top-down shooter similar to [[Atari, Inc. (1972–1984)|Atari]]'s ''Asteroids'', however as well as shooting enemies, players need to locate Sinibombs to prevent the creation of the extremely powerful ''Sinistar''.
  
 
Configurable options: ships to start, first bonus at, extra to next bonus, difficulty, rapid fire.
 
Configurable options: ships to start, first bonus at, extra to next bonus, difficulty, rapid fire.
−
}}
 
−
{{InfoRow
 
−
| title=''Bubbles'' (1982)
 
−
| screenshot=
 
−
| desc=''Bubbles'' is unique to the Saturn (and [[PlayStation]]) versions. Players control a bubble and need to clean a sink. ''Bubbles'' was less well received than the other games in this compilation back in 1982, so until this compilation emerged, did not see any home ports.
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==Production credits==
 
==Production credits==
−
===Mega Drive version===
 
 
{{creditstable|
 
{{creditstable|
−
*'''Lead Programmer and Game Translations (except Joust):''' Dan Filner
+
{{creditsheader|The [[Digital Eclipse]] Design Team}}
 +
*'''Lead Programmer and Game Translations (except ''Joust''):''' Dan Filner
 
*'''Joust Translation:''' George Phillips
 
*'''Joust Translation:''' George Phillips
 
*'''Sound Translation:''' Terry Coatta, Peter Phillips
 
*'''Sound Translation:''' Terry Coatta, Peter Phillips
 
*'''Producer:''' Andrew Ayre
 
*'''Producer:''' Andrew Ayre
 
*'''Special Thanks:''' Wes Gale
 
*'''Special Thanks:''' Wes Gale
 +
| source=In-game credits
 +
| pdf=Williams Arcade's Greatest Hits MD credits.pdf
 +
| console=MD
 +
}}
 +
{{hr}}
 +
{{creditstable|
 +
{{creditsheader|[[Williams|Williams Entertainment Inc.]] Team}}
 +
*'''Print Design and Production:''' Debbie Austin, Steve High, Shawn Murphy, Dave Young, Jon Mongelluzzo
 +
*'''Lead Tester:''' Jason Shigenaka
 +
*'''Williams Entertainment Testing:''' Sunny Chu, Dallas Nunn, Jason Barnes, Jeff Truax, Benjamin Larkin
 +
*'''Special Thanks:''' Jim Flaharty, Brian Lowe, Justin Heber, Mike Rubinelli
 +
| source=US manual
 +
| pdf=Williams Arcade Greatest Hits MD US Manual.pdf
 +
| pdfpage=14
 
| console=MD
 
| console=MD
 
}}
 
}}
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{{gallery
 
{{gallery
 
|{{galleryPrintAd
 
|{{galleryPrintAd
−
|NextGeneration US 22.pdf|nextgeneration|22|27
+
|nextgeneration|22|27
−
|EGM2 US 29.pdf|egm2|29|107
+
|egm2|29|107
 
}}
 
}}
 
|{{galleryPrintAd
 
|{{galleryPrintAd
−
|EGM US 089.pdf|egm|89|23
+
|egm|89|23
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
|{{galleryPrintAd
 
|{{galleryPrintAd
−
|CVG UK 183.pdf|cvg|183|100
+
|cvg|183|100
 
}}
 
}}
−
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==Physical scans==
 
==Physical scans==
−
===Mega Drive version===
+
{{ratings|MD}}
−
{{ratings
 
−
| icon=MD
 
−
| mms=90
 
−
| mms_source={{magref|mms|51|76|printpage=76/77}}
 
−
| segapower=
 
−
| segapower_source={{num|88}}
 
−
}}
 
 
{{Scanbox
 
{{Scanbox
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| region=US
 
| region=US
 
| front=WAGH md us cover.jpg
 
| front=WAGH md us cover.jpg
−
| back=WAGH_MD_US_BoxBack.jpg
+
| back=WAGH MD US BoxBack.jpg
−
| spine=WAGH_MD_US_BoxSpine.jpg
+
| spine=WAGH MD US BoxSpine.jpg
 
| cart=WAGH md us cart.jpg
 
| cart=WAGH md us cart.jpg
−
| carttop=WAGH_MD_US_CartTop.jpg
+
| carttop=WAGH MD US CartTop.jpg
 
| manual=Williams Arcade Greatest Hits MD US Manual.pdf
 
| manual=Williams Arcade Greatest Hits MD US Manual.pdf
−
}}{{Scanbox
+
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Mega Drive
 +
| region=US (Black & White Manual)
 +
| front=WAGH md us cover.jpg
 +
| back=WAGH MD US BoxBack.jpg
 +
| spine=WAGH MD US BoxSpine.jpg
 +
| cart=WAGH md us cart.jpg
 +
| manual=Williams Arcade Greatest Hits MD US Alt Manual.jpg
 +
| item1=Williams Arcade Greatest Hits MD US Alt Manual Back.jpg
 +
| item1name=Manual Back
 +
 
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| region=EU
 
| region=EU
 
| cover=WAGH md eu cover.jpg
 
| cover=WAGH md eu cover.jpg
 
| cart=ArcadesGreatestHits MD EU Cart.jpg
 
| cart=ArcadesGreatestHits MD EU Cart.jpg
−
}}{{Scanbox
+
| manual=Midway ArcadesGreatestHits MD EU Manual.jpg
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| region=BR
 
| region=BR
 
| cover=WAGH MD BR Box.jpg
 
| cover=WAGH MD BR Box.jpg
 
| cart=
 
| cart=
−
}}
 
−
 
−
===Saturn version===
 
−
{{ratings
 
−
| icon=SAT
 
−
| gamesmaster=70
 
−
| gamesmaster_source={{num|69|page=80}}
 
−
| ssm=80
 
−
| ssm_source={{magref|ssm|23|72|printpage=72/73}}
 
−
}}
 
−
{{Scanbox
 
−
| console=Saturn
 
−
| region=US
 
−
| front=WAGH sat us cover.jpg
 
−
| back=Wagh sat us backcover.jpg
 
−
| disc=WAGH Saturn US Disc.jpg
 
−
| manual=Wagh sat us manual.pdf
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==Technical information==
 
==Technical information==
−
===ROM dump status===
+
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Technical information}}
−
{{romtable|
 
−
{{rom|MD|sha1=8c648318fdd54e2c75c44429a72c1c1a846e67cb|md5=0e1cbc28671b781b174693d234a5a446|crc32=d68e9c00|size=512kB|date=1996-09|source=Cartridge (US)|comments=|quality=good|prototype=}}
 
−
{{rom|MD|sha1=97e35e8fbe1546b9cf075ab75c8f790edcd9db93|md5=c8f4f5adc64fb344ca091982b60334af|crc32=c0dce0e5|size=512kB|date=1996-11|source=Cartridge (EU)|comments=|quality=|prototype=}}
 
−
{{rom|SAT|sha1= |md5= |crc32= |size=602,274,288|date= |source=CD-ROM (US)|comments=T-9703H V1.000|quality=|prototype=}}
 
−
}}
 
  
 
==References==
 
==References==

Revision as of 10:25, 2 January 2024

For the Sega Saturn game, see Midway Presents Arcade's Greatest Hits (Saturn).

n/a

WAGH title.png

Williams Arcade's Greatest Hits
System(s): Sega Mega Drive
Publisher: Williams Entertainment (US), THQ (Europe)
Developer:
Licensor: Williams Electronics Games
Original system(s): Arcade boards
Developer(s) of original games: Williams Electronics
Game total: 5
Peripherals supported: Six Button Control Pad
Genre: Compilation

















Number of players: 1-2
Release Date RRP Code
Sega Mega Drive
US 		T-97126
ESRB: Kids to Adults
Sega Mega Drive
EU 		T-97126-50
Sega Mega Drive
UK 		£39.9939.99[3] T-97126-50
Sega Mega Drive
BR 		042790
Tectoy: Todas as Idades
Non-Sega versions

Williams Arcade's Greatest Hits is a compilation of arcade games released in 1996 for the Sega Mega Drive. The Mega Drive version was published by Williams Entertainment in North America, which, following restructuring and buyouts in the mid-1990s, became part of Midway Games, who published the game in Europe as Midway Presents Arcade's Greatest Hits.

Gameplay

In total, five games are available for play in this compilation. Unlike most games that use six button control schemes by default when a Six Button Control Pad is detected, the  MODE  button must be pressed during gameplay to enable the six button controls for Defender II and Robotron 2084.

WAGH Defender.png

Defender (1980)
Defender is a 2D side-scrolling shoot-'em-up, in which the objective is to shoot aliens, avoid projectiles and obstacles and protect humans from being captured. It was unique for its day for allowing the player to move both left and right, the maps "looping" to create a "circular" playfield. It is also the primary influence for the Sega classic, Fantasy Zone.

Configurable options: ships to start, bonus at, difficulty increase, maximum difficulty, waves per planet.

WAGH DefenderII.png

Defender II (Stargate) (1981)
Defender II is the sequel to Defender, though curiously was never known as Defender II in the arcades, instead opting for the title of Stargate on grounds of legal issues (Defender II being reserved for the NES and older Atari 2600 ports). Defender II is much the same as the first game, but introduces new enemies, a cloaking device and similar minor gameplay additions.

Configurable options: ships to start, bonus at, difficulty, inviso time per ship, men to warp, last wave for warp.

WAGH Joust.png

Joust (1982)
Joust is a single-screen 2D "platform game", in which players control a man riding a "buzzard", who needs to hit the heads of enemies, similar to traditional jousting.

Configurable options: lives to start, bonus at, difficulty.

WAGH Robotron2024.png

Robotron 2084 (1982)
Robotron 2084 is a dual-joystick top-down shoot-'em-up, in which you attempt to save the last surviving human family from robots. This game traditionally causes problems on systems with less than four face buttons (like the Mega Drive), as without a means to emulate the dual joysticks, eight directional firing is hindered, making the game significantly harder.

Configurable options: lives to start, bonus at, difficulty, controller angle.

WAGH Sinistar.png

Sinistar (1982)
Sinistar is a top-down shooter similar to Atari's Asteroids, however as well as shooting enemies, players need to locate Sinibombs to prevent the creation of the extremely powerful Sinistar.

Configurable options: ships to start, first bonus at, extra to next bonus, difficulty, rapid fire.

Production credits

The Digital Eclipse Design Team
  • Lead Programmer and Game Translations (except Joust): Dan Filner
  • Joust Translation: George Phillips
  • Sound Translation: Terry Coatta, Peter Phillips
  • Producer: Andrew Ayre
  • Special Thanks: Wes Gale
Source:
In-game credits
Williams Arcade's Greatest Hits MD credits.pdf
[4]
  • Print Design and Production: Debbie Austin, Steve High, Shawn Murphy, Dave Young, Jon Mongelluzzo
  • Lead Tester: Jason Shigenaka
  • Williams Entertainment Testing: Sunny Chu, Dallas Nunn, Jason Barnes, Jeff Truax, Benjamin Larkin
  • Special Thanks: Jim Flaharty, Brian Lowe, Justin Heber, Mike Rubinelli
Source:
US manual
Williams Arcade Greatest Hits MD US Manual.pdf
[5]


Magazine articles

Main article: Williams Arcade's Greatest Hits (Mega Drive)/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Next Generation (US) #22: "October 1996" (1996-09-17)
also published in:
  • EGM² (US) #29: "November 1996" (1996-xx-xx)[6]
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) #89: "December 1996" (1996-xx-xx)
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Computer & Video Games (UK) #183: "February 1997" (1997-01-10)
Logo-pdf.svg

Physical scans

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
1700 igr dlya Sega (RU)
40
[7]
Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) NTSC-U
80
[8]
GamePro (US) NTSC-U
48
[9]
Mean Machines Sega (UK) PAL
90
[3]
Sega Power (UK) PAL
64
[10]
Tricks 16 bit (RU)
60
[11]
Sega Mega Drive
 64
Based on
6 reviews

Williams Arcade's Greatest Hits (Mega Drive)

Mega Drive, US
WAGH MD US BoxBack.jpgWAGH MD US BoxSpine.jpgWAGH md us cover.jpg
Cover
WAGH MD US CartTop.jpg
WAGH md us cart.jpg
Cart
Williams Arcade Greatest Hits MD US Manual.pdf
Manual
Mega Drive, US (Black & White Manual)
WAGH MD US BoxBack.jpgWAGH MD US BoxSpine.jpgWAGH md us cover.jpg
Cover
WAGH md us cart.jpg
Cart
Williams Arcade Greatest Hits MD US Alt Manual.jpg
Manual
Williams Arcade Greatest Hits MD US Alt Manual Back.jpg
Manual Back
Mega Drive, EU
WAGH md eu cover.jpg
Cover
ArcadesGreatestHits MD EU Cart.jpg
Cart
Midway ArcadesGreatestHits MD EU Manual.jpg
Manual
Mega Drive, BR
WAGH MD BR Box.jpg
Cover

Technical information

Main article: Williams Arcade's Greatest Hits (Mega Drive)/Technical information.

References

  1. ↑ Videogame Advisor, "Volume 2, Number 9: September 1996" (US; 1996-0x-xx), page 46
  2. ↑ Computer Trade Weekly, "" (UK; 1997-02-03), page 17
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Mean Machines Sega, "January 1997" (UK; 1996-12-06), page 76
  4. ↑ File:Williams Arcade's Greatest Hits MD credits.pdf
  5. ↑ File:Williams Arcade Greatest Hits MD US Manual.pdf, page 14
  6. ↑ EGM², "November 1996" (US; 1996-xx-xx), page 107
  7. ↑ 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 263
  8. ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "December 1996" (US; 1996-xx-xx), page 96
  9. ↑ GamePro, "February 1997" (US; 1997-xx-xx), page 89
  10. ↑ Sega Power, "January 1997" (UK; 1996-12-19), page 37
  11. ↑ Tricks 16 bit, "Tricks Sega Gold 800 igr" (RU; 1998-03-20), page 222


Williams Arcade's Greatest Hits (Mega Drive)

WAGH title.png

Main page | Comparisons | Hidden content | Magazine articles | Reception | Region coding | Technical information


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Midway, Williams and Atari compilations for Sega systems
Sega Master System
 Arcade Smash Hits (1992)
Sega Mega Drive
 Arcade Classics (1996) | Williams Arcade's Greatest Hits (1996)
Sega Game Gear
 Arcade Classics (1996)
Sega Saturn
 Midway Presents Arcade's Greatest Hits (1996) | Midway Presents Arcade's Greatest Hits: The Atari Collection 1 (1997)
Sega Dreamcast
 Midway's Greatest Arcade Hits Volume 1 (2000) | Midway's Greatest Arcade Hits Volume 2 (2000) | Atari Anniversary Edition (2001) | Midway's Greatest Arcade Hits Volume 3 (unreleased)
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