Shiny Entertainment's 1997 classic — its history, how the press received it, how it plays today, and what a copy costs.
- Released
- 1997 · PC (DOS / Windows)
- Developer
- Shiny Entertainment
- Publisher
- Interplay Productions
- MobyScore
- ★ 8.21
- Players today
- Mostly Positive on Steam (80% of 212)
The history
Released in 1997, MDK is a third-person shooter developed by Shiny Entertainment. The game was published by Playmates Interactive Entertainment in North America and by Shiny itself in Europe, later seeing ports to Mac OS via Shokwave and PlayStation via Neversoft.
MDK mattered as a creative standout in the early 3D era, blending a twisted sense of humor with innovative design concepts. Its impact was significant enough that founders of Planet Moon Studios, Nick Bruty and Bob Stevenson, were recognized for their work on the title after leaving Shiny Entertainment.
How it plays
Players take on the role of Kurt, who must stop aliens from using eight giant fortresses to destroy Earth. The gameplay loop consists of six missions across strange 3D worlds, combining run-and-gun action with precise platform jumps. Kurt is equipped with a special battle suit featuring a machine gun arm and a parachute for navigation.
A defining feature of the experience is the sniper interface embedded in Kurt's helmet, which allows players to stand still and aim precise shots. As the game progresses, players can acquire further weaponry enhancements to deal with the "Stream Riders" and other enemies.
How it was received
MDK was a critical and commercial success, with global sales surpassing 400,000 copies by June 1998 and reaching 500,000 by early 2000. The Windows version earned an aggregate score of 89% on GameRankings based on five reviews, while the PlayStation version held a 76% score from six reviews. GamePro gave the PC version a perfect 5.0 out of 5 in graphics, sound, control, and funfactor, calling it one of the year's most creative games.
While the PC version was widely praised, the PlayStation port received a more mixed response. IGN's Jay Boor called it one of the most impressive PC to PlayStation ports he had seen, but GameSpot and EGM noted issues with polygon breakup, control problems, and a lack of difficulty. Then-critics hailed it as a revolutionary experience, a sentiment that persists today as modern Steam users rate the game as Mostly Positive.
In the magazines
The period press.
Next Generation stated that "MDK is a game that no self-respective gamer will want to miss." GamePro awarded it a perfect 5.0/5 across all categories, praising its "floating third-person view." Game Revolutions' Johnny Lee described it as "Non-stop 3D shooting, killing, exploding, dodging, parachuting, running, ambushing, assassinating, jumping, mind blowing action!"
What players say today
Modern players on Steam maintain a Mostly Positive sentiment, with 169 out of 212 reviews being positive, including one player stating they "love this game to death."
“I love this game to death”
Screenshots
The box & the art
Cover art, and real copies photographed in the wild.
Legacy
The developers' legacy continued through the formation of Planet Moon Studios by ex-Shiny developers Nick Bruty and Bob Stevenson. MDK remains worth seeking out today for its unique style, its acerbic humor, and the ingenious implementation of its sniper mode.
What it's worth
Copies surface on the second-hand market from time to time, but listings are sparse enough that there's no reliable price band to quote — check the live search for what's available right now.
See current copies on eBay →How to play it in 2026
Easiest today: Steam or GOG (DRM-free) on modern Windows. Either way the core game is intact.
Modern digital releases have some discrepancies; the Steam version is missing all versions except Direct3D and lacks certain cinematics and menu stills, while the GOG version stripped out DOS support and uses a different logo screen and menu music than the original CD release.
Verdict
MDK holds up as a fascinating artifact of 90s creativity. While some period critics like GameSpot's Jeff Sengstack pointed out the short length and control issues, the game's originality and visually exciting environments keep it engaging.
Between the strategic stalking of the sniper helmet and the surreal world design, it remains a distinct experience that avoids the generic tropes of its era.
Sources: MobyGames, Steam, and period/web coverage. Prices reflect the second-hand market and change over time.