Organization:X-Men: Mutant Academy

From HandWiki
Short description: 2000 video game
X-Men: Mutant Academy
North American PlayStation cover art
Developer(s)
  • Paradox Development
  • Crawfish Interactive (GBC)
Publisher(s)Activision
Director(s)Tim Bradstock (GBC)
Designer(s)
  • Tim Coode (GBC)
  • Daimion Pinnock (GBC)
Platform(s)
Release
Genre(s)Fighting
Mode(s)

X-Men: Mutant Academy is a fighting game developed by Paradox Development published by Activision. It was released for PlayStation and Game Boy Color on July 14, 2000, as a tie-in to the film X-Men, which was released on the same date.[3] A version for the Nintendo 64 had been in development prior to the game's release, but was ultimately cancelled.

Published by Activision, X-Men: Mutant Academy is a fighting game that uses six buttons: three buttons for punches and three for kicks, à la Street Fighter. Due to the success of the game, it was followed by two sequels: Organization:X-Men: Mutant Academy 2 and Software:X-Men: Next Dimension. The game's characters can be played both with their comic book costumes and their costumes from the 2000 film X-Men. Characters not present in the film were given costumes of a similar design.

Gameplay

PlayStation

The PlayStation version of X-Men: Mutant Academy features 3D stages, but largely adheres to the rules of 2D fighters. The main characters are a combination of classic X-Men characters and the 20th Century Fox X-Men film. Nearly every X-Men character is available, each with their own fighting moves (much like Street Fighter) and plenty of finishing moves to spice things up.

Game Boy Color

Due to hardware limitations, the stages in the Game Boy Color version of X-Men: Mutant Academy are rendered in 2D, and the gameplay is different from the PlayStation version. In addition to Story Mode, where one player takes on all the others in consecutive fights, there is training mode, battle mode, survival mode, and a versus mode utilizing the Game Link Cable. During a fight, a rage bar will slowly fill, which allows using powerful special moves that are activated through button combos.

Characters

The game features nine selectable characters from the X-Men universe in both versions, plus one PlayStation exclusive character and two Game Boy exclusive characters. In the PlayStation version, players must unlock the ability to use the boss characters outside of versus mode; in the Game Boy version, two characters are hidden and can only be unlocked via cheat codes.

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Game Boy only
  2. ↑ PlayStation only
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Boss character

Reception

Reception
Review scores
PublicationScore
GBCPS
AllGameStarStarHalf star[4]StarStarHalf star[5]
EGM6.83/10[6]
Eurogamer3/10[7]
Game Informer7.5/10[9]
GameFan70%[8]
GameProStarStarStarStarHalf star[10]
GameRevolutionC+[11]
GameSpot2.4/10[12]6.4/10[13]
IGN3/10[14]8/10[15]
Nintendo Power6.8/10[16]
OPM (US)StarStarStar[17]
Aggregate scores
GameRankings47.14%[18]76.21%[19]
Metacritic75/100[20]

The PlayStation version of X-Men: Mutant Academy received mixed-to-positive reviews by critics. However, the Game Boy Color version received mostly negative reviews. Many critics and fans criticized the Game Boy Color version for its lack of difficulty, and its similarity to Street Fighter Alpha. Despite the criticism, some praised the graphics in the game. Unlike the handheld version, the PlayStation version was widely praised for the gameplay, the enemy AI, and the graphics, but it was criticized for its similarity to Capcom video games, such as Street Fighter.

References

  1. ↑ "X-Men:Mutant Academy" (in en-gb). Eurogamer.net. 2000-05-29. https://www.eurogamer.net/mutantacademy-psx-prev. 
  2. ↑ "Activision : Corporate Info : Press Releases : ACTIVISION BRINGS X-MEN". 2001-01-07. http://www.activision.com/investor/pressreleases/231.html. 
  3. ↑ Roether, Julia (July 14, 2000). "Activision Brings the Most Popular Comic of All Time to Life With the Release of X-Men: Mutant Academy". http://www.activision.com/investor/pressreleases/231.html. 
  4. ↑ White, Jason. "X-Men: Mutant Academy (GBC) - Review". AllGame. http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=21357&tab=review. 
  5. ↑ Ottoson, Joe. "X-Men: Mutant Academy (PS) - Review". AllGame. http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=20458&tab=review. 
  6. ↑ "X-Men: Mutant Academy (PS)". Electronic Gaming Monthly. 2000. 
  7. ↑ Bramwell, Tom (2000-09-21). "X-Men: Mutant Academy Review (GBC)". http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/xmen_gbc. 
  8. ↑ "REVIEW for X-Men: Mutant Academy (PS)". GameFan. July 25, 2000. 
  9. ↑ "X-Men: Mutant Academy (PS)". Game Informer (87). July 2000. 
  10. ↑ The D-Pad Destroyer (2000-07-19). "X-Men: Mutant Academy Review for PlayStation on GamePro.com". GamePro. http://www.gamepro.com/sony/psx/games/reviews/6154.shtml. Retrieved 2014-04-02. 
  11. ↑ Dr. Moo (July 2000). "X-Men: Mutant Academy Review (PS)". Game Revolution. http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/x-men-mutant-academy. 
  12. ↑ Provo, Frank (2000-07-13). "X-Men: Mutant Academy Review (GBC)". http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/x-men-mutant-academy-review/1900-2603650/. 
  13. ↑ Gerstmann, Jeff (2000-07-11). "X-Men: Mutant Academy Review (PS)". http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/x-men-mutant-academy-review/1900-2601915/. 
  14. ↑ Harris, Craig (2000-07-12). "X-Men: Mutant Academy (GBC)". http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/07/13/x-men-mutant-academy-3. 
  15. ↑ Bishop, Sam (2000-07-14). "X-Men: Mutant Academy (PS)". http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/07/15/x-men-mutant-academy. 
  16. ↑ "X-Men: Mutant Academy". Nintendo Power 134. July 2000. 
  17. ↑ "X-Men: Mutant Academy". Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine. 2000. 
  18. ↑ "X-Men: Mutant Academy for Game Boy Color". GameRankings. http://www.gamerankings.com/gbc/340135-x-men-mutant-academy/index.html. 
  19. ↑ "X-Men: Mutant Academy for PlayStation". GameRankings. http://www.gamerankings.com/ps/199371-x-men-mutant-academy/index.html. 
  20. ↑ "X-Men: Mutant Academy Critic Reviews for PlayStation". https://www.metacritic.com/game/x-men-mutant-academy/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation. 

Features

Edits and submissions to the site (including screenshots, box art, developer information, game summaries, and more) go through a verification process of fact-checking by volunteer "approvers".[2] This lengthy approval process after submission can range from minutes to days or months.[3] The most commonly used sources are the video game's website, packaging, and credit screens. There is a published standard for game information and copy-editing.[4] A ranking system allows users to earn points for contributing accurate information.[5]

Registered users can rate and review games. Users can create private or public "have" and "want" lists, which can generate a list of games available for trade with other registered users. The site contains an integrated forum. Each listed game can have its own sub-forum.

History

Logo used until March 2014

MobyGames was founded on March 1, 1999, by Jim Leonard and Brian Hirt, and joined by David Berk 18 months later, the three of which had been friends since high school.[6][7] Leonard had the idea of sharing information about computer games with a larger audience. The database began with information about games for IBM PC compatibles, relying on the founders' personal collections. Eventually, the site was opened up to allow general users to contribute information.[5] In a 2003 interview, Berk emphasized MobyGames' dedication to taking video games more seriously than broader society and to preserving games for their important cultural influence.[5]

In mid-2010, MobyGames was purchased by GameFly for an undisclosed amount.[8] This was announced to the community post factum , and the site's interface was given an unpopular redesign.[7] A few major contributors left, refusing to do volunteer work for a commercial website.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025} On December 18, 2013, MobyGames was acquired by Jeremiah Freyholtz, owner of Blue Flame Labs (a San Francisco-based game and web development company) and VGBoxArt (a site for fan-made video game box art).[9] Blue Flame Labs reverted MobyGames' interface to its pre-overhaul look and feel,[10] and for the next eight years, the site was run by Freyholtz and Independent Games Festival organizer Simon Carless.[7]

On November 24, 2021, Atari SA announced a potential deal with Blue Flame Labs to purchase MobyGames for $1.5 million.[11] The purchase was completed on 8 March 2022, with Freyholtz remaining as general manager.[12][13][14] Over the next year, the financial boost given by Atari led to a rework of the site being built from scratch with a new backend codebase, as well as updates improving the mobile and desktop user interface.[1] This was accomplished by investing in full-time development of the site instead of its previously part-time development.[15]

In 2024, MobyGames began offering a paid "Pro" membership option for the site to generate additional revenue.[16] Previously, the site had generated income exclusively through banner ads and (from March 2014 onward) a small number of patrons via the Patreon website.[17]

See also

  • IGDB – game database used by Twitch for its search and discovery functions

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sheehan, Gavin (2023-02-22). "Atari Relaunches The Fully Rebuilt & Optimized MobyGames Website". https://bleedingcool.com/games/atari-relaunches-the-fully-rebuilt-optimized-mobygames-website/. 
  2. ↑ Litchfield, Ted (2021-11-26). "Zombie company Atari to devour MobyGames". https://www.pcgamer.com/zombie-company-atari-to-devour-mobygames/. 
  3. ↑ "MobyGames FAQ: Emails Answered § When will my submission be approved?". Blue Flame Labs. 30 March 2014. http://www.mobygames.com/info/faq7#g1. 
  4. ↑ "The MobyGames Standards and Practices". Blue Flame Labs. 6 January 2016. http://www.mobygames.com/info/standards. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Miller, Stanley A. (2003-04-22). "People's choice awards honor favorite Web sites". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 
  6. ↑ "20 Years of MobyGames" (in en). 2019-02-28. https://trixter.oldskool.org/2019/02/28/20-years-of-mobygames/. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Plunkett, Luke (2022-03-10). "Atari Buys MobyGames For $1.5 Million". https://kotaku.com/mobygames-retro-credits-database-imdb-atari-freyholtz-b-1848638521. 
  8. ↑ "Report: MobyGames Acquired By GameFly Media". Gamasutra. 2011-02-07. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/report-mobygames-acquired-by-gamefly-media. 
  9. ↑ Corriea, Alexa Ray (December 31, 2013). "MobyGames purchased from GameFly, improvements planned". http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/31/5261414/mobygames-purchased-from-gamefly-improvements-planned. 
  10. ↑ Wawro, Alex (31 December 2013). "Game dev database MobyGames getting some TLC under new owner". Gamasutra. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/game-dev-database-mobygames-getting-some-tlc-under-new-owner. 
  11. ↑ "Atari invests in Anstream, may buy MobyGames". November 24, 2021. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-11-24-atari-invests-in-anstream-may-buy-mobygames. 
  12. ↑ Rousseau, Jeffrey (2022-03-09). "Atari purchases Moby Games". https://www.gamesindustry.biz/atari-purchases-moby-games. 
  13. ↑ "Atari Completes MobyGames Acquisition, Details Plans for the Site's Continued Support". March 8, 2022. https://www.atari.com/atari-completes-mobygames-acquisition-details-plans-for-the-sites-continued-support/. 
  14. ↑ "Atari has acquired game database MobyGames for $1.5 million" (in en-GB). 2022-03-09. https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/atari-has-acquired-game-database-mobygames-for-1-5-million/. 
  15. ↑ Stanton, Rich (2022-03-10). "Atari buys videogame database MobyGames for $1.5 million". https://www.pcgamer.com/atari-buys-videogame-database-mobygames-for-dollar15-million/. 
  16. ↑ Harris, John (2024-03-09). "MobyGames Offering “Pro” Membership". https://setsideb.com/mobygames-offering-pro-membership/. 
  17. ↑ "MobyGames on Patreon". http://www.patreon.com/mobygames. 
  • No URL found. Please specify a URL here or add one to Wikidata.

Template:Atari



  • MobyGames is a commercial database website that catalogs information on video games and the people and companies behind them via crowdsourcing. This includes over 300,000 games for hundreds of platforms.[1] Founded in 1999, ownership of the site has changed hands several times. It has been owned by Atari SA since 2022.

Features

Edits and submissions to the site (including screenshots, box art, developer information, game summaries, and more) go through a verification process of fact-checking by volunteer "approvers".[2] This lengthy approval process after submission can range from minutes to days or months.[3] The most commonly used sources are the video game's website, packaging, and credit screens. There is a published standard for game information and copy-editing.[4] A ranking system allows users to earn points for contributing accurate information.[5]

Registered users can rate and review games. Users can create private or public "have" and "want" lists, which can generate a list of games available for trade with other registered users. The site contains an integrated forum. Each listed game can have its own sub-forum.

History

Logo used until March 2014

MobyGames was founded on March 1, 1999, by Jim Leonard and Brian Hirt, and joined by David Berk 18 months later, the three of which had been friends since high school.[6][7] Leonard had the idea of sharing information about computer games with a larger audience. The database began with information about games for IBM PC compatibles, relying on the founders' personal collections. Eventually, the site was opened up to allow general users to contribute information.[5] In a 2003 interview, Berk emphasized MobyGames' dedication to taking video games more seriously than broader society and to preserving games for their important cultural influence.[5]

In mid-2010, MobyGames was purchased by GameFly for an undisclosed amount.[8] This was announced to the community post factum , and the site's interface was given an unpopular redesign.[7] A few major contributors left, refusing to do volunteer work for a commercial website.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025} On December 18, 2013, MobyGames was acquired by Jeremiah Freyholtz, owner of Blue Flame Labs (a San Francisco-based game and web development company) and VGBoxArt (a site for fan-made video game box art).[9] Blue Flame Labs reverted MobyGames' interface to its pre-overhaul look and feel,[10] and for the next eight years, the site was run by Freyholtz and Independent Games Festival organizer Simon Carless.[7]

On November 24, 2021, Atari SA announced a potential deal with Blue Flame Labs to purchase MobyGames for $1.5 million.[11] The purchase was completed on 8 March 2022, with Freyholtz remaining as general manager.[12][13][14] Over the next year, the financial boost given by Atari led to a rework of the site being built from scratch with a new backend codebase, as well as updates improving the mobile and desktop user interface.[1] This was accomplished by investing in full-time development of the site instead of its previously part-time development.[15]

In 2024, MobyGames began offering a paid "Pro" membership option for the site to generate additional revenue.[16] Previously, the site had generated income exclusively through banner ads and (from March 2014 onward) a small number of patrons via the Patreon website.[17]

See also

  • IGDB – game database used by Twitch for its search and discovery functions

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sheehan, Gavin (2023-02-22). "Atari Relaunches The Fully Rebuilt & Optimized MobyGames Website". https://bleedingcool.com/games/atari-relaunches-the-fully-rebuilt-optimized-mobygames-website/. 
  2. ↑ Litchfield, Ted (2021-11-26). "Zombie company Atari to devour MobyGames". https://www.pcgamer.com/zombie-company-atari-to-devour-mobygames/. 
  3. ↑ "MobyGames FAQ: Emails Answered § When will my submission be approved?". Blue Flame Labs. 30 March 2014. http://www.mobygames.com/info/faq7#g1. 
  4. ↑ "The MobyGames Standards and Practices". Blue Flame Labs. 6 January 2016. http://www.mobygames.com/info/standards. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Miller, Stanley A. (2003-04-22). "People's choice awards honor favorite Web sites". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 
  6. ↑ "20 Years of MobyGames" (in en). 2019-02-28. https://trixter.oldskool.org/2019/02/28/20-years-of-mobygames/. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Plunkett, Luke (2022-03-10). "Atari Buys MobyGames For $1.5 Million". https://kotaku.com/mobygames-retro-credits-database-imdb-atari-freyholtz-b-1848638521. 
  8. ↑ "Report: MobyGames Acquired By GameFly Media". Gamasutra. 2011-02-07. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/report-mobygames-acquired-by-gamefly-media. 
  9. ↑ Corriea, Alexa Ray (December 31, 2013). "MobyGames purchased from GameFly, improvements planned". http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/31/5261414/mobygames-purchased-from-gamefly-improvements-planned. 
  10. ↑ Wawro, Alex (31 December 2013). "Game dev database MobyGames getting some TLC under new owner". Gamasutra. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/game-dev-database-mobygames-getting-some-tlc-under-new-owner. 
  11. ↑ "Atari invests in Anstream, may buy MobyGames". November 24, 2021. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-11-24-atari-invests-in-anstream-may-buy-mobygames. 
  12. ↑ Rousseau, Jeffrey (2022-03-09). "Atari purchases Moby Games". https://www.gamesindustry.biz/atari-purchases-moby-games. 
  13. ↑ "Atari Completes MobyGames Acquisition, Details Plans for the Site's Continued Support". March 8, 2022. https://www.atari.com/atari-completes-mobygames-acquisition-details-plans-for-the-sites-continued-support/. 
  14. ↑ "Atari has acquired game database MobyGames for $1.5 million" (in en-GB). 2022-03-09. https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/atari-has-acquired-game-database-mobygames-for-1-5-million/. 
  15. ↑ Stanton, Rich (2022-03-10). "Atari buys videogame database MobyGames for $1.5 million". https://www.pcgamer.com/atari-buys-videogame-database-mobygames-for-dollar15-million/. 
  16. ↑ Harris, John (2024-03-09). "MobyGames Offering “Pro” Membership". https://setsideb.com/mobygames-offering-pro-membership/. 
  17. ↑ "MobyGames on Patreon". http://www.patreon.com/mobygames. 
  • No URL found. Please specify a URL here or add one to Wikidata.

Template:Atari



Template:Marvel Comics fighting games



Retrieved from "https://handwiki.org/wiki/index.php?title=Organization:X-Men:_Mutant_Academy&oldid=4142636"