Software:Alien 8

From HandWiki
Short description: 1985 video game
Alien 8
Cover art
Developer(s)Tim and Chris Stamper
Publisher(s)Ultimate Play the Game
EngineFilmation
Platform(s)
ReleaseZX Spectrum
BBC Micro
Amstrad CPC
MSX
Genre(s)Action-adventure
Mode(s)Single-player

Alien 8 is an action-adventure video game developed and published by Ultimate Play the Game. It was released for the ZX Spectrum, BBC Micro, Amstrad CPC and MSX in 1985.[lower-alpha 1] The game is a spiritual successor to the best-selling Knight Lore, which was lauded by critics for its isometric graphics. In the game, the player takes control of a robot, Alien 8, whose job is to ensure that all of the cryogenically frozen passengers on board a starship remain viable during the ship's voyage.

The game was written by Chris Stamper, and graphics were designed by Tim Stamper. Alien 8 uses the same image masking technique as Knight Lore, which allows the developers to create composite structures out of stacked images without visual overlay. The technique was copyrighted by Ultimate as the Filmation game engine. As with its spiritual predecessor, the game is rendered isometric projection.[1] The game was critically acclaimed upon release. Reviewers praised the game's graphics and innovation, while minor criticism was directed at its similarities to Knight Lore.

Plot

On a dying planet in a distant galaxy, the last of the creatures known as the "guardians" stored all of their libraries, records, and knowledge on a single starship together with cryogenically preserved members of their race. A single robot, Alien 8, is tasked with keeping the occupants of the vessel alive for the duration of its journey.

The ship is launched towards a new solar system and Alien 8 performs his task for thousands of years during the journey. However, as the ship nears its destination, it is attacked and boarded by hostile aliens. The cryogenic life support systems were damaged during the attack and Alien 8 must restore them to an operational status before the ship's automatic thrusting systems manoeuvre it into planetary orbit.

Gameplay

The interface displays how many light years the starship is from its destination (ZX Spectrum).

The game is presented in an isometric format and set on board a starship. Taking on the role of the robot, Alien 8, the player must explore the large starship in order to ensure that the cryogenic life support systems preserving the biological crew are re-activated.[2] The core of this system is a series of geometrically-shaped circuits. However, the circuits have been removed by the invading aliens and distributed around the starship. The main objective of the game is to collect the correct circuits and return them to their respective locations before the starship reaches its destination. The circuits are variously shaped as cubes, pyramids, domes or cylinders.

As with its spiritual predecessor, the environment of the game takes the form of a series of isometric flip-screen rooms (which trace the outline of a large starship). There are a total of 129 rooms[3] and most are filled with various objects, such as moveable platforms, static hazards such as spikes and hostile aliens.[4] As well as executing well-timed manoeuvres and jumps, the player is able to use starship props to block or defend themselves. Another feature is the use of remote controlled drones, which can be directed by Alien 8 into inaccessible or dangerous areas.[5]

Development

Development of Alien 8 began immediately after the release of Knight Lore, in which the Stamper brothers predicted that publishers would attempt to copy Knight Lore's Filmation technology in other games.[2] As with its predecessor, the Stamper brothers developed the game in monochrome to avoid visual overlay and attribute clash, as it was a common processing limitation in early 8-bit home computers.[2][6] However, the Amstrad release exclusively displayed dual-colours.[7] In 2019 an unofficial Commodore port was released.[8]

Reception

Reception
Review scores
PublicationScore
Crash95%[3]
Amstrad Action96%[9]
Amtix!92%[7]

Alien 8 entered the Gallup Top 30 sales chart at number one for the week ending 19 February 1985, replacing Ghostbusters after 13 weeks.[10] After a second week at the top,[11] it was replaced by Football Manager.[12]

The game was critically acclaimed upon release. A reviewer of Crash praised its graphics and presentation, stating them to be "excellent" and more "imaginative and pleasing" compared to its predecessor, despite regarding it as "only having a slight difference".[3] Amstrad Action similarly praised the graphics, citing them as "amazing", "brilliant" and having "great" colour combinations.[lower-alpha 2][9] A reviewer of Amtix! stated that the visuals were "breathtakingly stunning" and improves on its predecessor.[7] David Kelly of Popular Computing Weekly stated the game was a "little" disappointing due to its similarities to Knight Lore, but asserted that the graphics were of superior quality to its predecessor.[5] Chris Bourne of Sinclair User stated that the general quality of graphics were "higher" than its predecessor, although it used an identical system.[4]

Crash praised the new additions to the game, in particular the time limit and various collectable items. The reviewer wrote that the new features were "compelling and exciting", as it differs from its predecessor.[3] A reviewer of Amstrad Action similarly praised its innovation, stating that it has "wonderfully" original ideas, despite criticising it similarities to Knight Lore.[9] Kelly praised the game's extra puzzles and the animation of enemies, heralding them as "brilliant".[5] Bourne similarly praised the 3D animation, writing that every extension of the game improved over Knight Lore.[4]

Notes

  1. ↑ The game was first released for the ZX Spectrum, and was ported to the other formats later in 1985.
  2. ↑ The Amstrad version of Alien 8 was not released in monochrome.

References

  1. ↑ "Looking For An Old Angle". Crash Magazine, Issue 51. Newsfield. http://www.crashonline.org.uk/51/runagain.htm. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "The Ultimate Hero: A History of Sabreman". Retro Gamer (Future plc) (73): 24–28. March 2009. http://scans.bytemaniacos.com/en/retro_gamer/Retro_Gamer_Issue_073.pdf. Retrieved 3 October 2015. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "Alien 8 review - Crash 15". Future plc. 15 April 1985. http://www.crashonline.org.uk/15/alien8.htm. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Bourne, Chris. "Alien 8". Sinclair User. http://www.sincuser.f9.co.uk/037/sftwre.htm. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Kelly, David (21 February 1985). "Alien 8 review". Popular Computing Weekly 4 (8): 47. https://archive.org/stream/popular-computing-weekly-1985-02-21/PopularComputing_Weekly_Issue_1985-02-21#page/n45/mode/2up/search/alien+8. Retrieved 2 October 2015. 
  6. ↑ "Games Index – Knight Lore". Amtix (1): 102. November 1985. https://archive.org/stream/amtix-magazine-01/Amtix_01_Nov_1985#page/n101/mode/1up. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 "Alien 8 review". Amtix! (1): 26. November 1985. https://archive.org/stream/amtix-magazine-01/Amtix_01_Nov_1985#page/n26/mode/1up. Retrieved 2 October 2015. 
  8. ↑ "Alien 8 V1.20". https://csdb.dk/release/?id=192175. 
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 "Alien 8 and Knight Lore review". Amstrad Action (Future plc) (1): 55. October 1985. https://archive.org/stream/amstrad-action-001/Amstrad_Action_001#page/n55/mode/2up. Retrieved 2 October 2015. 
  10. ↑ "Top 20 Software Compiled By Gallup". Home Computing Weekly (Argus Specialist Publications) (102): 51. 5 March 1985. https://archive.org/details/home-computing-weekly-102/page/n49/mode/2up. Retrieved 4 October 2023. 
  11. ↑ "Top 20 Software Compiled By Gallup". Home Computing Weekly (Argus Specialist Publications) (103): 43. 12 March 1985. https://archive.org/details/home-computing-weekly-103/page/n41/mode/2up?view=theater. Retrieved 4 October 2023. 
  12. ↑ "Top 20 Software Compiled By Gallup". Home Computing Weekly (Argus Specialist Publications) (105): 42. 19 March 1985. https://archive.org/details/home-computing-weekly-104/page/n41/mode/2up?view=theater. Retrieved 4 October 2023. 
  • Alien 8 at Ultimate Wurlde
  • Alien 8 at SpectrumComputing.co.uk
  • 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





Retrieved from "https://handwiki.org/wiki/index.php?title=Software:Alien_8&oldid=746756"