Software:Arctic Thunder

From HandWiki
Short description: 2000 video game
This page is about the video game. For the air show, see Arctic Thunder Air Show. For the Darkthrone album, see Arctic Thunder (album).
Arctic Thunder
US box art for PS2 version
Developer(s)Midway Games (Arcade)
Inland Productions (PS2, Xbox)
Publisher(s)Midway
Platform(s)Arcade
PlayStation 2
Xbox
Release
Genre(s)Racing
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer
Arcade systemQuantum3D Graphite

Arctic Thunder is a 2000 snowmobile racing game developed by Midway Games. It was released as an arcade game, Midway's final arcade title, and was also ported to the Sony PlayStation 2 and Xbox consoles, with added content, as a launch title for the latter. In the arcade version of the game, fans built into the cabinet blow cold winds in the player's face during gameplay to simulate the feeling of riding a snowmobile while the seat contains a vibrating shaker motor to simulate engine rumbling. Arctic Thunder is part of Midway's Thunder series, which also included Hydro Thunder, 4 Wheel Thunder, Offroad Thunder, and Hydro Thunder Hurricane. An updated arcade version, titled Ultimate Arctic Thunder, which added some of the content introduced in the home versions, was developed by Play Mechanix and distributed by Betson Enterprises, released sometime in 2004.

The Xbox version of this game is not compatible with the Xbox 360. A Dreamcast port was also planned but was cancelled due to sagging sales of the console.[3] A website was made available before the game's release. As of 2007, the site is no longer active.

Reception

Reception
Review scores
PublicationScore
ArcadePS2Xbox
AllGameStarStarStarHalf star[6]Star[7]StarStarHalf star[8]
EGMN/A2.67/10[9][lower-alpha 1]N/A
Game InformerN/A5/10[11]5/10[12]
GameRevolutionN/AD+[13]C+[14]
GameSpotN/A3.6/10[15]4/10[16]
GameSpyN/A67%[17]84%[18]
GameZoneN/AN/A8.5/10[19]
IGNN/A3/10[20]6/10[21]
Next GenerationN/AStarStar[22]StarStar[23]
OPM (US)N/AStar[24]N/A
OXM (US)N/AN/A5.9/10[25]
X-PlayN/AStarStarStarStar[26]N/A
Aggregate score
MetacriticN/A45/100[4]57/100[5]

The Xbox version received "mixed" reviews, while the PlayStation 2 version received "generally unfavorable reviews", according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[4][5] Jim Preston of NextGen's December 2001 issue said of the latter, "There's plenty of 'Arctic,' but little 'Thunder.' But then, we suppose Snow Snooze wouldn't have been as catchy."[22] The magazine later said in its final issue that the former console version's "only saving grace is that the courses are well enough designed that you rarely get stuck in an alcove or behind a pillar – a frequent, frustrating flaw in racing games. But this doesn't come close to the onscreen mess that makes up most of the gameplay."[23] Tokyo Drifter of GamePro said of the PlayStation 2 version, "At the finish line, Arctic Thunder is moderately enjoyable with good replay value, but its many flaws really hinder what could have been a great romp in the snow."[27][lower-alpha 2]

AllGame gave the arcade version a score of three-and-a-half stars out of five and said it was "not an unpleasant arcade diversion, and it can be quite entertaining to compete against other players. The levels are clever and distinct, and only the patented Midway cheapness and simplicity will get in the way of your enjoyment."[6]

The PlayStation 2 version was nominated at The Electric Playground's 2001 Blister Awards for (the non-intentional) "Game With the Most Laughs" and "Biggest Disappointment of the Year", but lost both to the PS2 version of Escape from Monkey Island and the Xbox version of Shrek.[28][29]

Notes

  1. ↑ Two critics of Electronic Gaming Monthly gave the PlayStation 2 version each a score of 3/10, and the other gave it 2/10.
  2. ↑ GamePro gave the PlayStation 2 version 2.5/5 for graphics, two 3/5 scores for sound and fun factor, and 3.5/5 for control.

References

  1. ↑ "Artic Thunder Now on Sale". 2000-11-27. https://www.highwaygames.com/arcade-news/artic-thunder-now-on-sale-132/. 
  2. ↑ "Midway Ships an Arctic Thunder" (in en). September 18, 2001. https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/09/18/midway-ships-an-arctic-thunder. 
  3. ↑ Matheson, Gavin (January 26, 2001). "Interview with Arctic Thunder designer". Archived from the original on May 19, 2001. https://web.archive.org/web/20010519163107/http://www.gaming-age.com/cgi-bin/specials/special.pl?spec=brianeddy&pagenum=1. Retrieved August 26, 2019. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Arctic Thunder critic reviews (PS2)". Fandom. Archived from the original on March 22, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230322171554/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/arctic-thunder. Retrieved February 1, 2024. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Arctic Thunder critic reviews (Xbox)". Fandom. Archived from the original on October 20, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211020003534/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox/arctic-thunder. Retrieved February 1, 2024. 
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Thompson, Jon. "Arctic Thunder (ARC) - Review". All Media Network. Archived from the original on November 15, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141115184050/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=31049&tab=review. Retrieved September 13, 2015. 
  7. ↑ Thompson, Jon. "Arctic Thunder (PS2) - Review". All Media Network. Archived from the original on December 12, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141212021438/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=34819&tab=review. Retrieved September 13, 2015. 
  8. ↑ Marriott, Scott Alan. "Arctic Thunder (Xbox) - Review". All Media Network. Archived from the original on November 15, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141115184109/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=34821&tab=review. Retrieved September 13, 2015. 
  9. ↑ Johnston, Chris; Hsu, Dan "Shoe"; Sewart, Greg (November 2001). "Arctic Thunder (PS2)". Electronic Gaming Monthly (Ziff Davis) (148): 206. https://retrocdn.net/images/e/e3/EGM_US_148.pdf. Retrieved February 1, 2024. 
  10. ↑ Mowatt, Todd (October 17, 2001). "Arctic Thunder (PS2)". Greedy Productions Ltd.. Archived from the original on June 22, 2002. https://web.archive.org/web/20020622165240/http://www.elecplay.com/review.html?article=7013&full=1. Retrieved February 1, 2024. 
  11. ↑ "Arctic Thunder (PS2)". Game Informer (FuncoLand) (103): 110. November 2001. 
  12. ↑ Fitzloff, Jay (December 2001). "Arctic Thunder (Xbox)". Game Informer (FuncoLand) (104): 109. http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200112/R03.0805.1042.16838.htm. Retrieved September 13, 2015. 
  13. ↑ Sanders, Shawn (October 23, 2001). "Arctic Thunder Review (PS2)". CraveOnline. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150924012217/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/arctic-thunder. Retrieved October 18, 2021. 
  14. ↑ Sanders, Shawn (December 2001). "Arctic Thunder - Xbox Review". CraveOnline. Archived from the original on February 3, 2004. https://web.archive.org/web/20040203041057/http://www.game-revolution.com/games/xbox/racing/arctic_thunder.htm. Retrieved October 18, 2021. 
  15. ↑ Davis, Ryan (October 9, 2001). "Arctic Thunder Review (PS2)". Fandom. Archived from the original on February 13, 2002. https://web.archive.org/web/20020213065951/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/stories/reviews/0,10867,2816959,00.html. Retrieved February 1, 2024. 
  16. ↑ Davis, Ryan (December 11, 2001). "Arctic Thunder Review (Xbox)". Fandom. Archived from the original on December 14, 2001. https://web.archive.org/web/20011214151128/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/stories/reviews/0,10867,2831786,00.html. Retrieved February 1, 2024. 
  17. ↑ Schwartzman, Cary (September 28, 2001). "Arctic Thunder". IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on June 2, 2002. https://web.archive.org/web/20020602061102/http://www.planetps2.com/features/reviews/2001/arcticthunder/. Retrieved September 13, 2015. 
  18. ↑ D'Aprile, Jason (January 2, 2002). "Arctic Thunder (Xbox)". IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on January 12, 2005. https://web.archive.org/web/20050112012816/http://archive.gamespy.com/reviews/december01/arcticthunderxbox/. Retrieved September 13, 2015. 
  19. ↑ Lafferty, Michael (December 17, 2001). "Arctic Thunder Review - Xbox". Archived from the original on March 6, 2007. https://web.archive.org/web/20070306191404/http://xbox.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r18683.htm. Retrieved September 13, 2015. 
  20. ↑ Perry, Douglass C. (October 5, 2001). "Arctic Thunder (PS2)". Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on October 19, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211019135453/https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/10/05/arctic-thunder-3. Retrieved February 1, 2024. 
  21. ↑ Boulding, Aaron (December 3, 2001). "Arctic Thunder (Xbox)". Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on October 19, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211019231428/https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/12/04/arctic-thunder. Retrieved February 1, 2024. 
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 Preston, Jim (December 2001). "Arctic Thunder (PS2)". NextGen (Imagine Media) (84): 100. https://archive.org/details/NextGen84Dec2001/page/n101/mode/2up. Retrieved October 18, 2021. 
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 "Arctic Thunder (Xbox)". NextGen (Imagine Media) (85): 31. January 2002. https://archive.org/details/NextGen85Jan2002/page/n31/mode/2up. Retrieved October 18, 2021. 
  24. ↑ Kennedy, Sam (November 2001). "Arctic Thunder". Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine (Ziff Davis) (50): 152. https://archive.org/details/official-us-playstation-magazine-issue-50-november-2001/page/152/mode/2up. Retrieved February 1, 2024. 
  25. ↑ "Arctic Thunder". Official Xbox Magazine (Imagine Media): 79. March 2002. 
  26. ↑ Rubenstein, Glenn (October 5, 2001). "'Arctic Thunder' (PS2) Review". TechTV. Archived from the original on October 7, 2001. https://web.archive.org/web/20011007013213/http://www.techtv.com/extendedplay/reviews/story/0,23008,3350892,00.html. Retrieved October 18, 2021. 
  27. ↑ Tokyo Drifter (September 19, 2001). "Arctic Thunder Review for PS2 on GamePro.com". GamePro (IDG). Archived from the original on February 12, 2005. https://web.archive.org/web/20050212090850/http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/reviews/16825.shtml. Retrieved September 13, 2015. 
  28. ↑ EP staff (2002). "Blister Awards 2001 (Special Awards)". Greedy Productions Ltd.. Archived from the original on July 13, 2003. https://web.archive.org/web/20030713062509/http://www.elecplay.com/feature.html?id=8152&page=7. Retrieved February 1, 2024. 
  29. ↑ EP staff (2002). "Blister Awards 2001 (Special Awards 2)". Greedy Productions Ltd.. Archived from the original on July 13, 2003. https://web.archive.org/web/20030713062411/http://www.elecplay.com/feature.html?id=8152&page=8. Retrieved February 1, 2024. 

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. 
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