Software:Crimson Alliance

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Short description: 2011 video game
Crimson Alliance
Cover art depicting the game's character classes (from left to right): Assassin, Mercenary and Wizard
Developer(s)Certain Affinity
Publisher(s)Microsoft Studios
Producer(s)Tom Potter
Designer(s)Mark Tucker
Platform(s)Xbox 360
ReleaseSeptember 7, 2011[1]
Genre(s)Action role-playing
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Crimson Alliance is a co-op action role-playing game developed by Certain Affinity and published by Microsoft Studios. The game was first announced at RTX 2011 and was available for demo at E3, Comic-Con and PAX Prime,[2] with the press release being announced on May 31, 2011.[3]

Crimson Alliance was released on September 7, 2011 on Xbox Live Arcade for free as a freemium. Player can choose to pay between 800 Microsoft Points for one character class or 1200 Microsoft Points for all three character classes.[4] The game was also offered as a free bonus code download for those who purchased all five of the fourth annual Xbox Live Summer of Arcade titles before August 23, 2011.[5]

Plot

Once a thriving empire, Byzan has faced dark times with survivors living a meager existence while a cruel goddess, the Soul Siren, rules with an iron fist and is not afraid to have her minions do her dirty work. Direwolf, Moonshade and Gnox – the wizard, assassin and mercenary – dive into the primitive world to stop the Soul Siren from unleashing her ultimate weapon. But these three have their own sordid pasts to deal with as well.

Gameplay

Crimson Alliance is an action RPG that uses gold to upgrade characters weapons and armor. Each character has a special fighting style which players can equip to match their play style. There are three equipment slots for each character. Direwolf, the wizard, uses long range attacks to defeat his enemies while Gnox the mercenary has a melee fighting style. Moonshade, the assassin, is a hybrid of the two, using both melee and long range shots to bring down her attackers. Each character is equipped with a basic attack and a heavy attack and can also stun their enemies and dash throughout the levels.

In each level there are secret areas to find as well as class specific areas where characters can open chests that contain items to upgrade their weaponry and armor. Merchants are available to improve items. Also throughout the game are challenge maps where players will have to defeat hordes of enemies.

The leaderboard system takes advantage of the hack and slash style of play. As the player kills more enemies without being hit, the player's score multiplier increases, resulting in higher overall scores. Higher difficulty settings also increases the points earned.

Reception

Reception
Aggregate score
AggregatorScore
Metacritic72/100[6]
Review scores
PublicationScore
Destructoid7.5/10[7]
Game Informer8.75/10[8]
GameProStarStarStarStar[10]
GameRevolutionB−[9]
GameSpot5.5/10[11]
GameTrailers6.7/10[12]
GameZone8/10[13]
JoystiqStarStarStarStar[14]
OXM (US)8/10[15]
RPGamerStarStarHalf star[16]
The Digital Fix7/10[17]
Metro6/10[18]

At E3, Crimson Alliance was a nominee of Game Informer's and G4TV's "Best Of" awards as well as 1UP.com's "Top 10 Sleepers of E3 2011." On release, the game received "average" reviews according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[6]

The Observer gave it an average review and stated, "Once past the hackneyed presentation of this co-op dungeon crawler there is a real meaty, moreish pleasure to be had. The key is solid combat – each of the three characters has basic, heavy and stun attacks, with special moves and collectible extras such as deployable turrets, which add to a contained but tactical system."[19] The Digital Fix gave it seven out of ten, stating, "Leave your traditional RPG expectations at the door, jump in with some friends and for 800 points you will find a great little arcade dungeon crawler."[17] Metro gave it six out of ten, calling it "Derivative, shallow and ruthlessly unambitious, but as Diablo clones go this is still one of the best and most addictive on consoles."[18]

On September 27, 2011 Certain Affinity announced the release of the Vengeance Pack for Crimson Alliance, which became available on October 12, 2011. The pack was reported to contain 4 levels, new monsters, new treasures, a new challenge type, and 3 new achievements. Sales at year's-end 2011 are approximated at 116,000 units.[20]

References

  1. ↑ obi1mccarthy (July 18, 2011). "Certification? Nailed it.". Certain Affinity. Archived from the original on March 24, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120324191745/http://www.crimsonalliance.com/news_story.php?story_id=96&BRSR=28%2F. Retrieved October 24, 2019. 
  2. ↑ "Crimson Alliance Announced!". May 27, 2011. Archived from the original on September 20, 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110920223153/http://www.certainaffinity.com/2011/05/27/crimson-alliance-announced/. Retrieved September 7, 2011. 
  3. ↑ "Official Crimson Alliance Announcement Press". May 31, 2011. Archived from the original on September 30, 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110930215238/http://www.certainaffinity.com/2011/05/31/official-crimson-alliance-announcement-press/. Retrieved September 7, 2011. 
  4. ↑ Fletcher, JC (September 7, 2011). "PSA: 'Free' Crimson Alliance download isn't the full game". Oath Inc.. https://www.engadget.com/2011/09/07/psa-free-crimson-alliance-download-isnt-the-full-game/. Retrieved October 24, 2019. 
  5. ↑ "Free Crimson Alliance Offer". Microsoft. Archived from the original on January 26, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120126103301/http://www.xbox.com/en-ca/Marketplace/Free-Crimson-Alliance-Offer. Retrieved August 24, 2011. 
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Crimson Alliance for Xbox 360 Reviews". CBS Interactive. https://www.metacritic.com/game/crimson-alliance/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360. Retrieved October 24, 2019. 
  7. ↑ Sterling, Jim (September 6, 2011). "Review: Crimson Alliance". Enthusiast Gaming. https://www.destructoid.com/review-crimson-alliance-210712.phtml. Retrieved October 24, 2019. 
  8. ↑ Miller, Matt (September 6, 2011). "Crimson Alliance". Game Informer (GameStop). https://www.gameinformer.com/games/crimson_alliance/b/xbox360/archive/2011/09/06/top-notch-co-op-seals-the-deal.aspx. Retrieved October 24, 2019. 
  9. ↑ Reboucas, Eduardo (September 14, 2011). "Crimson Alliance Review". CraveOnline. Archived from the original on September 17, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140917015409/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/crimson-alliance. Retrieved October 24, 2019. 
  10. ↑ Haske, Steve (September 8, 2011). "Review: Crimson Alliance (360)". GamePro (GamePro Media). Archived from the original on September 25, 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110925084806/http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/222768/review-crimson-alliance-360/. Retrieved October 24, 2019. 
  11. ↑ McGee, Maxwell (September 8, 2011). "Crimson Alliance Review". CBS Interactive. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/crimson-alliance-review/1900-6333121/. Retrieved October 24, 2019. 
  12. ↑ "Crimson Alliance Review". Viacom. September 12, 2011. Archived from the original on March 7, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120307063644/http://www.gametrailers.com/game/crimson-alliance/14969. Retrieved October 24, 2019. 
  13. ↑ Workman, Robert (September 12, 2011). "Crimson Alliance Review". Archived from the original on March 29, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120329215000/https://www.gamezone.com/reviews/crimson_alliance_review/. Retrieved October 24, 2019. 
  14. ↑ Sliwinski, Alexander (September 6, 2011). "Crimson Alliance review: Born-again gauntlet". Oath Inc.. https://www.engadget.com/2011/09/06/crimson-alliance-review/. Retrieved October 24, 2019. 
  15. ↑ Lewis, Cameron (September 6, 2011). "Crimson Alliance review". Official Xbox Magazine (Future US). Archived from the original on November 13, 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20111113190737/http://www.oxmonline.com/crimson-alliance-review/. Retrieved October 24, 2019. 
  16. ↑ Marchello, Sam (September 7, 2011). "Crimson Alliance - Staff Review". https://archive.rpgamer.com/games/crimsonall/crimsonall/reviews/crimsonallstrev1.html. Retrieved October 24, 2019. 
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Phillips, Andrew (October 10, 2011). "Crimson Alliance Review". Poisonous Monkey. Archived from the original on November 13, 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20111113122647/http://gaming.thedigitalfix.com/content/id/373/crimson-alliance.html. Retrieved October 24, 2019. 
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Hargreaves, Roger (September 8, 2011). "Crimson Alliance review - in the red". Metro (DMG Media). https://metro.co.uk/2011/09/08/crimson-alliance-review-in-the-red-143707/. Retrieved October 24, 2019. 
  19. ↑ Ditum, Nathan (September 17, 2011). "Crimson Alliance - review". The Observer (Guardian Media Group). https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2011/sep/17/crimson-alliance-review. Retrieved October 24, 2019. 
  20. ↑ Langley, Ryan (January 20, 2012). "Xbox Live Arcade by the numbers - the 2011 year in review". UBM plc. https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/39713/Xbox_Live_Arcde_by_the_numbers__the_2011_year_in_review.php. Retrieved January 23, 2012. 

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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