Software:Elements of Destruction

From HandWiki
Short description: 2007 video game
Elements of Destruction
Developer(s)Frozen Codebase (XBLA/PC)
Black Lantern Studios (DS)
Publisher(s)THQ
Platform(s)Windows, Xbox 360 (XBLA), Nintendo DS
ReleaseDS
  • NA: December 19, 2007
  • EU: March 20, 2009
Windows
May 1, 2008
XBLA
June 18, 2008[1]
Genre(s)Strategy game
Mode(s)Single-player, Multiplayer

Elements of Destruction is a video game developed by Frozen Codebase and Black Lantern Studios for Windows, Nintendo DS and Xbox 360.

Plot

Nintendo DS version

Marty Storm, a gifted meteorologist gets terminated from his employment for accurately predicting severe weather events. He was fired because he refused to deliberately falsify weather reports to increase the weather station's ratings. Marty vowed to seek retribution against the weather station and began formulating a plan for revenge. Using a weather machine capable of manipulating the weather, Marty begins to wreak havoc within the span of three weeks until his eventual arrest by General Bradley Steele.

Xbox 360 and PC version

Dr. Edgar Herbert was a top research scientist with a keen yet unbalanced intellect who worked for the AIC for years, until his employer tried to kill him by dropping him in the Atlantic, far from civilization. Washing up on an island, he discovered an old nuclear testing facility on it and repurposes an experimental device once used to energize weather control satellites, allowing him to turn himself into living energy capable of manipulating the elements. Using his newfound powers, the doctor swears revenge on the company.

Gameplay

Elements of Destruction gameplay screenshot.

The game takes place in towns with an aerial view, and the objective for the player is to cause as much destruction as possible by controlling tornadoes, lightning storms, and starting earthquakes, while dodging AIC enemies and refilling your health through recharge stations. On the levels, the player must fulfill a set of goals within a time limit to complete the missions.

Nintendo DS version

Elements of Destruction on the Nintendo DS is played in a isometric perspective in which the player utilizes the Nintendo DS' stylus to manipulate the various natural disasters that Marty Storm can create. At the start of each level, players begin with a limited amount of energy points and must cause destruction to obtain energy. The game is divided up into three weeks with varied objectives ranging from causing a large amount of property damage to destroying a percentage of buildings. Should the player fail a mission in this particular version, the game over sequence would depict calm weather with cheerful music and chirping birds.[2]

Reception

Reception
Aggregate score
AggregatorScore
Metacritic(DS) 72/100[3]
(X360) 65/100[4]
Review scores
PublicationScore
Eurogamer6/10[5]
GameProStarStarStarStarHalf star[6]
GameSpot6.5/10[7]
IGN(X360) 7.9/10[8]
(DS) 7/10[2]
OXM (US)4/10[9]
TeamXbox7.8/10[10]

The DS and Xbox 360 versions received "mixed or average reviews" according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[3][4]

References

  1. Hryb, Larry (June 16, 2008). "This week on Arcade: Elements of Destruction and Sea Life Safari". Microsoft. Archived from the original on September 24, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230924110305/https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2008/06/16/this-week-on-arcade-elements-of-destruction-and-sea-life-safari/. Retrieved September 8, 2024. 
  2. 2.0 2.1 DeVries, Jack (January 10, 2008). "Elements of Destruction Review (NDS)". Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on November 18, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221118192016/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/01/11/elements-of-destruction-review-2. Retrieved July 1, 2023. 
  3. 3.0 3.1 "Elements of Destruction critic reviews (DS)". Fandom. Archived from the original on November 18, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221118192015/https://www.metacritic.com/game/ds/elements-of-destruction. Retrieved November 1, 2023. 
  4. 4.0 4.1 "Elements of Destruction critic reviews (X360)". Fandom. Archived from the original on November 18, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221118192016/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/elements-of-destruction. Retrieved September 8, 2024. 
  5. Whitehead, Dan (June 24, 2008). "Xbox Live Arcade Roundup". Gamer Network. Archived from the original on June 4, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230604204617/https://www.eurogamer.net/xbox-live-arcade-roundup-7. Retrieved September 8, 2024. 
  6. Terrones, Terry (June 19, 2008). "Review: Elements of Destruction (X360)". GamePro Arcade (IDG Entertainment). Archived from the original on June 20, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20080620063907/http://www.gameproarcade.com/article/88053/review-elements-of-destruction/. Retrieved March 25, 2018. 
  7. Petit, Carolyn (June 20, 2008). "Elements of Destruction Review (X360)". Fandom. Archived from the original on January 7, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190107232422/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/elements-of-destruction-review/1900-6192814/. Retrieved September 8, 2024. 
  8. Ahearn, Nate (June 16, 2008). "Elements of Destruction Review (Xbox 360)". Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on November 18, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221118192016/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/06/16/elements-of-destruction-review. Retrieved July 1, 2023. 
  9. Lewis, Cameron (June 18, 2008). "Elements of Destruction". Official Xbox Magazine (Future US). Archived from the original on June 20, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20080620084911/http://www.oxmonline.com/article/reviews/xbox-live-arcade/a-f/elements-destruction. Retrieved November 18, 2022. 
  10. Chapman, David (June 17, 2008). "Elements of Destruction Review (Xbox 360)". IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on June 18, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20080618174442/http://reviews.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/1522/Elements-of-Destruction/p1/. Retrieved March 25, 2018. 
  • 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



  • 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