Software:Incoming (1998 video game)

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Short description: 1998 video game
Incoming
European Windows cover art
Developer(s)Rage Software
Publisher(s)
Designer(s)Scott Johnson
Kristian Ramsay-Jones
Composer(s)Stephen Lord
Platform(s)Windows, Dreamcast, Arcade
ReleaseWindows
  • EU: March 23, 1998
  • JP: March 23, 1998
  • NA: June 29, 1998[1]
Dreamcast
  • JP: December 17, 1998
  • NA: September 15, 1999[2]
  • EU: October 14, 1999[3]
Arcade
  • NA: April 30, 2003
Genre(s)Shooter, flight simulator
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Incoming is a 3D shooter video game developed and published by Rage Software. The game was first released for Microsoft Windows in mid-1998, and was followed by a Dreamcast version, which was released in Japan on December 17, 1998, in Europe on October 14, 1999,[3] and in North America on September 15, 1999.[2] Set in the near-future of 2009, the game primarily revolves around controlling vehicles and turrets to fight alien invaders of Earth in one of the campaign modes, the arcade mode, and with or against another player.[4][5][6] Some levels include brief real-time strategy segments.[4]

Praised for its then-advanced graphics and sound, the game was generally well-received on the PC, though the critical response was less positive for the Dreamcast version. A sequel entitled Incoming Forces was released in 2002 exclusively for the PC.[7] An arcade version of the game, utilising a unique hardware interface, was released in 2003.[8]

Gameplay

Screenshot of the Arcade game mode

Primarily a vehicle simulation game, the player controls one of a number of possible vehicles in order to complete objectives. The vehicle used could be an aerial craft, defence emplacement, or surface craft, and is usually armed with a primary weapon (with unlimited ammunition) and sometimes secondary weapons (with either a limited or infinite supply).[4] Incoming employs an arcade style; in particular, the logging of high scores and a "life" system.[9]

There are three different game modes. The campaign mode follows the main storyline, in which the player must complete a series of objectives to neutralise the alien threat. Typical goals include transporting cargo and defending allied convoys.[5] Two variants of the campaign exist: "campaign action" purely consists of the simulation missions; "campaign tactics" features the same main missions as campaign action, but with some extra sub-missions. These sub-missions take place in the "tactical display", where the player controls several vehicles and gun emplacements in a similar manner to real-time strategy games.[4]

Either campaign consists of ten missions (referred to as "phases" in the game) in each of the six locations. These locations can also be accessed in the arcade mode. This mode sees the player fight off alien craft while picking up as many power-ups as is possible. The same mechanics apply to the multiplayer mode, with some slight variations depending on the game type selected. Multiplayer is available in split-screen mode on both platforms, in addition to networking and Internet options on the PC version.[4][6]

Plot

Acknowledged by critics for having a simple storyline,[10][9] Incoming is set in 2009 over a period of fifteen days. An increasing number of UFO sightings culminate in attacks on the international lunar base and other locations on Earth; and the construction of a base in the Arctic. Secret work is started on an "ADATA" (Anomaly Detection And Tracking Array) near Mount Kilimanjaro. The events of the game take place after an attack on the ADATA facility is initiated by alien forces.

The game is set in six locations: Kenya, defending the ADATA facility; the Arctic, attacking an alien base while defending a human one; the North Atlantic Ocean, where the player must defend oil rigs and attack a second alien base; Florida, where parts of a fleet to invade the alien's Moon base must be defended; the Moon, attacking a further alien base; and a planet in the Crab Nebula, assaulting the planet from which the alien attackers came.

If the player has completed these in the Campaign Action mode, then in addition to these ten missions in each location, there are bonus "virus" scenarios, with one level in each location. Shortly before these missions, the aliens launched four virus bombs which impacted in the four location on Earth the player had previously visited. All buildings in these areas must be destroyed by the player to prevent the virus from spreading further.[4]

A cutscene using the main game engine.

Development

Rage Software, developers of Incoming, were known for their cutting-edge graphics and effects.[5] The game utilized the 3dfx technology,[11] and was included in some retail versions of the Voodoo2 graphics card.

While exhibiting the PC version at the September 1997 European Computer Trade Show, Rage Software stated that they were considering a Nintendo 64 version of the game.[12] However, none was ever released.

An arcade version followed in 2003, running on the Vortek V3 Global VR arcade board, utilising the system's unique virtual reality hardware interface.[8]

Critical reception

Reception
Review scores
PublicationScore
DreamcastPC
CGWN/AStarStarStarStar[17]
EGM3.83/10[18]N/A
Famitsu27/40[19]N/A
Game Informer5.5/10[20]N/A
GameFan81%[21]N/A
GameProStarStarStar[22]N/A
GameRevolutionC[23]N/A
GameSpot6.7/10[24]7.8/10[10]
GameSpy6/10[25]N/A
IGN7/10[6]7/10[5]
Next GenerationN/AStarStarStarStar[26]
PC Gamer (US)N/A75%[28]
Aggregate score
GameRankings62%[13]80%[14]

The Windows version of Incoming was generally well received.[14] In particular, the explosions, similar special effects and cut scenes using the main game engine were noted for their quality. The Dolby Surround-encoded sound was a further source of acclaim.[10][9] British magazine PC Zone described it as "bloody good", with "some modest simulation elements". The magazine praised the setting of the game, commenting: "A refreshing change from the deep space of most futuristic combat sims, and something which definitely has a positive effect on gameplay". The review concluded by saying that "it's as fun as it looks. Just for once, all those people who don't read reviews and buy games purely on the strength of pretty pictures on the packaging are gonna find themselves playing a very, very enjoyable game".[9] Edge highlighted the game's efficient gameplay mechanics, giving it eight out of ten and stating that designers "managed to produce something more than a lightshow, taking care to fine-tune a design that, if not exactly original, at least does its thing with flair and solid understanding of gameplay".[29]

Next Generation said the game was "definitely an improvement to the action/arcade genre, as well as a visual improvement to the 3D market as a whole. The amount of varied units and different setting give Incoming the commendable originality and replay value that make it a title worth checking out".[26]

Though considering the game "pretty darn tough", IGN praised the game's variety and length. It also praised the sound and graphics, though the latter was a source of criticism: "Incoming's got it all... but it all comes at a high price: getting this game to run on our PCs was one big pain in the butt". Despite calling it "an outstanding-looking and great playing game", IGN only gave the game a "decent" review score because of the system problems.[5] Conversely, GameSpot's review noted none of these hardware issues, praising the visuals as "some of the finest... of any action game". The reviewer, however, described the game design as "strong yet slightly flawed... [it] definitely pulls you in, but leaves a little to be desired as far as keeping you there", complaining that "what [the developer] have presented gets tiresome quickly". The publication summarised the game as "a fine game and a definite must-have for arcade fans... What it lacks is a realization that computer games have moved beyond this simplistic style of gameplay".[10]

The reception was less positive when the game was ported to the Dreamcast. A release title for Sega's console, IGN complained that the graphics were not top-of-the-range at the time of its late 1999 release, with the draw distance being cited as a specific hindrance on gameplay. IGN also said that, although the game "is lacking in many areas, there's more than enough here for the hardcore shooting fans out there to have their requisite blast of shooting action". Though criticizing the graphics' ability to "get in the way at times", the "very vague" mission briefings and the "odd flying model for the planes", the reviewer conceded that "if you're a hardcore shooting fan, and you're looking for a good challenge, you'll probably want to look into Incoming".[6] Jonathan Licata of AllGame gave it three stars out of five, saying: "With the two-player modes falling short due to lack of innovation, Incoming exists as a one-player game for all intents and purposes. When you have completed all of the campaigns in their entirety, the appeal of the game wears very thin".[30] PlanetDreamcast's review was harsher, describing the plot as "the same recycled garbage used in tons of other games of this type", the multiplayer split screen mode as "lame" and the objectives as "mundane". The reviewer also noted graphical issues, clipping problems and poor controls. Though dismissing the graphics as "a bit dated", the reviewer did acknowledge the "nifty special effects" and admitted that "Incoming may be worth a rental... [it] is only slightly better than mediocre".[25] In a rare positive review for the Dreamcast version, Game Vortex described the visuals as "some of the most breathtaking visuals you'll find in any game". Though describing the multiplayer as "fun", it considered "by far, the best [mode to be] Campaign mode". The review concluded by describing the game as "lots of fun and highly recommended".[31] In Japan, where said console version was released under the name Incoming: Jinrui Saishū Kessen (インカミング 人類最終決戦, Inkamingu Jinrui Saishū Kessen; lit. "Incoming: Humanity's Final Showdown"), Famitsu gave it a score of 27 out of 40.[19]

References

  1. ↑ GameSpot staff (June 29, 1998). "New Releases". Ziff Davis. http://headline.gamespot.com/news/98_06/29_new/index.html. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Anoop Gantayat (September 2, 1999). "U.S. Release Date for Incoming". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/09/03/us-release-date-for-incoming. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Incoming: The Final Conflict (1998) Dreamcast Release Dates". Blue Flame Labs. https://www.mobygames.com/game/dreamcast/incoming-the-final-conflict/release-info. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 Rage Software, ed (1998). Incoming game manual. Rage. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 Craig Harris (August 13, 1998). "Incoming (PC)". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/1998/08/14/incoming-2. 
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Anoop Gantayat (December 3, 1999). "Incoming (DC)". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/12/04/incoming. 
  7. ↑ "Incoming Forces". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/games/incoming-forces. 
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "IGN: Incoming (Vortek V3)". Ziff Davis. http://uk.cheats.ign.com/objects/701/701802.html. 
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 Warren Christmas. "PC Review: Incoming". PC Zone (Dennis Publishing). http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=3081. Retrieved October 7, 2007. 
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 Tahsin Shamma (July 16, 1998). "Incoming Review (PC)". CBS Interactive. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/incoming-review/1900-2535447/. 
  11. ↑ EGM staff (September 1997). "Arcade Games at the E3? You Betcha!". Electronic Gaming Monthly (Ziff Davis) (98): 76. 
  12. ↑ Blade (December 1997). "Europe Turns Out". GamePro (IDG) (111): 81. 
  13. ↑ "Incoming for Dreamcast". CBS Interactive. https://www.gamerankings.com/dreamcast/197621-incoming/index.html. 
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 "Incoming for PC". CBS Interactive. https://www.gamerankings.com/pc/197620-incoming/index.html. 
  15. ↑ John Marrin (March 3, 2000). "Incoming (DC)". CNET. http://gamecenter.com/Consoles/Dreamcast/Incoming/. 
  16. ↑ Tom Chick (July 30, 1998). "Incoming (PC)". CNET. http://www.gamecenter.com/Reviews/Item/0,6,0-1981,00.html. 
  17. ↑ Scott A. May (November 1998). "Gloss in Space (Incoming Review)". Computer Gaming World (Ziff Davis) (172): 264–65. http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_172.pdf. Retrieved June 7, 2019. 
  18. ↑ "Incoming (PC)". Electronic Gaming Monthly (Ziff Davis). 2000. 
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 "インカミング 人類最終決戦 [ドリームキャスト"] (in Japanese). Famitsu (Enterbrain). https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=12882&redirect=no. Retrieved June 7, 2019. 
  20. ↑ Erik Reppen (March 2000). "Incoming (DC)". Game Informer (FuncoLand) (83). http://gameinformer.com/reviews/review_detail.cfm?ITEM_ID=4554. Retrieved June 7, 2019. 
  21. ↑ Jason "Fury" Weitzner; Anthony "Dangohead" Chau; Eric "ECM" Mylonas (March 1999). "Incoming (DC; Import)". GameFan (Metropolis Media) 7 (3): 15. https://archive.org/details/Gamefan_Vol_7_Issue_03/page/n15/mode/2up. Retrieved December 8, 2020. 
  22. ↑ Lou Gubrious (January 22, 2000). "Incoming Review for Dreamcast on GamePro.com". GamePro (IDG). http://gamepro.com/sega/dreamcast/games/reviews/4348.shtml. Retrieved June 7, 2019. 
  23. ↑ Duke Ferris (January 2000). "Incoming Review (DC)". CraveOnline. https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/39397-incoming-review. 
  24. ↑ Jeff Gerstmann (January 14, 1999). "Incoming Review [Import (DC)"]. CBS Interactive. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/incoming-review/1900-2540349/. 
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 Fragmaster (January 25, 2000). "Incoming". IGN Entertainment. http://www.planetdreamcast.com/games/reviews/incoming/. 
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 "Incoming (PC)". Next Generation (Imagine Media) (46): 124. October 1998. https://archive.org/details/NEXT_Generation_46/page/n127/mode/2up. Retrieved December 8, 2020. 
  27. ↑ Dan Egger (September 1998). "Incoming". PC Accelerator (Imagine Media) (1): 84. https://archive.org/details/PCXL01Sep1998/page/n83/mode/2up. Retrieved March 25, 2021. 
  28. ↑ Stephen Poole (September 1998). "Incoming". PC Gamer (Imagine Media) 5 (9). http://www.pcgamer.com/reviews/106.html. Retrieved June 7, 2019. 
  29. ↑ Edge staff (June 1998). "Incoming (PC)". Edge (Future Publishing) (59): 92. https://archive.org/details/edgeuk059/page/n75/mode/2up. Retrieved December 8, 2020. 
  30. ↑ Jonathan Licata. "Incoming (DC) - Review". All Media Network. http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=20517&tab=review. 
  31. ↑ Ashley Perkins (1999). "Incoming (DC)". PS Illustrated. http://www.gamevortex.com/gamevortex/soft_rev.php/1467/incoming-dreamcast.html. 
  • 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 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]

On February 13, 2025, Freyholtz stepped down as the site lead to move onto new projects, leaving operations to Tracy Poff, a veteran coder on the site, and Atari staff.[18]

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. 
  18. ↑ "An update on MobyGames leadership". 2025-02-13. https://www.mobygames.com/forum/3/thread/269628/an-update-on-mobygames-leadership/#post-269628. 
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