Software:MagnaCarta 2

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Short description: 2009 video game

MagnaCarta 2
European cover art, featuring protagonists Zephie (left) and Juto (right)
Developer(s)Softmax[1]
Publisher(s)Namco Bandai Games[lower-alpha 1]
Director(s)
  • Yeon-kyu Choi
  • Gramcat (Art)
  • Kyung-jin Lee (Character)
  • Sung-woon Jang (Sound/Music)[2]
Producer(s)
  • Yoshihisa Kanesaka
  • Young-gee Cho
  • Toshihiro Nada (Executive)
  • Young-won Jeong (Executive)
  • Koji Kumakura (Senior)[2]
Designer(s)Kyung-jin Lee (character)
Programmer(s)
  • Kwang-sub Shin (Lead)
  • Jack Porter (Engine)
  • Chaitanya Munjuluri (Engine)
  • Go-eun Kim (Engine)
  • Ji-ho Lee (Battle)[2]
Artist(s)Kyung-jin Lee[2]
Writer(s)Tily[2]
Composer(s)Sung-woon Jang[2]
SeriesMagna Carta
EngineUnreal Engine 3[3][4]
Platform(s)Xbox 360
Release
  • KOR: August 6, 2009
  • JP: August 8, 2009[5]
  • NA: October 13, 2009[6]
  • EU: October 16, 2009[7]
  • AU: October 28, 2009
Genre(s)Role-playing video game
Mode(s)Single-player

MagnaCarta 2 (마그나카르타 2 Mageuna Kaleuta 2, マグナカルタ2 Maguna Karuta 2) is a role-playing video game developed by South Korean developer Softmax and published by Namco Bandai Games exclusively for Xbox 360. It is a follow-up to the games Software:Magna Carta: The Phantom of Avalanche released on Windows and Software:Magna Carta: Crimson Stigmata released on the PlayStation 2. It was released in South Korea and Japan on August 6, 2009 and in North America on October 13, 2009. It marks the series' first entry onto a seventh generation console. The game was officially unveiled in the April 2009 edition of Famitsu magazine.[8]

Gameplay

In MagnaCarta 2, the player controls their characters from a third-person perspective, usually in one of two "Modes". In Movement Mode, the player explores the area, talks with other characters and interacts with the environment. In Combat Mode, the player character enters a battle stance, which lets them fight enemies at the cost of slower movement speed.[9]

The game's battle system combines strategic turn-based and real-time elements and battles directly occur in the field, with no loading screens. Up to three active members can be in the field at any one time, with the remaining three members waiting to be switched in. The player can choose between using normal attacks or moves that use Kan, a type of energy. These Kan moves generate or use Kan. If all three active members' hit points reach zero, the game is over and the player restarts from their last save point.[9]

As the player presses the attack button, their character's "Overdrive" gauge will fill up. Once full, the character will enter an "Overdrive" state, where their attack power is increased. However, once the player can no longer attack, their character will fall into an "Overheat" state, rendering them unable to attack until the gauge lowers enough for them to attack again. Players can use this gauge to their advantage by using "Chain Drives"—the process of Overdriving one character into Overheat, immediately switching to another character already present, then Overdriving them as well. This frees both members' Overdrive gauges, enabling both to attack without hindrance. Players can also use Solo and Co-op Techniques, which unleash devastating combination attacks on their target.[9]

The player collects Kamonds to power-up weapons via their accompanying "Kamond Board". Kamonds are also used to strengthen characters and craft new items. Kamonds are usually obtained by defeating monsters or Sentinels, but can also be found in treasure chests or as rewards for finishing quests. At Kamond Shops, players can craft to turn Kamonds into new accessories. Recipes and money are needed to craft with Kamonds. Recipes are earned as rewards for completing certain quests.[10][11]

Story

The main cast of MagnaCarta 2. Top row: Juto (left), Zephie, and Argo. Bottom row: Crocell, Celestine, and Rue.

MagnaCarta 2 is set in the fictional kingdom of Lanzheim, divided by an ongoing civil war between the Northern Forces, led by the usurper Shuenzeit Baron; and the Southern Forces, led by Rzephilda "Zephie" Berlinette, the Princess of Lanzheim. In response to the Northern Forces' "Sentinels"—destructive, living weapons based on the extinct Carta race—Zephie forms the Counter-Sentinel Unit in order to turn the tide. However, while trying to find the Sentinels' weakness, Zephie's bodyguard Rue is captured by the Northern Forces. Zephie goes to rescue her friend: however, as they make their escape, they are intercepted by Schuenzeit's best soldier, Elgar the Regicide. Zephie takes Elgar's killing blow to Rue and despite what should have been a mortal wound, drives Elgar away.[12]

Two years later, on Highwind Island, an ancient weapon similar to the Sentinels is discovered in the island's ancient ruins. Because of this, Juto—a young amnesiac with a fear of swords[13]—soon encounters Zephie and Argo, who came to investigate the weapon for the Southern Forces.[14] Learning that Northern Forces soldiers have arrived in the ruins and remembering that his adoptive sister, Melissa, had gone there earlier, Juto volunteers to guide the Counter-Sentinel Unit members to the ruins.[14][15] Upon arrival, they find that the Northern Forces have activated the weapon. When the weapon injures Melissa, Juto single-handedly destroys the weapon in a berserker rage.[16]

Development

After developing Software:Magna Carta: Tears of Blood, a team of 40 at Softmax partnered with Namco Bandai to create MagnaCarta 2 for the Xbox 360, using the Unreal Engine 3.[4]

Development of MagnaCarta 2 began between 2004 and 2005, taking over 4 years to finish.[17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24]

Reception

Reception
Aggregate score
AggregatorScore
Metacritic69/100[25]
Review scores
PublicationScore
Edge4/10[26]
Famitsu30/40[27]
(X360) 29/40[27]
Game Informer8.25/10[28]
GameProStarStarStarHalf star[30]
GameRevolutionB[29]
GameSpot6/10[31]
GameTrailers7.1/10[32]
IGN6.8/10[24]
OXM (US)7.5/10[33]
RPGamer4.5/5[34]
411Mania6.8/10[35]

The game received "average" reviews according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[25] IGN criticized the battle system stating, "this feels almost archaic and could have been run on a PS1, enemy AI is almost non-existent and character abilities are generic."[24] Robert Townslend of Game Informer said, "While the story starts off having the potential to be great, it quickly degrades into the same old story of a young man with no memories saving a kingdom. This has only been done thousands of times in other games." Annette Gonzalez of Game Informer was more positive, citing that the "[b]attles are intuitive and addicting, although awkward camera angles can sometimes hinder combat"; and praising the voice cast, saying the fully voiced dialogue is a "vast improvement over Tears of Blood."[28] In Japan, Famitsu gave it a score of 30 out of 40, while Famitsu Xbox 360 gave it one eight and three sevens for a total of 29 out of 40.[27]

References

  1. ↑ "마그나카르타2 XBOX" (in Korean). http://www.magnacarta.kr/. Retrieved February 18, 2013. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 "Magna Carta 2 - Credits". All Media Network. http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=48446&tab=credits. Retrieved March 22, 2020. 
  3. ↑ "マグナカルタ2 | バンダイナムコゲームス公式サイト" (in Japanese). http://www.magnacarta.jp/gamedata/index.html. Retrieved October 3, 2013. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Unreal Engine (October 13, 2009). "Softmax and Namco Bandai Build Fantasy RPG Magnacarta 2 with Unreal Engine 3". https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/blog/magnacarta-2. Retrieved March 22, 2020. 
  5. ↑ "Magna Carta 2, major RPG by Korean makers, trailer revealed" (in Japanese). Famitsu (Enterbrain). April 21, 2009. https://www.famitsu.com/game/news/1223622_1124.html. Retrieved April 21, 2009. 
  6. ↑ Spencer (July 24, 2009). "Magnacarta 2 Liberated This October". Curse LLC. https://www.siliconera.com/MagnaCarta-2-liberated-this-october/. Retrieved March 22, 2020. 
  7. ↑ "Magna Carta 2 (Xbox 360)". Amazon.com, Inc.. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magna-Carta-2-Xbox-360/dp/B002FL4R5G. 
  8. ↑ Sal (April 15, 2009). "Magna Carta II revealed in latest Famitsu". http://scrawlfx.com/2009/04/magna-carta-ii-revealed-in-latest-famitsu. Retrieved March 22, 2020. 
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 "Magnacarta2 system war" (in Korean). http://www.magnacarta.kr/Systems/SysWar.aspx. Retrieved November 24, 2013. 
  10. ↑ "Magnacarta2 system field" (in Korean). http://www.magnacarta.kr/Systems/SysField.aspx. Retrieved November 24, 2013. 
  11. ↑ "Magnacarta 2 Goes Gold: New Screenshots". IGN Entertainment. September 30, 2009. http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/21096/Magnacarta-2-Goes-Gold-New-Screenshots/. 
  12. ↑ Softmax (August 6 – October 28, 2009). Magna Carta 2. Xbox 360. Banpresto, Bandai Namco Entertainment, Atari. Scene: Prologue. "Narrator: It was January, in the year 1149 of the Lanzheim calendar. […] Schuenzeit, Prime Minister of Lanzheim, staged a rebellion, killing Queen Ibrin and usurping the throne. […] Princess Rzephillda, who was 15 years old, had been held prisoner within the palace for a time, but made a miraculous escape and in order to resist Schuenzeit, elisted the help of Count Alex, an influential noble. […] One year later[.] The Northern Forces, [consisting] of Lanzheim army troops and led by Schuenzeit, clashed with the Southern Forces, formed by Count Alex and the lords of neighboring cities. This was the beginning of what would later be called the Lanzheim Civil War." 
  13. ↑ Softmax (August 6 – October 28, 2009). Magna Carta 2. Xbox 360. Banpresto, Bandai Namco Entertainment, Atari. Scene: Flashback. Level/area: Highwind Island. "Juto: I knew it… I can't do it. I can't pick up a real sword no matter how hard I try… Why…? / Melissa: You know, you might not remember it, but I bet you've fought in a war. I bet it must've been terrifying, to see so many people dying. Maybe that's why you're scared of real swords, things that hurt people. […] If real swords are no good, then let's start with a wooden sword." 
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Softmax (August 6 – October 28, 2009). MagnaCarta 2. Xbox 360. Banpresto, Bandai Namco Entertainment, Atari. Level/area: Highwind Island - Village. "Village Chief: Wh-What is the meaning of this? Northern Forces are in the Windsong Caverns?! / Zephie: They seem to be after the Guardian. […] Please don't worry. We will set out for the caverns at once. But to do so, we will need someone to come along and guide us there. / Juto: I'll go! / Village Chief: Juto? But wait, you're… / Juto: A while ago, Melissa said she was going to the caverns. I want to see if she's safe." 
  15. ↑ Softmax (August 6 – October 28, 2009). MagnaCarta 2. Xbox 360. Banpresto, Bandai Namco Entertainment, Atari. Level/area: Highwind Island - Windsong Caverns. "Southern Soldier: Northern Forces soldiers went into the caverns in search of the Guardian. Our troops gave chase to them, along with the head of the Island Guards. / Juto: With Melissa?!" 
  16. ↑ Softmax (August 6 – October 28, 2009). Magna Carta 2. Xbox 360. Banpresto, Bandai Namco Entertainment, Atari. Level/area: Highwind Island - Village. "Melissa: Juto, you were out cold for three whole days. We were all worried about you. […] / Juto: Melissa, you saw it too, didn't you? You saw me defeat the Guardian. I beat it, and I didn't even have a proper weapon. I beat that monster… But what happened to me in there? All that power… It's like… It's like I'm the one who's the real monster. / Melissa: But Juto, if you hadn't been there, we all might have been killed." 
  17. ↑ OXMUK staff (May 3, 2009). "Magna Carta 2 development taking over 4 years". Official Xbox Magazine UK (Future plc). http://www.oxmonline.com/10079/magna-carta-2-development-taking-over-4-years/. Retrieved March 23, 2020. 
  18. ↑ Spencer (April 30, 2009). "What Took Magnacarta 2 So Long To Develop?". Curse LLC. https://www.siliconera.com/what-took-magnacarta-2-so-long-to-develop/. Retrieved March 23, 2020. 
  19. ↑ "マグナカルタ2 | バンダイナムコゲームス公式サイト" (in Japanese). http://www.magnacarta.jp/creators/index.html. Retrieved February 17, 2013. 
  20. ↑ "マグナカルタ2 Lanzheim1152| ファミ通コミッククリア" (in Japanese). Famitsu (Enterbrain). https://www.famitsu.com/comic_clear/se_magna2/. Retrieved March 23, 2020. 
  21. ↑ Spencer (July 30, 2009). "Magnacarta 2 Producer Shares Character Details And Explains Platform Choice". Curse LLC. https://www.siliconera.com/magnacarta-2-producer-shares-character-details-and-explains-platform-choice/. Retrieved March 23, 2020. 
  22. ↑ "Magna Carta 2 - Developer Walkthrough". Ziff Davis. October 8, 2009. https://www.ign.com/videos/2009/10/08/magnacarta-2-xbox-360-video-developer-walkthrough. Retrieved February 18, 2013. 
  23. ↑ IGN staff (October 13, 2009). "Magnacarta 2 Now Available Exclusively for Xbox 360". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/10/13/magnacarta-2-now-available-exclusively-for-xbox-360. Retrieved February 21, 2013. 
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 Brudvig, Erik (October 13, 2009). "Magnacarta 2 Review". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/10/13/magnacarta-2-review. Retrieved February 9, 2013. 
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 "Magna Carta 2 for Xbox 360 Reviews". CBS Interactive. https://www.metacritic.com/game/magna-carta-2/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360. Retrieved February 9, 2013. 
  26. ↑ Edge staff (October 26, 2009). "Review: Magna Carta II [sic"]. Edge (Future plc). http://www.edge-online.com/features/review-magna-carta-ii. Retrieved March 24, 2020. 
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 27.2 "マグナカルタ2 [Xbox 360"] (in Japanese). Famitsu (Enterbrain). https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=4855&redirect=no. Retrieved March 24, 2020. 
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 Gonzalez, Annette (November 2009). "Magnacarta 2: Slow Story And A Fast-Paced, Addictive Battle System". Game Informer (GameStop) (199). https://www.gameinformer.com/games/magnacarta_2/b/xbox360/archive/2009/10/13/review.aspx. Retrieved February 14, 2013. 
  29. ↑ Card, Ben (November 6, 2009). "Magnacarta 2 [sic Review"]. CraveOnline. https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/44867-magnacarta-2-review. Retrieved March 24, 2020. 
  30. ↑ Kemps, Heidi (November 4, 2009). "MagnaCarta 2". GamePro (GamePro Media). http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/212805/magnacarta-2/. Retrieved March 24, 2020. 
  31. ↑ Stella, Shiva (November 2, 2009). "Magna Carta 2 [sic Review"]. CBS Interactive. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/magna-carta-2-review/1900-6238636/. Retrieved March 24, 2020. 
  32. ↑ "Magnacarta 2 Review". Viacom. October 16, 2009. http://www.gametrailers.com/gamereview.php?id=11188. Retrieved March 24, 2020. 
  33. ↑ Lewis, Cameron (October 13, 2009). "Magna Carta II [sic"]. Official Xbox Magazine (Future US). http://www.oxmonline.com/article/reviews/xbox-360/m-r/magna-carta-ii. Retrieved March 24, 2020. 
  34. ↑ Tidwell, Mikel (November 18, 2009). "MagnaCarta 2 - Staff Review". https://archive.rpgamer.com/games/magna/magnacarta2/reviews/magnacarta2strev1.html. Retrieved March 24, 2020. 
  35. ↑ Williams, Jordan (November 19, 2009). "Magna Carta 2 (Xbox 360) Review". http://www.411mania.com/games/reviews/122339/Magna-Carta-2-(360)-Review.htm. Retrieved March 24, 2020. 
  1. ↑ Released under the Banpresto brand name outside North America.

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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