Software:MechWarrior 4: Vengeance

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Short description: 2000 video game
MechWarrior 4: Vengeance
Developer(s)FASA Interactive
Tsunami Visual Technologies (arcade)
Publisher(s)Microsoft
Producer(s)T. J. Wagner
Composer(s)Duane Decker
SeriesMechWarrior
Platform(s)Windows, Arcade[1]
Release
  • NA: November 22, 2000[2]
  • EU: February 2, 2001
Black Knight
  • NA: November 2, 2001[4]
  • EU: November 23, 2001
Genre(s)Vehicle simulation
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

MechWarrior 4: Vengeance is a vehicle simulation game, developed by FASA Interactive and published by Microsoft. It was released on November 22, 2000. It is the fourth game in MechWarrior series. It takes place in BattleTech universe where the pinnacle of all war machines are huge, heavily armed robots called BattleMechs. The player pilots one of these "'Mechs" and uses variety of available weapons (autocannons, lasers, missiles, and more) to battle enemy 'Mechs, tanks and other vehicles. An expansion pack, MechWarrior 4: Black Knight, was released in 2001, and a subsequent stand-alone expansion, Software:MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries, was released on November 7, 2002. Two smaller expansions, Inner Sphere Mech Pak and Clan Mech Pak, were also released in 2002.[5][6]

Plot

The game takes place on the Inner Sphere planet Kentares IV and its moon. Players take control of Ian Dresari, son of famed Clan War hero Duke Eric Dresari and heir to the throne of Kentares IV.

A civil war erupts on Kentares IV after William Dresari, Ian's cousin, betrays the family and seizes the throne under the banner of Katherine "Katrina" Steiner. Steiner is the ruler of the Lyran Alliance and responsible for the annihilation of loyalists to Victor Steiner-Davion, Katrina's brother. After a surprise attack by Steiner forces on the Dresari royal palace, leaving Eric Dresari and the majority of the royal family dead, Ian meets up with his uncle, Sir Peter Dresari, on the moon orbiting Kentares IV to launch a guerrilla campaign against Steiner. Ian fights alongside fellow Resistance MechWarriors, Casey Nolan, Jen McQuarrie, Jules Gonzales, and their commander Elise Rathburn, in various missions. The Resistance eventually leaves the moon and sets up camp on Kentares IV's arctic regions. At one point during the campaign, Ian's uncle Peter is murdered by Duncan Burke, a high-ranking officer in Katrina's forces. Ian and the Resistance are devastated by the loss and debate over whether or not to continue the fight for Kentares' freedom. They decide to push forward, capturing a satellite network from Steiner. The rebel group moves into the mountains.

After destroying a disabled but heavily guarded Steiner dropship, Ian and the Resistance move to the Hadra Peninsula, a remote desert region. Rumors of an abandoned prison camp reach the Resistance and efforts are made to locate and liberate it in order to enlist more personnel for the Resistance. Ian is shocked to find that one member of his family survived Steiner's siege of the Dresari palace: his sister Joanna. After a short reunion, Ian and Joanna are separated again as the Resistance mobilizes to assault Steiner's stronghold. They make a brief detour to save the coastal town of Vale after Steiner threatens to bomb the town due to allegations of links to the Resistance. Not only does the Resistance save the population, but Ian defeats his uncle's murderer, Duncan Burke, in a heated duel.

Pushing into the cities, the fighting heats up and Resistance casualties mount. Joanna informs Ian of an old armory cache hidden somewhere in the city, invaluable for assaulting the Dresari palace, now the headquarters for the Steiner occupation. Right before the Resistance prepares to locate the armory, Joanna and her Lance are ambushed by Steiner forces, leaving her wounded and in mortal danger. Ian makes a choice, between rescuing his sister from certain death or securing the weapons cache. Whatever the player chooses, Ian and the Resistance fight one last battle against House Steiner at the palace, putting an end to the war. However, the fight is not yet over for Ian, as William shows up in a modified Daishi, challenging Ian to a duel. Ian defeats William and finally frees the planet from Steiner's grasp.

Depending on the player's choice before the penultimate mission, either Joanna or Ian will ascend the throne as Duchess/Duke.

Black Knight

Mechwarrior's expansion, Black Knight, takes place several years after Vengeance, and gets its name from the organization of mercenaries the plot revolves around. The Black Knight Legion fall under the employ of the Lyran Alliance, who wish to reclaim Kentares IV from Ian Dresari. Ian chose to find the weapons cache, leading to his sister's death, resulting in many of his allies abandoning him. House Steiner, unwilling to pay the Legion mercenaries for their fulfilled contracts, decides it would be much cheaper to betray the Legion, and nearly wipes it out in a surprise attack. Legion remnants seek justice against Maj. Clarissa Dupree, mastermind of the Lyran attack against the legion, while also continuing with their mission to overthrow Dresari. They eventually find and kill Ian on Kentares, then travel to Voltrat III to find Steiner liaison Clarissa Dupree. Eric McClair, CO of the Legion, defeats Maj. Dupree in single combat, destroying her Mad Cat MkII, then proceeds to shooting her ejection pod, killing her instantly. The final cutscene is a commercial advertising the Black Knight Legion, citing their success against both Steiner and Dresari.

Black Knight was developed by Cyberlore[7] in tandem with FASA Studio and would further develop both the InnerSphere and Clan Mech Packs - alongside the stand-alone expansion Mercenaries.[8]

Gameplay

Cockpit view, two Shadowcat mechs visible

Mechwarrior 4 is a first-person mecha simulation game, with the player piloting a Mech in each mission. Mechs are armored and fitted with various projectile and energy weapons, and engage in combat with other Mechs as well as traditional military vehicles such as tanks and helicopters, and occasional weapon emplacements. During combat, a Mech's weapons and critical components can be damaged, and it is even possible for entire limbs to be blown off a Mech.

Mech customization is a major aspect of gameplay. The player has significant control over the configuration of each of his or her Mechs, from the type and amount of armor used and some internal components to all of the Mech's weaponry and ammunition. In the campaign, additional Battlemechs and weapons are acquired through the missions from battlefield/looting salvage and as rewards for success. The Mech configuration system has been overhauled and made to be more realistic, where now mechs had certain "hardpoints" where only specific types of weaponry could fit onto it, as opposed to the previous approach the games took where slots could be filled with any type of weaponry. Ammunition itself is now carried within the weaponry emplaced on the mech.

In the campaign, the player controls up to three squadmates, with the ability to issue basic orders such as attack and move.

Campaign

The 26 campaign missions are made up of seven "ops", each with different environments, and each 'op' containing about 3-6 missions. In the first few missions, only a few smaller mechs are available. As the game progresses, more mechs and weapons are at the player's disposal. These come in the form of salvage from previous missions. Between missions, the player can outfit mechs with different weapons and also assign mechs to one of their three Lancemate slots.

Instant Action

This mode lets players play with all mechs in the game. Players can pick a campaign mission or a wave-mission in which they can select up to four other mechs and fight them deathmatch-style. The map is randomly selected and the player is faced with three enemy mechs to fight. The player has to successively destroy all three enemies in a one-on-one fight.

Multiplayer

The game features several multiplayer modes: Deathmatch with several twists such as points awarded for damage dealt; Capture the flag and King of the Hill with two modes, Deathmatch and team-based; escort mode that pits two teams against each other, each with the goal of destroying the other's VIP; and Steal the Beacon, in which players fight for possession of a beacon, that, when carried, will award the carrier points.

Expansions

Black Knight expansion pack was released in 2001. It featured a new dynamic campaign, and it added five mechs, six vehicles, and five multiplayer modes to the game.[9] Two smaller expansions were released in 2002: Inner Sphere 'Mech Pak and Clan 'Mech Pak. Both added four mechs, one multiplayer map, two weapons, and one gadget to the game.[10]

Reception

Vengeance

MechWarrior 4: Vengeance
Aggregate score
AggregatorScore
Metacritic87/100[11]
Review scores
PublicationScore
CGSPStarStarStarStar[13]
CGWStarStarStarStar[14]
Edge6/10[15]
Eurogamer8/10[17]
Game Informer8.75/10[18]
GameSpot8.8/10[19]
GameSpy91%[20]
IGN9/10[21]
Next GenerationStarStarStar[22]
PC Gamer (US)88%[23]
X-PlayStarStarStarStarStar[24]

MechWarrior 4: Vengeance received "generally favorable reviews" according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[11] Chris Kramer of NextGen said of the game, "Knockout graphics and the new gameplay direction aside, this MechWarrior isn't as genre-defining as previous incarnations. A solid game, but not as mind-blowing as MechWarrior 2."[22] Human Tornado of GamePro called it "a very tough simulation, whose great replay value and multiplayer gaming make it one of the top PC games of 2000."[25][lower-alpha 1]

Sales

Vengeance sold 320,000 units in the U.S. and earned $11.5 million by August 2006, after its release in November 2000. It was the country's 55th best-selling computer game between January 2000 and August 2006. Combined sales of all MechWarrior computer games released between January 2000 and August 2006 had reached 900,000 units in the United States by the latter date.[26]

Accolades

The staff of Computer Gaming World named it the best "sci-fi sim" of 2000. They wrote, "Although it changed the way things work in BattleTech, it accomplished what Crimson Skies set out to do: Open up the sci-fi genre to non-BattleTech-heads."[27] The staff of Computer Games Magazine nominated it for their 2000 "Sci-Fi Simulation of the Year" award, whose winner remains unknown.[28] The game won the award for Action Game of the Year at the CNET Gamecenter Computer Game Awards for 2000,[29] and was nominated for the Overall Game of the Year award, which went to The Sims.[30] It was also a runner-up for "Simulation of 2000" in both Editors' Choice and Readers' Choice at IGN's Best of 2000 Awards.[31] The game won the "PC Simulation" and "Online Gameplay" awards at the AIAS' 4th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards,[32][33] and was also nominated for the "PC Game of the Year" and "Game of the Year" awards, both of which went to Diablo II.[34] The game won the award for "Sci-fi Simulation of the Year" at GameSpot's Best and Worst of 2000 Awards,[35] and was nominated for the "Best Graphics, Technical" and "Best Multiplayer Game" awards, which went to Software:Giants: Citizen Kabuto and Half-Life: Counterstrike.[36][37] The game also won the award for "Sci-fi Simulation of the Year" at GameSpot's Readers' Choice Awards.[38] GameSpy named it their "2000 Simulation Game of the Year".[39] The game was nominated for the "Best Action Game for PC" award at The Electric Playground's Blister Awards 2000, which went to Deus Ex.[40]

Awards

  • E3 2000 Game Critics Awards: Best Simulation Game
  • MechWarrior 4: Black Knight Expansion - Sci-Fi Simulation Game of the Year, GameSpot's 2001 readers' choice awards.[41]

Black Knight

MechWarrior 4: Black Knight
Aggregate score
AggregatorScore
Metacritic78/100[42]
Review scores
PublicationScore
CGMStarStarStarHalf star[43]
CGWStarStarStarStar[44]
GameSpot7.6/10[45]
GameSpy85%[46]
GameZone9/10[47]
IGN8.6/10[48]
PC Gamer (UK)77%[49]
PC Gamer (US)80%[50]

The Black Knight expansion pack received "generally favorable reviews", although moderately less than the original MechWarrior 4, according to Metacritic.[42]

It was a nominee for the "Online Gameplay" award at the AIAS' 5th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, which was ultimately awarded to Return to Castle Wolfenstein.[51]

Notes

  1. ↑ GamePro gave the original game three 5/5 scores for graphics, control, and fun factor, and 4/5 for sound.

References

  1. ↑ "MechWarrior 4: Vengeance". Archived from the original on May 25, 2006. https://web.archive.org/web/20060525031308/http://www.tsunamivisual.com/prd_MW4.html. 
  2. ↑ IGN staff (November 21, 2000). "News Briefs". Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on April 17, 2001. https://web.archive.org/web/20010417055418/http://pc.ign.com/news/28147.html. Retrieved December 2, 2021. "Mechwarrior 4 In Stores? [sic]: Not today [(November 21)] unfortunately but we got the inside word that everyone's favorite giant battling robot game will be appearing in stores as early as Wednesday[, November 22]." 
  3. ↑ "MediaQuest Upcoming Release Update". September 20, 2001. http://www.mediaquest.co.jp:80/news/news_0.html. 
  4. ↑ Walker, Trey (November 2, 2001). "MechWarrior 4: Black Knight hits stores". Fandom. Archived from the original on November 20, 2001. https://web.archive.org/web/20011120100325/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/stories/news/0,10870,2822144,00.html. Retrieved January 17, 2024. 
  5. ↑ Sulic, Ivan (July 16, 2002). "MechWarrior 4: Inner Sphere Mech Pack Review". Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on October 19, 2002. https://web.archive.org/web/20021019195827/http://pc.ign.com/articles/364/364970p1.html. Retrieved January 17, 2024. 
  6. ↑ Sulic, Ivan (August 29, 2002). "MechWarrior 4: Clan Mech Pack Review". Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on October 20, 2002. https://web.archive.org/web/20021020012753/http://pc.ign.com/articles/369/369491p1.html. Retrieved January 17, 2024. 
  7. ↑ "Mechwarrior 4 Expansion: Black Knight". http://www.cyberlore.com/mw4x.html. 
  8. ↑ "Mechwarrior 4: MERCENARIES". http://www.cyberlore.com/mw4mercs/mw4mercs.html. 
  9. ↑ "MechWarrior 4 Black Knight Expansion". Microsoft. http://www.microsoft.com/games/mw4_BlackKnight/features.asp. 
  10. ↑ "MechWarrior® 4 'Mech Paks". Microsoft. http://www.microsoft.com/games/PC/mechpaks.asp#systemReqs. 
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 "MechWarrior 4: Vengeance". Fandom. Archived from the original on November 23, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231123031442/https://www.metacritic.com/game/mechwarrior-4-vengeance/. Retrieved January 17, 2024. 
  12. ↑ Ocampo, Jason (November 22, 2000). "MechWarrior 4: Vengeance". CNET. Archived from the original on January 24, 2001. https://web.archive.org/web/20010124051800/http://www.gamecenter.com/Reviews/Item/0,6,0-5036,00.html. Retrieved December 2, 2021. 
  13. ↑ Mayer, Robert (December 6, 2000). "MechWarrior 4: Vengeance". Strategy Plus, Inc.. Archived from the original on April 18, 2003. https://web.archive.org/web/20030418213628/http://www.cdmag.com/articles/031/022/mech_review.html. Retrieved December 2, 2021. 
  14. ↑ Nguyen, Thierry (March 2001). "Mech Mine Marvel! (MechWarrior 4: Vengeance Review)". Computer Gaming World (Ziff Davis) (200): 96–98. Archived from the original on December 12, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231212034508/https://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_200.pdf. Retrieved January 17, 2024. 
  15. ↑ Edge staff (February 2001). "Mech Warrior 4 [sic: Venegance"]. Edge (Future Publishing) (94): 102. Archived from the original on April 7, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230407173758/https://retrocdn.net/images/8/89/Edge_UK_094.pdf. Retrieved January 17, 2024. 
  16. ↑ Nash, Jeff (December 11, 2000). "Mechwarrior 4 [sic: Vengeance"]. Greedy Productions Ltd.. Archived from the original on September 11, 2002. https://web.archive.org/web/20020911110632/http://www.elecplay.com/review.html?article=4701&full=1#mr_toppy. Retrieved January 18, 2024. 
  17. ↑ Carter, Ben (February 6, 2001). "Mechwarrior 4 : Vengeance [sic"]. Gamer Network. Archived from the original on February 10, 2001. https://web.archive.org/web/20010210030101/http://www.eurogamer.net/content/r_mw4. Retrieved January 17, 2024. 
  18. ↑ Reppen, Erik (January 2001). "MechWarrior 4: Vengeance". Game Informer (FuncoLand) (93): 126–27. http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200101/R03.0804.1631.56243.htm. Retrieved December 26, 2017. 
  19. ↑ Geryk, Bruce (November 30, 2000). "MechWarrior 4: Vengeance Review". Fandom. Archived from the original on January 24, 2001. https://web.archive.org/web/20010124101600/http://www.zdnet.com/gamespot/stories/reviews/0,10867,2659638,00.html. Retrieved December 2, 2021. 
  20. ↑ Haumersen, Lee (December 3, 2000). "MechWarrior 4: Vengeance". IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on February 16, 2005. https://web.archive.org/web/20050216103054/http://archive.gamespy.com/reviews/december00/mw4/. Retrieved December 26, 2017. 
  21. ↑ Butts, Steve (November 29, 2000). "MechWarrior 4: Vengeance". Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on December 3, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211203005447/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/11/30/mechwarrior-4-vengeance. Retrieved January 17, 2024. 
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 Kramer, Chris (February 2001). "MechWarrior 4: Vengeance". NextGen (Imagine Media) (74): 86. https://archive.org/details/NextGen74Feb2001/page/n87/mode/2up. Retrieved December 2, 2021. 
  23. ↑ Klett, Steve (February 2001). "MechWarrior 4: Vengeance". PC Gamer (Imagine Media) 8 (2): 52. Archived from the original on March 15, 2006. https://web.archive.org/web/20060315134819/http://www.pcgamer.com/archives/2005/07/mechwarrior_4_v.html. Retrieved December 26, 2017. 
  24. ↑ Lee, Ed (February 9, 2001). "'MechWarrior 4: Vengeance' Review". TechTV. Archived from the original on April 17, 2001. https://web.archive.org/web/20010417053954/http://www.techtv.com/extendedplay/reviews/story/0,23008,3310799,00.html. Retrieved December 26, 2017. 
  25. ↑ Human Tornado (January 2001). "Mechwarrior 4: Vengeance". GamePro (IDG) (149): 44. Archived from the original on February 7, 2005. https://web.archive.org/web/20050207070654/http://www.gamepro.com/computer/pc/games/reviews/7600.shtml. Retrieved January 17, 2024. 
  26. ↑ Edge staff (August 25, 2006). "The Top 100 PC Games of the 21st Century (Page 5)". Future plc. Archived from the original on October 17, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20121017165827/http://www.edge-online.com/features/top-100-pc-games-21st-century/5/. 
  27. ↑ CGW staff (April 2001). "The 2001 Premier Awards: Games of the Year (Sci-Fi Sim)". Computer Gaming World (201): 76. Archived from the original on September 29, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230929191946/https://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_201.pdf. Retrieved January 17, 2024. 
  28. ↑ CGM staff (February 8, 2001). "Computer Games Magazine announces nominees for annual best in computer gaming awards". Strategy Plus, Inc.. Archived from the original on February 9, 2005. https://web.archive.org/web/20050209070529/http://www.cdmag.com/articles/031/125/010208-07.html. 
  29. ↑ Gamecenter staff (January 25, 2001). "The Gamecenter Computer Game Awards for 2000! (Action Game of the Year Winner)". CNET. Archived from the original on February 4, 2001. https://web.archive.org/web/20010204130900/http://www.gamecenter.com/Features/Exclusives/Awards2k/ss05b.html. Retrieved December 3, 2021. 
  30. ↑ Gamecenter staff (January 25, 2001). "The Gamecenter Computer Game Awards for 2000! (Overall Game of the Year Nominees)". CNET. Archived from the original on February 3, 2001. https://web.archive.org/web/20010203195700/http://www.gamecenter.com/Features/Exclusives/Awards2k/ss12.html. Retrieved December 3, 2021. 
  31. ↑ IGN staff (January 26, 2001). "Best of 2000 Awards (PC: Simulation of 2000)". Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on June 6, 2001. https://web.archive.org/web/20010606004813/http://pc.ign.com/news/30572.html. Retrieved December 8, 2021. 
  32. ↑ "Fourth Interactive Achievement Awards: PC Simulation". Archived from the original on January 8, 2002. https://web.archive.org/web/20020108172421/http://www.interactive.org/awards/simulation.html. Retrieved December 3, 2021. 
  33. ↑ "Fourth Interactive Achievement Awards: Online Gameplay". Archived from the original on April 19, 2001. https://web.archive.org/web/20010419003247/http://www.interactive.org/awards/online.html. Retrieved December 3, 2021. 
  34. ↑ "Fourth Interactive Achievement Awards: PC Game of the Year". Archived from the original on February 10, 2002. https://web.archive.org/web/20020210224905/http://www.interactive.org/awards/pcgameyear.html. Retrieved December 3, 2021. 
  35. ↑ GameSpot staff (2001). "Best and Worst of 2000 (Sci-fi Simulation of the Year)". Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on February 4, 2001. https://web.archive.org/web/20010204035700/http://www.zdnet.com/gamespot/features/pc/bestof_2000/p3_12.html. Retrieved December 3, 2021. 
  36. ↑ GameSpot staff (2001). "Best and Worst of 2000 (Best Graphics, Technical, Nominees)". Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on April 5, 2001. https://web.archive.org/web/20010405083804/http://www.zdnet.com/gamespot/features/pc/bestof_2000/p2_07.html. Retrieved December 3, 2021. 
  37. ↑ GameSpot staff (2001). "Best and Worst of 2000 (Best Multiplayer Game, Nominees)". Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on April 5, 2001. https://web.archive.org/web/20010405075709/http://www.zdnet.com/gamespot/features/pc/bestof_2000/p2_11.html. Retrieved December 3, 2021. 
  38. ↑ "GameSpot's 2000 Readers' Choice Awards (Sci-fi Simulation of the Year)". Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on April 29, 2001. https://web.archive.org/web/20010429020025/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/pc/bestof_2000_rc/p7.html. Retrieved December 3, 2021. 
  39. ↑ GameSpy staff (December 2000). "2000 Simulation Game of the Year". GameSpy Industries. Archived from the original on March 31, 2001. https://web.archive.org/web/20010331182618/http://www.gamespy.com/articles/december00/goty2000/indexsim.shtm. Retrieved May 20, 2022. 
  40. ↑ EP staff (2001). "Blister Awards 2000 (PC Games 1)". Greedy Productions Ltd.. Archived from the original on January 24, 2002. https://web.archive.org/web/20020124113036/http://www.elecplay.com/feature.html?article=5130&page=2#mr_toppy. Retrieved January 18, 2024. 
  41. ↑ "Best of 2001: Sci-Fi Simulation Game of the Year". Archived from the original on December 26, 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20101226111745/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/pc/bestof_2001_rc/p9_01.html. 
  42. ↑ 42.0 42.1 "MechWarrior 4: Black Knight Expansion". Fandom. Archived from the original on November 23, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231123031441/https://www.metacritic.com/game/mechwarrior-4-black-knight-expansion/. Retrieved January 17, 2024. 
  43. ↑ Mayer, Robert (January 31, 2002). "MechWarrior 4: Black Knight". Computer Games Magazine (theGlobe.com). Archived from the original on February 1, 2002. https://web.archive.org/web/20020201185116/http://www.cgonline.com/reviews/mw-04a-r1.html. Retrieved December 2, 2021. 
  44. ↑ Nguyen, Thierry (March 2002). "MechWarrior 4: Black Knight". Computer Gaming World (Ziff Davis) (212): 89. Archived from the original on October 27, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231027174550/https://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_212.pdf. Retrieved January 17, 2024. 
  45. ↑ Kasavin, Greg (November 6, 2001). "MechWarrior 4: Black Knight Review". Fandom. Archived from the original on November 20, 2001. https://web.archive.org/web/20011120104217/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/stories/reviews/0,10867,2822792,00.html. Retrieved January 17, 2024. 
  46. ↑ Bub, Andrew S. (November 24, 2001). "MechWarrior 4: Black Knight". IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on February 16, 2005. https://web.archive.org/web/20050216103937/http://archive.gamespy.com/reviews/november01/mw4bk/. Retrieved December 26, 2017. 
  47. ↑ Giacobbi, Kevin "BIFF" (November 9, 2001). "MechWarrior 4: Black Knight Review". Archived from the original on February 10, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20080210211906/http://pc.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r18917.htm. Retrieved December 26, 2017. 
  48. ↑ Sulic, Ivan (November 1, 2001). "MechWarrior 4: Black Knight". Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on December 2, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211202234050/https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/11/02/mechwarrior-4-black-knight. Retrieved January 17, 2024. 
  49. ↑ "MechWarrior 4: Black Knight". PC Gamer UK (Future Publishing). February 2002. 
  50. ↑ Klett, Steve (January 2002). "MechWarrior 4: Black Knight". PC Gamer (Imagine Media) 9 (1): 73. Archived from the original on March 15, 2006. https://web.archive.org/web/20060315140450/http://www.pcgamer.com/archives/2005/07/mechwarrior_4_b.html. Retrieved December 26, 2017. 
  51. ↑ "5th Interactive Achievement Awards: Winners". Archived from the original on June 3, 2004. https://web.archive.org/web/20040603022924/http://www.interactive.org/awards/IAA-5/winners.asp. Retrieved February 7, 2022. 
  • Official website (archived)
  • 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. 
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  • 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. 
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