Software:Polarium

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Short description: 2004 video game
Polarium
North American box art
Developer(s)Mitchell Corporation
Publisher(s)Nintendo
Director(s)Takamitsu Hagiwara
Designer(s)Takamitsu Hagiwara
Platform(s)Nintendo DS
Release
  • JP: December 2, 2004
  • EU: March 11, 2005
  • AU: March 24, 2005
  • NA: April 18, 2005
  • CHN: July 23, 2005
Genre(s)Puzzle
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Script error: The function "nihongo_foot" does not exist. is a 2004 puzzle video game developed by Mitchell Corporation and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS. It was a launch title in Japan, Europe and China. In the game, players use a stylus to draw lines on the DS's touch screen, flipping black and white tiles to clear puzzles.

Gameplay

The player selects tiles by drawing lines over them with the stylus. Selected tiles will flip from black to white or vice versa. In the standard Tetris-like challenge mode, players must make room for falling tiles by clearing rows as they pile up on the bottom screen. Rows are cleared by flipping the tiles to make rows that are all black or all white. Surrounding the main puzzle area are gray "neutral" tiles that have no effect on the puzzle but can be used to flip disconnected groups of tiles in a single pass. The scoring in Challenge and Versus mode are based on how the lines are cleared; for example, more points are given when more lines are cleared (lines), when numerous lines are cleared with just one stroke continuously (chains), when there are 2 separate lines cleared with uncleared lines between them (split), or when several lines are cleared in one stroke, but different lines have different polarities (borders).

Game modes

  • Challenge Blocks of tiles continually fall from above. Players must rapidly clear tiles by drawing lines to create horizontal rows of the same color. The game is over when the blocks of tiles reach the top of the top-screen. There are 10 levels, players advance one level for every 100 lines cleared. Each level begins with the level number drawn with the tiles, and ends with a row of pink tiles. When these pink tiles reach the bottom of the screen, the entire screen is cleared and a 10,000 point bonus is awarded. The lines that fall from the top in each level have characteristics distinct to that level. For instance, the first half of the first level consists of 3 line groups that can be cleared with one stroke.
    • Practice Practice is similar to challenge mode, in that blocks continuously fill from the top. However, gameplay is limited to one level. Any level reached by the player in normal challenge mode can be played. There is no time limit, or penalty for not clearing the lines.
    • High Scores Win or lose, if a player scores enough points, they are given a chance to draw a picture for their entry in the high score list. The player can view the icons, score, number of lines cleared for the top three scores from the challenge mode screen. Scores are also given grades, i.e. 1,758,865 points with 847 lines cleared is a A-.
  • Puzzle: Players must figure out how to clear complex puzzles in one continuous stroke. Players are challenged to clear 100 included puzzles or create their own custom puzzles. Numerical passwords to these puzzles can be generated and swapped with friends. Once all the puzzles are cleared a smiley face appears on both screens, flipping from black to white with text announcing that all 100 puzzles, and the credits are unlocked.
  • Versus: Compete against friends to clear puzzles. As lines are cleared, they'll appear on the foe's screen. Flip the opponent's tiles, earn power-ups, block their border tiles, and more.
  • Lounge: The place to access tutorials, manage game preferences, and wirelessly sync with other players to exchange custom puzzles. Players can also view the credits once they have been unlocked.

Demo version

A kiosk with a large sign that fades vertically downward from light blue to white. The words "Nintendo DS Download Station" are above a list of demo names, which includes "Polarium (E3 demo)".
A demo of Polarium was available for download from Nintendo DS Download Stations at E3 2004.

Nintendo DS Download Play allows Nintendo DS owners who do not have a copy of Polarium to wirelessly download this demo version of the game to their system from a friend or kiosk.

  • Tutorial: This is a quick introduction to Polarium. It is the same as in the full version.
  • Puzzles: This mode includes ten sample puzzles. The first five of these puzzles, which spell out "Script error: The function "nihongo_foot" does not exist. Script error: The function "nihongo_foot" does not exist. Script error: The function "nihongo_foot" does not exist. Script error: The function "nihongo_foot" does not exist. DS" on the screen, are unique to the demo version.
  • Versus: This mode is identical to the versus mode in the full game except that players must play against someone who owns a copy of Polarium (this feature doesn't exist in the Japanese version).

Polarium Advance

A Game Boy Advance version of Polarium, called Polarium Advance, was released in Japan, Europe and America. Interestingly, its development started before the DS version.[1] The game features almost four times as many puzzles as Polarium, as well as the removal of Challenge mode, and the addition of new tiles, among other gameplay tweaks.[2]

The game was released in North America sometime during November 2006, published by Atlus rather than Nintendo.

Critical reception

Reception
Aggregate score
AggregatorScore
Metacritic73/100[3]
Review scores
PublicationScore
1Up.comB[4]
Edge7/10[5]
Eurogamer7/10[7]
Famitsu31/40[8]
Game Informer8.25/10[9]
GameSpot6.9/10[10]
GameSpyStarStarStarStar[11]
GameZone7.9/10[12]
IGN7.8/10[13]
Nintendo Power3.8/5[14]
Nintendo World Report(JP) 8/10[15]
(US) 7.5/10[16]
Pocket GamerStarHalf star[17]
X-PlayStarStarStar[18]
Detroit Free PressStarStarStar[19]
The Sydney Morning HeraldStarStarStarHalf star[20]

Polarium received "average" reviews according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[3] In Japan, Famitsu gave it a score of one eight, one seven, and two eights for a total of 31 out of 40.[8]

Notes

References

  1. ↑ "直感ヒトフデ 開発スタッフインタビュー[" (in ja). Archived from the original on December 4, 2004. https://web.archive.org/web/20041204110943/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/nom/0412/pick/1_int/index.html. Retrieved April 13, 2024. 
  2. ↑ GameSpot staff (July 27, 2005). "Polarium chillin' GBAs". Fandom. Archived from the original on February 11, 2006. https://web.archive.org/web/20060211002645/http://www.gamespot.com/news/2005/07/27/news_6129890.html. Retrieved January 30, 2025. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Polarium critic reviews (DS)". Fandom. Archived from the original on January 16, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190116002453/https://www.metacritic.com/game/ds/polarium. Retrieved January 30, 2025. 
  4. ↑ Parish, Jeremy (April 15, 2005). "Polarium". Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on January 5, 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20100105124954/http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3139691&did=1. Retrieved January 30, 2025. 
  5. ↑ Edge staff (January 2005). "Chokkan Hitofude". Edge (Future Publishing) (145): 95. 
  6. ↑ MacIsaac, Jason (April 25, 2005). "Polarium". Greedy Productions Ltd.. Archived from the original on April 29, 2005. https://web.archive.org/web/20050429230903/http://www.elecplay.com/reviews_article.php?article=11230. Retrieved January 30, 2025. 
  7. ↑ Reed, Kristan (March 22, 2005). "Polarium". Gamer Network. Archived from the original on January 29, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150129100131/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_polarium_ds. Retrieved January 30, 2025. 
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "November 25, 2004". November 25, 2004. Archived from the original on December 7, 2004. https://web.archive.org/web/20041207025651/http://the-magicbox.com/game20041125.shtml. Retrieved January 30, 2025. 
  9. ↑ Helgeson, Matt (June 2005). "Polarium". Game Informer (146): 137. Archived from the original on April 21, 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20090421150033/http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/B96E55AC-31DC-4FC1-8C9D-4B43DCDF6491.htm. Retrieved January 30, 2025. 
  10. ↑ Gerstmann, Jeff (April 15, 2005). "Polarium Review". Fandom. Archived from the original on October 21, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231021065636/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/polarium-review/1900-6122345/. Retrieved January 30, 2025. 
  11. ↑ Theobald, Phil (April 18, 2005). "GameSpy: Polarium". IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on June 25, 2007. https://web.archive.org/web/20070625133204/http://ds.gamespy.com/nintendo-ds/one-line-puzzle/605192p1.html. Retrieved January 30, 2025. 
  12. ↑ David, Mike (April 29, 2005). "Polarium - NDS - Review". Archived from the original on December 29, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20081229072642/http://nds.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r25832.htm. Retrieved December 6, 2016. 
  13. ↑ Harris, Craig (April 15, 2005). "Polarium". Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on October 21, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231021065636/https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/04/15/polarium. Retrieved January 30, 2025. 
  14. ↑ "Polarium". Nintendo Power (Nintendo of America) 192: 95. June 2005. 
  15. ↑ Kosmina, Ben (February 6, 2005). "Chokkan Hitofude". NINWR, LLC. Archived from the original on September 1, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230901021923/https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/4328/polarium-nintendo-ds. Retrieved January 30, 2025. 
  16. ↑ Metts, Jonathan (April 15, 2005). "Polarium". NINWR, LLC. Archived from the original on September 1, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230901021924/https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/4353/polarium-nintendo-ds. Retrieved January 30, 2025. 
  17. ↑ Jordan, Jon (September 17, 2005). "Polarium". Steel Media Ltd. Archived from the original on January 30, 2025. https://archive.today/20250130164059/https://www.pocketgamer.com/polarium/polarium/. Retrieved January 30, 2025. 
  18. ↑ D'Aprile, Jason (May 9, 2005). "Polarium Review". G4 Media. Archived from the original on December 2, 2005. https://web.archive.org/web/20051202223150/http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/features/51746/Polarium_Review.html. Retrieved December 6, 2016. 
  19. ↑ Campbell, Craig (May 8, 2005). "'Polarium'". Detroit Free Press (Gannett Company). Archived from the original on May 14, 2005. https://web.archive.org/web/20050514070046/http://www.freep.com/entertainment/videogames/gmini8e_20050508.htm. Retrieved December 6, 2016. 
  20. ↑ Hill, Jason (April 28, 2005). "Spectacular graphics". The Sydney Morning Herald (Fairfax Media). Archived from the original on January 31, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140131192624/https://www.smh.com.au/news/Games/Spectacular-graphics/2005/04/27/1114462046709.html. Retrieved January 30, 2025. 

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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