Software:Pursuit Force

From HandWiki
Short description: 2005 video game
Pursuit Force
European cover art
Developer(s)Bigbig Studios
Publisher(s)Sony Computer Entertainment
Designer(s)Alan Stock
Christopher Whiteside
Programmer(s)Andrew Beynon
Ben Cohen
Tony Marshall
Lee Metcalfe
Artist(s)Saleh Ahmed
Mark Ashcroft
Piers Coe
Chun Man Li
Andrew Stevenson
Composer(s)Richard Jacques
Platform(s)PlayStation Portable
Release
  • AU: 10 November 2005[1]
  • EU: 18 November 2005
  • NA: 7 March 2006
Genre(s)Vehicular combat, third-person shooter
Mode(s)Single-player

Pursuit Force is a 2005 vehicular combat and third-person shooter video game developed by Bigbig Studios and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation Portable. The game places the player in the role of a police agent who is a member of the titular elite law enforcement agency that specialises in direct armed encounters with adversaries, whether it be on foot or on the hood of a speeding car. The player has to try to seize cars and motorbikes while engaging in high-speed chases and gun battles against heavily armed gangs.

Pursuit Force was released in the PAL region in November 2005 and in North America in March 2006. The game received positive reviews from critics. A sequel, Software:Pursuit Force: Extreme Justice, was released for the PlayStation Portable in 2007. In May 2023, the original Pursuit Force was released for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 as part of the Classics Catalogue.[2]

Gameplay

There are a total of 30 missions, six per gang, involving fighting enemies on foot, in a speedboat and a car/motorcycle chases, or in a helicopter while manning a minigun. The player character can leap into enemy vehicles and commandeer them after shooting their occupants. The player can earn different ranks which unlock different content while completing missions will unlock new ranks which will unlock new gang missions and different abilities to help make the game easier, such as regenerating health.

The game also includes a race mode with several different courses and scenarios and a time trial mode, setting the player across all the games' tracks. These two modes are completely independent of each other and will not help nor hinder the gameplay of the other game modes. There is also a wide variety of unlockable content such as pictures and videos to access. The amount of content to unlock, however, is completely dependent on the scores in the career mode.

Plot

The Pursuit Force has been organised to destroy the threat posed by gangs responsible for many vehicle-related crime sprees across Capital State and to eliminate their leaders:

  • Capelli Family: One of the two gangs that are initially available at the start of the game, the Capellis are Capital State's most powerful Mafia family headed up by Don Capelli, and are said to be the state's oldest gang. The other significant member of the Capelli Family is their best marksman Stefano De Tomaso, also known as "Deadeye".
  • Warlords: The second of the two gangs available at the start of the game, the Warlords are a group of mercenaries and rogue soldiers who feel that they were betrayed by the military. They focus primarily on hijacking military hardware and are led by "The General", with the other significant member of the gang being Lieutenant Davies.
  • Convicts: The Convicts are a group of psychotic prison escapees who have broken out of prison to cause as much chaos as they can around Capital State and are about to flee the city so they can wreak havoc on a much larger scale. Their leader is a gigantic criminal known only as "Hard Balls", while the other significant member of the Convicts is an insane pyromaniac named Billy Wilde.
  • Vixens: The Vixens are an all-female group of professional thieves with a high-tech arsenal whose crimes are based around high-profile heists and grand thefts, from priceless artifacts to luxury speedboats. The major members of the Vixens are their leader "Whiplash" and her second-in-command and lover "The Fox".
  • Killer 66: The Killer 66 are a Yakuza gang based in Capital State, and the most powerful of all five gangs in the game, focusing primarily on vehicle smuggling and illegal drug trade. They are led by "Monster" Toshima; the other significant member of the gang being his second-in-command Sudeko Arakawa.

Reception

Reception
Aggregate score
AggregatorScore
Metacritic75/100[3]
Review scores
PublicationScore
CGMStarStarStarStar[4]
EGM4.67/10[5][lower-alpha 1]
Eurogamer6/10[6]
Famitsu30/40[7]
Game Informer6.25/10[8]
GameRevolutionC+[9]
GameSpot8/10[10]
GameSpyStarStarStarHalf star[11]
GameTrailers7.6/10[12]
Hardcore Gamer3.25/5[13]
IGN8.4/10[14]
OPM (US)StarStarStar[15]
Pocket GamerStarStarStarHalf star[16]
X-PlayStarStarStar[17]
Detroit Free PressStarStarStarStar[18]
The TimesStarStarStarStarStar[19]

The game received "generally favourable reviews" according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[3] In Japan, where the game was ported and published by Spike on 2 March 2006, Famitsu gave it a score of two eights and two sevens for a total of 30 out of 40.[7] Rice Burner of GamePro said, "If rampant explosions and car chases float your boat and you can forgive the list of obvious short comings [sic] of Pursuit Force, then this game can be an enjoyable ride and a minor trip down video gaming nostalgic lane."[20][lower-alpha 2]

Detroit Free Press gave it a score of all four stars and said that the game was "nearly perfect with its graphics that often look close to cinematic scenes and a whole host of strategies for nailing the bad guys."[18] The Times similarly gave it all five stars and said, "Even by the high standards already set, Pursuit Force is an astonishing title... The best PSP title yet."[19] However, The New York Times gave it an average review and said, "Apparently the designers were afraid the game might just be too much fun, so they compensated by making the missions brutally, mind-numbingly difficult."[21] The Sydney Morning Herald gave it a score of three out of five, saying, "Streamlined controls make performing outrageous stunts easy. But car handling is overly rigid making tight bends difficult to negotiate."Cite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag However, Edge gave it seven out of ten, saying that the game "delivers on its promise of realizing pursuit scenarios in a fast-paced and energetic manner – it's a pleasing experience, but not exceptional."[22]

Despite its innovative gameplay, Pursuit Force was criticized for its punishing difficulty.[23] In response, the developer reevaluated the gameplay and made sure the sequel was more playable.[24]

Notes

  1. ↑ Three critics of Electronic Gaming Monthly gave the game each a score of 3.5/10, 4/10, and 6.5/10.
  2. ↑ GamePro gave the game two 4/5 scores for graphics and sound, and two 3.5/5 scores for control and fun factor.

References

  1. ↑ Van Leuveren, Luke (7 November 2005). "Updated Australian Release List - 7/11/05". PAL Gaming Network. Archived from the original on 29 June 2006. https://web.archive.org/web/20060629084852/http://palgn.com.au/article.php?id=3377&sid=7b7984ff736abd9f2b8060f1236324bd. Retrieved 1 August 2024. 
  2. ↑ Michel, Adam (10 May 2023). "PlayStation Plus Game Catalog lineup for May: Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, Humanity, Watch Dogs: Legion". Sony Interactive Entertainment. Archived from the original on 10 May 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230510161458/https://blog.playstation.com/2023/05/10/playstation-plus-game-catalog-lineup-for-may-ratchet-clank-rift-apart-humanity-watch-dogs-legion/. Retrieved 1 August 2024. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Pursuit Force". Fandom. Archived from the original on 1 August 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240801225442/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pursuit-force/. Retrieved 1 August 2024. 
  4. ↑ "Review: Pursuit Force". Computer Games Magazine (theGlobe.com) (187): 93. June 2006. 
  5. ↑ Sanders, Kathleen; Tsao, Jennifer; Rybicki, Joe (April 2006). "Pursuit Force". Electronic Gaming Monthly (Ziff Davis) (202): 106. Archived from the original on 29 March 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230329191522/https://retrocdn.net/images/f/f8/EGM_US_202.pdf. Retrieved 2 August 2024. 
  6. ↑ Reed, Kristan (31 October 2005). "Pursuit Force". Gamer Network. Archived from the original on 29 January 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150129073113/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_pursuitforce_psp. Retrieved 1 August 2024. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Gantayat, Anoop (10 March 2006). "Gaming Life in Japan". Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on 20 June 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230620164325/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/03/10/gaming-life-in-japan-140. Retrieved 1 August 2024. 
  8. ↑ "Pursuit Force". Game Informer (GameStop) (156): 135. April 2006. 
  9. ↑ Silverman, Ben (10 March 2006). "Pursuit Force Review". CraveOnline. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141006101728/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/pursuit-force. Retrieved 1 August 2024. 
  10. ↑ Navarro, Alex (7 March 2006). "Pursuit Force Review". Fandom. Archived from the original on 29 July 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230729204716/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/pursuit-force-review/1900-6145556/. Retrieved 1 August 2024. 
  11. ↑ Speer, Justin (8 March 2006). "GameSpy: Pursuit Force". IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on 1 January 2007. https://web.archive.org/web/20070101065003/http://psp.gamespy.com/playstation-portable/bigbig-studios-project-untitled/694402p1.html. Retrieved 1 August 2024. 
  12. ↑ "Pursuit Force Review". Viacom. 10 March 2006. Archived from the original on 16 April 2007. https://web.archive.org/web/20070416181558/http://www.gametrailers.com/gamepage.php?id=1941. Retrieved 19 February 2017. 
  13. ↑ Cunningham, James; Venter, Jason "HonestGamer" (April 2006). "Pursuit Force". Hardcore Gamer (Prima Games) 1 (10): 66. https://archive.org/details/hardcore-gamer-magazine-v1i10/page/n35/mode/2up. Retrieved 2 August 2024. 
  14. ↑ Castro, Juan (3 March 2006). "Pursuit Force". Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on 29 July 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230729210257/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/03/04/pursuit-force. Retrieved 1 August 2024. 
  15. ↑ Rybicki, Joe (April 2006). "Pursuit Force". Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine (Ziff Davis) (103): 89. https://archive.org/details/official-us-playstation-magazine-issue-103-april-2006/page/n87/mode/2up. Retrieved 2 August 2024. 
  16. ↑ Sanches, Joao Diniz (18 November 2005). "Pursuit Force". Steel Media Ltd. Archived from the original on 3 July 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220703234743/https://www.pocketgamer.com/pursuit-force/pursuit-force/. Retrieved 2 August 2024. 
  17. ↑ Fischer, Russ (3 April 2006). "Pursuit Force Review". G4 Media. Archived from the original on 4 May 2006. https://web.archive.org/web/20060504081011/http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/features/53635/Pursuit_Force_Review.html. Retrieved 2 August 2024. 
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Crumm, David; Crumm, Benjamin (12 March 2006). "Pursuit Force". Detroit Free Press (Gannett Company). Archived from the original on 19 June 2006. https://web.archive.org/web/20060619112523/http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20060312%2FENT06%2F603120327%2F1044. Retrieved 19 February 2017. 
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 Kendall, Nigel (22 October 2005). "Pursuit Force". The Times. Archived from the original on 29 September 2006. https://web.archive.org/web/20060929070602/http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,18589-1833493,00.html. Retrieved 1 August 2024. 
  20. ↑ Rice Burner (April 2006). "Review: Pursuit Force". GamePro (IDG) (213). Archived from the original on 3 July 2006. https://web.archive.org/web/20060703211036/http://www.gamepro.com/sony/psp/games/reviews/52531.shtml. Retrieved 19 February 2017. 
  21. ↑ Herold, Charles (16 March 2006). "Large-Scale Action in a Tiny Package". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 19 February 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170219173530/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/16/technology/circuits/largescale-action-in-a-tiny-package.html. Retrieved 16 May 2023. 
  22. ↑ Edge staff (December 2005). "Pursuit Force". Edge (Future plc) (156): 102. 
  23. ↑ Jurkovich, Tristan (6 March 2024). "6 Hardest PSP Games Published By Sony, Ranked". https://gamerant.com/hardest-psp-playstation-portable-games-published-by-sony/. 
  24. ↑ Whitehead, Dan (20 October 2007). "Pursuit Force: Extreme Justice". https://www.eurogamer.net/pursuit-force-extreme-justice-review. 
  • Official website
  • 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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