Software:Smuggler's Run

From HandWiki
Short description: 2000 video game
Smuggler's Run
Developer(s)
Publisher(s)
Designer(s)Wing S. Cho (PS2)
Platform(s)PlayStation 2, Game Boy Advance
Release
  • PlayStation 2
    • NA: October 26, 2000
    • EU: November 24, 2000
  • Game Boy Advance
    • NA: September 25, 2002
    • PAL: October 8, 2002
Genre(s)Racing
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Smuggler's Run is a video game developed by Angel Studios and published by Rockstar Games as a launch title for the PlayStation 2 on October 26, 2000. In the game, the player plays as a smuggler who has a number of different vehicles at his disposal including dune buggies, rally cars, and military vehicles. The vehicles are used to smuggle assorted cargo through three different large, open levels. The game, which was an early release for the Sony PlayStation 2, features career and 1- to 2-player arcade modes.

Smuggler's Run became a part of the Sony Greatest Hits series of games that reached a particular sales milestone for the PlayStation 2.

Gameplay

Smuggler's Mission: New to a local smuggling gang, the player's job is to smuggle cargo through three consecutive levels (forest, desert, and snow) with about ten missions per level. In nearly all missions they must evade the U.S. border patrol, the CIA, or rival smuggling gangs. This is essentially the career mode of the game. There are a total of 34 missions to complete here.

Turf War: In this mode, players can play three different mini-games - two of which involve smuggling cargo while fighting against a rival gang. The final mini-game is a race through a popular spot through the level of their choice.

Joyriding: This is a free roam mode where the player can explore the level of their choice without having to evade the border patrol. This is a good way to become familiar with the levels and find optimal routes through the level during Smuggler's Mission.

Reception

Reception
Review scores
PublicationScore
GBAPS2
AllGameStarHalf star[3]StarStarStarHalf star[4]
EGMN/A7.67/10[6][lower-alpha 1]
EurogamerN/A8/10[7]
FamitsuN/A28/40[8]
Game InformerN/A8.5/10[9]
GameFanN/A82%[10][lower-alpha 2]
GameRevolutionN/AB−[11]
GameSpot3.1/10[12]8/10[13]
GameSpyN/A75%[14]
IGNN/A7.9/10[15]
Next GenerationN/AStarStarStarStar[16]
Nintendo Power2.7/5[17]N/A
OPM (US)N/AStarStarStarStarHalf star[18]
MaximN/A8/10[19]
Aggregate score
Metacritic41/100[1]79/100[2]

The PlayStation 2 version received "generally favorable reviews", while the Game Boy Advance version received "generally unfavorable reviews", according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[1][2] David Chen of NextGen said of the former console version, "A truly next-generation launch title, it's fast, fun, and free of constraints – just the way we like our cross-country crime sprees."[16] In Japan, where the same console version was ported for release under the name Crazy Bump's: Kattobi Car Battle! (CRAZY BUMP'S (クレイジーバンプ) 〜かっとびカーバトル！〜, Kureijī Banpu 〜Kattobi Kā Batoru!〜) and published by Syscom on December 28, 2000, Famitsu gave it a score of 28 out of 40.[8]

Jake The Snake of GamePro said in one review that the PlayStation 2 version "has so many variables that no two runs are alike, and you'll enjoy replaying missions over and over. If you're in the market for some highly addictive, heart-pounding action, socre a copy of Smuggler's Run."[20][lower-alpha 3] In another GamePro review, Human Tornado said of the same console version, "Smuggler's Run's go-anywhere experience frees you up to get a bit creative with your driving, and the high speeds combined with rugged off-road courses make for a wild ride."[21][lower-alpha 4] Edge gave the same console version a score of six out of ten, saying that it "smacks of a game which has had a great deal of effort expended on its physics engine and raw playability, but very little on drawing up an overarching design."[22]

Sequel

Main article: Software:Smuggler's Run 2

A sequel to the game was produced: Smuggler's Run 2, which was released for the Sony PlayStation 2 on October 30, 2001. The sequel was later ported to the GameCube on August 7, 2002 and renamed Smuggler's Run: Warzones.[23]

Notes

  1. ↑ Three critics of Electronic Gaming Monthly gave the PlayStation 2 version each a score of 8/10, 8.5/10 and 6.5/10.
  2. ↑ Three critics of GameFan gave the PlayStation 2 version each a score of 89, 82, and 74.
  3. ↑ GamePro gave the PlayStation 2 version 4.5/5 for graphics, 4/5 for sound, and two 5/5 scores for control and fun factor in one review.
  4. ↑ GamePro gave the PlayStation 2 version two 4.5/5 scores for graphics and fun factor, 3.5/5 for sound, and 5/5 for control in another review.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Smuggler's Run critic reviews (GBA)". Fandom. https://www.metacritic.com/game/smugglers-run/critic-reviews/?platform=game-boy-advance. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Smuggler's Run critic reviews (PS2)". Fandom. https://www.metacritic.com/game/smugglers-run/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2. 
  3. ↑ Marriott, Scott Alan. "Smuggler's Run (GBA) - Review". All Media Network. http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=36617&tab=review. 
  4. ↑ Barnes, J.C.. "Smuggler's Run (PS2) - Review". All Media Network. http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=23434&tab=review. 
  5. ↑ Torres, Ricardo (November 2, 2000). "Smuggler's Run - PlayStation 2 Review". CNET. http://gamecenter.com/Ps2/Reviews/Smugrun/. 
  6. ↑ Sewart, Greg; Hager, Dean; Kujawa, Kraig (December 2000). "Smuggler's Run (PS2)". Electronic Gaming Monthly (Ziff Davis) (137): 232. https://retrocdn.net/images/6/62/EGM_US_137.pdf. Retrieved October 30, 2023. 
  7. ↑ Bramwell, Tom (November 30, 2000). "Smuggler's Run (PlayStation 2)". Gamer Network. https://www.eurogamer.net/r-srun-ps2. 
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "CRAZY BUMP'S 〜かっとびカーバトル！〜 [PS2"] (in ja). Famitsu (Enterbrain). https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=9420&redirect=no. Retrieved October 30, 2023. 
  9. ↑ Reppen, Erik (November 2000). "Smuggler's Run (PS2)". Game Informer (FuncoLand) (91). https://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200011/R03.0806.1621.50478.htm. Retrieved February 8, 2019. 
  10. ↑ Mylonas, Eric "ECM"; Weitzner, Jason "Fury"; Ngo, George "Eggo" (December 2000). "Smuggler's Run (PS2)". GameFan (Shinno Media) 8 (12): 25. https://archive.org/details/Gamefan_Vol_8_Issue_12/page/n25/mode/2up. Retrieved September 16, 2020. 
  11. ↑ Silverman, Ben (November 2000). "Smuggler's Run Review (PS2)". CraveOnline. https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/33604-smugglers-run-review. 
  12. ↑ Provo, Frank (October 16, 2002). "Smuggler's Run Review (GBA)". Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/smugglers-run-review/1900-2894849/. 
  13. ↑ Stahl, Ben (October 12, 2000). "Smuggler's Run Review (PS2) [date mislabeled as "May 17, 2006""]. Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/smugglers-run-review/1900-2640093/. 
  14. ↑ Hiscock, Josh (February 23, 2001). "Smuggler's Run". IGN Entertainment. http://www.planetps2.com/features/reviews/2001/smugglersrun/. 
  15. ↑ Perry, Douglass C. (October 23, 2000). "Smuggler's Run (PS2)". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/10/24/smugglers-run. 
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Chen, David (December 2000). "Smuggler's Run (PS2)". NextGen (Imagine Media) (72): 105. https://archive.org/details/NextGen72Dec2000/page/n105/mode/2up. Retrieved September 16, 2020. 
  17. ↑ "Smuggler's Run". Nintendo Power (Nintendo of America) 164: 178. January 2003. 
  18. ↑ Rybicki, Joe (December 2000). "Smuggler's Run". Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine (Ziff Davis) (39): 162. https://archive.org/details/official-u.-s.-playstation-magazine-issue-39-december-2000/page/162/mode/2up. Retrieved October 30, 2023. 
  19. ↑ Porter, Alex (October 26, 2000). "Smuggler's Run (PS2)". MaximNet, Inc.. http://www.maximonline.com/articles/review_videogames.asp?videogame_id=778. 
  20. ↑ Jake The Snake (December 2000). "Smuggler's Run (PS2)". GamePro (IDG) (147): 118. https://retrocdn.net/images/6/61/GamePro_US_147.pdf. Retrieved October 30, 2023. 
  21. ↑ Human Tornado (October 20, 2000). "Smuggler's Run for PS2 on GamePro.com". GamePro (IDG). http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/reviews/7081.shtml. Retrieved February 9, 2019. 
  22. ↑ Edge staff (December 2000). "Smuggler's Run (PS2)". Edge (Future Publishing) (91): 107. https://retrocdn.net/images/f/f6/Edge_UK_091.pdf. Retrieved October 30, 2023. 
  23. ↑ Perry, Douglass C. (October 31, 2001). "Smuggler's Run 2: Hostile Territory". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/11/01/smugglers-run-2-hostile-territory. 
  • 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. 
  • No URL found. Please specify a URL here or add one to Wikidata.

Template:Atari



  • 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. 
  • No URL found. Please specify a URL here or add one to Wikidata.

Template:Atari




Retrieved from "https://handwiki.org/wiki/index.php?title=Software:Smuggler%27s_Run&oldid=746656"