Software:Surfing H3O

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Short description: 2000 video game


Surfing H3O
Developer(s)Opus
Publisher(s)
Platform(s)PlayStation 2
Release
  • JP: August 10, 2000
  • NA: October 27, 2000[1]
  • EU: January 5, 2001
Genre(s)Sports
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Surfing H3O, known in Japan as Surfroid: Densetsu no Surfer (サーフロイド 伝説のサーファー, Sāfuroido Densetsu no Sāfā; lit. "Surfroid: The Legendary Surfer"), is a surfing video game developed by Opus and published by ASCII Entertainment in Japan and Rockstar Games internationally for the PlayStation 2.

Gameplay

There are two play modes that can be chosen from the main menu: Tournament which contains a collection of levels with different conditions, and Vs. Mode that is designed as same as the Tournament, only for two players. The latter is not played simultaneously but the players will alternate their turns instead.[2] The goal is to travel through the waves that are moving in a certain direction while picking up the buoys scattered around and doing specific tricks, before the time limit expires.[3] Each course requires the players to collect a certain number of points before progressing to the next one. They can be obtained by collecting markers or performing tricks.[4]

In the Tournament mode, each series consists of six stages. Once a single series is completed, the next competition starts with the same amount of levels and with progressively more difficult conditions.[5] At the beginning, only two difficulty levels are unlocked, easy and intermediate. As each of these are completed, new ones are opening, such as pro or semi pro.[6] The players can choose from eleven different characters, like Kelly Sunset or Mark Mavericks. Each of them have slightly different stats.[7]

Development

Surfing H3O is a reworked version of Surfroid. As a result, the plot that revolved around aliens and the planetary doomsday was cut off from this version.[8]

Reception

Reception
Aggregate score
AggregatorScore
Metacritic46/100[9]
Review scores
PublicationScore
AllGameStarHalf star[10]
Edge4/10[12]
EGM4.5/10[13]
Famitsu30/40[15]
Game Informer3/10[16]
GameSpot4.8/10[5]
GameSpy15%[8]
IGN4/10[6]
Jeuxvideo.com8/20[17]
Next GenerationStar[18]
OPM (US)StarStar[19]

The game received "generally unfavorable reviews" according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[9] Daniel Erickson of NextGen said that the game was "One cute gimmick away from absolute crap."[18] In Japan, Famitsu gave it a score of 30 out of 40.[15] Four-Eyed Dragon of GamePro said, "Don't expect any Maverick thrills in this disappointing surfer. While it looks like the perfect wave and has an innovative way of controlling your boarder with a miniature surfboard that attaches to both analog sticks, Surfing H30 [sic] fails to stay afloat with fun gameplay."[20][lower-alpha 1]

Notes

  1. ↑ GamePro gave the game 4.5/5 for graphics, 3.5/5 for sound, and two 2.5/5 scores for control and fun factor.

References

  1. ↑ IGN staff (November 13, 2000). "Games of November". Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on May 21, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230521021437/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/11/14/games-of-november. Retrieved January 6, 2024. 
  2. ↑ Daguinot, Jean-Charles (January 26, 2001). "Surfing H30 [sic : le jeu qui fait la planche"] (in fr). TF1 Group. Archived from the original on May 16, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210516184924/https://www.gamekult.com/jeux/surfing-h30-4129/test.html. Retrieved January 6, 2024. 
  3. ↑ Grandio, Pablo (August 22, 2019). "Análisis de Surfing H3O (PS2)" (in es). El León de El Español Publicaciones S.A.. Archived from the original on May 29, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230529190640/https://vandal.elespanol.com/analisis/ps2/surfing-h3o/108#p-2. Retrieved January 6, 2024. 
  4. ↑ Chatterton, Sally (February 12, 2001). "Games: Surfing H30 [sic]; Spawn; Ms Pac Man's Maze Madness". The Independent (Independent Digital News & Media Ltd). Archived from the original on May 25, 2022. https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220525/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/analysis-and-features/games-surfing-h30-spawn-ms-pac-mans-maze-madness-5364720.html. Retrieved October 24, 2019. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Davis, Ryan (October 27, 2000). "Surfing H3O Review [date mislabeled as "November 3, 2000""]. Fandom. Archived from the original on December 3, 2000. https://web.archive.org/web/20001203152300/http://www.zdnet.com/gamespot/stories/reviews/0,10867,2646297,00.html. Retrieved January 6, 2024. 
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Perry, Douglass C. (November 3, 2000). "Surfing H30 [sic]". Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on December 26, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221226010703/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/11/04/surfing-h30. Retrieved January 6, 2024. 
  7. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Rev
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Tsotsos, Alex (November 21, 2000). "Surfing H3O". IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on February 9, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20080209214937/http://www.sportplanet.com/features/reviews/surfingh3o/. Retrieved October 24, 2019. 
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Surfing H3O". Fandom. Archived from the original on January 6, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240106192031/https://www.metacritic.com/game/surfing-h3o/. Retrieved January 6, 2024. 
  10. ↑ Thompson, Jon. "Surfing H3O - Review". All Media Network. Archived from the original on November 15, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141115190419/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=28556&tab=review. Retrieved October 24, 2019. 
  11. ↑ Saltzman, Marc (January 25, 2001). "Surfing H3O". CNET. Archived from the original on February 15, 2001. https://web.archive.org/web/20010215013432/http://www.gamecenter.com/Ps2/Reviews/H3o/. Retrieved December 31, 2021. 
  12. ↑ Edge staff (November 2000). "Surfroid". Edge (Future Publishing) (90): 101. Archived from the original on December 9, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231209140127/https://retrocdn.net/images/c/cd/Edge_UK_090.pdf. Retrieved January 6, 2024. 
  13. ↑ Dudlak, Jonathan (January 2001). "Surfing H3O". Electronic Gaming Monthly (Ziff Davis) (138): 212. https://archive.org/details/Electronic_Gaming_Monthly_138_January_2001_U/page/n211. Retrieved January 14, 2020. 
  14. ↑ Steinberg, Scott (December 4, 2000). "Surfing H3O". Greedy Productions Ltd.. Archived from the original on June 22, 2002. https://web.archive.org/web/20020622190014/http://www.elecplay.com/review.html?article=4595&full=1. Retrieved January 6, 2024. 
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 "サーフロイド 伝説のサーファー [PS2"] (in ja). Famitsu (Enterbrain). Archived from the original on July 26, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220726081655/https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=9359&redirect=no. Retrieved January 6, 2024. 
  16. ↑ Helgeson, Matt (January 2001). "Surfing H3O". Game Informer (FuncoLand) (93): 95. http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200101/R03.0804.1427.28038.htm. Retrieved January 14, 2020. 
  17. ↑ pliou (January 31, 2001). "Test: Surfing H3O" (in fr). Webedia. Archived from the original on May 2, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210502085808/https://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0000/00001180_test.htm. Retrieved January 6, 2024. 
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Erickson, Daniel (February 2001). "Surfing H3O". NextGen (Imagine Media) (74): 73. https://archive.org/details/NextGen74Feb2001/page/n73/mode/2up. Retrieved August 30, 2020. 
  19. ↑ Kennedy, Sam (January 2001). "Surfing H3O". Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine (Ziff Davis) (40): 133. https://archive.org/details/official-u.-s.-playstation-magazine-issue-40-january-2001/page/132/mode/2up. Retrieved January 6, 2024. 
  20. ↑ Four-Eyed Dragon (January 2001). "Surfing H30 [sic]". GamePro (IDG) (148): 78. Archived from the original on April 5, 2005. https://web.archive.org/web/20050405014615/http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/reviews/10102.shtml. Retrieved January 6, 2023. 
  • 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 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]

On February 13, 2025, Freyholtz stepped down as the site lead to move onto new projects, leaving operations to Tracy Poff, a veteran coder on the site, and Atari staff.[18]

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. 
  18. ↑ "An update on MobyGames leadership". 2025-02-13. https://www.mobygames.com/forum/3/thread/269628/an-update-on-mobygames-leadership/#post-269628. 
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