Software:The Bombing Islands

From HandWiki
Short description: 1997 video game
The Bombing Islands
The Bombing Islands cover art (North American, PlayStation version)
Developer(s)Kemco
Realtime Associates (N64)
Publisher(s)Kemco[lower-alpha 1][1]
SeriesKid Klown
Platform(s)PlayStation, Nintendo 64
ReleasePlayStation
Nintendo 64
  • NA: April 2, 1999[1]
  • EU: June 18, 1999
PlayStation Network
  • JP: July 6, 2011
Genre(s)Puzzle[1]
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Lua error in Module:Lang/utilities at line 332: attempt to call field '_transl' (a nil value). is a puzzle video game developed and published by Kemco for the PlayStation. It was later re-released for Nintendo 64 as Charlie Blast's Territory (whose working title was Charlie Blast's Challenge[4]) in 1999 in North America on April 2, and in Europe on June 18.[1] A cell phone game named "The Bombing Island" was also released in 2003 by Kemco,[5] but with graphics from the game Bombuzal with the main character changed to Kid Clown.

Gameplay

The player controls the game's main protagonist and is tasked to demolish a series of bombs located on 60 islands, taking place across six different environments. He must use these bombs and other things located on each island to help him clear the bombs so he can proceed to the next island. An island has a single red detonator bomb, which must be grouped alongside other bombs in the level by pushing the bombs (excluding ones planted in the ground) before lighting the detonator bomb, which allows for all the bombs to explode and destroy the island. If the player is either caught in an explosion or fails to remove all the bombs in the level, they are forced to retry the level from the start. As the player advances, additional hazards are added to make the game more challenging, such as moving platforms, spikes coming through the ground, and slippery surfaces that prevent him from pushing bombs across. After each island is cleared the player has given a password which consists of five playing cards.[1]

Story and other differences in the versions

In the PlayStation versions of the game, the main character is Kid Clown, from the earlier Kid Klown series of video games. He is given a message from the King Clown to rid the planet of the bombs on all six continents.

In the Nintendo 64 (N64) version, the hero is Charlie Blast, a demolition expert. His job is to clear the six rivers that have been dammed by the evil 'King of Industry'.[1]

PlayStation version Nintendo 64 version
175px 175px

The play mechanics for both games are almost identical, but in Bombing Islands there is a step meter counting each step and move that Kid Clown makes. This earns the player Gold, Silver, Bronze or no medal. The N64 version doesn't have this step counting requirement, but Charlie can jump without having to step on spikes to do so, while Kid Clown only jumps when having stepped on spikes. Some of the sixty levels in the game are the same from one version to the next, but the graphics to both are completely different, even though the obstacles serve the same purpose with both versions.

Charlie Blast's Territory

Charlie Blast's Territory (North American N64 version)

The game was independently re-developed for the Nintendo 64 by Realtime Associates and game designer Scott Kim.[1] In the early days of the games production it was titled "Charlie Blast's Challenge".[4][1][6] Besides changing the graphics, a four-player versus mode was also added wherein players can control Charlie or one of three other characters and must conquer as much of the land as possible with one's own bomb blasts. The multiplayer mode includes several bombs not featured in the main solo mode, like a freeze bomb, which when lit, will encase the other player(s) in blocks of ice, and a rainbow bomb, which is capable of exploding an entire row or column that the bomb is facing.

Reception

Reception
Review scores
PublicationScore
N64PS
AllGameN/AStarStarHalf star[9]
EGM5.25/10[10][lower-alpha 2]N/A
FamitsuN/A21/40[11]
Game Informer3/10[12]N/A
GameSpot4.8/10[13]N/A
IGN6.9/10[1]N/A
N64 Magazine52%[14]N/A
Nintendo Power6.3/10[15]N/A
OPM (US)N/AStarStarHalf star[16]
Aggregate score
GameRankings57%[7]34%[8]

Charlie Blast's Territory received mixed reviews, while The Bombing Islands received unfavorable reviews, according to the review aggregation website GameRankings.[7][8] GameSpot criticized the graphics and the sound of the former version, and called it a decent puzzle game in a substandard package.[13] IGN rated the game higher, and recommended it for hardcore puzzle gamers.[1] GamePro also noted the lackluster presentation.[17][lower-alpha 3] Nintendo Power gave Charlie's Blast Territory a mixed review, a few months before the game was released Stateside.[15] In Japan, Famitsu gave The Bombing Islands a score of 21 out of 40.[11]

Notes

  1. ↑ Nintendo 64 version co-published by Vatical Entertainment.
  2. ↑ Four critics of Electronic Gaming Monthly gave the Nintendo 64 version each a score of 5/10, 6.5/10, 5.5/10, and 4/10.
  3. ↑ GamePro gave the Nintendo 64 version 3.5/5 for graphics, two 2/5 scores for sound and fun factor, and 3/5 for control.

References

  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 Schneider, Peer (April 9, 1999). "Charlie Blast's Territory Review". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/04/10/charlie-blasts-territory. Retrieved November 16, 2020. 
  2. ↑ "The Games of May" (in en). April 30, 2001. https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/04/30/the-games-of-may. 
  3. ↑ "The Bombing Islands". http://psx.gamezone.com/gamesell/p17932.htm. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Gaudiosi, John (May 25, 1999). "Charlie Blast's Challenge [sic"]. CNET. Archived from the original on August 23, 2000. https://web.archive.org/web/20000823204842/http://gamecenter.com/Consoles/Nintendo/Charlieblast/. Retrieved August 18, 2022. 
  5. ↑ "The Bombing Islands" (in ja). Archived from the original on April 5, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150405134627/http://www.kemco.jp/applipage/gen_result.php?c=S&genre=PZL&page=5. Retrieved November 16, 2020. 
  6. ↑ "Charlie Blast's Challenge (Preview)". Nintendo Official Magazine (EMAP) (72): 118. September 1998. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Charlie Blast's Territory for Nintendo 64". CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on May 12, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190512160845/https://www.gamerankings.com/n64/196901-charlie-blasts-territory/index.html. Retrieved November 16, 2020. 
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "The Bombing Islands for PlayStation". CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on May 1, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190501075704/https://www.gamerankings.com/ps/562803-the-bombing-islands/index.html. Retrieved November 16, 2020. 
  9. ↑ Semerad, Jay. "The Bombing Islands - Review". All Media Network. Archived from the original on November 15, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141115145903/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=31674&tab=review. Retrieved November 16, 2020. 
  10. ↑ Smith, Shawn; Hsu, Dan; Davison, John; Boyer, Crispin (June 1999). "Charlie Blast's Territory". Electronic Gaming Monthly (Ziff Davis) (119): 131. https://retrocdn.net/images/6/63/EGM_US_119.pdf. Retrieved August 18, 2022. 
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 "ボンビンアイランド [PS"] (in ja). Famitsu (Enterbrain). https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=16737&redirect=no. Retrieved November 16, 2020. 
  12. ↑ "Charlie Blast's Territory". Game Informer (FuncoLand) (73). May 1999. 
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Stahl, Ben (May 11, 1999). "Charlie Blast's Territory Review [date mislabeled as "April 28, 2000""]. Red Ventures. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/charlie-blasts-territory-review/1900-2543647/. Retrieved November 16, 2020. 
  14. ↑ Green, Mark (July 1999). "Charlie Blast's Territory". N64 Magazine (Future Publishing) (30): 64–65. 
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 "Charlie Blast's Territory". Nintendo Power (Nintendo of America) 116: 127. January 1999. https://www.nintendo64ever.com/scans/mags/Scan-Magazine-358-127.jpg. Retrieved November 16, 2020. 
  16. ↑ Rybicki, Joe (August 2001). "The Bombing Islands". Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine (Ziff Davis) (47): 106. https://archive.org/details/official-us-playstation-magazine-issue-47-august-2001/page/106/mode/2up. Retrieved August 18, 2022. 
  17. ↑ Four-Eyed Dragon (June 1999). "Charlie Blast's Territory [author mislabeled as "Air Hendrix""]. GamePro (IDG Entertainment) (129): 108. Archived from the original on November 9, 2004. https://web.archive.org/web/20041109140857/http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/n64/games/reviews/41.shtml. Retrieved November 16, 2020. 

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.

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Warning: Default sort key "Bombing Islands" overrides earlier default sort key "Mobygames".



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