Software:Thrillville: Off the Rails

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Short description: 2007 video game

Thrillville: Off the Rails
Developer(s)
Publisher(s)LucasArts
Producer(s)Michael Brookes
Designer(s)Daniel Gould
Programmer(s)Stefan Mars
Artist(s)John Laws
Writer(s)Greg Orlando
Composer(s)
  • David W. Collins
  • Jesse Harlin
Platform(s)
Release
Genre(s)Simulation
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Thrillville: Off the Rails is a theme park simulation video game developed by Frontier Developments and published by LucasArts. It is the sequel to the 2006 game Thrillville. The game was released worldwide in October 2007. DC Studios developed the Nintendo DS version, which is a completely different game.

The Xbox 360 version of Thrillville: Off the Rails was made backwards compatible on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S on November 15, 2021.[6]

The PlayStation Portable version of the game was made available on PlayStation Store for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 on December 19, 2023.[7]

Plot

The player's Uncle Mortimer (Brian Greene) congratulates the player for making Thrillville one of the best theme parks in the world and for ridding the competition of Globo-Joy in the first game. However, he also warns the player that Globo-Joy's president, Vernon Garrison, might be out to get his revenge on Thrillville. It is later shown that each of the parks has been sabotaged by Globo-Joy, with Garrison himself having manipulated critics to give bad reviews of Thrillville Stunts, hypnotized guests into acting strangely in Thrillville Giant, sent armies of robotic freeloaders to Thrillville Otherworlds, and used disgruntled employees to vandalize Thrillville Explorer. It also later becomes apparent that a Globo-Joy mole has made it into Thrillville's employment and is stealing the park's ideas for Globo-Joy. After some sleuthing, it is discovered that the mole is in fact Garrison's son, Vernon Jr., who posed as a guest named Tim Twinklefingers. The player later gets to manage Thrillville Holidays in order to also find Garrison Jr. and challenge him to a round of Robo KO (a fighting game-esque minigame with two robots fighting each other). Once defeated, Garrison Jr. is dismissed from Thrillville and sent home.

Gameplay

Like the original game, Thrillville: Off The Rails is a strategy and simulation game about being the park manager of all of the Thrillville theme parks. The game allows the placing and deletion of attractions and buildings such as flat rides, food and drink stalls, bathrooms, games, and also contains various minigames to play both in the park and in the game's "Party Play" mode, along with editing and allowing the players to ride their own roller coasters inside each of the Thrillville theme parks.

Reception

Reception
Review scores
PublicationScore
DSPCPS2PSPWiiXbox 360
EurogamerN/AN/AN/AN/A7/10[8]N/A
Game InformerN/AN/A7/10[9]N/A7/10[9]7/10[9]
GameProN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A3.75/5[10]
GameRevolutionN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AB−[11]
GameSpot6.5/10[12]7.5/10[13]7.5/10[13]7.5/10[13]7.5/10[13]7.5/10[13]
GameSpyN/AN/A3.5/5[14]3.5/5[14]3.5/5[15]3.5/5[14]
GameZone5.3/10[16]N/AN/AN/AN/A8.2/10[17]
IGN4.5/10[18]7.9/10[19]7.8/10[20]7.6/10[21]7.8/10[20]7.9/10[19]
ONMN/AN/AN/AN/A72%[22]N/A
OXM (US)N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A7.5/10[23]
PC Gamer (US)N/A75%[24]N/AN/AN/AN/A
PSMN/AN/A2/5[25]N/AN/AN/A
Aggregate score
Metacritic59/100[26]70/100[27]70/100[28]72/100[29]70/100[30]73/100[31]

The game received "mixed or average reviews" on all platforms according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[26][27][28][29][30][31] Most critics cited that the mini-games are a welcome addition, especially for multiplayer; however, the game was criticized for its so-so graphics, including the PC and Xbox 360 versions. Critics also cited some cases of repetitiveness in gameplay.

References

  1. ↑ "AU Shippin' Out October 15-October 19: The Orange Box" (in en-US). https://www.gamespot.com/articles/au-shippin-out-october-15-october-19-the-orange-box/1100-6180967/. 
  2. ↑ "News About Frontier Developments". 2008-10-05. http://www.frontier.co.uk/news/latest/?pageNum_itemlist12=2. 
  3. ↑ "Thrillville: Off the Rails Preview - Preview". http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/preview/14538/thrillville-off-the-rails-wii. 
  4. ↑ "WHO'S MAKING GAMES FOR NINTENDO SYSTEMS? EVERYONE!" (in en). 2007-10-12. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/whos-making-games-for-nintendo-systems-everyone. 
  5. ↑ "Frontier's David Braben" (in en-gb). Eurogamer.net. 2007-10-15. https://www.eurogamer.net/frontiers-david-braben-interview. 
  6. ↑ Warren, Tom (November 15, 2021). "Microsoft's Xbox backward compatibility program returns with 76 new games". https://www.theverge.com/2021/11/15/22782746/microsoft-xbox-backward-compatibility-76-new-games. 
  7. ↑ "PlayStation Plus Game Catalog for December: Grand Theft Auto V, Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin, Metal: Hellsinger and more". https://blog.playstation.com/2023/12/13/playstation-plus-game-catalog-for-december-grand-theft-auto-v-stranger-of-paradise-final-fantasy-origin-metal-hellsinger-and-more/. 
  8. ↑ Gibson, Ellie (October 28, 2007). "Thrillville: Off the Rails (Wii)". http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/thrillville-off-the-rails-review. 
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Juba, Joe (December 2007). "Thrillville: Off the Rails (PS2, Wii, X360)". Game Informer (176): 143. http://gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/132E1B33-C272-43E1-83D9-16BD7F96D9E4.htm. Retrieved April 7, 2017. 
  10. ↑ Erickson, Tracy (October 22, 2007). "Review: Thrillville: Off the Rails (X360)". GamePro. http://www.gamepro.com/microsoft/xbox360/games/reviews/142488.shtml. Retrieved April 7, 2017. 
  11. ↑ Colin (November 9, 2007). "Thrillville: Off the Rails Review (X360)". Game Revolution. http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/thrillville-off-the-rails. 
  12. ↑ Provo, Frank (November 30, 2007). "Thrillville: Off the Rails Review (DS)". https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/thrillville-off-the-rails-review/1900-6183528/. 
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 Thomas, Aaron (November 5, 2007). "Thrillville: Off the Rails Review (PC, PS2, PSP, Wii, X360)". https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/thrillville-off-the-rails-review/1900-6182326/. 
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 Theobald, Phil (October 22, 2007). "GameSpy: Thrillville: Off the Rails (PS2, PSP, X360)". GameSpy. http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/thrillville-2/829340p1.html. 
  15. ↑ Theobald, Phil (October 22, 2007). "GameSpy: Thrillville: Off the Rails (Wii)". GameSpy. http://wii.gamespy.com/wii/thrillville-off-the-rails/829348p1.html. 
  16. ↑ Platt, Dylan (November 8, 2007). "Thrillville: Off the Rails - NDS - Review". GameZone. http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/thrillville_off_the_rails_nds_review. 
  17. ↑ Zacarias, Eduardo (October 31, 2007). "Thrillville: Off the Rails - 360 - Review". GameZone. http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/thrillville_off_the_rails_360_review. 
  18. ↑ DeVries, Jack (October 18, 2007). "Thrillville: Off the Rails Review (NDS)". http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/10/19/thrillville-off-the-rails-review. 
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 Clements, Ryan (October 17, 2007). "Thrillville: Off the Rails Review (X360, PC)". http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/10/18/thrillville-off-the-rails-review-2. 
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 Clements, Ryan (October 17, 2007). "Thrillville: Off the Rails Review (PS2, Wii)". http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/10/18/thrillville-off-the-rails-review-5. 
  21. ↑ Clements, Ryan (October 17, 2007). "Thrillville: Off the Rails Review (PSP)". http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/10/18/thrillville-off-the-rails-review-6. 
  22. ↑ East, Tom (December 25, 2007). "Thrillville: Off the Rails Review (Wii)". Official Nintendo Magazine: 86. http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/2123/reviews/thrillville-off-the-rails-review/. Retrieved April 7, 2017. 
  23. ↑ "Thrillville: Off the Rails". Official Xbox Magazine: 76. December 2007. 
  24. ↑ "Thrillville: Off the Rails". PC Gamer: 72. March 2008. 
  25. ↑ "Thrillville: Off the Rails (PS2)". PlayStation: The Official Magazine (1): 82. December 25, 2007. 
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 "Thrillville: Off the Rails for DS Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/thrillville-off-the-rails/critic-reviews/?platform=ds. 
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 "Thrillville: Off the Rails for PC Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/thrillville-off-the-rails/critic-reviews/?platform=pc. 
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 "Thrillville: Off the Rails for PlayStation 2 Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/thrillville-off-the-rails/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2. 
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 "Thrillville: Off the Rails for PSP Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/thrillville-off-the-rails/critic-reviews/?platform=psp. 
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 "Thrillville: Off the Rails for Wii Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/thrillville-off-the-rails/critic-reviews/?platform=wii. 
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 "Thrillville: Off the Rails for Xbox 360 Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/thrillville-off-the-rails/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360. 

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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