Software:Vigilante 8 Arcade

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Short description: 2008 video game
Vigilante 8: Arcade
Vigilante 8 Arcade
Xbox Live Arcade cover art
Developer(s)Isopod Labs
Publisher(s)Activision
Platform(s)Xbox 360
Release
  • WW: November 5, 2008
Genre(s)Vehicular combat
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Vigilante 8: Arcade is a vehicular combat video game developed by Isopod Labs and published by Activision. It was released on November 5, 2008, for Xbox 360 through Xbox Live Arcade. Isopod Labs was formed by three former members of Luxoflux, developer of the original Vigilante 8 series. A remake of Vigilante 8 with some elements of Vigilante 8: Second Offense included, Vigilante 8: Arcade features online play for up to eight players.

Vigilante 8: Arcade received mixed reviews. Reviewers were divided; multiple reviewers felt the game was a good fit for Xbox Live, with one reviewer calling it "a glorious throwback to a simpler age in gaming". Others praised the game's online multiplayer component and the game's salvage upgrade system. Some reviewers, however, felt that the vehicle physics were poor.

Gameplay

Vigilante 8 Arcade is a remake of Vigilante 8, with some influences from its sequel, Vigilante 8.

Vigilante 8: Arcade is a vehicular combat game in which vehicles are outfitted with weaponry to combat opponents. Each vehicle is equipped with machine guns and one special attack that is unique to that vehicle.[1] Weapon powerups are littered throughout each map and can range from heat seeking missiles to mines. Each can be fired in a total of four ways, the weapon's standard operation and via three specialized, more powerful attacks unique to that weapon. The game uses a salvage point upgrade system similar to Vigilante 8: Second Offense, meaning that vehicles can be upgraded by picking up salvage point icons dropped by enemies.[2]

V8 Arcade features four single player game modes. In Quest mode, players choose a character and play through the game from that character's perspective, learning about the character's background as the game progresses.[1] In Quick Battle, players are brought straight to a random battle in a random vehicle to fight against random enemies until the player is either dead or victorious.[1] Custom Battle is similar, but allows players to choose the vehicle(s) and the arena to play in.[1] Free Wheelin' is a mode with no AI that allows players to drive around the environment, searching for secrets and learning the layout.[1] Multiplayer can be played with up to four players via splitscreen, and up to eight players online via Xbox Live. It features two modes, Deathmatch, which pits all players against each other, and Team Co-Op, where two human players work together against AI opponents.[1]

The game includes five levels, each inspired by original Vigilante 8 and Vigilante 8: Second Offense levels, but with modified layouts.[1] Some of the game's levels are inspired by multiple levels from the previous games, melded together to create a new environment.[1] Two additional levels were available via downloadable content. The first, Stunt Track, is a circular track that has ramps, loops and other daredevil-esque hazards. The second, Garage, is an oversized level set in a giant garage, making vehicles the size of an RC car.[3]

Synopsis

V8 Arcade is built around an alternate history, in which there was a serious worldwide oil crisis in the 1970s. The United States was on the verge of economic breakdown, with crime, strikes and riots rampant.[1]

All available law enforcement was called into the major cities, leaving the countryside and outlands vulnerable. A foreign multinational oil consortium, Oil Monopoly Alliance Regime (OMAR), sought to monopolize the world oil trade. OMAR hired professional terrorist Sid Burn to wreak havoc and destroy the US economy.[1]

Sid organized a group of terrorists to help him with his mission. Calling themselves the Coyotes, they began to destroy oil refineries, commercial installations and other vital industries throughout the southwestern United States. With law enforcement all in the cities, civilians began to take the law into their own hands. A trucker known as Convoy organized a group to combat the Coyotes, taking the name of the Vigilantes.[1]

As conditions continued to deteriorate, the US government focused all its research and development to a new military arsenal. The most advanced weaponry, based on alien technology, was located at Site-4, a secret facility at Papoose Lake. Word of the facility was leaked to Sid, and the Coyotes ambushed Site-4. As Sid and his gang packed up the weaponry, the Vigilantes unexpectedly arrived to stop them. As a result, both parties found themselves in possession of the world's most advanced weaponry.[1]

Characters

A total of eight characters are available at the start of the game, similar to the original Vigilante 8, with each of their vehicles coming with five different colors to choose from. They also have their own story mode, which unlocks the original vehicle model from Vigilante 8 for use in all game modes upon completion.[1] There is also one unlockable character, and downloadable content featuring more characters.[3]

Development and marketing

Vigilante 8 Arcade was announced in February 2008.[4][citation needed] The game's developer, Isopod Labs, consisted of three key individuals responsible for much of the production of the original Vigilante 8.[citation needed] The studio consisted of just six individuals and a small number of art contractors, and the title's development was self-funded.[citation needed] Isopod Labs originally looked to a June release;[5] however, the game was not originally submitted for Xbox Live certification until August 12.[6] Testers found issues on Microsoft's end in relation to the QNet code library.[citation needed] The issue was resolved by both parties and the game was sent back to Microsoft for resubmission.[7] In a post-release interview with Joystiq Isopod Labs' Adrian Stephens added that "the certification issue is a tricky one and more could be done to smooth the path towards certification".[8] Vigilante 8 Arcade passed Microsoft's Xbox Live certification on September 24 [9] and was released November 5, 2008.[citation needed]

Although the cars are mostly based on the original Vigilante 8, the soundtrack is a remixed version of the music from Vigilante 8: 2nd Offense. V8 Arcade supports the Xbox Live Vision camera, allowing players to see their opponents face to face. Developers Isopod Labs also converted the original cars from Vigilante 8 as unlockable bonus content. J3Concepts also created a custom theme for the original blades Xbox 360 dashboard. A downloadable content add-on known as the High Octane pack was released on Xbox Live marketplace on December 3, a month after the game's release. It featured three new characters and two new levels.

Reception

Reception
Aggregate score
AggregatorScore
Metacritic58/100[10]
Review scores
PublicationScore
1Up.comC[11]
Eurogamer5/10[12]
GameProStarStarHalf star[13]
GameSpot4.5/10[14]
IGN7.3/10[2]
OXM (UK)8/10[16]
OXM (US)6/10[15]
TeamXbox6.1/10[17]

Vigilante 8 Arcade received "mixed" reviews according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[10]

Reviewers generally remarked on the game's multiplayer as its strong point. Official Xbox Magazine UK reviewer Ryan King called V8 Arcade "a glorious throwback to a simpler age in gaming".[16] He further applauded the game's online multiplayer, stating that it was some of the best that Xbox Live Arcade has to offer players.[16] Cheat Code Central's Jason Lauritzen felt the game was nostalgic.[18] Nate Ahearn of IGN welcomed the game's salvage gameplay mechanic while also praising the online multiplayer.[2] Official Xbox Magazine's Mitch Dyer also commented on the strong multiplayer, and added positive remarks on the amount of weaponry and number of firing modes per weapon.[15] TeamXbox's Tom Price noted the game's "big levels, tons of weapon pickups, and crazy opponents" calling them "simple and effective".[17] Reviewer Andrew Hayward of 1UP.com stated the game's predecessors "built a solid foundation for taking the series online" adding that the game as fun when "pounding mortar shots and missiles at some unfortunate foe from afar".[11]

Critics were disappointed in the poor controls, gameplay glitches, and game camera issues. OXM's Dyer commented that the game had "crummy controls" and a poor camera.[15] Reviewer Austin Light of GameSpot also cited poor controls, physics, and gameplay glitches.[14] Eurogamer's Dan Whitehead felt the controls were weak in comparison to the original Vigilante 8.[12] He further felt the game did not meet up to its potential.[12] 1UP.com's Hayward further agreed with Whitehead, saying "sadly [...] most of Vigilante 8: Arcade's issues are technical in nature".[11]

Vigilante 8 Arcade sold over 60,000 copies as of June 2010. Though reviews of the game had been mixed, some reviewers cited its relatively inexpensive 800 Microsoft Point cost as a selling point.[2][12]

References

  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 Isopod Labs (November 5, 2008). Vigilante 8 Arcade. Activision. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Ahearn, Nate (November 5, 2008). "Vigilante 8: Arcade Review". http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/11/06/vigilante-8-arcade-review. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Brudvig, Erik (December 4, 2008). "More Arenas for Vigilante 8". http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/12/04/more-arenas-for-vigilante-8. 
  4. ↑ Sinclair, Brendan (February 15, 2008). "Vigilante 8 taking aim at Xbox Live". https://www.gamespot.com/articles/vigilante-8-taking-aim-at-xbox-live/1100-6186185/. 
  5. ↑ McElroy, Justin (May 5, 2008). "Vigilante 8 Arcade devs shoot for June, will include DLC". Engadget (Joystiq). https://www.engadget.com/2008/05/05/vigilante-8-arcade-devs-shoot-for-june-will-include-dlc/. 
  6. ↑ Houghton, Stuart (August 12, 2008). "Vigilante 8 Arcade Finally Submitted To XBLA". http://kotaku.com/5036226/vigilante-8-arcade-finally-submitted-to-xbla. 
  7. ↑ Houghton, Stuart (September 10, 2008). "Vigilante 8 Skids Off Road". http://kotaku.com/5048036/vigilante-8-skids-off-road. 
  8. ↑ Dobson, Jason (November 7, 2008). "Joystiq interview: Hitting the open road with Vigilante 8 dev Isopod Labs". Engadget (Joystiq). https://www.engadget.com/2008/11/07/joystiq-interview-hitting-the-open-road-with-vigilante-8-dev-is/. 
  9. ↑ McElroy, Justin (September 24, 2008). "Vigilante 8 finally approved by Microsoft for XBLA". Engadget (Joystiq). https://www.engadget.com/2008/09/24/vigilante-8-finally-approved-by-microsoft-for-xbla/. 
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Vigilante 8: Arcade for Xbox 360 Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/vigilante-8-arcade/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360. 
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 "Welcome to nginx eaa1a9e1db47ffcca16305566a6efba4!185.15.56.1". http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3171283&p=4. 
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 Whitehead, Dan (November 15, 2008). "Vigilante 8 Arcade". http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/vigilante-8-arcade-review. 
  13. ↑ Ramsey, Andrew (November 12, 2008). "Vigilante 8: Arcade Review". GamePro Arcade. http://gparcade.blogfaction.com:80/article/105730/vigialnte-8-arcade-review/. Retrieved May 10, 2017. 
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Light, Austin (November 10, 2008). "Vigilante 8: Arcade Review". https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/vigilante-8-arcade-review/1900-6200791/. 
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 Dyer, Mitch (November 5, 2008). "Vigilante 8 Arcade". Official Xbox Magazine. http://www.oxmonline.com/article/reviews/xbox-live-arcade/s-z/vigilante-8-arcade. Retrieved May 10, 2017. 
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 King, Ryan (November 6, 2008). "Live Arcade Review: Vigilante 8: Arcade". Official Xbox Magazine UK. http://www.oxm.co.uk/article.php?id=6875. Retrieved May 9, 2017. 
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Price, Tom (November 5, 2008). "Vigilante 8: Arcade Review (Xbox 360)". TeamXbox. http://reviews.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/1614/Vigilante-8-Arcade/p1/. 
  18. ↑ Lauritzen, Jason (November 5, 2008). "Vigilante 8: Arcade Review". Cheat Code Central. http://cheatcc.com/xbox360/rev/vigilante8arcadereview.html. 
  • 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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