Software:Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions

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Short description: 2002 video game

Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions
North American PlayStation 2 cover art
Developer(s)Bunkasha (Xbox)
Stealth Studios (PS2)
Broadsword Interactive Limited (GCN)
Publisher(s)
Composer(s)Hajime Fukuma
EngineT-Total (PS2)
Platform(s)Xbox, PlayStation 2, GameCube
ReleaseXbox
  • NA: February 5, 2002[1]
  • JP: February 22, 2002
  • PAL: March 14, 2002[2]
GameCube, PS2
  • NA: November 20, 2002[3]
  • PAL: November 22, 2002
Genre(s)Racing
Mode(s)Single-player

Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions, known in Japan as Double S.T.E.A.L. (ダブル・スティール, Daburu Sutīru), is a 2002 racing video game originally released on the Xbox and later for GameCube and PlayStation 2, using Traveller's Tales' in-house game engine, under the codename "T-Total", on the latter platform. The game is set in Hong Kong, in which the player completes missions.

The game was specifically developed for Xbox rather than being a port and was well-received.[4] The GameCube and PlayStation 2 versions suffered from performance issues and did not sell well. On August 4, 2005, a Japan-only sequel was released for the Xbox called Double S.T.E.A.L. The Second Clash (ダブル スティール THE SECOND CLASH, Daburu Sutīru The Second Clash). The sequel had online leaderboard support via Xbox Live. Online support was terminated in 2010, however, revival online servers such as Insignia have restored online functionality.[5][6]

Plot

In the game, set in Hong Kong, the player plays as either part of a corrupt police unit attempting to crack down on rival yakuza operations, or as a pair of spies hired to take down Tiger Takagi, the head of the Hong Kong yakuza.[7]

Reception

Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions

Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions
Review scores
PublicationScore
GCPS2Xbox
AllGameN/AN/AStarStarHalf star[11]
EdgeN/AN/A4/10[12]
EGMN/AN/A7.5/10[13][lower-alpha 1]
FamitsuN/AN/A26/40[15]
Game Informer7.75/10[16]7.75/10[17]7/10[18]
GameRevolutionN/AN/AB−[19]
GameSpot5.4/10[20]5.6/10[21]6.8/10[22]
GameSpyStar[23]Star[24]86%[25]
IGN6.8/10[26]6.8/10[27]9/10[4]
Nintendo Power3.8/5[28]N/AN/A
Nintendo World Report6.5/10[29]N/AN/A
OPM (US)N/AStarStar[30]N/A
OXM (US)N/AN/A9.1/10[31]
FHMN/AN/AStarStarStarStar[32]
Aggregate score
Metacritic58/100[8]60/100[9]74/100[10]

The game received "mixed or average reviews" on all platforms according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[8][9][10] In Japan, Famitsu gave the Xbox version a score of two sevens and two sixes for a total of 26 out of 40.[15]

Michael "Major Mike" Weigand of GamePro's May 2002 issue called the Xbox version "a solid offering for gamers on the prowl for action-seasoned driving. If you liked Driver and Spy Hunter, make Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions your next challenge."[33][lower-alpha 2] Ten issues later, however, Fennec Fox said of the other two console versions, "Hopefully, we've learned that most launch games should not be touched after the launch is over. The new Wreckless may have more missions (which get boring after a while), a free-roam mode (which you can only unlock by completing the game, so there's little point), and the ability to run over pedestrians (big whoop), but the fact is that there are games on both the PS2 and GameCube that easily outclass this one in everything it sets out to do."[34][lower-alpha 3]

Extended Play gave the Xbox version three stars out of five, saying, "While Wreckless is a fun game, it certainly will not appeal to all gamers. Fans of action-driving titles will enjoy the game's fast-paced feel and crisp graphics, but the game's shortcomings ultimately keep it from achieving the classic status of a game such as Twisted Metal. However, for those who like their games unique (or are big fans of Hong Kong Cinema), there are some thrills to be had, which could earn Wreckless a cult following."[35] Louis Bedigian of GameZone gave the same console version 9.5 out of 10, saying, "The controls are nearly perfect. I have never played a driving game with such precise controls before."[36] However, Michael Lafferty gave the GameCube version seven out of ten, calling it "an average arcade demolition game that does have a good range of features but suffers from game play that is basically the same thing over and over."[37] Natalie Romano gave the PlayStation 2 version a similar score of seven out of ten, calling it an "extremely fun game that loses it[s] charms way too quickly."[38]

Eurogamer find the game "so rubbish, that we didn't even review it"[39]

The Xbox version was nominated for the "Best Graphics (Technical) on Xbox" award at GameSpot's Best and Worst of 2002 Awards, which went to Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell.[40]

Double S.T.E.A.L. The Second Clash

Double S.T.E.A.L. The Second Clash
Review scores
PublicationScore
Edge4/10[41]
Famitsu(Xbox) 34/40[42]
27/40[43]

The sequel received more mixed reviews than the original. In Japan, Famitsu gave it a score of two sevens, one six and one seven,[43] while Famitsu Xbox gave it one nine, one eight, one nine, and one eight.[42]

Notes

  1. ↑ Three critics of Electronic Gaming Monthly gave the Xbox version each a score of 7.5/10, 7/10, and 8/10.
  2. ↑ GamePro gave the Xbox version 4/5 for graphics, sound, control, and fun factor.
  3. ↑ GamePro gave the GameCube and PlayStation 2 versions each two 2.5/5 scores for graphics and sound, 4.5/5 for control, and 3/5 for fun factor.

References

  1. ↑ Goldstein, Hilary (January 31, 2002). "Hands on with Wreckless: The Yakuza Mission[s"]. Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/02/01/hands-on-with-wreckless-the-yakuza-mission. 
  2. ↑ Bramwell, Tom (February 28, 2002). "Xbox launch line-up finalised". Gamer Network. https://www.eurogamer.net/article-45554. 
  3. ↑ "Activision's Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions™ for the PlayStation® 2 and Nintendo GameCube™ Crashes onto Retail Shelves Nationwide". November 20, 2002. https://investor.activision.com/static-files/0e685c65-fe9d-409b-a472-e6336e93e925. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Boulding, Aaron (February 6, 2002). "Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions (Xbox)". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/02/06/wreckless-the-yakuza-missions-3. 
  5. ↑ Xbox, Pure (2023-11-16). "Xbox Live 1.0 Replacement 'Insignia' Now Supports 150 Games" (in en-US). https://www.purexbox.com/news/2023/11/xbox-live-1-0-replacement-insignia-now-supports-150-games. 
  6. ↑ "Insignia - Double-S.T.E.A.L - The Second Clash" (in en). https://insignia.live/games/42550004. 
  7. ↑ "Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions – Story". http://www.activision.com/en_US/game_overview/2c86015a-9e68-4f86-94ee-fb23c8f6257c.html. 
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions critic reviews (GC)". Fandom. https://www.metacritic.com/game/wreckless-the-yakuza-missions/critic-reviews/?platform=gamecube. 
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions critic reviews (PS2)". Fandom. https://www.metacritic.com/game/wreckless-the-yakuza-missions/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2. 
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions critic reviews (Xbox)". Fandom. https://www.metacritic.com/game/wreckless-the-yakuza-missions/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox. 
  11. ↑ Marriott, Scott Alan. "Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions (Xbox) - Review". All Media Network. http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=37082&tab=review. 
  12. ↑ "Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions (Xbox)". Edge (Future Publishing) (109). April 2002. 
  13. ↑ Dudlak, Jonathan; Hager, Dean; Mielke, James "Milkman" (April 2002). "Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions (Xbox)". Electronic Gaming Monthly (Ziff Davis) (153): 144. https://retrocdn.net/images/1/10/EGM_US_153.pdf. Retrieved November 2, 2024. 
  14. ↑ Tilley, Steve (February 12, 2002). "Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions (Xbox)". Greedy Productions Ltd.. http://www.elecplay.com/review.html?article=8302&full=1. 
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 "February 26, 2002". February 26, 2002. http://www.the-magicbox.com/game022602.htm. 
  16. ↑ Helgeson, Matt (January 2003). "Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions (GC)". Game Informer (GameStop) (117): 102. https://archive.org/details/game-informer-issue-117-january-2003/page/102/mode/2up. Retrieved November 1, 2024. 
  17. ↑ Helgeson, Matt (December 2002). "Wreckless [The Yakuza Missions (PS2)"]. Game Informer (GameStop) (116): 123. https://archive.org/details/game-informer-issue-116-december-2002/page/122/mode/2up. Retrieved November 1, 2024. 
  18. ↑ Reiner, Andrew (April 2002). "Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions (Xbox)". Game Informer (GameStop) (108): 80. https://archive.org/details/game-informer-issue-108-april-2002/page/80/mode/2up. Retrieved November 1, 2024. 
  19. ↑ Sanders, Shawn (February 2002). "Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions Review (Xbox)". CraveOnline. https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/34384-wreckless-the-yakuza-missions-review. 
  20. ↑ Davis, Ryan (November 12, 2002). "Wreckless [The Yakuza Missions Review (GC)"]. Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/wreckless-review/1900-2897379/. 
  21. ↑ Davis, Ryan (November 12, 2002). "Wreckless [The Yakuza Missions Review (PS2)"]. Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/wreckless-review/1900-2897374/. 
  22. ↑ Gerstmann, Jeff (February 7, 2002). "Wreckless The Yakuza Missions Review (Xbox)". Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/wreckless-the-yakuza-missions-review/1900-2846217/. 
  23. ↑ Gibson, Jon M. (December 14, 2002). "GameSpy: Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions (GCN)". IGN Entertainment. http://cube.gamespy.com/gamecube/wreckless-the-yakuza-missions/561481p1.html. 
  24. ↑ Gibson, Jon M. (December 14, 2002). "GameSpy: Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions (PS2)". IGN Entertainment. http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/wreckless-the-yakuza-missions/561482p1.html. 
  25. ↑ Collins, Derek (February 8, 2002). "Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions (Xbox)". IGN Entertainment. http://archive.gamespy.com/reviews/february02/wrecklessxbox/. 
  26. ↑ Roper, Chris (November 12, 2002). "Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions (GCN)". IGN Entertainment. http://cube.ign.com/articles/377/377155p1.html. 
  27. ↑ Roper, Chris (November 12, 2002). "Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions (PS2)". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/11/12/wreckless-the-yakuza-missions. 
  28. ↑ "Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions". Nintendo Power (Nintendo of America) 165: 155. February 2003. 
  29. ↑ Kontras, Adam (December 18, 2002). "Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions". NINWR, LLC. https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/4021/wreckless-the-yakuza-missions-gamecube. 
  30. ↑ Davison, John (December 2002). "Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions". Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine (Ziff Davis) (63): 180. https://archive.org/details/official-us-playstation-magazine-issue-63-december-2002/page/n179/mode/2up. Retrieved November 1, 2024. 
  31. ↑ "Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions". Official Xbox Magazine (Future US): 63. March 2002. 
  32. ↑ Moynihan, David (April 7–13, 2002). "Wreckless [The Yakuza Missions (Xbox)"]. FHM (Bauer Media Group). http://www.fhm.com/games/reviews/gamereview.asp?intID=1811. Retrieved November 1, 2024. 
  33. ↑ Weigand, Michael "Major Mike" (May 2002). "Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions (Xbox)". GamePro (IDG) (164): 100. https://retrocdn.net/images/c/c4/GamePro_US_164.pdf. Retrieved November 1, 2024. 
  34. ↑ Fennec Fox (March 2003). "Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions (GC, PS2)". GamePro (IDG) (174). http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/gamecube/games/reviews/27195.shtml. Retrieved November 1, 2024. 
  35. ↑ Rubenstein, Glenn (March 1, 2002). "'Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions' (Xbox) Review". TechTV. http://www.techtv.com/extendedplay/reviews/story/0%2C24330%2C3373101%2C00.html. 
  36. ↑ Bedigian, Louis (February 18, 2002). "WRECKLESS: The Yakuza Missions - XB - Review". https://gamezone.com/reviews/wreckless_the_yakuza_missions_xb_review/. 
  37. ↑ Lafferty, Michael (December 12, 2002). "WRECKLESS: The Yakuza Missions - GC - Review". https://gamezone.com/reviews/wreckless_the_yakuza_missions_gc_review/. 
  38. ↑ Romano, Natalie (December 14, 2002). "WRECKLESS: The Yakuza Missions - PS2 - Review". https://gamezone.com/reviews/wreckless_the_yakuza_missions_ps2_review/. 
  39. ↑ Editor-in-Chief, Tom Bramwell Former (2003-04-11). "What's New?" (in en). https://www.eurogamer.net/article-47719. 
  40. ↑ GameSpot staff (2002). "GameSpot's Best and Worst of 2002 (Best Graphics (Technical) on Xbox)". CNET. http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/xbox4.html. 
  41. ↑ "Double-STEAL: The Second Clash [sic]". Edge (Future Publishing) (155). November 2005. 
  42. ↑ 42.0 42.1 IGN staff (August 5, 2005). "Gaming Life in Japan [game is mislabeled as "The Second Crush""]. Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/08/05/gaming-life-in-japan-87. 
  43. ↑ 43.0 43.1 "July 28, 2005". July 28, 2005. http://www.the-magicbox.com/game20050728.shtml. 
  • 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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