Software:Zeus: Master of Olympus

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Short description: 2000 video game

Zeus: Master of Olympus
Developer(s)Impressions Games
Publisher(s)Sierra Studios
Producer(s)Ken Parker
Designer(s)Chris Beatrice
Programmer(s)Mike Gingerich
Artist(s)Darrin Horbal
Writer(s)Lisa Gagnon
Composer(s)Henry Beckett
Keith Zizza
SeriesCity Building
Platform(s)Microsoft Windows
Release
  • NA: October 16, 2000[1]
  • EU: November 17, 2000
Poseidon: Master of Atlantis
  • NA: June 25, 2001
  • EU: August 24, 2001
Genre(s)City-building
Mode(s)Single player

Zeus: Master of Olympus is a single-player strategy game developed by Impressions Games and published by Sierra Studios.[2] It is considered to be an additional installment in the City Building series of games.[3] Like previous titles in the series, Zeus focuses on the building and development of a city in ancient times. The game features a number of changes from previous titles in the series, including being set in Ancient Greece as well as changes to certain gameplay mechanics; however, it is considered to be in most aspects very similar to its predecessor, Caesar III.[4][5][6][3]

Game setting and mechanics

Zeus is set in a mythical version of ancient Greece and features many of the gods from the Greek pantheon and legendary monsters from ancient Greek mythology. The game chooses not to accurately portray the historical setting in which it is based, choosing instead to include elements based on mythology and anachronisms.[7][3]

The player is in charge of building up and governing a city state which requires managing infrastructure, farming, industries, commerce, religion, entertainment and education, as well as wars with rival cities.[4] Monsters from Greek mythology feature in the form of natural disasters which must be managed by the player, typically by hiring the correct hero.[8] Sufficiently worshiping the Greek gods will cause them to bestow blessings on the player's city which provide a material benefit.[2]

The game features 2D graphics and offers an isometric view of the game world.[4] A side panel and a number of menus allow the player to more easily navigate the map and to micro-manage various aspects of government, such as tax rates and wages.[2]

Zeus grants players the choice to play either a series of episodical, story-based adventures, in which a set of unique objectives must be attained in order to progress,[2] or to play the so-called "sandbox mode", in which the game's objectives are more open-ended and less objective-based.[5]

Reception

Zeus: Master of Olympus
Aggregate score
AggregatorScore
Metacritic87/100[9]
Review scores
PublicationScore
4Players85%[10]
CGSPStarStarStarStar[7]
CGWStarStarStarHalf star[6]
Eurogamer9/10[4]
Game Informer8.5/10[13]
GameRevolutionB[14]
GameSpot8.6/10[15]
GameSpy90%[16]
IGN9.1/10[5]
Next GenerationStarStarStarStar[17]
PC Gamer (US)68%[18]

Zeus: Master of Olympus received "generally favorable reviews" according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[9] IGN reviewer Steve Butts stated that he "had to tear [himself] away from [the game] to write the review."[5] The game received criticism for its combat and war mechanics.[5][4][7]

Jason Samuel of NextGen said of the game, "Overall, it's simpler, the gameplay is finely tuned, and most of all, it's fun."[17] Brian Wright of GamePro said, "With the various adventures, sandbox modes, and tons of micro-management, Zeus: Master of Olympus will keep city building fans occupied for hours, and with its simple control and multiple difficulty levels, it's a great introduction for newcomers as well."[2][lower-alpha 1]

The game was a nominee for "PC Strategy Game of the Year" at the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences' 4th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, which ultimately was awarded to Software:Age of Empires II: The Conquerors.[19]

In May 2012 the game was re-released on GOG.com together with its expansion as a part of the Acropolis bundle where it holds a 5-star rating.[20]

In 2018, Alice Bell of Rock Paper Shotgun included the game in the site's "Have You Played" series, describing it as "the perfect balance of beauty, difficulty, detail, and puns."[8] The same publication later listed the game in its top twenty management games on PC to play in 2021.[21]

In Poland, the localized version – Zeus: Pan Olimpu – was recommended by the Ministry of National Education as a teaching aid for history lessons in middle and secondary schools, and with time become cult favourite.[22][23]

Expansion

The cover art for Poseidon: Master of Atlantis

As with Pharaoh, an expansion pack was released in 2001, named Poseidon: Master of Atlantis.[24] The expansion includes new adventures based on the stories of Atlantis by Plato. An adventure editor was also included, although it had already been freely available on Impressions website.[25]

Reception

Poseidon: Master of Atlantis
Aggregate score
AggregatorScore
Metacritic84/100[26]
Review scores
PublicationScore
4Players80%[27]
CGMStarStarStarStar[28]
CGWStarStarStar[29]
Game Informer8/10[30]
GameSpot8.5/10[24]
GameSpy85%[31]
IGN8.5/10[25]

Poseidon received "favorable" reviews according to Metacritic.[26]

Notes

  1. ↑ GamePro gave the original game two 4/5 for graphics and fun factor, and two 4.5/5 scores for sound and control.

References

  1. ↑ "Mortals[, Rejoice! Zeus: Master of Olympus Bolts onto Store Shelves"]. October 16, 2000. http://www.gamezone.com/news/10_16_00_06_10PM.htm. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Wright, Brian (October 30, 2000). "Zeus: Master of Olympus". GamePro (IDG). http://gamepro.com/computer/pc/games/reviews/7184.shtml. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Oxford, Adam (Christmas 2000). "Zeus: Master of Olympus". PC Gamer UK (Future Publishing) (90). http://www.pcgamer.co.uk/games/gamefile_review_page.asp?item_id=6202. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Macdonald, Ewan "nach0king" (December 21, 2000). "Zeus : Master of Olympus". Gamer Network. https://www.eurogamer.net/r-zeus. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 Butts, Steve (November 3, 2000). "Zeus: Master of Olympus". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/11/04/zeus-master-of-olympus. 
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Price, Tom (February 2001). "Her-cu-les! Her-cu-les! (Zeus: Master of Olympus Review)". Computer Gaming World (Ziff Davis) (199): 102. http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_199.pdf. Retrieved December 5, 2021. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Markell, Dave (November 13, 2000). "Zeus: Master of Olympus". Strategy Plus, Inc.. http://www.cdmag.com/articles/030/146/zues_review.html. 
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Bell, Alice (September 24, 2018). "Have You Played... Zeus: Master of Olympus?". Gamer Network. https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/have-you-played-zeus-master-of-olympus. 
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Zeus: Master of Olympus". Fandom. https://www.metacritic.com/game/zeus-master-of-olympus/. 
  10. ↑ David (December 5, 2000). "Test: Zeus: Herrscher des Olymp" (in de). 4Players GmbH. https://www.4players.de/4players.php/dispbericht/PC-CDROM/Test/288/184/0/Zeus_Herrscher_des_Olymp.html. 
  11. ↑ Walker, Mark H. (November 6, 2000). "Zeus: Master of Olympus". CNET. http://gamecenter.com/Reviews/Item/0,6,0-4977,00.html. 
  12. ↑ Canoa, Rafael (December 5, 2000). "Zeus, Master of Olympus [sic"]. Greedy Productions Ltd.. http://www.elecplay.com/reviews_article.php?article=4253. 
  13. ↑ Brogger, Kristian (January 2001). "Zeus: Master of Olympus". Game Informer (FuncoLand) (93): 131. 
  14. ↑ Ferris, Duke (March 2001). "Zeus: Master of Olympus Review". CraveOnline. https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/33315-zeus-master-of-olympus-review. 
  15. ↑ Dulin, Ron (October 30, 2000). "Zeus: Master of Olympus Review [date mislabeled as "May 17, 2006""]. Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/zeus-master-of-olympus-review/1900-2646722/. 
  16. ↑ Haumersen, Lee (November 6, 2000). "Zeus: Master of Olympus". IGN Entertainment. http://archive.gamespy.com/reviews/november00/zeus/. 
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Samuel, Jason (February 2001). "Zeus [Master of Olympus"]. NextGen (Imagine Media) (74): 84. https://archive.org/details/NextGen74Feb2001/page/n85/mode/2up. Retrieved December 5, 2021. 
  18. ↑ "Zeus: Master of Olympus". PC Gamer (Imagine Media) 8 (1): 148. January 2001. 
  19. ↑ "Fourth Interactive Achievement Awards: PC Strategy". http://www.interactive.org/awards/pcstrategy.html. 
  20. ↑ "Release: Zeus and Poseidon Bundle!". CD Projekt. 2012. https://www.gog.com/news/release_zeus_and_poseidon_bundle. 
  21. ↑ Smith, Graham (November 11, 2021). "The 20 best management games on PC to play in 2021". Gamer Network. https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/best-management-games. 
  22. ↑ Pawlikowski, Maciej. "Zeus: Pan Olimpu – przed spotkaniem z Kratosem. Kultowe gry Polaków, które powstały za granicą" (in pl). Webedia. https://www.gry-online.pl/opinie/zrobione-za-granica-ukochane-nad-wisla-kultowe-gry-polakow/spellforce-hit-z-kiosku/zb5c3. 
  23. ↑ "Zeus: Pan Olimpu – poradnik do gry" (in pl). Muve spółka akcyjna. https://muve.pl/sklep/ebooki/poradniki/zeus-pan-olimpu-poradnik-do-gry-pc,49233?srsltid=AfmBOooJhM_LetoH_qjp39O_7zL4wyZiiFy9mn2QTbG5E8HsJk1ehk4f. 
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 Dulin, Ron (July 3, 2001). "Zeus Official Expansion: Poseidon Review". Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/zeus-official-expansion-poseidon-review/1900-2782573/. 
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 Butts, Steve (July 3, 2001). "Zeus Official Expansion: Poseidon". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/07/03/zeus-official-expansion-poseidon. 
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 "Poseidon". Fandom. https://www.metacritic.com/game/poseidon/. 
  27. ↑ David (October 4, 2001). "Test: Poseidon [Herrscher des Atlantis"] (in de). 4Players GmbH. https://www.4players.de/4players.php/dispbericht/PC-CDROM/Test/1401/731/0/Poseidon.html. 
  28. ↑ Markell, Dave (July 25, 2001). "Poseidon". Computer Games Magazine (theGlobe.com). http://www.cgonline.com/reviews/zeusmaster-01a-r1.html. Retrieved December 5, 2021. 
  29. ↑ Price, Tom (November 2001). "Poseidon: Zeus Official Expansion". Computer Gaming World (Ziff Davis) (208): 108. https://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_208.pdf. Retrieved July 20, 2023. 
  30. ↑ "Poseidon: Master of Atlantis". Game Informer (FuncoLand) (101). September 2001. 
  31. ↑ Harms, William (July 24, 2001). "Poseidon". IGN Entertainment. http://archive.gamespy.com/reviews/july01/poseidon/. 
  • 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.

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.

Template:Atari





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