Aquaman: Battle for Atlantis

Last updated
Aquaman: Battle for Atlantis
Aquaman battle for atlantis gamecube cover scan.jpg
Developer(s) Lucky Chicken Games
Publisher(s) TDK Mediactive
Director(s) Jamie Ottilie
Jon Hilliard
James Ryman
Matt Saia
Designer(s) Matt Saia
Composer(s) Tommy Tallarico
Engine RenderWare
Platform(s) GameCube, Xbox
Release
Genre(s) Action-adventure
Mode(s) Single-player

Aquaman: Battle for Atlantis is a 2003 action-adventure video game for the Xbox and GameCube systems. Developed by Lucky Chicken Games and published by TDK, it is based on Peter David's controversial interpretation of the DC Comics character Aquaman. It was released exclusively in North America on July 30, 2003, and received generally unfavorable reviews.

Contents

Plot

After a long absence and being presumed dead, Aquaman's mortal enemy Black Manta has returned. Bringing with him waves upon waves of dedicated warriors, Manta intends to terrorize and ultimately destroy Aquaman's kingdom of Atlantis. In order to protect his subjects and the rest of the seven seas from Manta's evil machinations, Aquaman must venture into his city, save his people, and defeat Black Manta. Little does he know, however, that there is an even greater enemy waiting, who will attempt to take the Throne of Atlantis right out from under him.

Gameplay

The purpose of the game is to save Atlantis from doom. The story is told by cutscenes that do not use animation or voices. Instead, it is told by text that accompanies pictures, like a comic book. The player progresses by swimming around the level and defeating the enemies there. The levels are filled with empty ruined buildings that Aquaman sometimes has to swim around. When Aquaman fights, he can punch, kick and grapple with his opponents to defeat them. There are also times throughout the game where the player can pilot crafts through the water and shoot down enemy submarines.

Development

In October 2001, TDK Mediactive reached a long-term deal with DC Comics to develop video games based on the Aquaman character, starting with the newly released platforms of the sixth console generation. The announcement specified that the games would be created on multiple platforms, and that the first game would likely see release sometime in 2002. [2] Lucky Chicken Games was chosen as the development studio for the game that would come to be titled Aquaman: Battle for Atlantis, and the game was scheduled for release in mid-2003.

The release of the game coincided with a newly launching volume of the Aquaman ongoing series from DC Comics, which also debuted in 2003 with a new #1 issue. [3]

Reception

The game received "generally unfavorable" reviews on both platforms according to the review aggregator website Metacritic. [4] [5]

Related Research Articles

<i>Tetris Worlds</i> 2001 video game

Tetris Worlds is a version of the video game Tetris. Originally released in 2001 for Microsoft Windows and Game Boy Advance, it was later released for Xbox, GameCube, and PlayStation 2 in 2002. In 2003, an Xbox Live version titled "Tetris Worlds Online" and a single-disc compilation version were released for the Xbox. The latter was bundled with Xbox systems.

2003 saw many sequels and prequels in video games, such as Tony Hawk's Underground, Madden NFL 2004, NBA Live 2004, ESPN NBA Basketball, Saya no Uta: The Song of Saya, Final Fantasy X-2, Mario Kart: Double Dash, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, Sonic Heroes, Postal 2, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Uru: Ages Beyond Myst, and WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain. New intellectual properties included Beyond Good & Evil, Boktai: The Sun is in Your Hand, Call of Duty, Disgaea, Drakengard, Manhunt, PlanetSide, TrackMania, True Crime: Streets of LA, and Viewtiful Joe.

<i>Soulcalibur II</i> 2002 video game

Soulcalibur II is a 2002 fighting game developed by Project Soul and published by Namco and the third installment in the Soulcalibur series of weapon-based fighting games. It is the sequel to Soulcalibur, which was released in July 1998. Originally intended to be released on Sega's NAOMI board, the game was released on the Namco System 246 arcade board before being ported to the PlayStation 2, GameCube, and Xbox in 2003.

<i>Robotech: Battlecry</i> 2002 video game

Robotech: Battlecry is a video game set in the Robotech universe, the first video game successfully released for the franchise. It was developed by Vicious Cycle Software and published by the now-defunct TDK Mediactive, in association with Harmony Gold USA. With a story focused on new characters created for the game and with guest appearances of main characters Rick Hunter, Roy Fokker, Lisa Hayes and a part of one in-game mission directly centered on Lynn Minmei, it somewhat follows the Robotech continuum.

<i>Robotech: Invasion</i> 2004 video game

Robotech: Invasion is a first-person shooter video game set in the Invid Invasion era of the Robotech saga, itself based in the Japanese anime series Genesis Climber Mospeada. Developed by Vicious Cycle Software and published by Global Star.

<i>Madden NFL 2003</i> 2002 video game

Madden NFL 2003 is an American football simulation video game based on the NFL that was developed by EA Tiburon and Budcat Creations and published by EA Sports. The 14th installment of the Madden NFL series, the game features former St. Louis Rams running back Marshall Faulk on the cover. This edition of Madden was the first to have EA Trax, the Mini Camp mode, and to feature Al Michaels as play-by-play announcer, who took over for Pat Summerall. Although it featured the expansion Houston Texans and the relocation of the Seattle Seahawks to the NFC, it was actually the second to do so. The game was released on August 12, 2002 for the Game Boy Advance, GameCube, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation, PlayStation 2 and Xbox. The PlayStation version also includes the Sega Genesis version of John Madden Football 93.

<i>Conan</i> (2004 video game) 2004 video game

Conan is a 2004 action-adventure hack and slash game based on the literary character Conan the Barbarian created by Robert E. Howard. It was developed by Slovak developer Cauldron and released for the Xbox, GameCube, PlayStation 2, and Microsoft Windows in Europe.

<i>Robotech: The Macross Saga</i> 2002 video game

Robotech: The Macross Saga is a side-scrolling shoot 'em up for the Game Boy Advance handheld system, developed by Lucky Chicken Games and published by TDK Mediactive. This title was released during a renaissance of Robotech video games, where struggling projects were no longer cancelled and actually made it to market. A remake was published in 2021, Robotech: The Macross Saga HD Edition.

TDK Mediactive was the brand name used by Japanese company TDK as a media subsidiary in Europe, and as a video game publishing subsidiary in North America.

<i>Zapper: One Wicked Cricket</i> 2002 video game

Zapper: One Wicked Cricket! is a platform game for the Xbox, GameCube, PlayStation 2, Game Boy Advance, and Microsoft Windows. For most platforms, it was developed by Blitz Games and published by Infogrames Interactive; Atomic Planet Entertainment developed the Game Boy Advance version. Zapper was released in North America in 2002 and 2003 in Europe. On November 17, 2008, Zapper became available on Xbox Live as part of the Xbox Originals range. On February 15, 2024, Zapper was rereleased for Microsoft Windows on GOG and Steam platforms.

<i>Shrek 2</i> (video game) 2004 video game

Shrek 2 is a 2004 action-adventure video game published by Activision, based on the DreamWorks Animation film of the same name. The game was developed by Luxoflux for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube platforms, while a version for PC was developed by KnowWonder.

<i>Hulk</i> (video game) 2003 video game

Hulk is a 2003 action video game developed by Radical Entertainment and published by Universal Interactive for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, and Microsoft Windows. The game primarily features beat 'em up gameplay showcasing the Marvel Comics superhero Hulk, and also includes stealth-based levels featuring the Hulk's human alter-ego Bruce Banner. While the game is a tie-in to the film of the same name, its narrative serves as a sequel, taking place years after the events of the film. The plot follows the Hulk and Banner, who must battle their arch-nemesis the Leader and stop him from unleashing an army of mutants upon the world.

<i>Star Trek: Shattered Universe</i> 2004 video game

Star Trek: Shattered Universe is a space-combat simulator video game by American studio Starsphere Interactive set in the Star Trek Mirror Universe, as portrayed in the original series episode "Mirror, Mirror". Originally intended to be one of the last Star Trek titles released by Interplay Entertainment, it sat for 2 years before being completed by TDK Mediactive; it was released for the Xbox and PlayStation 2. The player takes control of one-man fighter spacecraft and engages in several missions.

<i>Hunter: The Reckoning</i> (video game) 2002 hack-and-slash video game

Hunter: The Reckoning is a 2002 hack-and-slash third-person shooter video game developed by High Voltage Software and published by Interplay Entertainment for the Xbox and GameCube. It is based on the tabletop role-playing game of the same name, and is part of the larger World of Darkness series. Two sequels, Wayward and Redeemer, were both released in 2003.

<i>Transworld Surf</i> 2001 video game

Transworld Surf is a sports video game developed by Angel Studios and published by Infogrames The game was released for GameCube, PlayStation 2, and Xbox between November 2001 and March 2003. The Xbox version of the game was the third game released under Infogrames' newly-revamped Atari label.

<i>Shrek</i> (video game) 2001 video game

Shrek is a 2001 platform video game developed by Digital Illusions Canada and published by TDK Mediactive for the Xbox, based on the 2001 film Shrek. The game was released on November 15, 2001, as one of 22 North American launch titles for the Xbox and March 29, 2002, in Europe. A reworked version of the game, titled Shrek: Extra Large, was released for the GameCube on October 30, 2002, in North America and on October 24, 2003, in Europe. Shrek: Extra Large uses the same engine and game mechanics as the original Xbox release, but with an altered story and different levels.

<i>NFL Blitz Pro</i> 2003 video game

NFL Blitz Pro is a video game developed by Midway Games for GameCube, PlayStation 2 and Xbox in 2003.

<i>UFC: Tapout 2</i> 2003 video game

UFC: Tapout 2 is a video game in the fighting genre based upon the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The game is a sequel to UFC: Tapout. The sequel game was released in North America on 20 March 2003 for the Xbox console. The subtitle Tapout refers to a fighter tapping his hand indicating that he has submitted to a submission hold. A tapout, along with a knockout, judge's decision, and referee stoppage, is one of the ways of ending a UFC bout.

<i>Defender</i> (2002 video game) 2002 video game

Defender is a shoot 'em up video game developed in October 2002 for the PlayStation 2, and Xbox, and was ported to the GameCube the following month, followed by a port to the mobile phone version published by THQ in 2003. The game was also rereleased for Xbox 360's Live Arcade in November 2006. It is a remake of the 1981 game of the same name. Featuring three-dimensional (3D) graphics, the game is set on multiple planets and moons within the Solar System where the player must defeat waves of invading aliens while protecting astronauts.

<i>Wendy: Every Witch Way</i> 2001 video game

Wendy: Every Witch Way is an action platform video game published by TDK Mediactive and developed by WayForward Technologies for the Game Boy Color in 2001. The game centers on Wendy the Good Little Witch from the Casper the Friendly Ghost series. Wendy accidentally opens her aunts' chest containing magical stones, which upset the gravity of a floating castle that crashes onto her house. The player controls Wendy through four worlds with sixteen levels, with each world having three side-scrolling levels and one horizontal shooter stage. Inserting the game in the Game Boy Advance unlocks a new world exclusive to the console.

References

  1. "Xbox News - TDK Mediactive Ships Aquaman: Battle for Atlantis for the GameCube, Xbox". 2005-03-10. Archived from the original on 2005-03-10. Retrieved 2023-03-28.
  2. Shahed, Ahmed (October 9, 2001). "Aquaman games announced". GameSpot . CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on January 23, 2018. Retrieved February 24, 2018.
  3. Robinson, Jon (July 30, 2003). "Aquaman Ships". IGN . Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on January 7, 2013. Retrieved July 29, 2014.
  4. 1 2 "Aquaman: Battle for Atlantis for GameCube Reviews". Metacritic . CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on April 8, 2016. Retrieved August 2, 2016.
  5. 1 2 "Aquaman: Battle for Atlantis for Xbox Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on August 2, 2016. Retrieved August 2, 2016.
  6. Reiner, Andrew (October 2003). "Aquaman: Battle for Atlantis (GC)". Game Informer . No. 126. GameStop. p. 131. Archived from the original on April 11, 2008. Retrieved August 2, 2016.
  7. "Aquaman: Battle for Atlantis (Xbox)". Game Informer. No. 126. GameStop. October 2003. p. 139.
  8. 1 2 Davis, Ryan (August 8, 2003). "Aquaman: Battle for Atlantis Review". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on November 10, 2015. Retrieved August 2, 2016.
  9. Zacarias, Eduardo (August 13, 2003). "Aquaman: Battle for Atlantis - XB - Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on February 29, 2008. Retrieved August 2, 2016.
  10. Casamassina, Matt (October 2, 2003). "Aquaman: Battle for Atlantis (GCN)". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on March 24, 2016. Retrieved August 2, 2016.
  11. "Aquaman: Battle for Atlantis". Nintendo Power . Vol. 172. Nintendo of America. October 2003. p. 140.
  12. "Aquaman: Battle for Atlantis". Official Xbox Magazine . Future US. November 2003. p. 102.
  13. TeamXbox staff (August 12, 2003). "Aquaman: Battle for Atlantis Review (Xbox)". TeamXbox . IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on July 1, 2012. Retrieved August 2, 2016.
  14. D'Aprile, Jason (August 7, 2003). "'Aquaman: Battle for Atlantis' (Xbox) Review". X-Play . TechTV. Archived from the original on October 5, 2003. Retrieved August 2, 2016.
  15. 1 2 Porter, Alex (July 15, 2003). "Aquaman: Battle for Atlantis". Maxim . Biglari Holdings. Archived from the original on August 13, 2003. Retrieved August 2, 2016.
  16. Catucci, Nick (August 12, 2003). "Machine Age". The Village Voice . Archived from the original on November 19, 2017. Retrieved August 2, 2016.