Cosmic Carnage

Last updated

Cosmic Carnage
Cosmic Carnage for Sega 32X.jpg
North American cover art
Developer(s) Almanic Corporation [lower-alpha 1]
Publisher(s)
Programmer(s) Takashi Shichijo
Composer(s) Hikoshi Hashimoto
Platform(s) 32X
Release
Genre(s) Fighting
Mode(s) Single-player, multiplayer

Cosmic Carnage [lower-alpha 2] is a 1994 fighting video game developed by Almanic Corporation, in conjunction with ALU, and published by Sega exclusively for the 32X add-on. Set in an uncharted star system, the game follows eight fighters from two factions in a struggle for survival. Its gameplay consists of one-on-one fights, with a main six-button configuration, featuring special moves and finisher techniques, as well as two playable modes. The title garnered mostly negative reception from critics since its release.

Contents

Gameplay

Gameplay screenshot. 32X Cosmic Carnage (Cyber Brawl).png
Gameplay screenshot.

Cosmic Carnage is a fighting game similar to Mortal Kombat . [4] [1] The player fights against other opponents in one-on-one matches and the fighter who manages to deplete the health bar of the opponent wins the first bout. The first to win two bouts becomes the winner of the match. Each round is timed, which can be adjusted or deactivated in the game options; if both fighters still have health remaining when time expires, the fighter with more health wins the round. The game features five levels of difficulty. Hidden characters can be played via cheat code.

In single-player mode, players can choose from eight playable characters and fight against computer-controlled fighters. Achieving a ‘good ending’ for a fighter is time based; depending on how fast the player kills opponents, the more time there is left to escape to the life pod and get as far away as possible. Like Mortal Kombat, special and death moves are performed by entering button commands while pressing the d-pad. [1] A notable feature is the ability to customize a character prior to matches; Four of the selectable characters use armor to assist them in battle and players may choose between one of two options (‘light’ or ‘heavy’) for each of the three armors (body, leg and arm), each providing characters with their own special move. Similar to the Samurai Shodown franchise, the camera zooms in or out to maximize or minimize the level of graphical detail depending on character movement.

Synopsis

In an uncharted star system, a group of prisoners en route to a celestial space mine overpower the ship's guards and take control of the ship, but during their breakout, most of the ship's controls are damaged. [4] After days of drifting, the criminals realize that their only hope is to hijack another ship and use their distress signal to bring a military ship to their aid. They then trick the ship by ramming their own vehicle into it. The impact, however, badly damages both and destroys all but one of the escape pods, as well as killing all but four from each ship (eight in total). The few survivors fight for the final escape pod and a chance of survival.

Characters

All soldiers use Light Armor and can be equipped with Heavy Armor before fights, while none of the fugitives use armor.

Development and release

Cosmic Carnage was developed by Almanic Corporation in conjunction with ALU. [5] [6] Takashi Shichijo and Hikoshi Hashimoto served as the project's programmer and composer respectively, although neither are credited as such in the credits of the game. [5] ALU stated on their official website that development kits arrived three months prior to release date during development. [6] The game was first released for the 32X by Sega in North America as a launch title on 21 November 1994. [7] Former Sega of America executive producer Michael Latham stated that the company was rushed to release games on time for the 32X's launch, and said that "[w]hen Cosmic Carnage showed up, we didn't even want to ship it. It took a lot of convincing, you know, to ship that title." [8] The title was then released in Japan on 27 January 1995 under the name Cyber Brawl and later in Europe on February of the same year. [3] [2]

Reception

Cosmic Carnage received mostly negative reviews. The four reviewers of Electronic Gaming Monthly unanimously commented that even taking into account the fact that it is a launch title, Cosmic Carnage is a disappointing game which fails to push significantly beyond the capabilities of the standalone Sega Genesis in either graphics or audio. They did remark that the armor mechanic is an impressive innovation, but nonetheless felt that the overall gameplay was mediocre at best. [9] In their review, GamePro praised the armor mechanic and sci-fi styled graphics, but criticized the slow action and limited originality, and concluded that "there are more exciting Genesis fighters around". [15] Next Generation reviewed the game, rating it one star out of five, and stated that it was "A sad, shambling mockery of a fighting game." [13] Flux magazine gave mostly a negative review saying: "Basically a second-rate fighting game with sluggish action, awful sound and overly detailed graphics that make it hard to determine just what the hell is going on." Although they praised the characters and movesets. [14]

Even Sega of America president Tom Kalinske declined to defend the game; when an interviewer brought up the negative response Cosmic Carnage was getting, Kalinske said only, "Well, you know, every now and then there are games with which we're not so happy. It's all part of the learning process." [16]

In a retrospective review, Levi Buchanan of IGN applauded the character sprites, noting that they are "large, colorful, and decently detailed", but felt that the sprite detail were "ruined" by zooming effects. Buchanan also criticized the audio, which consists of "[h]orrid, crunchy music and weak sound effects." [12] Brett Alan Weiss of AllGame cited Cosmic Carnage as "[a] poor cousin of such 2D fighters as Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter II ", criticizing its slow gameplay and pixelated graphics. [17]

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Additional work by ALU
  2. ↑ Also known as Cyber Brawl (Japanese: サイバーブロール, Hepburn: Saibā Burōru) in Japan.
  3. ↑ Jeiku (ジェイク)
  4. ↑ Rei (レイ)
  5. ↑ (鳴門)
  6. ↑ Known in Japan as Carl (カール, Kāru)
  7. ↑ Known in Japan as Bolt (ボルト, Boruto)
  8. ↑ Known in Japan as Wishbone (ウィッシュボーン, U~isshubōn)
  9. ↑ Known in Japan as Steer (ステア, Sutea)
  10. ↑ Known in Japan as Finisher (フィニッシャー, Finisshā)

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">32X</span> Video game console add-on

The 32X is an add-on for the Sega Genesis video game console. Codenamed "Project Mars", it was designed to expand the power of the Genesis and serve as a transitional console into the 32-bit era until the release of the Sega Saturn. The 32X uses its own ROM cartridges and has its own library of games. It was distributed under the name Super 32X in Japan and South Korea, Genesis 32X in North America, Mega 32X in Brazil, and Mega Drive 32X in all other regions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sega Saturn</span> Home video game console

The Sega Saturn is a home video game console developed by Sega and released on November 22, 1994, in Japan, May 11, 1995, in North America, and July 8, 1995, in Europe. Part of the fifth generation of video game consoles, it is the successor to the successful Genesis. The Saturn has a dual-CPU architecture and eight processors. Its games are in CD-ROM format, including several ports of arcade games and original games.

<i>Virtua Fighter</i> (video game) 1993 video game

Virtua Fighter is a fighting game created for the Sega Model 1 arcade platform by AM2, a development group within Sega, headed by Yu Suzuki. An early prototype version was location tested in Japan by August 1993, before the complete game was released worldwide in December 1993. It is the first game in the Virtua Fighter series, and the first arcade fighting game to feature fully 3D polygon graphics. The game has been ported to several platforms including the Sega Saturn, Sega 32X, and Microsoft Windows.

<i>NBA Jam</i> (1993 video game) 1993 video game

NBA Jam is a basketball video game developed and published by Midway for arcades in 1993. It is the first entry in the NBA Jam series. The project leader for this game was Mark Turmell.

<i>Knuckles Chaotix</i> 1995 platform video game

Knuckles' Chaotix is a 1995 platform game developed by Sega for the 32X. A spin-off from the Sonic the Hedgehog series, it features Knuckles the Echidna and four other characters known as the Chaotix, who must prevent Doctor Robotnik and Metal Sonic from obtaining six magic rings and conquering a mysterious island. Gameplay is similar to previous Sonic games: players complete levels while collecting rings and defeating enemies. Knuckles' Chaotix introduces a partner system whereby the player is connected to another character via a tether; the tether behaves like a rubber band and must be used to maneuver the characters.

<i>Mortal Kombat 4</i> 1997 video game

Mortal Kombat 4 is a 1997 fighting game, the fourth main installment in the Mortal Kombat franchise, and a sequel to 1995's Mortal Kombat 3. It was developed by Midway Games. Released to arcades in 1997, Mortal Kombat 4 is the first title in the series, and one of the first made by Midway overall, to use 3D computer graphics. It is also the last game of the series to have an arcade release. It was ported to the PlayStation, Nintendo 64, PC, and Game Boy Color in 1998. An updated version titled Mortal Kombat Gold was released exclusively for the Dreamcast.

<i>Mortal Kombat 3</i> 1995 video game

Mortal Kombat 3 is a 1995 arcade fighting game developed by Midway Games and first released into arcades in 1995. It is the third main installment in the Mortal Kombat franchise and a sequel to 1993's Mortal Kombat II. As in the previous games, it has a cast of characters that players choose from and guide through a series of battles against other opponents. The game avoids the tournament storyline of its predecessors, as various warriors instead fight against the returning Shao Kahn, who has resurrected his bride Sindel and started an invasion of Earthrealm.

<i>Mortal Kombat Trilogy</i> 1996 video game compilation

Mortal Kombat Trilogy is a fighting game released by Midway in 1996 as the second and final update to Mortal Kombat 3 for the PlayStation, Nintendo 64, Sega Saturn and PCs. Further versions were also released for the Game.com and R-Zone. It features a similar basic gameplay system and the same story as Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3, but adds characters and stages restored from Mortal Kombat and Mortal Kombat II. New additions to the game included the "Aggressor" bar. The Brutality mechanic was introduced with this installment. The game was met with positive to mixed reviews upon release.

<i>Mortal Kombat II</i> 1993 video game

Mortal Kombat II is a fighting game originally produced by Midway for the arcades in 1993. It was ported to multiple home systems, including MS-DOS, Amiga, Game Boy, Game Gear, Sega Genesis, 32X, Sega Saturn, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, and PlayStation only in Japan, mostly in licensed versions developed by Probe Software and Sculptured Software and published by Acclaim Entertainment.

<i>Primal Rage</i> 1994 arcade video game

Primal Rage is a fighting game developed and released by Atari Games to arcades in 1994. The game takes place on a post-apocalyptic version of Earth called "Urth". Players control one of seven large beasts that battle each other to determine the planet's fate. Matches feature many of the conventions of fighting games from the era, including special moves and gory finishing maneuvers. Ports were released for home consoles and personal computers. Efforts to perfectly emulate the arcade original have been unsuccessful due to the use of an unusual copy protection method. Toys, comics, a novel and other merchandise tie-ins were produced. More than 1.5 million copies of the game were sold.

<i>Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3</i> Fighting video game

Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 is a fighting game in the Mortal Kombat series, developed and released by Midway to arcades in 1995. It is a standalone update of 1995's earlier Mortal Kombat 3 with an altered gameplay system, additional characters like the returning favorites Reptile, Kitana, Jade and Scorpion who were missing from Mortal Kombat 3, and some new features.

<i>Mortal Kombat Gold</i> Fighting video game

Mortal Kombat Gold is a 1999 fighting game in the Mortal Kombat series that was published by Midway Home Entertainment. It was developed by Eurocom and released exclusively on the Dreamcast as a launch title. It is an updated version of 1997's Mortal Kombat 4 and was the first game to appear on a sixth-generation platform as well as the only Mortal Kombat game to be released for the Dreamcast console. Critical reaction was mostly average due to the graphics being inferior to the arcade version, the weapons deemed boring or useless, and game-breaking bugs and glitches.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sega Genesis</span> Home video game console

The Genesis, also known as the Mega Drive outside North America, is a 16-bit fourth generation home video game console developed and sold by Sega. It was Sega's third console and the successor to the Master System. Sega released it in 1988 in Japan as the Mega Drive, and in 1989 in North America as the Genesis. In 1990, it was distributed as the Mega Drive by Virgin Mastertronic in Europe, Ozisoft in Australasia, and Tectoy in Brazil. In South Korea, it was distributed by Samsung Electronics as the Super Gam*Boy and later the Super Aladdin Boy.

<i>WWF WrestleMania: The Arcade Game</i> 1995 video game

WWF WrestleMania is a professional wrestling arcade game released by Midway Manufacturing Co. in 1995. It is based on the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) professional wrestling promotion.

<i>Star Wars Arcade</i> 1993 video game

Star Wars is a 1993 arcade game developed by Sega and based on the original Star Wars trilogy. Combining elements of A New Hope and Return of the Jedi, the game has players pilot a Rebel starship and battle against the forces of the Empire. Sega developed Star Wars for their Model 1 system, the same arcade hardware that powered Virtua Fighter and Virtua Racing. Like those two titles, the graphics in Star Wars are rendered entirely using polygons. The game was given a home port under the name Star Wars Arcade, as an exclusive for the Sega 32X's launch in 1994.

<i>Mazin Saga: Mutant Fighter</i> 1993 video game

Mazin Saga: Mutant Fighter is a 1993 hybrid beat 'em up/fighting video game developed by Almanic Corporation, in conjunction with ALU and Team "Saga", and published by Vic Tokai for the Sega Genesis in North American and later in Japan and Europe by Sega. Based upon Go Nagai's MazinSaga mecha manga, which is considered a combination of Nagai's Mazinger and Devilman franchises, players assume the role of Koji Kabuto wielding the Mazinger Z armor to fight against powerful 'Bio Beasts' led by God Kaiser Hell. Co-directed by Satsuki Mizuno, Takashi Yoneda and "Tommy Bon Bon", the title was created by most of the same team that worked on previous projects at Almanic such as E.V.O.: Search for Eden. It was met with mostly positive reception from critics since its release.

<i>Shadow Squadron</i> 1995 video game

Shadow Squadron is a space combat simulation video game developed and published by Sega exclusively for the 32X add-on first in Japan on 26 April 1995, then in North America and Europe in June of the same year.

Givro Corporation was a Japanese video game development company founded in 1989 in Tokyo, Japan by Takashi Yoneda, who was previously employed by Technos Japan and Enix. The company was originally established under the name Almanic Corporation, which it operated under for a few years before changing its corporate name in 1995. Givro would go on to produce games for home consoles such as the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Genesis, 32X, Nintendo 64 and Sega Saturn. Givro released their final game in late 1997 and quietly dissolved at the end of the following year.

<i>Mortal Kombat</i> (1992 video game) 1992 fighting game

Mortal Kombat is a 1992 fighting game developed and published by Midway. It is the first entry in the Mortal Kombat series and was subsequently released by Acclaim Entertainment for nearly every home platform at that time. The game focuses on several characters of various intentions who enter a martial arts tournament with worldly consequences. It introduced many key aspects of the Mortal Kombat series, including the unique five-button control scheme and gory finishing moves called Fatalities.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Fact-Files - Sega 32X - Cosmic Carnage". Electronic Gaming Monthly . No. 66. Sendai Publishing. January 1995. pp. 228–229.
  2. 1 2 "スーパー32X対応ソフトウェア". SEGA HARD Encyclopedia (in Japanese). Sega. 2020. Archived from the original on 19 June 2013. Retrieved 18 August 2020.
  3. 1 2 Swan, Gus; Merrett, Steve (February 1995). "32X Review - Cosmic Carnage". Mean Machines Sega . No. 28. EMAP. pp. 74–75.
  4. 1 2 Cosmic Carnage instruction manual (Sega 32X, US)
  5. 1 2 Almanic Corporation (24 November 1994). Cosmic Carnage (32X). Sega. Level/area: Staff roll.
  6. 1 2 "コンシューマーゲームソフト". ALU (in Japanese). D3 Publisher. 2003. Archived from the original on 19 June 2004. Retrieved 18 August 2020.
  7. ↑ McConville, James A. (2 January 1995). "Sega 32X upgrade sees a sold-out Yule". Business Wire . Berkshire Hathaway. Archived from the original on 17 November 2015. Retrieved 25 November 2015. Sega 32X was launched nationally on Nov. 21 with four software titles. [...] Sega 32X titles launched to date include Doom , Star Wars Arcade , Virtual Racing Deluxe [ sic ] and Cosmic Carnage.
  8. ↑ Kent, Steven L. (2001). "The "Next" Generation (Part 1)" . The Ultimate History of Video Games: The Story Behind the Craze that Touched our Lives and Changed the World. Prima Publishing. pp. 493–496. ISBN   0-7615-3643-4.
  9. 1 2 Semrad, Ed; Carpenter, Danyon; Manuel, Al; Williams, Ken (February 1995). "Review Crew: Cosmic Carnage". Electronic Gaming Monthly . No. 67. Sendai Publishing. p. 32.
  10. ↑ "NEW GAMES CROSS REVIEW: サイバーブロール". Famitsu (in Japanese). No. 318. ASCII Corporation. 20 January 1995. p. 40. Archived from the original on 16 August 2018. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
  11. ↑ Groves, Will (February 1995). "Reviews - Cosmic Carnage". GamesMaster . No. 26. Future Publishing. p. 44.
  12. 1 2 Buchanan, Levi (21 November 2008). "Cosmic Carnage Review - Alien-robo-snakes deserve better games than this". IGN . Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on 2 December 2015. Retrieved 18 August 2020.
  13. 1 2 "Finals - Flotsam - Cosmic Carnage". Next Generation . No. 2. Imagine Media. February 1995. p. 93. Archived from the original on 18 January 2019. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
  14. 1 2 "Cosmic Carnage Review". Flux. Harris Publications (4): 82. April 1995.
  15. ↑ Slo Mo (February 1995). "ProReview: Cosmic Carnage". GamePro . No. 67. IDG. p. 56.
  16. ↑ "Talking - Is Sega's Boss Scared Yet?". Next Generation . No. 3. Imagine Media. March 1995. pp. 6–11. Archived from the original on 4 January 2019. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
  17. ↑ Weiss, Brett Alan. "Cosmic Carnage (Sega Genesis 32X) overview". AllGame . All Media Network. Archived from the original on 10 December 2014. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.