Excalibur 2555 AD

Last updated
Excalibur 2555 AD
Excalibur 2555 AD Coverart.png
Developer(s) Fish (UK) Ltd.
Tempest
Publisher(s) Sir-Tech
Platform(s) PlayStation, Windows
ReleasePlayStation
Windows
  • EU: October 1997
  • NA: October 20, 1997 [3]
Genre(s) Action-adventure

Excalibur 2555 AD is an action-adventure game developed by Fish (UK) and Tempest and published by Sir-Tech for the PlayStation and Windows in 1997.

Contents

Gameplay

Excalibur 2555 AD plays similarly to Pax Corpus , in that players roam through fully 3D environments with a female character in a futuristic setting, and collect items which can be saved for later use. [4] The game is fully voice-acted, though there is also an option to enable subtitles. [4] Like Pax Corpus, the game received mixed to negative reviews both having been released the same year as Tomb Raider 2.

Plot

Mysterious soldiers from the future have travelled back in time to steal Excalibur from King Arthur's court. The wizard Merlin sends a young female warrior, Beth, into the future to retrieve it. With her giant sword in hand, Beth travels through a gloomy underground city, helping out the local people whenever she can.

History

The game was showcased at E3 1997. [5] In Japan, the PlayStation version was ported and published by Imagineer under the name Lost Sword: Ushinawareta Seiken (ロストソード 〜失われた聖剣〜, Rosuto Sōdo 〜Shichi Wareta Seiken〜) on March 12, 1998. [6]

Reception

The game received mixed but mostly negative reviews. Critics noted that the game had been marketed as being similar to Tomb Raider, [12] [14] [16] [15] [17] [18] with Shawn Smith recounting in Electronic Gaming Monthly that during development the player character's design had been revised with a ponytail and super-short outfit in an apparent attempt to make her more closely resemble Tomb Raider's player character, Lara Croft. [12] However, critics also overwhelmingly thought Excalibur 2555 A.D. fell far short of that acclaimed game, and GameSpot and Next Generation went so far as to state that the gameplay is too fundamentally different from Tomb Raider to justify any comparison at all. [16] [18] Criticisms varied widely, but the most common were that the gameplay is a combination of mindless combat [12] [14] [16] [21] and puzzles which amount to nothing more than repeatedly finding and trading one object for another one. [12] [14] [16] [15] [21] GameSpot summarized that "Excalibur 2555 AD misses the mark in being either an engaging action game or an interesting puzzler. While not a horrible title by any means, it's simply boring." [16]

Other complaints voiced by multiple reviewers were that the animations are rudimentary [12] [14] [15] [17] and the music is terrible. [15] [17] [21] GamePro gave it a 3 out of 5 for graphics and 1.5 in every other category (sound, control, and fun factor), commenting, "The puzzle elements are bland and clichéd, while the battle system is complete trash: You stand toe-to-toe with your foes ... trading blows at a ridiculously slow pace, while awful techno tunes try to keep your blood pumping." [21] IGN also razed the voice acting, [17] while GameSpot and GameRevolution attributed the poorness of the voice tracks to low quality production. [14] [15] By contrast, Crispin Boyer of Electronic Gaming Monthly judged that "The graphics are pretty sharp - if not overly colorful - and the voice acting ain't bad either. Its 13 maze-like levels will hold your interest." Boyer's co-reviewer, Ken "Sushi-X" Williams, also had a relatively positive response to the game, but remarked, "Despite the huge exploration, I wonder why I can't jump, climb or look around. These simple functions, when missing, make an extremely flat game, something a 3-D title should never be." [12]

GameSpot noted that the Windows version is a port of the PlayStation version, and criticized its lack of mid-level saving. [15] GameRevolution found the graphical effects and level of detail when using 3D acceleration cards to be impressive, but said it did not make up for the massive plot holes and poor gameplay. [14] Next Generation instead argued that the 3D card compatibility only serves to highlight how limited Excalibur 2555 AD is compared to leading PC games. [18]

Related Research Articles

<i>Dune 2000</i> Real-time strategy game

Dune 2000 is a real-time strategy video game, developed by Intelligent Games and published by Westwood Studios in 1998 for Microsoft Windows. It was later ported to the PlayStation in 1999. It is a partial remake of Dune II, which is loosely based on Frank Herbert's Dune universe. The story of the game is similar to Dune II, and is continued in Emperor: Battle for Dune.

<i>Deathtrap Dungeon</i> (video game) 1998 video game

Ian Livingstone's Deathtrap Dungeon is an action-adventure video game developed by Asylum Studios and published by Eidos Interactive for PlayStation and Microsoft Windows in 1998. It is based on the adventure gamebook Deathtrap Dungeon written by Ian Livingstone, and published by Puffin Books in 1984.

<i>Moto Racer</i> 1997 video game

Moto Racer, mislabeled as Moto Racer Gold, is an arcade style motorcycle racing game developed by Delphine Software International and published by Electronic Arts for Microsoft Windows and PlayStation. The game was originally to be published by BMG Interactive, but after BMG closed down its U.S. operations it sold the publication rights to Electronic Arts. Critics hailed the game as the first outstanding arcade-style racer to appear on PC, and the PlayStation version in turn was called a strong conversion in reviews.

<i>Nightmare Creatures</i> 1997 video game

Nightmare Creatures is a 1997 survival horror video game developed by Kalisto Entertainment for PlayStation, Microsoft Windows and Nintendo 64. A sequel, Nightmare Creatures II, was released three years later. A mobile phone version of Nightmare Creatures was developed and published by Gameloft in 2003. A second sequel, Nightmare Creatures III: Angel of Darkness, was cancelled in 2004.

<i>FIFA 99</i> 1998 association football video game

FIFA 99 is a football simulation video game developed by EA Canada and published by Electronic Arts under the EA Sports label. It is the sixth game in the FIFA series and was released in 1998 for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation and Nintendo 64.

<i>Tomb Raider: Chronicles</i> 2000 video game

Tomb Raider: Chronicles is an action-adventure video game developed by Core Design and published by Eidos Interactive. It was first released for PlayStation, Windows, and Dreamcast in 2000, then on Mac OS the following year. It is the fifth installment in the Tomb Raider series. The narrative continues from Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation with archaeologist-adventurer Lara Croft presumed dead, and three friends recall adventures from her early career. Gameplay follows Lara through linear levels, solving puzzles and fighting enemies. Some levels incorporate additional gameplay elements such as stealth.

<i>Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation</i> 1999 video game

Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation is an action-adventure video game developed by Core Design and published by Eidos Interactive. It was first released for PlayStation and Microsoft Windows in 1999, then on Dreamcast and Mac OS the following year. It is the fourth instalment in the Tomb Raider series. The narrative follows archaeologist-adventurer Lara Croft as she races to imprison the Egyptian god Set after accidentally setting him free. Gameplay features Lara navigating levels split into multiple areas and room complexes, fighting enemies and solving puzzles to progress.

<i>Formula One 99</i> 1999 video game

Formula One 99 is a racing video game developed by Studio 33 and published by Psygnosis for PlayStation and Microsoft Windows. It is the sequel to the 1998 video game Formula 1 98 and was based on the 1999 Formula One World Championship.

<i>O.D.T.</i> 1998 video game

O.D.T. is a 1998 action-adventure video game developed by FDI and published by Psygnosis for PlayStation and Microsoft Windows.

<i>Urban Chaos</i> 1999 video game

Urban Chaos is the debut video game of English developer Mucky Foot Productions with its initial release in 1999 on Microsoft Windows. It was subsequently released on the PlayStation and Dreamcast. The game was published by Eidos Interactive.

<i>Tomb Raider</i> (1996 video game) 1996 video game

Tomb Raider is a 1996 action-adventure video game developed by Core Design and published by Eidos Interactive as the debut entry in the Tomb Raider media franchise. It was first released on the Sega Saturn, followed shortly by versions for MS-DOS and the PlayStation. Later releases came for Mac OS (1999), Pocket PC (2002), N-Gage (2003), iOS (2013) and Android (2015). The game follows archaeologist-adventurer Lara Croft, who is hired by businesswoman Jacqueline Natla to find an artefact called the Scion of Atlantis. Gameplay features Lara navigating levels split into multiple areas and room complexes while fighting enemies and solving puzzles to progress. An expansion pack subtitled Unfinished Business was released in 1997, containing new standalone levels.

<i>Spawn: The Eternal</i> 1997 video game

Spawn: The Eternal is an action-adventure video game developed by Sony Interactive Studios America and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation, based on the comic book character Spawn created by Todd McFarlane and produced by Image Comics. It was released on December 9, 1997 in North America and received poor reviews. When played on a CD player, the disc would be revealed to contain a lengthy audio interview with Spawn creator Todd McFarlane.

<i>Brunswick Circuit Pro Bowling</i> 1998 video game

Brunswick Circuit Pro Bowling is a sports video game released for Microsoft Windows and PlayStation in 1998 and the Nintendo 64 in 1999.

<i>Test Drive 5</i> 1998 video game

Test Drive 5 is a racing game developed by Pitbull Syndicate and published by Accolade for PlayStation and Microsoft Windows in 1998.

<i>Test Drive 4X4</i> 1998 video game

Test Drive 4X4 is a racing video game co-developed by Accolade's internal development team and Pitbull Syndicate, and published by Accolade for PlayStation and Microsoft Windows.

<i>Moto Racer 2</i> 1998 video game

Moto Racer 2 is a motocross racing game developed by Delphine and published by Electronic Arts for PlayStation and Microsoft Windows. It is part of the Moto Racer series, and is the sequel to Moto Racer.

<i>NCAA Football 99</i> 1998 video game

NCAA Football 99 is a video game of the sports genre released in 1998 by EA Sports. Its cover athlete is former University of Michigan cornerback Charles Woodson.

<i>WarGames: Defcon 1</i> 1998 video game

WarGames: Defcon 1 is a video game for the PlayStation and Microsoft Windows developed by Interactive Studios and co-published by MGM Interactive and Electronic Arts. Although both versions possess the same missions and content, the PlayStation version is a tactical vehicle-shooting game while the PC version is a real-time strategy game. The game is loosely based on the movie WarGames; the story was scripted by John Badham, director of the original film.

<i>The City of Lost Children</i> (video game) 1997 video game

The City of Lost Children is an adventure game developed and published by Psygnosis in 1997. It is loosely based on the film of the same name. The game was released for the PlayStation and MS-DOS. The latter is a straight port of the console version. Players take on the role of the film character Miette.

<i>The Mummy</i> (video game) 2000 video game

The Mummy, known in Japan as Hamunaptra: Ushinawareta Sabaku no Miyako, is a single-player video game for Game Boy Color, PlayStation and Microsoft Windows, based on the 1999 movie of the same name. It was published by Konami.

References

  1. ↑ "Computers - PlayStation Games". Staffordshire Newsletter (Uttoxeter ed.). April 11, 1997. p. 28. Retrieved December 18, 2023. Porsche Challenge, Suikoden, Crow City of Angels, MechWarrior II, Soccer 97, Excalibur all just in stock.
  2. ↑ "Excalibur's Leading Lady Gets Makeover". Sir-Tech . July 21, 1997. Archived from the original on February 6, 1998. Retrieved October 31, 2021.
  3. ↑ "Sirtech Release Dates". PC Gamer . Imagine Media. October 13, 1997. Archived from the original on February 18, 1998. Retrieved December 5, 2019.
  4. 1 2 "Excalibur 2555 A.D.: If Lara Croft and King Arthur...". Electronic Gaming Monthly . No. 96. Ziff Davis. July 1997. p. 105.
  5. ↑ Lee, Helen (May 29, 1997). "Sir-tech's E3 Lineup". GameSpot . Archived from the original on April 17, 1999. Retrieved July 25, 2022.
  6. 1 2 "ロストソード 〜失われた聖剣〜". Famitsu (in Japanese). Enterbrain . Retrieved October 31, 2021.
  7. ↑ "Excalibur 2555 A.D. for PlayStation". GameRankings . CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on December 9, 2019.
  8. ↑ Romero, Joshua. "Excalibur 2555 AD (PS) - Review". AllGame . All Media Network. Archived from the original on November 16, 2014. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
  9. ↑ D'Aprile, Jason (1997). "Excalibur 2555 AD". Computer Games Strategy Plus . Strategy Plus, Inc. Archived from the original on May 29, 2003. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
  10. ↑ Clarkson, Mark (March 1998). "Excali-bore (Excalibur 2555 A.D. Review)" (PDF). Computer Gaming World . No. 164. Ziff Davis. p. 142. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
  11. ↑ Edge staff (April 1997). "Excalibur 2555AD [sic] (PS)" (PDF). Edge . No. 44. Future Publishing. p. 83. Retrieved October 31, 2021.
  12. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 EGM staff (November 1997). "Excalibur 2555 A.D.". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 100. Ziff Davis. p. 197.
  13. ↑ "Excalibur 2555 AD (PS)". Game Informer . No. 53. FuncoLand. September 1997.
  14. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Hubble, Calvin (March 1998). "Excalibur 2555 A.D. Review (PC)". GameRevolution . CraveOnline. Archived from the original on June 13, 1998. Retrieved October 31, 2021.
  15. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Sengstack, Jeff (January 6, 1998). "Excalibur 2555 AD Review (PC) [date mislabeled as "May 1, 2000"]". GameSpot . Red Ventures. Archived from the original on January 20, 2005. Retrieved October 31, 2021.
  16. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Fielder, Joe (October 8, 1997). "Excalibur 2555 A.D. Review (PS) [date mislabeled as "April 28, 2000"]". GameSpot. Red Ventures. Archived from the original on January 18, 2005. Retrieved October 31, 2021.
  17. 1 2 3 4 5 IGN staff (October 22, 1997). "Excalibur 2555 AD (PS)". IGN . Ziff Davis. Retrieved October 31, 2021.
  18. 1 2 3 4 "Steel Reign (PC)". Next Generation . No. 37. Imagine Media. January 1998. p. 159. Retrieved October 31, 2021.
  19. ↑ "Excalibur 2555 AD". Official UK PlayStation Magazine . No. 17. Future Publishing. March 1997.
  20. ↑ Williamson, Colin (February 1998). "Excalibur 2555 AD". PC Gamer. Vol. 5, no. 2. Imagine Media. Archived from the original on March 10, 2000. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
  21. 1 2 3 4 Boba Fatt (February 1998). "PlayStation ProReview: Excalibur 2555 A.D." GamePro . No. 113. IDG. p. 92. Retrieved October 31, 2021.
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.