Futurama (video game)

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Futurama
Futurama-ps2-cover.jpg
European PlayStation 2 cover art
Developer(s) Unique Development Studios
Publisher(s)
Director(s) Stephane Koenig
Producer(s)
  • Anders Hejdenberg
  • Mars Westerlund
Designer(s)
Programmer(s) Mattias Olsson
Artist(s) Ralph M. Gerth IV
Writer(s) J. Stewart Burns
Composer(s) Christopher Tyng
Engine Gamebryo
Platform(s)
Release
  • PAL: August 1, 2003
  • NA: August 12, 2003
Genre(s) Platform
Mode(s) Single-player

Futurama is a 3D platform video game based on the science fiction animated series of the same name. It was developed by Unique Development Studios for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox, both of which use cel-shading technology. The cutscenes of the game are presented as an entire "lost episode" of Futurama on the DVD of The Beast with a Billion Backs .

Contents

Gameplay

Gameplay is a mix of shooting and platforming. As the game progresses, players play as each of four characters: Fry, Bender, Leela and Zoidberg. Fry's levels mostly involve shooter mechanics, as he can use a multitude of guns. Bender's levels are platformer-oriented, while Leela's revolve around hand-to-hand combat. Zoidberg is featured in a short segment as well. There are several Nibblers hidden in each level; collecting them unlocks extras such as movie clips and galleries.

Plot

The game begins with Professor Farnsworth, wearing a sombrero, selling the Planet Express delivery company to Mom, explaining that it had been losing money for years due to mismanagement. The buyout gives Mom ownership of more than fifty percent of Earth, allowing her to become the planet's supreme ruler. Soon after this, she enslaves humanity.

Finding the ship inexplicably broken, the Professor tasks Leela and Bender with repairing it, and sends Fry off to find a hammer to keep him out of the way. After Fry is crushed to death under a pile of debris, he is resurrected by the Professor's new invention, the Re-animator (which closely resembles a giant toaster), which brings the crew back to life every time they die. Fry is then tasked with locating the Professor's missing tools.

After discovering that the ship's dark matter engine is beyond repair, and informing the crew that the back-up was pawned in exchange for a gun, the Professor sends Fry off to retrieve it, having to travel via the sewers to avoid curfew. After Fry returns, they escape from Earth with the Re-animator.

However, Mom pursues them in an effort to capture Farnsworth. She hopes to turn Earth into a giant warship, and Farnsworth is the only person who knows how to build an engine large enough to move the Earth. After Bender frees the ship from a suck beam generated from a desert asteroid, Mom ultimately captures Farnsworth, places his head in a jar, and sends the ship hurtling into the Sun with Fry, Leela, and Bender on board.

After discovering that the Sun is habitable, Leela helps the Sun People to defeat their evil Sun God in exchange for a full tank of dark matter. After Leela destroys the Sun Temple, the crew then head for the planet of Bogad, where Farnsworth's mentor, Adoy, lives. Adoy has invented a time machine, but its generator is inconveniently placed a great distance away, with hazardous swamps in the way. Using the time machine's hand crank, which turns back time by two minutes if cranked for that long, Zoidberg (who had inexplicably appeared on Bogad "making a cameo") manages to reach and activate the generator. Fry, Leela and Bender manage to travel back to a few minutes before Mom buys Planet Express from the Professor. However, the ship crashes into Planet Express, destroying the ship. This prompts them to steal the ship of the past, leaving the broken ship to be repaired by their past selves. They attempt to stop the sale, which prompts Mom to send Destructor to attack them. They defeat the robot, but the Re-animator gets damaged and falls on Destructor, causing it to fall on top of them. Angry at the fact that the robot killed his crew, the professor refuses to sell Planet Express. But after Mom bribes him with a sombrero, he sells, and the events of the game continue in an endless cycle.

Development

Development on the game started before the series' cancellation, [1] but the game was not released until after the last episode of season 4 had already been shown. Thus, the game has been known as a "lost episode" of sorts since it includes 28 minutes [2] of new animation. [3]

Many of the crew from the Futurama series worked on the game. Matt Groening served as Executive game developer and David X. Cohen directed the voice actors. These voice actors were the original actors from the series: Billy West, Katey Sagal, John DiMaggio, Tress MacNeille, Maurice LaMarche, and David Herman. Cast members Phil LaMarr and Lauren Tom weren't included in the game due to budgetary reasons. Also adding to the authenticity of the game was the original music composition provided by Christopher Tyng who also composed the music in the series and Futurama scriptwriter and producer J. Stewart Burns who scripted an original storyline for the plot. The music during the end credits of the game is later used in the four straight-to-DVD Futurama films: in the extended intro of Bender's Big Score , and rearranged versions during the end credits of the subsequent three films.

A GameCube version was planned for release but was cancelled due to slow sales of the console in the United States. [4]

Futurama: The Lost Adventure

The cutscenes, along with some in-game footage provided by Cohen, were compiled into a 30-minute feature titled Futurama: The Lost Adventure (described by Cohen as "the 73rd episode") [5] and included as a special feature with the direct-to-DVD movie Futurama: The Beast with a Billion Backs . [6] With Unique Development Studios having gone out of business, the production team were unable to acquire the original full-quality video files for the cutscenes and instead sourced the footage by recording video from an Xbox console running the game. [7] The Lost Adventure compilation also removes meta references to being a video game and adds new effects to the sound mix. [7]

Reception

Futurama received "mixed" reviews according to video game review aggregator Metacritic. [8] [9] Gameplay was generally considered lackluster, though the cutscenes were described in Wired as "side-splitting". [5] Maxim gave the game a score of six out of ten and said, "It's too bad that clunky controls and eh game play stay forever buried in a time lock of dull sloppiness." [23] Russian magazine Strana Igr gave the game 6.5 out of 10, calling the game ordinary and uninteresting. [24]

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zoidberg</span> Futurama character

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Futurama is an American animated science fiction sitcom created by Matt Groening for the Fox Broadcasting Company and later revived by Comedy Central, and then Hulu. The series follows the adventures of slacker Philip J. Fry, who is cryogenically preserved for 1,000 years and revived on December 31, 2999. Fry finds work at the interplanetary delivery company Planet Express, working alongside one-eyed mutant Leela and robot Bender. The series was envisioned by Groening in the mid-1990s while working on The Simpsons; he brought David X. Cohen aboard to develop storylines and characters to pitch the show to Fox.

Bender (<i>Futurama</i>) Futurama character

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Philip J. Fry</span> Main character in the television show Futurama

Philip J. Fry, commonly known mononymously by his surname, is a fictional character and the protagonist of the animated series Futurama. He is voiced by Billy West using a version of his own voice as he sounded when he was 25. He is a delivery boy from the 20th century who becomes cryogenically frozen and reawakens in the 30th century to become a delivery boy there with an intergalactic delivery company run by his 30th great-grandnephew, Professor Hubert J. Farnsworth. He is the best friend and roommate of Bender and the boyfriend and later fiancé of Leela while he is Elena Fry's father.

The animated science fiction television program Futurama makes a number of satirical and humorous references to religion, including inventing several fictional religions which are explored in certain episodes of the series.

"Roswell That Ends Well" is the nineteenth episode in the third season of the American animated television series Futurama, and the 51st episode of the series overall. It originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on December 9, 2001. The plot centers on an accidental time travel event that results in the main characters participating in the Roswell Incident in 1947.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Space Pilot 3000</span> 1st episode of the 1st season of Futurama

"Space Pilot 3000" is the pilot episode of the American animated television series Futurama. It originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on March 28, 1999. The episode focuses on the cryogenic freezing of the series protagonist, Philip J. Fry, and the events when he awakens 1,000 years in the future. Series regulars are introduced and the futuristic setting, inspired by a variety of classic science fiction series from The Jetsons to Star Trek, is revealed. It also sets the stage for many of the events to follow in the series, foreshadowing plot points from the third and fourth seasons.

"A Flight to Remember" is the tenth episode in the first season of the American animated television series Futurama. It originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on September 26, 1999. The title is a reference to Walter Lord's non-fiction book about the Titanic disaster A Night to Remember. This episode was written by Eric Horsted and directed by Peter Avanzino. Dawnn Lewis guest-stars in this episode as LaBarbara Conrad. The episode is a direct parody of the 1997 film Titanic.

"Anthology of Interest II" is the eighteenth episode in the third season of the American animated television series Futurama, and the 50th episode of the series overall. It originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on January 6, 2002. This episode, as well as the earlier "Anthology of Interest I", serves to showcase three "imaginary" stories.

"Love and Rocket" is the third episode in the fourth season of the American animated television series Futurama, and the 57th episode of the series overall. It first aired on the Fox network in the United States on February 10, 2002. The episode is a Valentine's Day-themed episode that centers on Bender's relationship with the artificial intelligence of the Planet Express Ship. The subplot involves Fry trying to express his feelings for Leela through the use of Valentine's Day candy. The episode parodies 2001: A Space Odyssey.

"Three Hundred Big Boys" is the sixteenth episode in the fourth season of the American animated television series Futurama, and the 70th episode of the series overall. It originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on June 15, 2003. Set in a retro-futuristic 31st century, the series follows the adventures of the employees of Planet Express, an interplanetary delivery company.

<i>Futurama: Benders Big Score</i> 2007 film by Dwayne Carey-Hill

Futurama: Bender's Big Score is a 2007 American animated science fiction comedy film based on the animated series Futurama. It was released in the United States on November 27, 2007. It was the first Futurama production since the original series finale "The Devil's Hands are Idle Playthings". Bender's Big Score, along with the three follow-up films, comprise season five of Futurama, with each film being separated into four episodes of the broadcast season. Bender's Big Score made its broadcast premiere on Comedy Central on March 23, 2008. The film was written by Ken Keeler, based on a story by Keeler and David X. Cohen, and directed by Dwayne Carey-Hill.

<i>Futurama: The Beast with a Billion Backs</i> 2008 American film

Futurama: The Beast with a Billion Backs is a 2008 American direct-to-video adult animated science-fiction comedy-adventure film based on the animated series Futurama, and the second of four straight-to-DVD films that make up the show's fifth season. The film was released in the United States and Canada on June 24, 2008, followed by a UK release on June 30, 2008 and an Australian release on August 6, 2008. The title refers to a euphemism for sexual intercourse—"the beast with two backs". Comedy Central aired the film as a "four-part epic" on October 19, 2008. The movie won an Annie Award for "Best Animated Home Entertainment Production".

<i>Futurama: Into the Wild Green Yonder</i> 2009 American film

Futurama: Into the Wild Green Yonder is a 2009 American direct-to-video adult animated science fiction comedy-adventure film based on the animated series Futurama, and the fourth and final of the direct-to-DVD films that make up the show's fifth season. The film was written by Ken Keeler, based on a story by Keeler and David X. Cohen, and directed by Peter Avanzino. Guest stars include Phil Hendrie, Penn Jillette, Snoop Dogg, and Seth MacFarlane, who sings the theme song. In the movie, Leela becomes an outlaw when she and a group of ecologically-minded feminists attempt to save an asteroid of primitive life forms and the Violet Dwarf star from being destroyed, while Fry joins a secret society and attempts to stop a mysterious species known as the "Dark Ones" from destroying all life in the universe. The title itself is a reference to the U.S. Air Force Song, the main chorus of which describes reaching "Into the wild blue yonder".

<i>Futurama: Benders Game</i> 2008 American film

Futurama: Bender's Game is a 2008 American direct-to-video adult animated science fantasy comedy film and the third of the four Futurama films that make up the show's fifth season. It was released on DVD and Blu-ray on November 4, 2008.

The animated science fiction show Futurama presents a satirical look at politics and current affairs in a number of its episodes. Series creator Matt Groening intended from the outset that Futurama would lampoon not only the conventions of science fiction, but elements of present-day life, serving as a form of political and social satire.

Reincarnation (<i>Futurama</i>) 26th episode of the 6th season of Futurama

"Reincarnation" is the 26th and final episode in the sixth season of the American animated television series Futurama, and the 114th episode of the series overall. It originally aired on Comedy Central on September 9, 2011. This is the only episode not to be animated in its regular animation style, instead featuring three different segments which each showcase Futurama "reincarnated" in a different style of animation. The plot of each segment forms part of an overall story arc, revolving around the discovery and subsequent destruction of a diamondium comet. A running joke for the episode involves a key plot point in each segment being obscured by the specific animation style, though the characters themselves express amazement over what they see.

"Fry and Leela's Big Fling" is the seventeenth episode in the seventh season of the American animated television series Futurama, and the 131st episode of the series overall. It originally aired on Comedy Central on June 19, 2013. The episode was written by Eric Rogers and directed by Edund Fong. Fry and Leela attempt to have a romantic time together, but with everyone around they cannot get time alone.

"Murder on the Planet Express" is the twenty-fourth episode in the seventh season of the American animated television series Futurama, and the 138th episode of the series overall. It originally aired on Comedy Central on August 21, 2013. The episode was written by Lewis Morton and directed by Frank Marino. In this episode, the crew get trapped aboard the Planet Express ship with a horrific alien creature. The episode's title derives from Murder on the Orient Express and parodies Alien and The Thing.

References

  1. ↑ Vivendi interview with UGO.com Archived November 14, 2006, at the Wayback Machine Accessed February 6, 2007
  2. ↑ Futurama The Game: Official Website - Features Archived June 3, 2008, at the Wayback Machine Accessed June 24, 2008
  3. ↑ Lead designer Mark McGinlay interview with computerandvideogames.com Accessed February 6, 2007
  4. ↑ "Gamecube Mailbag 2003-08-15". IGN . August 15, 2003. Archived from the original on February 2, 2004. Retrieved November 17, 2022.
  5. 1 2 Baker, Chris (December 20, 2007). "Videogames & Futurama, Part 4: The Lost Episode is on a PS2 Disc". Wired . Retrieved March 28, 2008.
  6. ↑ "TV Shows on DVD". TV Shows on DVD. Archived from the original on October 16, 2011. Retrieved August 9, 2011.
  7. 1 2 Cohen, David X.; Supercinski, Lee (2008). Futurama: The Lost Adventure (DVD audio commentary). 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment. Event occurs at 05:04, 08:55, 10:39.
  8. 1 2 "Futurama Critic Reviews for PlayStation 2". Metacritic . Retrieved December 12, 2013.
  9. 1 2 "Futurama Critic Reviews for Xbox". Metacritic. Retrieved December 12, 2013.
  10. ↑ Marriott, Scott Alan. "Futurama (PS2) - Review". AllGame. Archived from the original on November 13, 2014. Retrieved December 9, 2014.
  11. 1 2 EGM Staff (October 2003). "Futurama". Electronic Gaming Monthly . No. 171. p. 139. Archived from the original on October 4, 2015. Retrieved December 12, 2013.
  12. ↑ Bramwell, Tom (August 18, 2003). "Futurama Review (Xbox)". Eurogamer . Retrieved December 13, 2013.
  13. ↑ Helgeson, Matt (September 2003). "Futurama: The Game (PS2)". Game Informer . No. 125. p. 109. Archived from the original on February 24, 2005. Retrieved December 12, 2013.
  14. ↑ Pong Sifu (August 13, 2003). "Futurama Review for PS2 on GamePro.com". GamePro . Archived from the original on February 12, 2005. Retrieved December 12, 2013.
  15. ↑ Mr. Tickle (September 2003). "Futurama Review (Xbox)". Game Revolution . Retrieved December 12, 2013.
  16. 1 2 Tracy, Tim (August 27, 2003). "Futurama Review". GameSpot . Retrieved December 12, 2013.
  17. 1 2 Steinberg, Steve (September 27, 2003). "GameSpy: Futurama". GameSpy . Retrieved December 12, 2013.
  18. ↑ Hopper, Steve (September 23, 2003). "Futurama - PS2 - Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on February 25, 2008. Retrieved December 12, 2013.
  19. 1 2 Perry, Douglass C. (August 12, 2003). "Futurama (PS2, Xbox)". IGN . Retrieved December 12, 2013.
  20. ↑ "Futurama". Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine . September 2003. p. 92.
  21. ↑ "Review: Futurama". Official Xbox Magazine . October 2003. p. 84.
  22. ↑ Hudak, Chris (October 20, 2003). "'Futurama' (PS2) Review". X-Play. Archived from the original on October 22, 2003. Retrieved December 12, 2013.
  23. 1 2 3 Porter, Alex (August 13, 2003). "Futurama (PS2, Xbox)". Maxim . Archived from the original on December 18, 2013. Retrieved December 9, 2014.
  24. 1 2 3 Gameland Publishing (September 2003). Страна игр 2003 #18 (147).
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