Ghoul Panic

Last updated

Ghoul Panic
Ghoul Panic arcade flyer.png
Japanese promotional sales flyer
Developer(s) Raizing
Publisher(s) Namco
Director(s) Manabu Namiki
Producer(s) Shinsuke Yamakawa
Composer(s) Masahiro Fukuzawa
Jin Watanabe
Manabu Namiki [a]
Platform(s) Arcade, PlayStation
ReleaseArcade
  • JP: July 1999
  • NA: 1999
PlayStation
  • JP: April 20, 2000
  • EU: October 2, 2000
Genre(s) Light gun shooter
Mode(s) Single-player, multiplayer
Arcade system Namco System 12

Ghoul Panic [b] is a 1999 light gun shooter video game developed by Raizing and published by Namco for arcades. A version for the PlayStation was released in 2000. Players used lightguns to complete a series of minigames, done by firing at on-screen targets. In these minigames there is an objective that must be fulfilled before the time runs out to progress such as shooting a certain amount of enemies or protecting small, yellow cats from projectiles. It ran on the Namco System 12 arcade hardware.

Contents

The game was directed by Raizing composer Manabu Namiki and produced by Raizing artist Shinsuke Yamakawa, whose previous works include Battle Garegga and 1944: The Loop Master , with music composed by Masahiro Fukuzawa and Jin Watanabe. [1] It is heavily inspired by Namco's Point Blank series of games, with a focus on thrill and adventure. Yamakawa recalls the game being in development when Raizing's development staff had dramatically increased in number. Ghoul Panic was liked by critics for its gameplay, graphics and multiplayer features, although its lack of additions to the traditional gameplay of lightgun shooters was the subject of criticism.

Gameplay

In this minigame, the player must shoot a certain number of ghosts before the timer runs out. Ghoul Panic game screenshot.png
In this minigame, the player must shoot a certain number of ghosts before the timer runs out.

Ghoul Panic is a light gun shooting video game, often compared to the Point Blank series which also runs on the same arcade hardware. Players use lightguns attached to the arcade cabinet to fire at enemies in a series of minigames. [2] [3] These minigames feature a quota that must be fulfilled before the time limit ends, such as shooting a certain number of enemies or protecting small, yellow cats from projectiles. [3] Completing minigames will allow the player to progress, while losing will cause the player to lose a life; losing all lives will result in a Game Over. [3] A life will also be lost if the player shoots the yellow cats or "bomb ghosts". [3] The game is divided into three different stages, each featuring eight minigames to play that become gradually harder as it progresses. [2] Finishing all the minigames in a stage will have the player face off against a boss, including: Frankie, a Frankenstein's monster that will toss projectiles at the player; Vladie, a vampire that launches a barrage of deadly bats; Witchina, a witch that attacks with her spell-casting broomstick; and Mama Mia, a massive dragon-like monster that hurls fireballs. [3]

Development and release

Ghoul Panic, titled Oh! Bakyuuun in Japan, was released for arcades in July 1999 in Japan and later that year in North America. [4] It was developed by Eighting/Raizing, and published by Namco. [2] The game was produced by Raizing artist Shinsuke Yamakawa, whose works include Battle Garegga and 1944: The Loop Master , who recalls the game being developed at a time where Eighting/Raizing's staff had grown considerably. [5] The game was directed by Manabu Namiki, who primarily worked as a composer at Raizing. As Namiki was busy working on designing the game, the music and sound effects were created by former Namco composer Masahiro Fukuzawa and former Westone composer Jin Watanabe. [1] However, he created the waveform data and also composed additional music for the PlayStation version. [6]

It is heavily based on Namco's Point Blank series, with a focus on adventure and thrill. [7] A home conversion for the PlayStation was released in Japan on April 20, 2000, and in Europe later that year. [8] This version was published by Sony Computer Entertainment and is compatible with the GunCon peripheral. [8] To promote its release, Namco held an online contest on the game's official website where players could submit their high-scores in return for prizes. [7]

Reception

Ghoul Panic was met with a mostly mixed response from critics. The lack of major additions to the established formula of the light gun shooter genre was the primary source of criticism, with Consoles+ saying that it doesn't add much to the genre compared to games like Time Crisis . [11] In a preview for the PlayStation version, IGN had a similar response, saying that Ghoul Panic does not add many new additions to the light gun shooter concept. [8] The additional gamemodes added to the PlayStation home conversion were also seen as being mediocre by some. Famitsu said the RPG Mode was not well-designed, feeling heavily rushed and difficult to control. [9] By contrast, Gamers' Republic said that Ghoul Panic made for one of the best light gun shooters on the PlayStation, concluding that it was "bags of fun". [2]

Critics agreed that the gameplay of Ghoul Panic was fun and well-made, with several comparing it favorably to Namco's own Point Blank series. [2] [8] [9] [10] [11] Both Famitsu and IGN stated that while it wasn't as refined as Point Blank, Ghoul Panic featured well-designed gameplay and was fun to play. [9] [8] Famitsu also compared the game's comical horror theme to Golly! Ghost! . [9] Superjuegos said that the accurate aiming of the GunCon and its replay value made Ghoul Panic an excellent light gun game for the PlayStation, and one of that fans of Point Blank should try out. [10] In a 2009 retrospective review, Retro Gamer magazine compared Ghoul Panic favorably to Point Blank and The House of the Dead , saying that while it wasn't as refined as Point Blank or Time Crisis was a great light gun shooter with fun gameplay and unique level designs. [12] The multiplayer modes were also the subject of praise. [2] [10] Retro Gamer listed the multiplayer as one of the game's strong points for adding replay value and for being well-designed and fun to play. [12] Superjuegos also applauded the multiplayer for its replay value and addictive nature. [10]

Notes

  1. ↑ Additional music for the PlayStation version
  2. ↑ Known in Japan as Oh! Bakyuuun (オー!バキューン, Ō! Bakyūn)

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Light gun</span> Video game pointing device

A light gun is a pointing device for computers and a control device for arcade and video games, typically shaped to resemble a pistol.

Manabu Namiki is a Japanese video game composer who is primarily known for his work in shoot 'em up games. He has worked at game companies such as Allumer, NMK, Raizing and M2. In October 2002, Namiki, Hitoshi Sakimoto, and Masaharu Iwata founded the music production company Basiscape, whom he worked with until 2011.

<i>Pac-Attack</i> 1993 puzzle video game

Pac-Attack, also known as Pac-Panic, is a 1993 falling-tile puzzle video game developed and published by Namco for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System and Sega Genesis. Versions for the Game Boy, Game Gear and Philips CD-i were also released. The player is tasked with clearing out blocks and ghosts without them stacking to the top of the playfield — blocks can be cleared by matching them in horizontal rows, while ghosts can be cleared by placing down a Pac-Man piece that can eat them. It is the first game in the Pac-Man series to be released exclusively for home platforms.

Point Blank, known as Gun Bullet, or Gunvari in Japan, is a series of light gun shooter games developed by Namco for the arcade, PlayStation and Nintendo DS; the trilogy was first released in arcade in 1994 and was later ported onto the PlayStation. Point Blank DS was released in 2006 for the Nintendo DS featuring 40 challenges from the original series.

<i>Air Combat</i> 1995 video game

Air Combat is a 1995 combat flight simulation video game developed and published by Namco for the PlayStation, and the first title of the Ace Combat franchise. Players control an aircraft and are tasked with completing a series of missions, with objectives ranging from destroying formations of enemies to protecting a specific target from enemy fire. Missions award money that is used to purchase new fighter aircraft, each with its own unique weapons and strengths.

<i>Galaxian3: Project Dragoon</i> 1990 rail shooter video game

Galaxian3: Project Dragoon is a 3D rail shooter video game developed and published by Namco. It was originally a theme park attraction designed for the International Garden and Greenery Exposition in Japan, and was later released as an arcade game in 1992. The game involves players controlling a starship named the Dragoon in its mission to destroy Cannon Seed, a superweapon set to destroy what is left of the human race.

<i>Cosmo Gang the Video</i> 1992 video game

Cosmo Gang the Video is a 1992 fixed shooter arcade game developed and published by Namco. A home conversion for the Super Famicom was released the same year. Controlling the Hyper Beat starship, the player is tasked with ridding the galaxy of the Cosmo Gang, a race of aliens that cause mischief across Earth. Gameplay involves shooting enemies and avoiding projectiles. Power-up items can be collected to grant the player additional abilities. It ran on the Namco System 2 arcade board.

<i>Solvalou</i> 1991 video game

Solvalou is a 1991 first-person rail shooter arcade game developed and published in Japan by Namco. The sixth entry in the Xevious series, the player takes control of the Solvalou starship from a first-person perspective as it must destroy the Xevious forces before they take control of Earth. The Solvalou has two weapon types: an air zapper to destroy air-based enemies, and a blaster bomb to destroy ground-stationed enemies. It runs on the Namco System 21 arcade board.

<i>Point Blank DS</i> 2006 video game for the Nintendo DS

Point Blank DS is a 2006 lightgun shooter video game developed and published for the Nintendo DS by Namco Bandai Games. It is the fourth entry in the Point Blank series, comprising both new stages and ones taken from the first three games. Players use the touch screen to complete a number of different minigames that vary in terms of mechanics, such as protecting an on-screen character or shooting down a specific target.

<i>Starblade</i> 1991 video game

Starblade is a 1991 3D rail shooter arcade game developed and published by Namco. Controlling the starfighter FX-01 "GeoSword" from a first-person perspective, the player is tasked with eliminating the Unknown Intelligent Mechanized Species (UIMS) before they wipe out Earth. Gameplay involves controlling a crosshair with a flight yoke stick and destroying enemies and their projectiles before they inflict damage on the player.

<i>Steel Gunner</i> 1990 first-person shooter arcade game

Steel Gunner is a 1990 first-person shooter arcade game developed and published by Namco. Players take control of Garcia and Cliff, a duo of police officers that are part of the Neo Arc police force, as they must use their powerful Gargoyle mecha suits to destroy the STURM terrorist organization, who have taken captive scientists Dr. Ryan and Dr. Ellis to create a world-ending superweapon. Gameplay revolves around using a crosshair to shoot down enemies and avoid harming civilians. It runs on the Namco System 2 Plus arcade hardware.

<i>Time Crisis: Project Titan</i> 2001 light-gun shooter video game

Time Crisis: Project Titan is a 2001 light-gun shooter video game developed by Namco and Flying Tiger Entertainment and published by Namco for the PlayStation. It is a spin-off of Namco's Time Crisis series, serving as a direct sequel to the PlayStation port of the original Time Crisis.

The GunCon, known as the G-Con in Europe, is a family of gun peripherals designed by Namco for the PlayStation consoles. The original controllers used traditional light gun technology, while newer controllers use LED tracking technology.

<i>Super Xevious: GAMP no Nazo</i> 1987 scrolling shooter game

Super Xevious: The Mystery of GAMP is a 1986 vertically scrolling shooter video game developed and published by Namco for the Family Computer in Japan. It is the sequel to Xevious, a popular arcade game released in late 1982, and the fourth installment in the Xevious franchise overall. The player controls a spaceship named the Solvalou in its mission to destroy a powerful supercomputer named GAMP, which took over Earth during an ice age. GAMP no Nazo features a heavy focus on puzzle-solving, with each of the game's 21 levels posing a puzzle that must be solved to progress.

Light-gun shooter, also called light-gun game or simply gun game, is a shooter video game genre in which the primary design element is to simulate a shooting gallery by having the player aiming and discharging a gun-shaped controller at a screen. Light-gun shooters revolve around the protagonist shooting virtual targets, either antagonists or inanimate objects, and generally feature action or horror themes and some may employ a humorous, parodic treatment of these conventions. These games typically feature "on-rails" movement, which gives the player control only over aiming; the protagonist's other movements are determined by the game. Games featuring this device are sometimes termed "rail shooters", though this term is also applied to games of other genres in which "on-rails" movement is a feature. Some, particularly later, games give the player greater control over movement and in still others the protagonist does not move at all. On home computer conversions of light-gun shooters, mouse has been often an optional or non-optional replacement for a light gun.

<i>Sorcer Striker</i> 1993 video game

Sorcer Striker is a 1993 vertically scrolling shooter arcade video game developed by Raizing and published in 1993 by Able Corporation in Japan and Europe. In the game, players assume the role from one of the four bounty hunters to overthrow the Goblin empire led by King Gobligan and reclaim the bounty placed by King Codwenna of Violent Kingdom over Gobligan's head. It is the first entry in the Mahō Daisakusen trilogy, which includes Kingdom Grand Prix and Dimahoo, and the first video game to be created by Raizing.

<i>Dancing Eyes</i> 1996 puzzle arcade game

Dancing Eyes is a 1996 puzzle arcade video game developed and published in Japan by Namco. It features gameplay reminiscent of arcade games like Qix — players control a monkey named Urusu-San as he must complete each level by destroying all of the tiles off the grid of a 3D object. Most levels revolve around the player slowly removing the clothing off of women, alongside destroying cobras, UFOs, and cardboard boxes. There are enemies that must be avoided, and there are also power-ups that grant different abilities. The game runs on the Namco System 11 hardware.

<i>Shoot Away</i> 1977 video game

Shoot Away is a 1977 electro-mechanical (EM) light gun shooter arcade game developed and published by Namco. Players use the shotgun-shaped light guns to fire at clay pigeons, represented as flying white dots on a projector screen. There are two that must be shot down in each round, and players only get two bullets to hit them. Bonus points are awarded for shooting the pigeons as soon as they appear, or by destroying both of them with a single bullet. The game was a critical and commercial success, maintaining a presence in arcades into the 1980s.

<i>Mr. Driller G</i> 2001 video game

Mr. Driller G is a 2001 puzzle arcade game developed and released in Japan by Namco for its System 10 hardware. It is the third installment in its Mr. Driller series, and the last released for arcades. Controlling one of seven characters, players must make it to the bottom of the level by destroying colorful formations of blocks. G introduces several new ideas to the series, such as power-ups, a story campaign, and online multiplayer.

References

  1. 1 2 "ゲームミュージック＆アニメ専門店　ga-core - ジーエー・コア -". ga-core. November 25, 2009. Archived from the original on August 28, 2010.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 M. Hobbs (July 2000). "World Republic Review - Oh! Bakyuuun". No. 26. Millennium Publications Inc. Gamers' Republic. p.  114 . Retrieved December 29, 2019.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Rinoa (September 2000). "Oh! Bakyuun" (in Spanish). No. 12. Loading. p. 35. Retrieved December 29, 2019.
  4. ↑ Akagi, Masumi (October 13, 2006). "ナムコ Namco". アーケードTVゲームリスト 国内•海外編 (1971-2005) (in Japanese) (1st ed.). Amusement News Agency. p. 54. ISBN   978-4-9902512-1-5.
  5. ↑ Yamakawa, Shinsuke (December 8, 2019). "オーバキューンのスタッフに誰がいたっけかなと思い返しているけど、スタッフが一気に増えた時期なのもあってかぼんやりだなぁ…いや、色んな事兼務した弊害だな！うん。". Twitter . Archived from the original on December 9, 2019. Retrieved December 30, 2019.
  6. ↑ Namiki, Manabu. "Santaruru Page / works". Santaruru Page. Archived from the original on June 23, 2010.
  7. 1 2 "オーバキューン". Namco Bandai Games. Archived from the original on September 22, 2019. Retrieved December 30, 2019.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 IGN Staff (April 18, 2000). "Namco's Next GunCon Game". IGN. Archived from the original on December 29, 2019. Retrieved December 29, 2019.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 "オーバキューン (PS)". Famitsu . Enterbrain. Archived from the original on December 29, 2019. Retrieved December 29, 2019.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 Nemesis (April 2000). "Ghoul Panic" (in Spanish). No. 96. Spain. Superjuegos. pp.  108-109. Retrieved December 29, 2019.
  11. 1 2 3 "PlayStation - Ghoul Panic" (in French). No. 99. Consoles +. April 2000. p. 130. Archived from the original on December 29, 2019. Retrieved December 29, 2019.
  12. 1 2 Retro Gamer Team (May 4, 2009). "Ghoul Panic". Retro Gamer . Archived from the original on August 3, 2017. Retrieved December 29, 2019.
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.