Izzy's Quest for the Olympic Rings

Last updated
Izzy's Quest for the Olympic Rings
Izzy's Quest for the Olympic Rings cover.jpg
North American Genesis cover art
Developer(s) Alexandria
Publisher(s) U.S. Gold
Platform(s) Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Release1995 (Genesis)
1996 (SNES)
Genre(s) Platformer
Mode(s) Single-player

Izzy's Quest for the Olympic Rings is a 1995 platformer video game developed by Alexandria and published by U.S. Gold for the Sega Genesis and the Super Nintendo Entertainment System.

Contents

Gameplay

In the game, the player controls Izzy, the mascot of the Atlanta 1996 Summer Olympics. [1] [2]

Development and release

In early 1994, British publisher U.S. Gold signed an exclusive licensing agreement with the Atlanta Committee for the 1996 Summer Olympics to develop video games tied to the event, including one based on its official mascot Izzy. [3] Izzy's Quest for the Olympic Rings was contracted to Los Osos-based start-up Alexandria, which was a subsidiary of Creative Programming and Technology Ventures (CPTV). [4] Alexandria was a young group of designers that included producer and programmer Matt Powers, who took on a leadership role starting with their first project Sylvester and Tweety in Cagey Capers . Powers was one of two programmers on teams consisting of only five to ten people. [5] [6] Some of the staff at Alexandria overlapped with another CPTV subsidiary, Oddworld Inhabitants, who later created the Oddworld series. [7] [8]

Alexandria became wholly-owned by CPTV in November 1994. [4] After strong initial sales of Sylvester and Tweety in Cagey Capers, CPTV projected a first quarter 1995 launch for Izzy's Quest for the Olympic Rings and other titles to avoid competition around Christmas 1994. [9] SNES and Sega Genesis versions were reported for April 1995 and a Sega 32X version for June of that year. [10] [11] Some magazines pushed the 16-bit ports to May or June. [12] [13] [14] [15] In July, CPTV announced a "broad market release" of the game for fall 1995. [16] The company finally settled on a launch for the week of November 6, 1995 for the SNES edition and the following week for the Genesis edition with plans to ship 35,000 copies for each console. [17] The 32X version of the game never materialized. CPTV announced net losses for the first quarter of its fiscal year 1996 and corporate restructuring that ultimately led to the closure of Alexandria. [18]

Reception

Next Generation rated the Genesis version two stars out of five, finding that with the oversaturation of mascot platformers, the game is "another side-scrolling action game that leaves a bad taste in your mouth." [22] Game Informer gave an overall score of 5.75 out of 10 noting the game geared for younger players, the gameplay being too easy and noting that the game does not offer anything new or innovative although the game was well designed for an action platformer concluding “it captures the quality of Sonic the Hedgehog and promises the wholesomeness and entertainment of the Olympic Games themselves.” [19]

Related Research Articles

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

The Sega CD, known as Mega-CD in most regions outside North America and Brazil, is a CD-ROM accessory and format for the Sega Genesis produced by Sega as part of the fourth generation of video game consoles. Originally released in November 1991, it came to North America in late 1992, and the rest of the world in 1993. The Sega CD plays CD-based games and adds hardware functionality such as a faster CPU and a custom graphics chip for enhanced sprite scaling and rotation. It can also play audio CDs and CD+G discs.

<i>Earthworm Jim</i> (video game) 1994 video game

Earthworm Jim is a 1994 run and gun platform game developed by Shiny Entertainment, featuring an earthworm named Jim, who wears a robotic suit and battles the forces of evil. The game was released for the Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo Entertainment System, before being subsequently ported to several other video game consoles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Genesis Nomad</span> Handheld game console by Sega

The Genesis Nomad, also known as Sega Nomad, is a handheld game console manufactured by Sega and released in North America in October 1995. The Nomad is a portable variation of the Sega Genesis home video game console. It could also be used with a television set via a video port. It was based on the Mega Jet, a portable version of the home console designed for use on airline flights in Japan.

<i>Ghouls n Ghosts</i> 1988 Video game

Ghouls 'n Ghosts, known as Dai Makaimura in Japan, is a 1988 platform video game developed and published by Capcom for arcades. It is the sequel to Ghosts 'n Goblins and the second game in the Ghosts 'n Goblins series.

<i>Sonic the Hedgehog</i> (1991 video game) 1991 video game

Sonic the Hedgehog is a 1991 platform game developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega for the Genesis/Mega Drive. It was released in North America on June 23 and in PAL regions and Japan the following month. Players control Sonic the Hedgehog, who can run at near supersonic speeds; Sonic sets out on a quest to defeat Dr. Robotnik, a scientist who has imprisoned animals in robots and seeks the powerful Chaos Emeralds. The gameplay involves collecting rings as a form of health, and a simple control scheme, with jumping and attacking controlled by a single button.

In the history of video games, the fourth generation of video game consoles, more commonly referred to as the 16-bit era, began on October 30, 1987, with the Japanese release of NEC Home Electronics' PC Engine. Though NEC released the first console of this era, sales were mostly dominated by the rivalry between Sega and Nintendo across most markets: the Sega Mega Drive and the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Cartridge-based handheld game consoles became prominent during this time, such as the Nintendo Game Boy, Atari Lynx, Sega Game Gear and TurboExpress.

<i>Sonic 3D Blast</i> 1996 video game

Sonic 3D Blast, known in PAL regions as Sonic 3D: Flickies' Island, is a 1996 platform game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series for the Sega Genesis and Sega Saturn. As Sonic the Hedgehog, the player embarks on a journey to save the Flickies, birds enslaved by Doctor Robotnik. The player must guide Sonic through a series of themed levels to collect Flickies and defeat Robotnik. Though it retains game mechanics from prior Sonic games, Sonic 3D Blast is differentiated by its 2D isometric perspective, with pre-rendered 3D models converted into sprites.

<i>Sonic Spinball</i> 1993 video game

Sonic the Hedgehog Spinball, also known as Sonic Spinball, is a 1993 pinball video game developed by Sega Technical Institute and published by Sega. It is a spinoff of the Sonic the Hedgehog series. Players control Sonic the Hedgehog, who must stop Doctor Robotnik from enslaving the population in a giant pinball-like mechanism. The game is set in a series of pinball machine-like environments with Sonic acting as the pinball.

<i>Earthworm Jim 2</i> 1995 video game

Earthworm Jim 2 is a 1995 run and gun platform video game and the sequel to Earthworm Jim, and the second and final game in the Earthworm Jim series developed by original creators Doug TenNapel, David Perry and Shiny Entertainment. It was released in late 1995 and early 1996 depending on region and video game console, initially being released for the Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo Entertainment System, before being ported to other platforms.

<i>Flashback</i> (1992 video game) 1992 video game

Flashback, released as Flashback: The Quest for Identity in the United States, is a 1992 science fiction cinematic platform game. It was developed by Delphine Software of France and published by U.S. Gold in the United States and Europe, and by Sunsoft in Japan.

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

The Sega Genesis, 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>Sonic the Hedgehog 2</i> 1992 video game

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a 1992 platform game developed by Sega Technical Institute (STI) for the Sega Genesis. Players control Sonic as he attempts to stop Doctor Robotnik from stealing the Chaos Emeralds to power his space station. Like the first Sonic the Hedgehog (1991), players traverse side-scrolling levels at high speeds while collecting rings, defeating enemies, and fighting bosses. Sonic 2 introduces Sonic's sidekick Miles "Tails" Prower and features faster gameplay, larger levels, a multiplayer mode, and special stages featuring pre-rendered 3D graphics.

<i>Mega Man: The Wily Wars</i> 1994 video game

Mega Man: The Wily Wars is a 1994 video game compilation developed by Minakuchi Engineering and published by Capcom for the Sega Genesis; the compilation features remakes of the first three Mega Man games, alongside a new game called Wily Tower, only unlockable with a completed save file.

<i>Light Crusader</i> 1995 RPG video game

Light Crusader is an action-adventure game developed by Treasure and published by Sega for their Sega Genesis console in 1995. The game was included in the Sega Genesis Classics collections on Steam and other platforms in 2011. It was also included on the Sega Genesis Mini in North America and Sega Mega Drive Mini in PAL regions.

<i>Sylvester and Tweety in Cagey Capers</i> 1994 video game

Sylvester and Tweety in Cagey Capers is a 2D platform game featuring the Looney Tunes characters Sylvester and Tweety. It was released for the Genesis/Mega Drive console in 1994 and was the first video game to star Sylvester and Tweety.

TecMagik Entertainment Ltd. was a Californian video game development and publishing company that released games for 8-bit and 16-bit games consoles between 1991 and 1994. While the company moved on to developing games for original PlayStation and Nintendo 64 platforms, those games were cancelled prior to release.

References

  1. ↑ Nintendo Power staff (June 1995). "Take 2 Review: Izzy's Quest for the Olympic Rings". Nintendo Power . No. 73. Nintendo of America. pp. 82–3. ISSN   1041-9551.
  2. ↑ Nintendo Power staff (June 1996). "Super NES Olympic Celebration: Izzy's Quest for the Olympic Rings". Nintendo Power . No. 85. Nintendo of America. pp. 52–3. ISSN   1041-9551.
  3. ↑ Worley, Joyce; Chamberlain, Ross (April 1994). "Hotline: U.S. Gold Wins '96 Olympics". Electronic Games . Vol. 2, no. 7. Decker Publications. p. 10. ISSN   0730-6687.
  4. 1 2 U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (August 31, 1996). "Annual Report — Small Business — Form 10-KSB". Fran Finnegan & Company LLC. Archived from the original on January 6, 2023. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  5. ↑ Powers, Matt (May 23, 2014). "The Road : My Journey from Programmer to Producer". Game Developer . Archived from the original on September 23, 2023. Retrieved January 6, 2024.
  6. ↑ Powers, Matt (February 28, 2014). "A Brief History of Video Game Development". Game Developer . Archived from the original on April 24, 2024. Retrieved January 6, 2024.
  7. ↑ Sheffield, Brandon (September 21, 2007). "High Moon Shining: Inside Sierra's San Diego Outpost". Game Developer . Archived from the original on June 18, 2024. Retrieved January 6, 2024.
  8. ↑ Saltzman, Marc (2000). Game Design: Secrets of the Sages (2nd ed.). BradyGames. p. 182. ISBN   1-56686-987-0.
  9. ↑ "CPTV Announces New Commercial Contracts for Celluloid; Strong Initial Sales for Cagey Capers Video Game". PR Newswire. December 7, 1994. Archived from the original on May 17, 2022. Retrieved January 4, 2025.
  10. ↑ VideoGames staff (May 1995). "Preview: Izzy's Quest for the Olympic Rings". VideoGames . Vol. 7, no. 5. Larry Flynt Publications. p. 62. ISSN   1059-2938.
  11. ↑ Pilkington, Mark (May 1995). "Preview: Izzy's Quest for the Olympic Rings". Sega Pro . No. 44. Paragon Publishing. p. 32—3. ISSN   0964-2641.
  12. ↑ Swan, Gus; Merrett, Steve (April 1995). "In Progress: Izzy's Quest for the Olympic Rings". Mean Machines Sega . No. 30. EMAP. pp. 32–3. ISSN   0960-4952.
  13. ↑ NMS staff (April 1995). "Nintendo News Network: Izzy Wizzy Let's Get Busy". Nintendo Magazine System (UK) . No. 31. Future plc. ISSN   1750-9998.
  14. 1 2 Tommy Glide (May 1995). "ProReview: Izzy's Quest for the Olympic Rings". GamePro . No. 70. IDG. p. 84. ISSN   1042-8658.
  15. ↑ Consoles + staff (April 1995). "Reportage: US Gold: Au Bout Du Tunnel (Sous La Manche)" [At the End of the Tunnel (Under the Channel)]. Consoles + (in French). No. 42. Yellow Media. p. 70. ISSN   1162-8669.
  16. ↑ PRNewswire (July 18, 1995). "CPTV REPORTS SIGNIFICANT REVENUE GAINS FOR THIRD ... Announces New Contracts For Alexandria Studios, Inc". STR Publishing Inc. Retrieved January 6, 2025– via Archive.org.
  17. ↑ PRNewswire (November 1, 1995). "CPTV ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATES FOR TWO GAMES". STR Publishing Inc. Retrieved January 6, 2025– via Archive.org.
  18. ↑ PRNewswire (January 16, 1996). "CPTV ANNOUNCES LOSS FOR FIRST QUARTER OF FISCAL 1996; RESTRUCTURING PLAN PROCEEDING". Bankrupt.com. Archived from the original on March 17, 2015. Retrieved January 6, 2025.
  19. 1 2 VanDerSchaegen, Ross; McNamara, Andy; Anderson, Paul (April 1995). "Genesis Reviews: Izzy's Quest for the Olympic Rings". Game Informer . No. 24. Sunrise Publications. p. 18. ISSN   1067-6392.
  20. ↑ Dimiceli, Vinny (May 1995). "Genesis review: Izzy's Quest for the Olympic Rings" (PDF). Game Players . Vol. 8, no. 5. Imagine Media. p. 58. ISSN   1087-2779. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 August 2024.
  21. ↑ Tommy Glide (April 1995). "ProReview: Izzy's Quest for the Olympic Rings". GamePro . No. 69. IDG. p. 46. ISSN   1042-8658.
  22. 1 2 Next Generation staff (May 1995). "Finals". Next Generation . No. 5. Imagine Media. p. 99. ISSN   1078-9693.
  23. ↑ Total! staff (June 1996). "Izzy's Quest for the Olympic Rings". Total! . No. 57. Future plc. pp. 66–7. ISSN   0964-9352.
  24. ↑ Ação Games staff (January 1996). "Izzy's Quest for the Olympic Rings". Ação Games (in Portuguese). No. 99. Editora Azul. pp. 26–7. ISSN   0104-1630.
  25. ↑ Elvira (October 1995). "Super Nintendo Review: Izzy's Quest for the Olympic Rings". Consoles + (in French). No. 47. M.E.R.7. p. 101. ISSN   1162-8669.
  26. ↑ Yates, Laurie (May 1995). "Consoles: Five Olympic Rings... Quest for Gold takes Izzy through Torch World". Electronic Games . Vol. 3, no. 8. Decker Publications. p. 74. ISSN   0730-6687.
  27. ↑ Prince (January 1996). "Izzy's Quest for the Olympic Rings". Game Power (in Italian). No. 48. Studio Vit. pp. 110–1. OCLC   955565950.
  28. ↑ Ripley, Teniente (January 1996). "Izzy's Quest for the Olympic Rings". HobbyConsolas (in Spanish). No. 52. Hobby Press. pp. 94–5. OCLC   436479097.
  29. ↑ Morgan (October 1995). "Izzy's Olympic Quest". fr:Joypad (magazine) Joypad . No. 46. Yellow Media. p. 45. ISSN   1163-586X.
  30. ↑ Ehrle, Oliver (January 1996). "Spiele-Tests: Izzy's Quest for the Olympic Rings". MAN!AC (in German). No. 27. Cybermedia. p. 64. ISSN   2191-012X.
  31. ↑ Sariban, Mark (May 1995). "Mega Drive Review: Izzy's Quest for the Olympic Rings". MegaZone . No. 51. Mason Stewart Publishing. pp. 28–9. ISSN   1321-8131.
  32. ↑ Mega Force staff (October 1995). "Izzy's Quest for the Olympic Rings". Mega Force (in French). No. 43. MegaPress. pp. 98–9. ISSN   1161-4412.
  33. ↑ Souleiman, Sandrie (March 1996). "Test: Izzy's Quest for the Olympic Rings" (PDF). Mega Fun . Computec. p. 84. ISSN   0946-6282. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 August 2022.
  34. ↑ Sauer, Dirk (February 1996). "Reviews: Izzy's Quest". Video Games (in German). No. 42. Future Verlag. ISSN   0946-0985.
  35. ↑ Higgins, Geoff (August 1995). "Izzy's Quest for the Olympic Rings". VideoGames . No. 79. Larry Flynt Publications. p. 74. ISSN   1059-2938.
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.