Juiced (video game)

Last updated

Juiced
Juiced-win-cover.jpg
Cover art featuring Mazda RX-8
Developer(s) Juice Games
Publisher(s) THQ
Director(s) Tim Preece
Designer(s) Richard Badger
Programmer(s) Rob Anderson
Artist(s) Andrew Bate
Platform(s) Windows
PlayStation 2
Xbox
Mobile phone
Release
  • NA: 7 May 2005 (Mobile)
  • NA: 13 June 2005
  • EU: 17 June 2005
Genre(s) Racing
Mode(s) Single-player, multiplayer, online multiplayer

Juiced is a racing video game by British studio Juice Games for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 2, Xbox, and mobile phones. The game was delayed for release in 2004 because the original publisher, Acclaim Entertainment, went defunct. Juice Games and Fund 4 Games retained ownership of the property and sold the game to THQ, who funded the project for a further six months of improvements. In early 2006, British software publisher Focus Multimedia re-released the PC version of Juiced at a new budget price as part of its "Essential" games series. The game offers different modes including career and arcade that present the player with challenges of increasing difficulty. The player can customise the car to suit their style and unlock new ones in arcade mode. The game features nitrous boosts, similar to that of other racing games. Juiced went to number one in the United Kingdom MCV sales charts and its first version sold 2.5 million units.

Contents

Gameplay

The game is set in a fictional Californian city called Angel City, based on Los Angeles. Angel City is composed of eight districts, San Ricardo, Campbell Hills, Downtown, Angel North Central, Angel Westside, Southside Beach, East Angel Island and Anderson. The districts are controlled by rival crews in the game, and the player can host events at different districts if they get enough Respect.

Racing modes

There are four different racing types:

There are not only races in which every racer is a rival, but also crew races comprising two racers from one crew (2 vs 2 vs 2, as well as 2 vs 2), as well as composed of three members of the same crew (3 vs 3). In these races, all of the racers of one same crew must cross the line before any other crew does to win the race.

In the Career mode, if the player achieves a minimum of 600 respect with a certain rival crew, they can participate in Pink Slip races (Sprint, Point-to-point or Circuit races in which both racers bet their cars).

The Custom Race mode features a Solo mode as well so the player can race any circuit with no racers, no time limit and no laps count.

Development

Juiced was originally intended to be published by Acclaim Entertainment, and released for the PlayStation 2, Xbox and PC in late 2004. However, the game was caught up in Acclaim's Chapter 7 bankruptcy issues and never released by them. Game magazines around the world wrote reviews on nearly finished copies of the game. It was then picked up by THQ as the new publisher and later released in 2005.

Promotion

Lawton eMarketing and Maverick Media created an advertisement for Juiced in the United Kingdom in which two male gamers customising an in-game vehicle discover they also have control over a female bystander (Alex Sim-Wise), prompting them to manipulate her body and remove her clothing, eventually leaving her out on the street in just a small white thong. [1]

The advertisement generated controversy due to its depiction of women, leading to it being pulled. [2] [3] Despite the controversy, it was voted the best viral ad created by a UK digital creative agency in Channel 4's Ideas Factory viral competition. [1]

Reception

Juiced received "mixed or average reviews" on all platforms according to video game review aggregator Metacritic. [8] [9] [10]

Right before the bankruptcy issues by Acclaim, Lisa Mason of Game Informer gave the beta version of the game a score of 5.75 out of 10 in its October 2004 issue, stating that it "falls to the lower end of the goodness scale. [...] Depending on what I am doing, I yearn for any of the more-polished (and more playable) racing titles that it tries to emulate. Juiced's particular mix of sim and arcade racing is best summed up as a failed experiment." [17] After the THQ acquirement and redevelopment of the game, however, Mason raised the rating to 7 out of 10 in her Second Opinion in the magazine's July 2005 issue, calling it "an exponentially better game than it was when I reviewed it many months ago. Does that mean that it's a super awesome, edge of your seat thrill ride? Not so much, but it does have its charms and is a nicely varied street racer." [16] Matthew Kato of the same publisher agreed, giving the game a better score of 7.5 out of 10 and saying that it "certainly has the makings of an average street racer, with lots of customisables and affected street appeal." [16]

The Times gave the game four stars out of five and stated, "The gameplay is varied enough to maintain interest, and its clutch of quirky distractions adds to the experience. After all its development setbacks, it's definitely worth a spin." [32] The Sydney Morning Herald gave the PS2 version four-and-a-half stars out of five and said that it was "instantly approachable". [33] Conversely, Playboy gave the same version 70%; [34] likewise, Detroit Free Press gave the similar version two stars out of four, criticising the costly upgrades, but praising the musical selection that "features a nice mix of techno, rock and hip-hop." [31] In Japan, Famitsu gave the same console version a score of one eight and three sevens for a total of 29 out of 40. [15]

Sequels

In 2006, Juiced: Eliminator was released for the PlayStation Portable and mobile phones. Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights was released in 2007.

Related Research Articles

<i>Midnight Club II</i> 2003 video game

Midnight Club II is a 2003 racing video game developed by Rockstar San Diego and published by Rockstar Games. It is the sequel to Midnight Club: Street Racing, published for the PlayStation 2, Xbox and Microsoft Windows and first in series to feature motorcycles. Players can race through cities such as Los Angeles, Paris, and Tokyo. The game also features an online multiplayer component. It is the second game in Midnight Club franchise, followed by Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition.

<i>Need for Speed: Underground</i> 2003 racing video game

Need for Speed: Underground is a 2003 racing video game and the seventh installment in the Need for Speed series following Hot Pursuit 2 (2002). It was developed by EA Black Box and published by Electronic Arts. Three different versions of the game were produced: one for consoles and Microsoft Windows, and another for the Game Boy Advance. An arcade version developed by Global VR and co-published by Konami came out two years later.

<i>Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2</i> 2002 video game

Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 is a 2002 racing video game, the sixth installment in the Need for Speed series following Porsche Unleashed (2000) and the direct sequel to Need for Speed III: Hot Pursuit (1998). It was developed by EA Black Box for the PlayStation 2, and a distinctly different version by EA Seattle for GameCube, Xbox, and Microsoft Windows. Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 features cars from various high-performance and exotic car manufacturers. Players can compete in races using these cars, or opt to play as a police officer and pursue speeders.

<i>Need for Speed: Underground 2</i> 2004 racing video game

Need for Speed: Underground 2 is a 2004 racing video game developed by EA Black Box and published by Electronic Arts. It is the eighth installment in the Need for Speed series and the direct sequel to Need for Speed: Underground. It was developed for Windows, GameCube, PlayStation 2, and Xbox. Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS versions were developed by Pocketeers, and a PlayStation Portable version, titled Need for Speed: Underground Rivals, was developed by Team Fusion. Another version for mobile phones was also developed by Ideaworks Game Studio. Like its predecessor, it was also commercially successful, selling around 11 million copies worldwide and breaking sales records in the United Kingdom.

<i>Midnight Club 3: Dub Edition</i> 2005 racing video game

Midnight Club 3: Dub Edition is a 2005 racing video game developed by Rockstar San Diego and published by Rockstar Games. It is the third installment in the Midnight Club series. Like previous installments in the series, the game is an arcade-style racer and focuses on wild, high-speed racing, rather than realistic physics and driving. The name is derived from a partnership between Rockstar and DUB Magazine, which features heavily in the game in the form of DUB-sponsored races and DUB-customized vehicles as prizes.

<i>Burnout Revenge</i> 2005 video game

Burnout Revenge is a 2005 racing video game developed by Criterion Games and published by Electronic Arts for PlayStation 2, Xbox and Xbox 360.

<i>MX vs. ATV Unleashed</i> 2005 video game

MX vs. ATV Unleashed is a racing simulation action sports console video game created for PlayStation 2, Xbox, Microsoft Windows and mobile phones. Developed by Rainbow Studios and published by THQ, the video game was released in 2005 in North America and Europe. MX vs. ATV Unleashed is a crossover between THQ's MX trilogy and Sony's ATV Offroad Fury series, and it features same console support for two players and online support for eight players. The PC version has a "track editor" feature.

<i>Street Racing Syndicate</i> 2004 video game

Street Racing Syndicate is an open world racing video game developed by Eutechnyx and published by Namco Hometek on August 31, 2004, for the PlayStation 2, GameCube, Xbox, and Windows. A separate version of the game was also released for the Game Boy Advance on October 4, 2005. During its release, it was meant to compete against Need for Speed: Underground 2, the sequel to the critically acclaimed first game released in 2003.

<i>Cars</i> (video game) 2006 video game

Cars is a 2006 adventure racing game published by THQ. The game is based on the 2006 film of the same name. It was released for the PlayStation 2, GameCube, Xbox, Microsoft Windows, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, and PlayStation Portable in June 2006, with versions for the Xbox 360 and Wii released later that year. The Wii version includes functionality geared towards its Wii Remote controller and was a launch game for the system. Taking place after the events of the film, the game follows Lightning McQueen as he participates in the new racing season with his goal set on finally winning the Piston Cup. While doing so, he races and trains with the local community of Radiator Springs.

<i>TOCA Race Driver</i> 2002 video game

TOCA Race Driver is a 2002 racing video game developed and published by Codemasters for PlayStation 2, Windows and Xbox. It is the fourth game in the TOCA series. The racing elements of the game continued to receive positive reviews and the game went straight to number one in the UK game charts. Xbox and PC conversions followed in March 2003, with a further Xbox version released several months later at budget price adding Xbox Live support.

<i>TOCA Race Driver 2</i> 2004 video game

TOCA Race Driver 2 is a racing video game developed and published by Codemasters for Xbox, Windows, PlayStation 2, Mobile and PlayStation Portable. It is the fifth game in the TOCA series.

<i>Ford Racing 3</i> 2004 video game

Ford Racing 3 is a racing video game published by Empire Interactive, 2K, and ZOO Digital. It is the third game in the Ford Racing series, and was released in Europe in October 2004, for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 2 and Xbox. In the United States, the game was released on the same platforms the following year, followed by releases later that year for the Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS. Visual Impact Productions developed the GBA and DS versions, while Razorworks developed the other versions. The game received mixed reviews, critics were divided in its soundtrack, physics and overall content and gameplay.

<i>Drome Racers</i> 2002 video game

Drome Racers is a Lego racing video game developed by Attention to Detail and published by Electronic Arts and Lego Interactive. It was released in 2002, for PlayStation 2 and Microsoft Windows, and later ported to GameCube. A spin-off was also released for Game Boy Advance, which was published by THQ. It is the third Lego racing game, released a year after Lego Racers 2, which was also developed by Attention to Detail. An Xbox version was announced for fall 2003 but cancelled.

<i>MotoGP 07</i> 2007 video game

MotoGP '07 is a 2007 racing game developed by Climax Racing and published by THQ. It is the fifth game in THQ's MotoGP series for Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows and mobile phones. The purchase of the Climax Racing studio, developer of most of the previous titles in the series, from Climax Studios by Disney Interactive Studios led to speculation over who would be developing the game. However, a promo video on the Xbox Live Marketplace confirmed that the then-renamed Black Rock Studio were still involved in MotoGP '07.

<i>Hot Wheels: Stunt Track Challenge</i> 2004 video game

Hot Wheels: Stunt Track Challenge is a video game developed by Climax Brighton and published by THQ. It was released in November 2004 for PlayStation 2, Xbox, and Microsoft Windows. It is the ninth installment in the Hot Wheels series of video games. A Game Boy Advance port was developed by Razorback Developments, implementing many elements from the home console versions.

<i>MX Superfly</i> 2002 video game

MX Superfly featuring Ricky Carmichael, released as MX Super Fly in PAL regions, is a motocross racing game developed by Pacific Coast Power & Light and published by THQ for the Xbox, PlayStation 2, and GameCube. It is the second installment of THQ's MX trilogy and a sequel to MX 2002 featuring Ricky Carmichael, garnering professional motocross racer Ricky Carmichael's endorsement like its predecessor.

<i>Corvette</i> (video game) 2003 video game

Corvette is a 2003 racing video game developed by Steel Monkeys and published by TDK Mediactive for Windows, Xbox, and Game Boy Advance, and by Global Star Software for PlayStation 2. The GBA version was developed by Visual Impact. The game is based on the Chevrolet Corvette sports car in celebration of the line's 50th anniversary, and lets players race in all five generations of Corvette that existed at the time.

<i>Ford Racing 2</i> 2003 video game

Ford Racing 2 is a 2003 racing video game developed by Razorworks and published by Empire Interactive and Gotham Games. The game was released for Windows, Macintosh, PlayStation 2 (PS2), and Xbox. It is the sequel to Ford Racing (2000), and is the second game in the Ford Racing series. It received mixed reviews from critics.

<i>FlatOut</i> (video game) 2004 video game

FlatOut is a 2004 racing video game developed by Finnish developer Bugbear Entertainment and published by Empire Interactive. Gameplay in FlatOut places emphasis on demolition derby-style races, and features a sophisticated physics engine. Sixteen different cars are included, each with five different skins. The game is mostly known for car drivers flying through the windshield. It was published in Japan by Konami on October 13, 2005.

<i>Ford Mustang: The Legend Lives</i> 2005 video game

Ford Mustang: The Legend Lives is a 2005 racing video game developed by Eutechnyx and published by 2K and Global Star Software for the PlayStation 2 (PS2) and Xbox. It is part of the Ford Racing series, following Ford Racing 3. This is the first Ford Racing game to not be released on PC.

References

  1. 1 2 Whitehead, Jennifer (11 January 2006). "Juiced ad wins Channel 4 'viral Oscars' online poll". Campaign . Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  2. ↑ "The Juiced Ad they don't want you to See". Kotaku . 13 June 2005. Archived from the original on 10 February 2009. Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  3. ↑ Wortmann, Fletcher (25 March 2013). "The 5 Most Offensive Attempts at Video Game Marketing". Cracked.com . Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  4. ↑ "Juiced for Mobile". GameRankings . Retrieved 30 November 2014.
  5. ↑ "Juiced for PC". Metacritic. Retrieved 30 November 2014.
  6. ↑ "Juiced for PlayStation 2". GameRankings. Retrieved 30 November 2014.
  7. ↑ "Juiced for Xbox". GameRankings. Retrieved 30 November 2014.
  8. 1 2 "Juiced for PC Reviews". Metacritic . Retrieved 30 November 2014.
  9. 1 2 "Juiced for PlayStation 2 Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved 30 November 2014.
  10. 1 2 "Juiced for Xbox Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved 30 November 2014.
  11. 1 2 3 Edge staff (June 2005). "Juiced". Edge . No. 150. p. 95.
  12. 1 2 3 Edge staff (November 2004). "Juiced [Beta]". Edge. No. 142.
  13. 1 2 EGM staff (July 2005). "Juiced (PS2, Xbox)". Electronic Gaming Monthly . No. 193. p. 110.
  14. ↑ Reed, Kristan (17 June 2005). "Juiced (Xbox)". Eurogamer . Retrieved 30 November 2014.
  15. 1 2 "Famitsu #910 review scores". NeoGAF. 10 May 2006. Retrieved 25 April 2016.
  16. 1 2 3 4 Kato, Matthew (July 2005). "Juiced (PS2, Xbox)". Game Informer . No. 147. p. 116. Archived from the original on 11 November 2005. Retrieved 30 November 2014.
  17. 1 2 3 Mason, Lisa (October 2004). "Juiced [Beta] (PS2, Xbox)". Game Informer. No. 138. p. 129. Archived from the original on 21 November 2007. Retrieved 30 November 2014.
  18. 1 2 Funky Zealot (23 June 2005). "Juiced (PS2, Xbox)". GamePro . Archived from the original on 25 October 2005. Retrieved 30 November 2014.
  19. ↑ Navarro, Alex (13 June 2005). "Juiced Review (PC)". GameSpot . Retrieved 30 November 2014.
  20. 1 2 Navarro, Alex (13 June 2005). "Juiced Review". GameSpot. Retrieved 30 November 2014.
  21. ↑ Osborne, Scott (27 June 2005). "GameSpy: Juiced (PC)". GameSpy . Retrieved 30 November 2014.
  22. 1 2 Leeper, Justin (16 June 2005). "GameSpy: Juiced". GameSpy. Archived from the original on 8 January 2006. Retrieved 30 November 2014.
  23. ↑ Wrentmore, John (7 August 2005). "Juiced – PS2 – Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on 30 December 2008. Retrieved 30 November 2014.
  24. ↑ Knutson, Michael (4 July 2005). "Juiced – XB – Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on 24 December 2008. Retrieved 30 November 2014.
  25. ↑ Lewis, Ed (10 June 2005). "Juiced (PC)". IGN . Archived from the original on 13 June 2005. Retrieved 30 November 2014.
  26. ↑ Lewis, Ed (10 June 2005). "Juiced (PS2)". IGN. Archived from the original on 13 June 2005. Retrieved 30 November 2014.
  27. ↑ Lewis, Ed (10 June 2005). "Juiced (Xbox)". IGN. Retrieved 30 November 2014.
  28. ↑ "Juiced". Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine . July 2005. p. 76.
  29. ↑ "Juiced". Official Xbox Magazine . June 2005. p. 83.
  30. ↑ "Juiced". PC Gamer . September 2005. p. 62.
  31. 1 2 Toby, Al (14 August 2005). "'Juiced' (PS2)". Detroit Free Press . Archived from the original on 17 September 2005. Retrieved 30 November 2014.
  32. 1 2 3 4 Wapshott, Tim (18 June 2005). "Juiced". The Times . Archived from the original on 21 November 2008. Retrieved 30 November 2014.(subscription required)
  33. ↑ Hill, Jason (9 June 2005). "Conspiracy-laden plot". The Sydney Morning Herald . Retrieved 30 November 2014.
  34. ↑ "Juiced (PS2)". Playboy . July 2005.
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.