Power Factor (video game)

Last updated

Power Factor
Atari Lynx Power Factor cover art.jpg
Cover in all regions
Developer(s) Hand Made Software
Publisher(s) Atari Corporation
Producer(s) Juliana Wade
Designer(s) Barry Armstrong
Jim Gregory
Programmer(s) Chris Manniex
John May
Rob Nicholson
Artist(s) Lee Cawley
Michael McCallion
Composer(s) Paul Tonge
Platform(s) Atari Lynx
Release
Genre(s) Action, platform
Mode(s) Single-player

Power Factor is a 1993 side-scrolling action-platform video game developed by Hand Made Software and published by Atari Corporation in North America and Europe exclusively for the Atari Lynx. Based around a video game within a video game concept, [2] players take control of a character who is in turn playing on a virtual reality simulator assuming the role of Redd Ace, which is recreating his battle against the Sinlendo Techmods by recovering necessary bomb components to defeat the alien race at the Ceegraian Power Station. Its gameplay consists of platforming, exploration and weapons-based combat with a main four-button configuration.

Contents

Power Factor originally began as a project intended for the Atari ST that was in development by Red Rat Software under the title Red Ace, which was nearly completed before being left unpublished due to internal issues at the company and its eventual disbandment prior to release, [3] [4] however Hand Made Software would later develop a conversion to the Lynx. [5] [6]

Power Factor has been met with positive reception from critics and reviewers since its initial release, who praised various aspects of the title such as the unique storyline, graphics and character animation but many felt divided in regards to the sound design and gameplay. In 2005, a ROM image of the original ST version was leaked online. [6]

Gameplay

Gameplay screenshot. LYNX Power Factor.png
Gameplay screenshot.

Power Factor is a side-scrolling action-platform game with run and gun elements similar to Turrican where players take control of a character which in turn is assuming the role Redd Ace on a virtual reality simulator recreating an event where the invading Sinlendo Techmods have seized control over his universe through eleven stages within the installations of the Ceegraian Power Station reactor where the player's ultimate objective is to find six hidden bomb components and use them to destroy the biomechanical invaders. [7] [8] As Redd Ace, players are armed with the Transmat MOW blaster rifle, which can fire unlimited standard shots or a limited number of more powerful shots, and equipped with a rocket pack that holds a limited supply of fuel, which can be restored with item pickups. [7] [2] [8] [1] Although Redd Ace is capable of jumping on his own, the rocket pack can be used to fly over difficult parts and is also needed to progress at certain points later in the game. [1] Redd Ace also has shields which allow him to withstand a certain number of hits; these shields can be restored with item pickups as well. [1] Before starting, players can also choose their preferred difficulty level to begin. [7]

Controlling Redd Ace is done with the D-pad and attacking enemies is performed with either the A or B buttons, while the shooting angle can be adjusted by crouching down. A notable aspect of the game is that there are no dedicated buttons for jumping, instead, the action is executed by pressing up on the D-pad, while holding down on the same direction activates the rocket pack to fly above ground. Pressing Option 2 brings a menu screen that allows the player to check information about the bomb components as well as details on the multiple weapons acquired that can also selected with Option 1, however when pressing the button in front of a computer terminal, the menu instead display a map of the current location players are in and information on enemies, among other elements. There is no password or saving feature, so the game must be completed in one session and once all lives are lost, the game is over. [2]

Synopsis

The plot of Power Factor is based around a video game within a video game concept: [2] the players take on the role of a character who is in turn playing a virtual reality simulator at the Atarian Leisure Moon resort, in which he assumes the role of the hero Redd Ace. The virtual reality simulator, in the context of the game's fictional world, recreates Ace's famous historical battle against the Sinlendo Techmods from the parallel dimension of Ceeg that invaded his home universe to recover bomb components in the installations of the Ceegraian Power Station that were necessary to defeat alien race. [7]

Development and release

Atari 1040STf.jpg
Atari-Lynx-I-Handheld.jpg
Power Factor started as an Atari ST title before being converted to the Lynx by Hand Made Software.

Power Factor originally began as a project for the Atari ST under the name Red Ace and was being developed by Red Rat Software. In two interviews, programmer Tony Goacher recounted about the development process of the game, stating its development started after obtaining an Atari 1040ST microcomputer from Red Rat and that Psygnosis' Barbarian was a main source of inspiration for the project. [3] [4] As a fan of futuristic titles, Goacher came with the idea of creating an action-adventure game and after presenting the project to Red Rat, they approved it and was titled as such after the company. [4] However, despite nearly reaching completion, the original version was left unreleased due to internal issues at the company and its eventual closure. [3]

Power Factor would later be reworked as an Atari Lynx title instead by Hand Made Software and originally went under the title Redd Ace before being renamed as such, and was first announced in mid 1992 and later showcased to the attendees at Consumer Electronics Show late in the same year with plans to be released around the same time period, [1] [5] [6] [9] [10] however the game was released in 1993 instead. [11] [12] [13] [14]

Reception

Power Factor has been met with positive reception from critics and reviewers since its release on the Lynx. [21] Gideon of GamePro commented that Power Factor "delivers highly detailed graphics and smooth animation. Plus, it features the largest bosses ever to hit a Lynx screen. The controls are a bit unresponsive, because of the many functions jammed into the limited control options. However, the limitation doesn't hinder the game play or the fun. The digitized soundtrack and slick heavy metal music enhance the intense action." [2] Robert Jung reviewed the game which was published to IGN giving a score of 7 out of 10. [16]

Legacy

In December 2005, a nearly complete prototype ROM image of Red Ace was made freely available to download online. [4]

Related Research Articles

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

The Atari Jaguar is a home video game console developed by Atari Corporation and released in North America in November 1993. Part of the fifth generation of video game consoles, it competed with the 16-bit Sega Genesis, the Super NES and the 32-bit 3DO Interactive Multiplayer that launched the same year. Powered by two custom 32-bit processors – Tom and Jerry – in addition to a Motorola 68000, Atari marketed it as the world's first 64-bit game system, emphasizing its 64-bit bus used by the blitter. The Jaguar launched with Cybermorph as the pack-in game, which received divisive reviews. The system's library ultimately comprised only 50 licensed games.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Atari Lynx</span> Handheld game console

The Atari Lynx is a hybrid 8/16-bit fourth-generation hand-held game console released by Atari Corporation in September 1989 in North America and 1990 in Europe and Japan. It was the first handheld game console with a color liquid-crystal display. Powered by a 16 MHz 65C02 8-bit CPU and a custom 16-bit blitter, the Lynx was more advanced than Nintendo's monochrome Game Boy, released two months earlier. It also competed with Sega's Game Gear and NEC's TurboExpress, released the following year.

<i>The Humans</i> (video game) 1992 video game

The Humans is a puzzle-platform video game developed by Imagitec Design in Dewsbury, England and originally published by Mirage Technologies for the Amiga in May 1992. It was later ported to other home computers and consoles. The goal of the game varies per level but usually revolves around bringing at least one of the player-controlled humans to the designated end area marked by a colored tile. Doing this requires players taking advantage of the tribe's ability to build a human ladder and use tools such as spears, torches, wheels, ropes and a witch doctor in later levels.

<i>Switchblade II</i> 1991 video game

Switchblade II is a 1991 side-scrolling action-platform run and gun video game originally developed and published by Gremlin Graphics in Europe for the Amiga home computers. It is the sequel to the original Switchblade, which was solely created by Simon Phipps at Core Design and released earlier in 1989 across multiple platforms. Despite being primarily developed in the UK, its graphics had a distinctly Japanese style similar to anime or manga.

<i>Electrocop</i> Action video game from 1989 for the Atari Lynx

Electrocop is a 1989 action video game developed by Epyx and published by Atari Corporation in North America and Europe for the Atari Lynx. It was released in Japan on November 25 of the same year, where it was distributed by Mumin Corporation. One of the first games written for the platform, it was one of the launch titles that were released along with the system in North America.

<i>Gates of Zendocon</i> 1989 video game

Gates of Zendocon is a horizontally scrolling shooter developed by Epyx and published by Atari Corporation in 1989 in North America and Europe for the Atari Lynx. It was released in Japan on December 23 of the same year, where it was distributed by Mumin Corporation. One of the first games written for the platform, it was one of the launch titles that were released along with the system in North America.

<i>Dirty Larry: Renegade Cop</i> 1992 video game

Dirty Larry: Renegade Cop is a 1992 beat 'em up video game developed by Knight Technologies and published by Atari Corporation in North America and Europe exclusively for the Atari Lynx. Set in the city of Steelburg, players assume the role of the titular police officer to fight back against criminals on the streets and arrest the head of the organized crime of the city known only as Mr. Big. Its gameplay mainly consists of hand-to-hand or weapon combats with a main two-button configuration.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">First-person (video games)</span> Graphical perspective

In video games, first-person is any graphical perspective rendered from the viewpoint of the player character, or from the inside of a device or vehicle controlled by the player character. It is one of two perspectives used in the vast majority of video games, with the other being third-person, the graphical perspective from outside of any character ; some games such as interactive fiction do not belong to either format.

<i>Warbirds</i> (video game) 1991 video game

Warbirds is a 1991 first-person combat flight simulation video game developed and published by Atari Corporation in North America and Europe exclusively for the Atari Lynx. Taking place in the 1910s during World War I, players assume the role of a rookie aircraft pilot from the Army Air Force who joined the titular squadron taking control of a prebuilt biplane in order to win the war against the enemies. Its gameplay mainly consists of dogfights against either AI-controlled opponents or other human players using the Lynx's ComLynx system, with a main four-button configuration.

<i>Falcon</i> (video game) 1987 video game

Falcon is a combat flight simulator video game and the first official entry in the Falcon series of the F-16 jet fighter's simulators by Spectrum HoloByte. Originally developed by Sphere for Macintosh and MS-DOS in 1987 and ported to several platforms between 1988 and 1992, the game earned commercial success and critical acclaim.

<i>Kung Food</i> 1992 video game

Kung Food is a video game developed for the Atari Lynx handheld by Christian Urqhart and Steven Mitchell and published by Atari Corporation in 1992. The player controls a protagonist who uses martial arts to overcome mutant vegetables that have invaded his freezer. Earlier in his career, Urquhart authored a number of ZX Spectrum games.

<i>Steve Davis Snooker</i> 1984 video game

Steve Davis Snooker is a sports simulation video game developed and published by CDS Software in 1984. The budget release published by Blue Ribbon Software reached the top of the UK charts in May 1988. Steve Davis Snooker simulates the cue sport snooker. Released under licence from 6-time Snooker World Champion, Steve Davis.

<i>Awesome Golf</i> 1991 video game

Awesome Golf is a 1991 golf video game developed by Hand Made Software and published by Atari Corporation in North America and Europe exclusively for the Atari Lynx. The first project to be created by Hand Made Software, players have the choice to compete either solo or against other human players using the console's ComLynx system on matches set in any of the three available countries across any of the game modes available. Its gameplay mainly uses a two-button configuration.

<i>Gordo 106</i> 1993 video game

Gordo 106 is a 1993 platform video game developed by Tenth Planet Software and published by Atari Corporation in North America and Europe exclusively for the Atari Lynx. Set in the installations of N. Human Laboratories, players assume the role of an exploited laboratory monkey named Gordo, who unintentionally gained intelligence as a result of experimentation with radiation in order to free other animal test subjects and escape from the building, while defeating scientists and employees of the complex along the way. Its gameplay consists of platforming and exploration with a main three-button configuration.

<i>Malibu Bikini Volleyball</i> 1993 video game

Malibu Bikini Volleyball is a 1993 beach volleyball video game developed by Hand Made Software and published by Atari Corporation in North America and Europe exclusively for the Atari Lynx. In the game, players have the choice to compete across any of the game modes available with either AI-controlled opponents or against other human players using the Lynx's ComLynx system on matches set in Malibu, California. Its gameplay mainly uses a two-button configuration.

<i>Scrapyard Dog</i> 1990 video game

Scrapyard Dog is a scrolling platform game published by Atari Corporation for the Atari 7800 in 1990, followed by an Atari Lynx port in 1991.

<i>Missile Command 3D</i> 1995 video game

Missile Command 3D is a shoot 'em up video game developed by Virtuality Entertainment and published by Atari Corporation for the Atari Jaguar in North America on December 12, 1995, and Europe on December 15 of the same year. Part of Atari Corp.'s 2000 series, it is an update to Dave Theurer's 1980 arcade game Missile Command and the only officially released title that features support for the unreleased Jaguar VR peripheral.

<i>Checkered Flag</i> (1994 video game) 1994 video game

Checkered Flag is a 1994 racing video game developed by Rebellion Developments and published by Atari Corporation for the Atari Jaguar. It is a conversion of the 1991 Atari Lynx video game Checkered Flag. In the game, the player controls a Formula One car competing against computer-controlled opponents in races across multiple locations. Gameplay consists of three modes, and the player can choose various weather conditions or customize the vehicle's characteristics.

<i>Blue Lightning</i> (1995 video game) 1995 video game

Blue Lightning is a 1995 combat flight simulator video game developed by Attention to Detail and published by Atari Corporation for the Atari Jaguar CD. It is a remake of Epyx's 1989 Atari Lynx title of the same name, and one of the pack-in games for the Jaguar CD. In the game, the player assume the role of a rookie fighter pilot from the Blue Lightning squadron, taking control of multiple military aircraft across various missions to stop general Drako, who betrayed the United Nations and gained power of military organizations through corruption to expand his organized crime empire all over the world.

<i>Batman Returns</i> (Atari Lynx video game) 1992 video game

Batman Returns is a 1992 side-scrolling action-beat 'em up video game developed and published by Atari Corporation in North America and Europe for the Atari Lynx. Based on the DC Comics superhero Batman, it is inspired by the Warner Bros.'s 1992 film of the same name. In the main storyline, Batman must confront both Catwoman and the Penguin.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "Fact-Files - Lynx - Power Factor". Electronic Gaming Monthly . No. 43. Sendai Publishing. February 1993. p. 212.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Gideon (April 1993). "Lynx ProReview: Power Factor". GamePro . No. 55. IDG. p. 164.
  3. 1 2 3 Bacardi, Mr. "Red Rat Software - A little chat with Tony Goacher about Atari 8-bit and Red Rat Software". idiology.com. Archived from the original on 25 March 2015. Retrieved 12 May 2019.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Surfer, Silver (17 December 2005). "INTERVIEWS - Tony Goacher". atarilegend.com. Retrieved 12 May 2019.
  5. 1 2 Gregory, Jim (1992). "Handmade Software". Lynx User. No. 4. The Hide-Out. pp. 10–11.
  6. 1 2 3 Mc, Jon (11 March 2018). "Game Reviews > Power Factor". atarigamer.com. Retrieved 12 May 2019.
  7. 1 2 3 4 Power Factor game manual (Atari Lynx, US)
  8. 1 2 "Short ProShots - Lynx - Power Factor (Atari)". GamePro . No. 54. IDG. March 1993. p. 184.
  9. ↑ "LYNX OWNERS UPDATE - Lynx Kicks Off Summer Of Software With 20 New Titles - SCHEDULED TITLES FOR RELEASE IN OCTOBER - NOVEMBER - DECEMBER". Atari Explorer Online. Vol. 1, no. 3. Atari Corporation. 30 May 1992. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 11 May 2019.
  10. ↑ Hands on Harry (October 1992). "Hands On Portable - Lynx". GameFan . Vol. 1, no. 1. DieHard Gamers Club. p. 51.
  11. ↑ "Atari's Lynx Special - COMING SOON". Atari Explorer Online. Vol. 2, no. 1. Atari Corporation. 2 January 1993. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 11 May 2019.
  12. ↑ "Atari's Lynx Special - COMING SOON". Atari Explorer Online. Vol. 2, no. 2. Atari Corporation. 16 January 1993. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 11 May 2019.
  13. 1 2 "Reviews - Power Factor". Lynx User. No. 6. The Hide-Out. February 1993. p. 6.
  14. ↑ "Electronic Gaming Monthly Presents The Games Of March 1993...Appearing In Local Stores Now! - Lynx - Power Factor". Electronic Gaming Monthly . No. 44. Sendai Publications. March 1993. p. 37. Retrieved 11 May 2019.
  15. ↑ Knight, Kyle. "Power Factor - Review". AllGame . Archived from the original on 14 November 2014. Retrieved 8 May 2019.
  16. 1 2 Jung, Robert A. (6 July 1999). "Power Factor tries to become a slick, action-packed run-jump-shoot game, and almost succeeds". IGN . Ziff Davis . Retrieved 8 May 2019.
  17. ↑ Homer (April 1993). "Lynx Review - Power Factor". Consoles + (in French). No. 19. M.E.R.7. p. 89. Retrieved 8 May 2019.
  18. ↑ Nini, Nourdine (May 1993). "Lynx - Le Power Factor Tire Toujours 2 Fois! - Power Factor". Joypad (in French). No. 20. Yellow Media. p. 148.
  19. ↑ Weidner, Martin (June 1993). "Test Atari Lynx - Power Factor". Mega Fun (in German). No. 9. CT Computec Verlag GmbH & Co. KG. p. 94.
  20. ↑ Bieniek, Chris (March 1993). "Gaming on the Go - Power Factor (Atari) For the Atari Lynx". VideoGames & Computer Entertainment . No. 50. Larry Flynt Publications. pp. 52–53.
  21. ↑ Man, Ferrari (August–October 1993). "The Final Word game review - Power Factor -- Atari". Game Zero Magazine. Vol. 2, no. 3. Game Zero. Archived from the original on 8 August 2018. Retrieved 2 October 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.