Section 8 (video game)

Last updated
Section 8
Section8 cover.PNG
Developer(s) TimeGate Studios
Publisher(s) SouthPeak Games
TimeGate Studios
Director(s) Alan B. Chaveleh
Producer(s) Robert Siwiak
Designer(s) Brett Norton
Programmer(s) Denis Papp
Artist(s) Zachary Forcher
Composer(s) Jason Graves
Engine Unreal Engine 3
Platform(s) Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
ReleaseXbox 360, Windows
  • NA: September 1, 2009 (X360)
  • NA: September 4, 2009 (PC)
  • EU: September 11, 2009 [1]
  • AU: September 24, 2009
PlayStation 3
  • NA: March 25, 2010
  • PAL: April 15, 2010 [2]
Genre(s) First-person shooter
Mode(s) Single-player, multiplayer

Section 8 is a first-person shooter video game developed by TimeGate Studios and published by SouthPeak Games. It utilizes the Unreal Engine 3 and was released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. [3] It was released in September 2009 for Xbox 360 and PC, [4] and for the PlayStation 3 on March 25 in North America and April 15, 2010, in the PAL region. [2] [5]

Contents

Gameplay

In Section 8, characters wear powered armor suits which provide damage absorption and augmented mobility. Players can use "overdrive" to move horizontally at superhuman speeds, or activate vertical thrusters (jetpack) to achieve new heights. [6]

Players are able to "burn-in" by dropping onto the battlefield from orbital dropships hovering at 15,000 feet (4,600 meters) from the surface, thus eliminating fixed spawn points. [7] "Burning-in" also creates the opportunity for the player to choose where they drop on the map, granting the game an increased aspect of unpredictability. [6] This process is an interactive experience as players can be shot down upon entry by players and anti-aircraft turrets alike, though these situations can be avoided or mitigated by using the "air-brake" feature which allows the player to make mid-air adjustments.[ citation needed ]

Players are encouraged to work in teams to achieve objectives and defend one another. They may deploy defensive structures such as Mini-Gun Turrets, Rocket Turrets, Anti-Air Turrets, Supply Depots, or Sensor Arrays to protect friendly-controlled objectives, or deploy vehicles such as Tanks or Heavy Armors which can operate to assault enemy-controlled objectives.[ citation needed ] Players can purchase these using "Requisition Points" which are awarded to the player for various feats they perform through play. [6]

Players are able to choose their primary and secondary weapons, such as assault rifles, pistols, shotguns, and sniper rifles, as well as grenades, explosives, knives, mortar launchers and healing units. [6] The player is also able to create their own player class through various stackable modules that determine the player's speed, stealth, or the regeneration of the limited-use jetpack. Excessive damage endured by the player to certain parts of their body, such as their legs, arms, head, or chest, may disable or hinder the use of these enhancements.[ citation needed ]

Dynamic Combat Missions (DCMs), a type of mini-game, can be activated mid-combat by the player, [6] and can reward the player with Requisition Points when completed successfully. Some DCMs will include protecting a convoy, capture intelligence, or assassinating an enemy character. [7]

Campaign

Section 8 includes a single-player campaign mode called "Corde's Story" that allows the player to proceed as a character named Alex Corde of the 8th Armored Infantry. The first several missions take place on the arid planet New Madrid and later move to a temperate planet. [8] The single-player campaign consists of eight objective-based missions on the same maps as multiplayer that serve as a tutorial to the player for multiplayer play. [8]

Multiplayer

Section 8 supports X-Server functionality, where players can run their own dedicated servers for Xbox 360 games using a Windows-based PC. An X Server can handle up to 32 players at once. [9] Similar to this, the PlayStation 3 version supports TGNServer technology which allows players to host dedicated servers using a Windows-based PC with up to 32 players. [10] The PC version also features a 40-player maximum with dedicated servers, and 32-player maximum with P2P servers. [9] Computer-controlled characters (bots) may also be used to fill remaining slots in multiplayer games for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC.[ citation needed ]

Plot

The name "Section 8" is derived from an old United States military discharge regulation for reason of being mentally unfit for service, and also refers to the 8th Armored Infantry in the game because of their participation in near-suicidal missions.

Section 8 takes place in the future after the human race has discovered interstellar travel and has colonized across the galaxy. [4] At the time of the game, a group called the Arm of Orion, has begun to 'disconnect' the outermost frontier planets from the main governing body, taking them over while keeping their presence hidden from the government. As space travel is slow, it often takes weeks to communicate with or travel to a frontier world, affording the Arm with enough time to seize worlds and build their base of power, ultimately preparing an ambush for the government forces that will eventually respond. The government then discovers the Arm of Orion, and sends in the 8th Armored Infantry, including Alex Corde (the player), on a mission to investigate, and presumably fight, the Arm invasion. [7]

TimeGate Studios cited Aliens and Blade Runner as major influences for the game. [11]

Development

An open beta for Section 8 was made available at FilePlanet. Access to the game's beta was originally limited to residents in the U.S. and Canada, but the beta was later made public.[ citation needed ] Attendees of Multiplay's i37 also got a beta key despite being in the UK.

A downloadable demo was released on Xbox Live in August 2009. [12] This multiplayer-only demo allowed for online play on Xbox Live or offline play with AI-controlled bots on one map for indefinite playtime.

PlayStation 3 version

There was originally speculation that a PlayStation 3 version would release alongside the Xbox 360 and PC versions, though it was not released during this time-frame. Speaking at Gamescom 2009, SouthPeak Games, the publisher, said that a PlayStation 3 version existed, but there were no dates yet on its release. [13]

The game was officially released as a PlayStation Network exclusive downloadable title, published by TimeGate Studios in March 2010 in North America. The downloadable version included the three bonus maps that were released for the Xbox 360 and PC versions, along with a number of other reported improvements. This version also included the ability for 32-player games to be hosted on a PC. [2] It was later released in the PAL region on April 15. [14]

Reception

Section 8 received "average" reviews on all platforms according to the review aggregation website Metacritic. [15] [16] [17] Though the PC version of the game is ranked slightly higher, a complaint common to both console and PC versions is the lack of server population. IGN praised the game for its multiplayer features and for its effective implementation of concepts drawn from the genre's history, but conceded that the game found itself "stumbling over some control and combat speedbumps". [30] GamePro gave a similar review, highlighting the multiplayer nature of the game and describing it as "hardly worth a second glance" to the single-player. [21] GameSpot also gave a somewhat positive review of the multiplayer, although criticism was directed towards the game's vehicles, with the opinion that the vehicles could have been more inspired. [22]

Sequel

A sequel to Section 8 was made by TimeGate, titled Section 8: Prejudice . [37]

Unlike its predecessor, Prejudice is a digital download-only release. It was released for Xbox Live Arcade on April 20, 2011, PC on May 4, and a PlayStation Network in summer. [38]

Related Research Articles

<i>Test Drive Unlimited</i> 2006 video game

Test Drive Unlimited is a 2006 racing video game developed by Eden Games and published by Atari for Xbox 360 and Microsoft Windows. Atari Melbourne House developed the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable versions. Being the eighteenth entry in the Test Drive series, Unlimited serves as a reboot of the franchise, discarding the continuity of the previous games. The game features over 125 licensed sports cars and motorcycles and the terrain is modeled after the Hawaiian island of Oʻahu that features over 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of roads and highways.

<i>Virtua Tennis 3</i> 2006 sports video game

Virtua Tennis 3, known in Japan as Sega Professional Tennis: Power Smash 3, is the second arcade game sequel to Sega's tennis game franchise, Virtua Tennis. The arcade version of Virtua Tennis 3 is powered by the PC-based Sega Lindbergh arcade system board. Ports for the PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation Portable and PlayStation 3 consoles are also available with a traditional collection of tennis minigames that the home versions of Virtua Tennis are known for. In 2009, Sega updated and re-created Virtua Tennis 3 in Virtua Tennis 2009.

<i>Just Cause</i> (video game) 2006 action-adventure game

Just Cause is a 2006 third-person action-adventure game set in an open world environment. It is developed by Swedish developer Avalanche Studios and published by Eidos Interactive, and is the first game in the Just Cause series. It was released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 2, Xbox, and Xbox 360. The area explored during the game is described as being over 1,024 km2 (395 sq mi) in size, with 21 story missions and over 300 side missions to complete. As of 23 April 2009, it has sold more than one million copies.

<i>Battlestations: Midway</i> 2007 video game

Battlestations: Midway is a video game developed by Eidos Hungary and released in 2007 for the Xbox 360 and Microsoft Windows. The Mac version of this game was developed by Robosoft Technologies, based out of India and published in July 2008 by Feral Interactive.

<i>The Bigs</i> 2007 video game

The Bigs is an arcade-style baseball video game for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Wii and PlayStation Portable. It was released in June 2007 in North America, and in October in the PAL region. A sequel, The Bigs 2, was released on July 7, 2009.

<i>Civilization Revolution</i> 2008 video game

Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution is a 4X, turn-based strategy game developed in 2008 by Firaxis Games with Sid Meier as designer. It is a spin-off of the Civilization series. The video game was released for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS, Windows Phone, and iOS. A Wii version was originally expected but was cancelled. The absence of a PlayStation Portable version was attributed to a lack of development manpower.

<i>Top Spin 3</i> 2008 video game

Top Spin 3 is the third title in the Top Spin series of video games. The game was developed by PAM Development and published by 2K. New game elements include real-time weather effects, more options of professional tennis players, an in-depth character creation tool and new unparalleled gameplay mechanics. It also features impressive advancements in an audio/visual sense with improved Dolby Digital surround sound and "Evolutionary" visuals. Top Spin 4 was released as a sequel about three years later.

<i>Lost Planet 2</i> 2010 third-person shooter video game

Lost Planet 2 is a third-person shooter video game developed and published by Capcom and Beeline Interactive, Inc. The game is the sequel to Lost Planet: Extreme Condition, taking place ten years after the events of the first game, on the same planet. The game was developed for BlackBerry, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Microsoft Windows. Originally set to be released in early 2010, Capcom delayed the game's consoles release to May 11, 2010 in North America and Europe, May 13 in Australia and May 20 for Japan, while the BlackBerry version was released worldwide on April 28 and the Microsoft Windows version was released in October that year. The title sold more than 1.5 million copies worldwide.

<i>Pure</i> (video game) 2008 off-road racing video game

Pure is an off-road, quad-bike trick-racing video game for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Windows published by Disney Interactive Studios and developed by Black Rock Studio. The game was announced on 14 February 2008. The game incorporates a trick system that rewards the player with speed boosts for successfully pulling off tricks.

<i>UEFA Euro 2008</i> (video game) 2008 video game

UEFA Euro 2008 is the official video game of the Euro 2008 football tournament, published by EA Sports. It was developed collaboratively by EA Canada and HB Studios and was released in Europe and North America on 18 April 2008 and 19 May 2008 respectively. The commentary was provided by Clive Tyldesley and Andy Townsend.

<i>A Kingdom for Keflings</i> 2008 video game

A Kingdom for Keflings is a video game developed by NinjaBee for the Xbox Live Arcade which was released on November 19, 2008. It was later ported to Microsoft Windows on March 20, 2010.

<i>Flock!</i> 2009 video game

Flock! is a puzzle video game developed by Proper Games and published by Capcom for Windows, PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade. It was released in April 2009 for Microsoft Windows through Steam and Stardock's digital distribution service Impulse, Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network. The game was additionally developed by A.C.R.O.N.Y.M. Games.

<i>Wolfenstein</i> (2009 video game) 2009 video game

Wolfenstein is a 2009 first-person shooter video game developed by Raven Software and published by Activision, part of the Wolfenstein video game series. It serves as a loose sequel to the 2001 entry Return to Castle Wolfenstein, and uses an enhanced version of id Software's id Tech 4. The game was released in August 2009 for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

<i>Star Trek DAC</i> 2009 video game

Star Trek D·A·C is a video game inspired by the 2009 Star Trek movie, developed by Naked Sky Entertainment in collaboration with Bad Robot. The title is derived from the game's three modes of play: Deathmatch, Assault, and Conquest. The game was released for the Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Arcade on May 13, 2009, for the PlayStation 3 and Microsoft Windows in November 2009, and for Mac OS X on December 21, 2009.

<i>MX vs. ATV Reflex</i> 2009 video game

MX vs. ATV Reflex is a 2009 off-road racing video game developed by Rainbow Studios and published by THQ. It is the third game in the MX vs. ATV series, available on Microsoft Windows and all seventh-generation consoles except the Wii. It is also the last game in the series to be available on handheld consoles.

<i>Hunted: The Demons Forge</i> 2011 video game

Hunted: The Demon's Forge is a 2011 action game set in a dark fantasy world. It was developed by inXile Entertainment and published by Bethesda Softworks for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Microsoft Windows.

<i>MySims SkyHeroes</i> 2010 video game

MySims SkyHeroes is a video game developed by Behaviour Interactive and published by Electronic Arts. It is the sixth and final game in the MySims series. The game was released in 2010 for the Nintendo DS, PlayStation 3, Wii, and Xbox 360.

<i>Breach</i> (2011 video game) 2011 video game

Breach is a team-based first-person shooter multiplayer video game, developed by Atomic Games and was released for Windows PCs and the Xbox 360. Breach was distributed online for the Xbox 360 by Xbox Live Arcade, and on Windows by Steam. It features dynamic destructible environments and a cover system.

<i>Apache: Air Assault</i> 2010 video game

Apache: Air Assault is a combat flight simulator video game for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. It was developed by then-Russian developer Gaijin Entertainment, which is most famous for its World War II MMO-game War Thunder and published by Activision.

<i>Section 8: Prejudice</i> 2011 video game

Section 8: Prejudice is a science fiction, first-person shooter video game developed by TimeGate Studios. It is the direct sequel to the 2009 game Section 8. Unlike its predecessor, Prejudice is a digital download-only title that contains more content than the previous game. It was released for Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows, and PlayStation 3 between April and August 2011.

References

  1. ↑ Scammell, David (August 26, 2009). "Section 8 pushed back a week". GamerZines. Cranberry Publishing. Archived from the original on August 31, 2009. Retrieved June 27, 2018.
  2. 1 2 3 Chen, Grace (March 25, 2010). "PlayStation Store Update". PlayStation Blog . Sony Interactive Entertainment.
  3. ↑ Keefer, John (May 5, 2005). "TimeGate unveils Section 8". GameSpy . Ziff Davis . Retrieved March 3, 2008.
  4. 1 2 IGN staff (August 27, 2009). "Section 8 Offers Ground-Breaking Clan and Stats Portal". IGN . Ziff Davis. Retrieved June 27, 2018.
  5. ↑ "Section 8® Drops on PlayStation®3 Computer Entertainment System". TimeGate Studios . March 25, 2010. Archived from the original on March 30, 2010. Retrieved April 12, 2010.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 Blyth, Jon (January 23, 2009). "Section 8 (Preview)". Eurogamer . Gamer Network. Retrieved September 1, 2009.
  7. 1 2 3 Ahearn, Nate (January 21, 2009). "Section 8 Updated Impressions". IGN. Ziff Davis. Retrieved June 28, 2018.
  8. 1 2 3 Rossignol, Jim (September 7, 2009). "Section 8 (PC)". Eurogamer. Gamer Network.
  9. 1 2 IGN staff (August 12, 2009). "Section 8 Reveals New X Server for 360". IGN. Ziff Davis. Retrieved June 28, 2018.
  10. ↑ "TimeGate Unleashes Section 8 on the PlayStation 3". TimeGate Studios. February 16, 2010. Archived from the original on May 7, 2010. Retrieved April 13, 2010.
  11. ↑ "TimeGate Studio Tour". IGN. Ziff Davis. March 13, 2009. Retrieved June 28, 2018.
  12. ↑ Mitchell, Richard (August 21, 2009). "Section 8 demo slams onto Xbox Live". Engadget (Joystiq). Oath Inc. Retrieved June 28, 2018.
  13. ↑ Reilly, Jim (February 12, 2010). "Section 8 For PlayStation 3 Not Cancelled". IGN. Ziff Davis. Retrieved June 28, 2018.
  14. ↑ "Section 8 PS3 Now Available In Europe and Australia". TimeGate Studios. April 14, 2010. Archived from the original on June 10, 2010.
  15. 1 2 "Section 8 for PC Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved June 28, 2018.
  16. 1 2 3 "Section 8 Critic Reviews for PlayStation 3". Metacritic . CBS Interactive. Retrieved June 28, 2018.
  17. 1 2 "Section 8 for Xbox 360 Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved June 28, 2018.
  18. ↑ Sterling, Jim (September 4, 2009). "Review: Section 8 (X360)". Destructoid . Enthusiast Gaming. Retrieved June 28, 2018.
  19. ↑ Edge staff (November 2009). "Section 8 (X360)". Edge . No. 207. Future plc. p. 95.
  20. 1 2 Biessener, Adam (October 2009). "Section 8 (PC, X360): Section 8's Store-Brand Shooting Underwhelms". Game Informer . No. 198. GameStop. p. 92. Archived from the original on June 28, 2018. Retrieved June 28, 2018.
  21. 1 2 Cabral, Matt (September 6, 2009). "Section 8 (360)". GamePro . GamePro Media. Archived from the original on November 3, 2009. Retrieved September 6, 2009.
  22. 1 2 3 McShea, Tom (September 11, 2009). "Section 8 Review (PC, X360)". GameSpot . CBS Interactive . Retrieved June 28, 2018.
  23. ↑ McShea, Tom (March 31, 2010). "Section 8 Review (PS3)". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Retrieved June 28, 2018.
  24. ↑ "Section 8 (X360)". GameTrailers . Viacom. October 1, 2009. Archived from the original on October 19, 2012. Retrieved June 28, 2018.
  25. ↑ David, Mike (September 21, 2009). "Section 8 - PC - Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on October 3, 2009. Retrieved June 28, 2018.
  26. ↑ Grabowski, Dakota (September 8, 2009). "Section 8 - 360 - Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on September 11, 2009. Retrieved June 28, 2018.
  27. 1 2 Gerstmann, Jeff (September 11, 2009). "Section 8 Review (PC, X360)". Giant Bomb . CBS Interactive. Retrieved June 28, 2018.
  28. ↑ Onyett, Charles (September 8, 2009). "Section 8 Review (PC)". IGN. Ziff Davis. Retrieved June 28, 2018.
  29. ↑ Onyett, Charles (March 26, 2010). "Section 8 Review (PS3)". IGN. Ziff Davis. Retrieved June 28, 2018.
  30. 1 2 Onyett, Charles (September 8, 2009). "Section 8 Review (X360)". IGN. Ziff Davis. Retrieved June 28, 2018.}
  31. ↑ "Section 8". PlayStation Official Magazine – UK . Future plc. June 2010. p. 113.
  32. ↑ Reparaz, Mikel (September 2, 2009). "Section 8". Official Xbox Magazine . Future US. Archived from the original on September 5, 2009. Retrieved June 28, 2018.
  33. ↑ "Section 8". PC Gamer UK . Future plc. November 2009. p. 102.
  34. ↑ "Review: Section 8". PC PowerPlay . No. 171. Next Media Pty Ltd. December 2009. p. 52.
  35. ↑ de Large, John (April 8, 2010). "Section 8 (PSN) Review". 411Mania. Archived from the original on April 21, 2010. Retrieved June 28, 2018.
  36. ↑ Hargreaves, Roger (September 2009). "Section 8 (360)". Teletext GameCentral. Teletext Ltd. Archived from the original on September 17, 2009. Retrieved June 28, 2018.
  37. ↑ "Prejudice™ Announced! - Updated 9/13/10". TimeGate Studios. September 9, 2010. Archived from the original on July 17, 2011. Retrieved June 28, 2018.
  38. ↑ "Section 8: Prejudice goes download-only". New Game Network. December 15, 2010. Retrieved December 21, 2010.
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.