Up (video game)

Last updated
Up
Up video game.jpg
Developer(s) Heavy Iron Studios
(PS3/X360/Wii)
Asobo Studio (PS2/PSP/PC/Mac)
Altron (DS)
Publisher(s) THQ
Director(s) Kirk Tome
Producer(s) Brian Wiklem
Sonoko Ishioka
Designer(s) Kraig Horigan
Matt Ekins
Programmer(s) Chris Masterton
Artist(s) Sean Ro
St. John Colon
Writer(s) Randolph Heard
Composer(s) Michael Giacchino [lower-alpha 1]
Platform(s)
Release
Genre(s) Action-adventure
Mode(s) Single-player, multiplayer

Up is an action-adventure video game developed by Heavy Iron Studios and published by THQ. It is based on the Pixar film of the same name.

Contents

Plot

The story centers on an elderly widower named Carl Fredricksen and an earnest young Wilderness Explorer named Russell who fly to South America in a house suspended by helium balloons.

The PlayStation 3, Wii and Xbox 360 versions of the game follow the film's plot more tightly, spanning eleven levels, with some liberties taken. The Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X. PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable versions of the game are a much looser adaptation, in which Carl and Russell take longer detours through the jungle to attempt to reach the end of Paradise Falls. Consequently, those versions are over 20 levels long.

Gameplay

Up follows the storyline of the film, featuring Carl, Russell, and Dug walking through the jungles of Venezuela. All of the mentioned characters are playable in the game, and in all versions, the player must switch between them to take advantage of their unique abilities to overcome obstacles, while being careful to avoid injury as all playable characters (depending on the version) share a single health bar.

The PlayStation 3 version of the game was the first game based on a Pixar film to support the trophy system. This version and the Xbox 360 version feature online achievements that are themed off of Wilderness Explorer badges. All versions feature multiplayer aerial combat in addition to the main story mode.

Version differences

The PlayStation 3, Wii and Xbox 360 versions of the game are fast-paced platformers with some puzzle scenarios and plays similar to LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures , but can be finished in about an hour or two. The Wii version is slightly different than the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions in that it uses more artfully rendered visuals to accommodate that system's graphical constraints (for example, rocks have purplish textures and the sky is represented with a cartoony skybox in the Wii version, while rocks have brownish, more realistic textures and the sky is represented by a fluid skydome in the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions). The Wii version also supports optional motion controls to perform certain actions, such as shaking the Wii Remote to launch rocks as missiles or tilting it down to reach over ledges to help a partner up. Carl and Russell can also use special abilities for a limited number of times to scare off or distract enemies or bosses, accessed by pressing certain directions of the directional pad. Cutscenes are presented in newsreel format, similar to Spotlight on Adventure in the film's first scene. Character health is measured discretely in these versions, and the characters' survivability gradually increases automatically as the game progresses. These versions also have the fewest bosses, which are simply a giant anaconda, a crocodile, and The Spirit of Adventure, Muntz's airship. There are two biplane sequences, one at the start of the game that takes place immediately before a final battle over Paradise Falls, and another for the actual battle, and in both of them, a second player can "man the guns" and fire at incoming enemies and ground artillery with an on-screen reticule, while sharing the first player's camera view. This feature also takes advantage of the Wii Remote pointer in the Wii version to control Player 2's reticule. Loading screens in these versions also displays hints and trivia about the real wildlife near the tepui.

The Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable versions of the game are longer, giving the player more opportunities to explore the various terrain atop the tepui as the characters take longer detours to reach their destination. At the beginning of these versions, the player is exclusively required to stop the house from floating away. These versions also exclusively feature side areas that cannot be accessed the first time around without acquiring a certain tool, as well as fast-moving linear levels (namely on-rails chase sequences played from a reverse angle or river canoeing courses), where players cannot backtrack and must carefully avoid accidents that instantly require a restart from a checkpoint. Health is measured in a continuous gauge. There are four bosses in these versions, which are three battles against some of Muntz's top dogs, along with The Spirit of Adventure.

The Nintendo DS version is only six levels long, but they usually consist of one or more large areas and players are required to have Carl and Russell together at the end of each level (and at the end of each part of some levels), which becomes a challenge as the characters are easily separated in this version. There is also a boss at the end of each level. Exclusively in this version, players must acquire and use certain tools to overcome obstacles (although the use of such tools is constrained by an energy meter), and are encouraged to finish levels as fast as possible, but must be careful not to arouse too much suspicion from Muntz's dogs, who patrol the jungle and will engage Carl and Russell in battle if they move around too often. A special time attack mode is available for each level that unlocks rare bugs for a collection. Characters also share a continuous health bar as in the Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable versions, although total loss of health would require a full restart of the current level due to a lack of checkpoints. However, levels that are divided into multiple sections offer a fresh spring in between areas that can fully replenish health and a checkpoint is available at the start of each boss battle. In between levels, players are taken to a campsite where they can purchase health upgrades and consumable supplies for power-ups, examine acquired tools, save progress and more. Some sequences involve using touch screen gestures, such as pulling a lever to extend a bridge, turning a crank to operate an elevator or repeatedly scribbling on the screen to break free of traps. This version also exclusively has mini-games that can be played with a friend who has a copy of the game.

Reception

The PlayStation 3, Wii, and Xbox 360 versions received "mixed or average" reviews according to the review aggregator Metacritic. [1] [2] [3] In Japan, where the game was published by E Frontier exclusively on Nintendo platforms on December 3, 2009,[ citation needed ] Famitsu gave it a score of all four sixes for the DS version, and three sevens and one six for the Wii version. [4]

Notes

  1. ↑ Additional music by Chad Seiter and Andrea Datzman.
  2. ↑ Released exclusively on Nintendo platforms.

Related Research Articles

MLB 2K was a series of baseball video games that were developed by Visual Concepts and Kush Games, and published by 2K. The series was licensed by, and based on, the Major League Baseball professional baseball organization. It was a successor to the World Series Baseball games, which were published by Sega.

<i>Spider-Man 3</i> (video game) 2007 video game

Spider-Man 3 is a 2007 action-adventure game based on the 2007 film of the same name. The game is the sequel to 2004's Spider-Man 2, itself based on the 2004 film of the same name. It was released for the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows, Wii, Nintendo DS, and Game Boy Advance on May 4, 2007, and for the PlayStation Portable on October 16, 2007. Published by Activision, the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions were developed by Treyarch, while Vicarious Visions handled the development of the other versions, which are drastically different. Beenox ported Treyarch's version of the game to Microsoft Windows.

<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>Marvel: Ultimate Alliance</i> 2006 video game

Marvel: Ultimate Alliance is a 2006 action role-playing video game, developed by Raven Software for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox and Xbox 360, and published by Activision. The game was ported to the PlayStation Portable and Wii by Vicarious Visions, and to Microsoft Windows by Beenox. A different Game Boy Advance version was developed by Barking Lizards Technologies. A re-release version based on Xbox 360's latest edition was ported by Zoë Mode for Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, and was released in July 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Monopoly in video games</span> Video game series

There have been numerous Monopoly video games based on the core game mechanics of Parker Brothers and Hasbro's board game Monopoly. They have been developed by numerous teams and released on multiple platforms over 35+ years.

<i>Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures</i> 2008 video game

Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures is a 2008 Lego-themed action-adventure video game developed by Traveller's Tales and published by LucasArts. Based on the Indiana Jones media franchise and the eponymous Lego Indiana Jones toy line. It follows the events of the first three Indiana Jones films: Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Temple of Doom, and The Last Crusade. It was released for Microsoft Windows, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Wii, Xbox 360, and Mac OS X.

<i>WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009</i> 2008 professional wrestling video game

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 is a professional wrestling video game developed by Yuke's and published by THQ for the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, Wii, and Xbox 360 video game consoles, with TOSE overseeing development for the Nintendo DS version. The game was first released on November 9, 2008, in North America. It is the tenth overall installment in the video game series based on the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) promotion, and the fifth game under the SmackDown vs. Raw name, named after the promotion's Raw and SmackDown brands. It is the sequel to 2007's SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 and the second game to feature the promotion's ECW brand.

<i>Crash: Mind over Mutant</i> 2008 video game

Crash: Mind over Mutant is a 2008 platform game developed by Radical Entertainment for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, Wii and Xbox 360. The Nintendo DS version of the game was developed by Tose. It was released in North America on October 7, 2008, and was later released in Europe and Australia on October 30 and October 31, respectively. It is the second game in the series not to have a Japanese release,, the first to be published by Activision following its merging with the series' previous publisher Vivendi Games, and the last major console entry as a whole until 2017's Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy — a remaster of the first three Crash games.

<i>Sonic Unleashed</i> 2008 video game

Sonic Unleashed is a 2008 platform game developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega as part of the Sonic the Hedgehog series. The plot follows Sonic as he attempts to restore the world after his nemesis Doctor Eggman shatters it with a powerful laser to unleash Dark Gaia, an ancient evil which periodically transforms Sonic into a werewolf form. Gameplay features two distinct styles: daytime stages incorporate Sonic's traditional platforming and trademark speed; while night-time stages see Sonic transform into the Werehog and engage in slower combat against waves of enemies using the Werehog's brute strength.

<i>Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2</i> 2009 video game

Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 is a 2009 action role-playing video game featuring characters from Marvel Comics. It is the sequel to 2006's Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, and the second installment in the Marvel: Ultimate Alliance series. The game was jointly developed by Vicarious Visions, n-Space and Savage Entertainment and published by Activision in September 2009. A port for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Microsoft Windows by Zoë Mode was released in July 2016.

<i>Toy Story Mania!</i> (video game) 2009 video game

Toy Story Mania! is a 2009 video game published by Disney Interactive Studios and developed by Papaya Studio for the Wii and PC versions and by High Voltage Software for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions. It is based on the Toy Story Midway Mania! attraction located at Disney's California Adventure and Disney's Hollywood Studios, which was inspired by the Toy Story movie series produced by Pixar. The game features single-player and multi-player shooting-gallery style gameplay.

<i>The Bigs 2</i> 2009 video game

The Bigs 2 is a baseball sports video game developed by Blue Castle Games and published by 2K for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Wii, and PlayStation Portable. The game serves as the direct sequel to The Bigs. The first trailer for the game was released revealing players like Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, Roberto Clemente, and Reggie Jackson and a number of other Hall of Famers. Milwaukee Brewers All-Star first baseman Prince Fielder is the cover athlete chosen by 2K Sports. For the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii editions of the game, the English play-by-play announcer is Damon Bruce while the Japanese announcer is Kasey Ryne Mazak. It was released in 2009. The game was indirectly followed-up by Nicktoons MLB.

<i>Lego Harry Potter: Years 1–4</i> 2010 action-adventure video game

Lego Harry Potter: Years 1–4 is an action-adventure game developed by Traveller's Tales and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. The game is based on the Lego Harry Potter toy line, and its storyline covers the first four books by J.K. Rowling and its film adaptations in the Harry Potter film series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001), Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002), Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004), and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005).

<i>Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs</i> (video game) 2009 video game

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs is a video game tie-in based on the film of the same name which is also based upon the 1978 children's book of the same name. The game allows the player to control Flint Lockwood, the film's hero as he must save his town and the world from the rain of food, fighting highly mutated food enemies and using his gadgets to help him on the way.

<i>Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars</i> 2011 video game

Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars is a Lego-themed action-adventure video game developed by Traveller's Tales and published by LucasArts in March 2011 for the PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Xbox 360, Wii, Nintendo DS, Microsoft Windows, and the Nintendo 3DS. It was one of the 3DS's launch titles. The game features missions and characters from the 2008 animated film Star Wars: The Clone Wars and its follow-up television series, as well as fan-favorites from the original Star Wars saga, in both single-player and multiplayer gameplay modes. The Mac OS X version of the game was released by Feral Interactive.

<i>Toy Story 3</i> (video game) 2010 video game

Toy Story 3 is a 2010 platform game developed by Avalanche Software and published by Disney Interactive Studios. The game is based on the 2010 film of the same name. It was released for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, and Microsoft Windows. The game was ported to Mac OS X by TransGaming. A Nintendo DS version was developed by n-Space, while Disney Mobile Studios developed and published an iOS game based on the film. Another version was developed by Asobo Studio and released for PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable.

<i>Michael Jackson: The Experience</i> 2010 video game

Michael Jackson: The Experience is a music video game based on Michael Jackson's songs. It was developed and published by Ubisoft, and was released on 23 November 2010 in North America, 25 November 2010 in Australia and 26 November 2010 in Europe for the Nintendo DS, PlayStation Portable, and Wii. It was also released on 12 April 2011 in North America, 14 April 2011 in Australia and 15 April 2011 in Europe for PlayStation 3's PlayStation Move and Xbox 360's Kinect. The Japanese release on 8 December 2011 only revised the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii consoles. The game features many of Michael Jackson's hits, such as "Bad", "Thriller", "Beat It", "Billie Jean", "Smooth Criminal", "Black or White", "The Way You Make Me Feel", etc. However, some songs like "Man in the Mirror" and "P.Y.T. " are excluded. Initial launches of the game included a limited edition replica of Jackson's sequined glove. It was later released for the Nintendo 3DS on 7 November 2011 in North America and 11 November 2011 in Europe, for iPhone and iPad on 7 December 2011 in North America and for PlayStation Vita on 15 February 2012 in North America, 22 February 2012 in Europe and 23 February 2012 in Australia. It was announced that the game would be released on Mac OS X, and iPad 2. The game sold 2 million units in two months, not including Japanese sales, making it one of the best-selling Wii title games.

<i>Skylanders: Spyros Adventure</i> 2011 video game

Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure is a 3D action-adventure platform game and the first video game in the Skylanders series. It is played using with toy figures that interact with it through a "Portal of Power" that reads their tag through NFC.

<i>Rayman Legends</i> 2013 video game

Rayman Legends is a platform video game developed by Ubisoft Montpellier and published by Ubisoft. It is the fifth main title in the Rayman series and the direct sequel to the 2011 game Rayman Origins. The game was released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii U, and PlayStation Vita platforms in August and September 2013. PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions were released in February 2014, with a Stadia version released in November 2021. A Nintendo Switch port, titled Rayman Legends Definitive Edition, was released in North America, Europe and Australia on September 12, 2017.

<i>Ben 10: Omniverse</i> (video game) 2012 video game

Ben 10: Omniverse is an action video game based on the American animated series of the same name. The game was published by D3 Publisher in North America and Namco Bandai Games in Europe and Australia. It was released in November 2012 for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, Wii, and Wii U.

References

  1. 1 2 "Up for PlayStation 3 Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on April 3, 2017. Retrieved April 2, 2017.
  2. 1 2 "Up for Wii Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on April 3, 2017. Retrieved April 2, 2017.
  3. 1 2 "Up for Xbox 360 Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on April 4, 2017. Retrieved April 2, 2017.
  4. 1 2 3 rawmeatcowboy (November 26, 2009). "Famitsu - more review scores". GoNintendo. Archived from the original on April 3, 2017. Retrieved April 3, 2017.
  5. ↑ Petit, Carolyn (June 12, 2009). "Up Review (Wii)". GameSpot. Archived from the original on April 4, 2017. Retrieved April 3, 2017.
  6. ↑ Petit, Carolyn (June 11, 2009). "Up Review (X360)". GameSpot. Archived from the original on April 3, 2017. Retrieved April 3, 2017.
  7. ↑ Nicksarlian, Greg (June 4, 2009). "UP - WII - Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on June 9, 2009. Retrieved April 3, 2017.
  8. ↑ Aceinet (June 4, 2009). "UP - 360 - Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on June 11, 2009. Retrieved April 3, 2017.
  9. ↑ Clayman, David (June 24, 2009). "Up Review (PS2)". IGN. Archived from the original on March 28, 2018. Retrieved October 22, 2016.
  10. 1 2 Clayman, David (June 23, 2009). "Up Review (PS3)". IGN. Archived from the original on October 23, 2016. Retrieved April 2, 2017.
  11. ↑ Clayman, David (July 20, 2009). "Up Review (Wii)". IGN. Archived from the original on April 3, 2017. Retrieved April 2, 2017.
  12. ↑ "Up (DS)". Nintendo Gamer : 72. September 2009.
  13. ↑ "Up (Wii)". Nintendo Power . Vol. 242. June 2009. p. 89.
  14. ↑ "Up". Official Xbox Magazine UK . January 2010. p. 113.
  15. ↑ "Up". Official Xbox Magazine . August 2009. p. 74.
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.