Whacked!

Last updated
Whacked!
WhackedXbox.jpg
Developer(s) Presto Studios
Publisher(s) Microsoft Game Studios
Designer(s) Phil Saunders (Lead)
Composer(s) Jamey Scott
Engine Sprint Engine
Platform(s) Xbox
Release
  • NA: October 15, 2002 [1]
  • EU: November 29, 2002
Genre(s) Party
Mode(s) Single-player, multiplayer

Whacked! is a party game developed by Presto Studios and released in 2002 by Microsoft Game Studios exclusively for the Xbox. It was one of the two original games to be made available for Xbox Live, and it received mixed reviews. Whacked! was the last game developed by Presto Studios before it went defunct.

Contents

Gameplay

Whacked! is played as a series of arena style mini-games. The player competes with three other players, human or artificial intelligence, to complete a specific objective, and players can use a variety of weapons and power-ups to affect the game. Possible objectives include collecting stars for points, deathmatch, king of the hill, holding a trophy to earn points, and elimination style dodgeball. Single player has the addition gamemode of chicken, in which many flesh-eating chickens pursue the player, and the player has to destroy them first.

Arenas include the site of a car crash, the ceiling of a bathroom, a plaza, the space underneath a Christmas Tree, an oil pipeline, a heavily fortified front yard, a space station, a toy pirate ship in an electrified bathtub, an arena with spiked walls, the tops of skyscrapers, the back of a pickup truck during a police chase, and a kitchen sink. Hell is unlocked after completing the game.

Game show mode is the main single-player story mode, in which the player chooses one of three doors to determine the gamemode and arena. Each set of three doors makes up one stage, and each of the four stages becomes successively more difficult and the matches become longer. Battle mode allows players to play against one another and choose all of the settings the mini-game. As of the game's release, battle mode could be played through split screen, system link, or Xbox Live.

Story

Whacked! takes place on the set of a game show in which seven contestants compete for The Prize, which will be anything in the world that the contestant desires. To win The Prize, the contestants compete across four stages of violent battles and competitions. While the contestants compete, Van Tastic speaks to his boss over the phone, reassuring him that it's impossible to win and that there is no prize. After the player's character wins the game, Van Tastic's boss calls him again and cancels the show. Van Tastic challenges the winner to a final competition for an even better grand prize. After the contestant agrees, Van Tastic destroys the set, revealing it to be Hell. He burns the other contestants to death, and reveals himself to be a demon. After the winner defeats Van Tastic, his boss calls him to renew the show.

Characters

There are seven playable contestants, each based on one of the seven deadly sins, as well as a host that becomes playable after completing the game. [2]

Development

The concept for Whacked! was first conceived in the mid-1990s as a casual multiplayer game to compete against Mario Kart 64 , with a similar low barrier to entry and mechanisms to rubber band players between first and last place. During development, testers would regularly test different variations of each in-game element individually before allowing the art team to give it a design. It was also tested without artificial intelligence to prioritize the multiplayer experience and players to adjust to changes in real time without updates to AI. Development was held to a strict schedule, allowing the game to ship three weeks early. Whacked! was originally designed as a PC game, but the game was eventually ported to the Xbox. Development was complicated by two of the three creative designers leaving half way through the project. [2]

Whacked! was one of the two games distributed to beta testers for the initial rollout of Xbox Live on the Xbox. The same Live enabled demos were originally given out for one year with the purchase of the Xbox Live starter kit. [3] As of 2010, Xbox Live for the original Xbox was discontinued, ending support for online play of all Xbox titles, including Whacked!.

Whacked! was the final project released by Presto Studios before it went out of business in 2002. [4] Whacked! is backward compatible on the Xbox 360, albeit with some glitches, including graphics not loading properly or loading screens not displaying.[ citation needed ]

Reception

The game received "mixed" reviews according to the review aggregation website Metacritic. [5] Critic Jeff Gerstmann of GameSpot praised the game's style and voice acting, but criticized the gameplay and soundtrack, saying that "The single-player mode is plain and simple, and the multiplayer mode, once you get over the novelty of shooting people over the Internet, really lacks depth." [11] Hilary Goldstein of IGN criticized the drawn-out gameplay and the inconsistency of the gameshow dynamic. [14] In Japan, where the game was ported for release under the name Whacked! Giliaba! Rantō Party Televee! (ワックド！ギリヤバ！乱闘パーティーテレビ！, Wakkudo! Giriyaba! Rantō Pātī Terebi!) on January 16, 2003, [18] Famitsu gave it a score of one six, one seven, and two sixes for a total of 25 out of 40. [9]

Related Research Articles

<i>Myst III: Exile</i> Third title in the Myst series of graphic adventure puzzle video games

Myst III: Exile is the third title in the Myst series of graphic adventure puzzle video games. While the preceding games in the series, Myst and Riven, were produced by Cyan Worlds and published by Broderbund, Exile was developed by Presto Studios and published by Ubi Soft. The game was released on four compact discs for both Mac OS and Microsoft Windows on May 8, 2001; versions for the Xbox and PlayStation 2 were released in late 2002. A single-disc DVD version was later released for Windows and Mac OS.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Presto Studios</span> Video game developer

Presto Studios was a computer game development company of the 1990s. The company is notable for its award-winning series The Journeyman Project as well as Myst III: Exile, the 2001 sequel to Cyan's Myst series.

<i>Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions</i> 2002 video game

Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions, known in Japan as Double S.T.E.A.L., is a 2002 racing video game originally released on the Xbox and later for GameCube and PlayStation 2. The game is set in Hong Kong, in which the player completes missions.

<i>Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion</i> 2000 video game

Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion is a first-person shooter video game developed by Acclaim Studios Austin and published by Acclaim Entertainment. It was released for the Nintendo 64 video game console in 2000. Shadow of Oblivion is the third main installment of the Turok series and a sequel to Turok 2: Seeds of Evil. The game received generally favorable reviews from critics. A separate game, also titled Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion, which is set in the same universe but follows a different storyline, was released for the Game Boy Color in 2000. A remastered version of the game developed by Nightdive Studios released on November 30, 2023 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

<i>Midnight Club: Street Racing</i> 2000 video game

Midnight Club: Street Racing is a 2000 racing video game developed by Angel Studios and published by Rockstar Games. The game focuses on competitive street racing and the import scene. Two distinct versions of the game were released for the PlayStation 2 and Game Boy Advance platforms, the former being a launch title for the platform. It is the first game in Midnight Club franchise, followed by Midnight Club II.

<i>Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2</i> 2001 video game

Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2 is a 2001 BMX video game developed by Z-Axis and published by Acclaim Entertainment under their Acclaim Max Sports label. It is the sequel to Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX. It was released for the PlayStation 2 in August 2001, and in the following months it was ported to the GameCube, Game Boy Advance, and Xbox video game systems. Both the GameCube and Xbox ports featured two extra levels that were not present in the PS2 version.

<i>NHL Hitz 2002</i> 2001 video game

NHL Hitz 2002 is an arcade-style ice hockey video game released by Midway. It is the first game of the NHL Hitz series. Midway launched this game along with NFL Blitz.

<i>Sega Soccer Slam</i> 2002 video game

Sega Soccer Slam, also known as simply Soccer Slam, is a sports game released for GameCube, Xbox, and PlayStation 2 in 2002.

<i>Bomberman Online</i> 2001 video game

Bomberman Online is a multiplayer video game developed for the Dreamcast console platform. The game is part of the Bomberman franchise and includes various multiplayer game modes. The game's online servers were shut down in 2003, restricting players to offline-only multiplayer modes.

<i>NHL Hitz 2003</i> 2002 video game

NHL Hitz 2003 is an ice hockey video game published by Midway Sports. One version was developed by Black Box Games and released on the Xbox, PlayStation 2, GameCube in 2002. The other was developed by Exient Entertainment and released on the Game Boy Advance. It is the second game of the NHL Hitz series. The Game Boy Advance version can be linked with up to three other systems for four-player play.

<i>Lumines Live!</i> 2006 video game

Lumines Live! is a 2006 puzzle video game developed by Q Entertainment for the Xbox 360. It was released worldwide in October 2006 and in Japan in March 2007. The objective of the game is to move and rotate 2×2 blocks to form colored squares of the same color. Points are awarded to the player when the Time Line erases the colored squares. Lumines Live! introduces online multiplayer, Xbox Live achievements, and a leaderboard.

<i>Smashing Drive</i> 2000 video game

Smashing Drive is a racing video game developed and published by Gaelco and distributed by Namco. The game was released in arcades in 2000 and was ported to the GameCube and Xbox in 2002 by Point of View and Game Boy Advance in 2004 by DSI Games and Namco.

<i>Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles</i> (2003 video game) 2003 video game

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a 2003 beat 'em up game developed and published by Konami, based on the 2003 TV series.

<i>TMNT: Mutant Melee</i> 2005 video game

TMNT: Mutant Melee is a 2005 fighting video game developed by Konami. It is based on the 2003 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated series.

<i>Victorious Boxers: Ippos Road to Glory</i> 2000 video game

Victorious Boxers: Ippo's Road to Glory, known as simply Victorious Boxers, is a boxing video game developed by New Corporation for the PlayStation 2 video game console. It is based on the Hajime no Ippo franchise. The game was released in Japan by Entertainment Software Publishing in December 2000 and in North America and Europe by Empire Interactive in 2001.

<i>Mad Dash Racing</i> 2001 video game

Mad Dash Racing is a racing video game for the Xbox developed by Crystal Dynamics and published by Eidos Interactive. It was released as a launch title in November 2001. The video game features the voices of Billy West and Charles Martinet.

<i>Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit</i> 2008 video game

Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit is a fighting video game for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 based on the anime Dragon Ball Z. The game was developed by Dimps and published in North America and Australia by Atari, and in Japan and Europe by Namco Bandai under the Bandai label. It was released in Japan on June 5, 2008, in Europe on June 6, 2008, North America on June 10, 2008, and in Australia on July 3, 2008.

<i>Antz Extreme Racing</i> 2002 video game

Antz Extreme Racing is a 2002 racing video game developed by Supersonic Software and published by Empire Interactive. The game is based on the 1998 DreamWorks Animation film Antz. The game was released in 2002 for Microsoft Windows, Xbox, and PlayStation 2. The Game Boy Advance version of Antz Extreme Racing was developed by Magic Pockets and released on 20 November 2002.

<i>Defenders of Ardania</i> Strategy video game

Defenders of Ardania is a hybrid tower defense and real-time strategy video game for Microsoft Windows, iOS, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3. It was developed by Most Wanted Entertainment and published by Deep Silver and Paradox Interactive.

<i>Scarygirl</i> 2012 adventure-platform video game

Scarygirl is an adventure-platform game for the Xbox 360's Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation 3's PlayStation Network and Microsoft Windows. Scarygirl was previously a graphic novel by Nathan Jurevicius, a Flash game, and a downloadable title for the PlayStation Portable. It was developed by TikGames and published by Square Enix.

References

  1. ↑ Calvert, Justin (October 15, 2002). "Microsoft ships Whacked!". GameSpot . Fandom. Archived from the original on March 13, 2023. Retrieved October 27, 2024.
  2. 1 2 Saladino, Michael (November 14, 2002). "Postmortem: Presto's Whacked!". Game Developer . Informa. Archived from the original on March 3, 2024. Retrieved October 27, 2024.
  3. ↑ Parker, Sam (September 25, 2002). "Xbox Live starter kit games confirmed". GameSpot. Fandom. Archived from the original on February 15, 2005. Retrieved October 27, 2024.
  4. ↑ Cohen, Peter (September 2, 2002). "Game maker Presto Studios closes doors". Macworld . IDG Communications. Archived from the original on March 25, 2023. Retrieved October 27, 2024.
  5. 1 2 "Whacked!". Metacritic . Fandom. Archived from the original on November 4, 2024. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
  6. ↑ Marriott, Scott Alan. "Whacked! - Review". AllGame . All Media Network. Archived from the original on November 15, 2014. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
  7. ↑ MacIsaac, Jason (October 24, 2002). "Whacked!". The Electric Playground . Greedy Productions Ltd. Archived from the original on February 28, 2003. Retrieved October 27, 2024.
  8. ↑ Bramwell, Tom (January 22, 2003). "Whacked!". Eurogamer . Gamer Network. Archived from the original on July 7, 2022. Retrieved October 27, 2024.
  9. 1 2 "January 10, 2003". The Magic Box. January 10, 2003. Archived from the original on February 10, 2003. Retrieved October 27, 2024.
  10. ↑ McNamara, Andy (December 2002). "Whacked!". Game Informer . No. 116. GameStop. p. 144. Archived from the original on April 29, 2004. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  11. 1 2 Gerstmann, Jeff (October 18, 2002). "Whacked! Review". GameSpot. Fandom. Archived from the original on March 29, 2022. Retrieved October 27, 2024.
  12. ↑ Williams, Bryn (October 19, 2002). "GameSpy: Whacked!". GameSpy . Archived from the original on December 18, 2005. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
  13. ↑ Zacarias, Eduardo (October 19, 2002). "Whacked! - XB - Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on January 17, 2008. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
  14. 1 2 Goldstein, Hilary (October 17, 2002). "Whacked! Review". IGN . Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on March 29, 2022. Retrieved October 27, 2024.
  15. ↑ "Whacked!". Official Xbox Magazine . Future US. January 2003. p. 90.
  16. ↑ Semsey, Rob (October 30, 2002). "Whacked! Review (Xbox)". TeamXbox . IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on September 28, 2011. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
  17. ↑ Bub, Andrew (December 9, 2002). "'Whacked' (Xbox) Review". X-Play . TechTV. Archived from the original on December 19, 2002. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
  18. ↑ "ワックド！ギリヤバ！乱闘パーティーテレビ！". Famitsu (in Japanese). Kadokawa Game Linkage. Archived from the original on October 27, 2024. Retrieved October 27, 2024.
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.