Catwoman (video game)

Last updated
Catwoman
Catwoman Box Art.jpg
Developer(s) Argonaut Games [1] [lower-alpha 1]
Magic Pockets (GBA)
Publisher(s) Electronic Arts
Director(s) Andrew Curtis
Producer(s) Simon Harris
Designer(s) Jez Harris
Programmer(s) Mario D'Onofrio
Warrick Buchanan
Artist(s) John Miles
Composer(s) James Hannigan
Platform(s) Game Boy Advance, GameCube, PlayStation 2, Windows, Xbox
Release
  • NA: 23 July 2004
  • AU: 30 July 2004
  • EU: 6 August 2004
Genre(s) Action-adventure
Mode(s) Single-player, multiplayer

Catwoman is an action-adventure video game based on the 2004 film of the same name based on the fictional character. It features the likeness of the film's lead actress Halle Berry, while the character's voice is provided by actress Jennifer Hale. [2] This would end up being developer Argonaut Software's final game (not counting Star Fox 2 , which was completed in 1995, but wasn't released until 2017).

Contents

Gameplay

The game is third person action platformer where the player must use the heroine's cat-like strength and agility to travel through various environments and defeat various enemies. [3] There is also sense exploration in the game, similar to the Tomb Raider series. [4] Catwoman can climb up walls and swing from metal poles to navigate through the environment. Catwoman must also solve puzzles at certain parts of the game to advance further. The game also features a combat system for when fighting enemies. The player is able to upgrade moves and perform simple combo strings.

Plot

The game loosely follows the story of the movie. Patience Phillips, a shy office worker in the Hedare corporate empire, accidentally discovers her employers' dark secret and is subsequently murdered. She is then revived by a supernatural Egyptian cat granting her cat-like abilities. Now reborn as "Catwoman", she then embarks on a tale of revenge against the people who nearly murdered her.

Development

UK website Computer and Video Games (CVG) first reported the potential of a tie-in game for the then-upcoming Catwoman film in June 2003, with Argonaut Games significantly investing into its pitch for the license after the cancellation of Malice and Orchid respectively by Vivendi Universal Games and Namco. [5] CVG then reported on a rumor in January 2004 which claimed that Electronic Arts (EA) had acquired the rights from Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment to produce the game with Argonaut developing it, marking the first time EA collaborated with Argonaut since Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001). [6] [7] EA and Warner Bros. confirmed the rumor on February 12, 2004, in an official announcement proclaiming a multi-year deal between the two parties to develop games based on the Catwoman intellectual property; the game was planned for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, Game Boy Advance, and PC. [8] Catwoman was showcased at E3 2004 alongside other EA titles, having been in development for eight months at that point. [9] [10] The game was released in North America on July 23, 2004, the same day as the film. [11] [12] It was released in Australia on 30 July [13] and in Europe on 6 August. [14]

In a 2022 interview, Argonaut founder Jez San revealed that Catwoman represented the largest effort the company ever handled due to its accelerated development time, with around 100 employees dedicated to the game; in comparison, the industry average was 30–40 during the sixth generation of video game consoles while Argonaut was accustomed to small teams of 15 or so during the fifth generation. [15] [16]

Reception

Catwoman received negative reviews from critics due to problems including bad camera control, poor voice-work, and an over-simplistic combat system. [47] [48] However, the Game Boy Advance version received mixed reviews with aggregating review website Metacritic giving the version 61/100. [17] The GameCube version ranked in at 47/100, [18] the PC version with 46/100, [19] the PlayStation 2 version with 46/100 [20] and the Xbox version with 45/100. [21]

The critical and commercial failure of the film at the box office hindered sales of the game to the detriment of Argonaut; [15] [49] with the company struggling from the transition between the fifth and sixth generations and facing dwindling cash reserves, it ultimately underwent liquidation only three months after the game's release. [50] [51]

Notes

  1. ↑ Additional work by EA UK.

Related Research Articles

<i>Madden NFL 2004</i> 2003 video game

Madden NFL 2004 is the 15th installment of the Madden NFL series of American football video games. Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick is on the cover.

<i>The Sims Bustin Out</i> 2003 video game

The Sims Bustin' Out is a video game developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts in 2003 for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, Game Boy Advance, and in 2004 for the N-Gage. It is the second title in The Sims console series and the first title not concurrently released on Windows PC.

<i>Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets</i> (video game) 2002 video game

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is an action-adventure game. It is based on the 2002 film of the same name.

<i>Madden NFL 2005</i> 2004 video game

Madden NFL 2005 is an American football simulation video game based on the NFL that was developed by EA Tiburon, along with Exient Entertainment and Budcat Creations, and published by EA Sports. The 16th installment of the Madden NFL series, it features former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis on the cover. Al Michaels and John Madden return as game commentators. Released on August 9, 2004, the game is the first Madden game to feature Xbox Live. It was the last Madden game to be released on the original PlayStation, and the first Madden game to be released on the Nintendo DS, where it was a launch title.

<i>Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban</i> (video game) 2004 action-adventure video game

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is a 2004 action-adventure video game. The game is based on the 2004 film of the same name from the Harry Potter franchise. The game was developed by KnowWonder, Griptonite Games, and EA UK each for different consoles and was published by Electronic Arts under the EA Games label. The game was released as a trio, with separate versions for Game Boy Advance, Microsoft Windows, and home consoles. The game received mixed reviews by critics.

<i>Madden NFL 2003</i> 2002 video game

Madden NFL 2003 is an American football simulation video game based on the NFL that was developed by EA Tiburon and Budcat Creations and published by EA Sports. The 14th installment of the Madden NFL series, the game features former St. Louis Rams running back Marshall Faulk on the cover. This edition of Madden was the first to have EA Trax, the Mini Camp mode, and to feature Al Michaels as play-by-play announcer, who took over for Pat Summerall. Although it featured the expansion Houston Texans and the relocation of the Seattle Seahawks to the NFC, it was actually the second to do so. The game was released on August 12, 2002 for the Game Boy Advance, GameCube, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation, PlayStation 2 and Xbox. The PlayStation version also includes the Sega Genesis version of John Madden Football 93.

<i>Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004</i> 2003 video game

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004 is a sports video game developed by EA Redwood Shores for the GameCube, PlayStation 2 and Xbox versions, Headgate Studios for the Microsoft Windows version, and Backbone Emeryville for the Game Boy Advance and N-Gage versions, and published by EA Sports for GameCube, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 2, Xbox, Game Boy Advance and N-Gage.

<i>Madden NFL 06</i> 2005 video game

Madden NFL 06 is an American football video game released in 2005. It is the 16th installment of the Madden NFL series by EA Sports, named for color commentator John Madden. It is the first Madden game for the PlayStation Portable and Xbox 360 and was a launch game for the 360. Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb is on the cover.

<i>Kill Switch</i> (video game) 2003 third-person shooter game by Namco USA

Kill Switch is a third-person shooter video game developed by Namco USA in 2003 for the PlayStation 2, Xbox and Microsoft Windows. A Game Boy Advance port was released in 2004. The GBA port was created independently of Namco, due to a licensing deal with Destination Software. The PAL release of the PS2 port came with a demo of SOCOM II U.S. Navy SEALs on a separate disc.

<i>Batman: Vengeance</i> 2001 video game

Batman: Vengeance is a 2001 action-adventure video game based on the fictional superhero of the same name. It was released for PlayStation 2, Game Boy Advance, GameCube, Xbox and Microsoft Windows. The game was developed and published by Ubi Soft in conjunction with Warner Bros. and DC Comics.

<i>Madden NFL 07</i> 2006 American football video game

Madden NFL 07 is an American football video game based on the NFL that was published by EA Sports and developed by EA Tiburon. It is the first in the video game series to debut for the PlayStation 3 and Wii consoles as launch titles and the last Madden game to be released on the Game Boy Advance. Former Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander is on the cover.

<i>Kelly Slaters Pro Surfer</i> 2002 video game

Kelly Slater's Pro Surfer is an extreme sports video game developed by Treyarch and published by Activision under the Activision O2 label. The game was endorsed by veteran surfer Kelly Slater and released for Game Boy Advance, GameCube, PlayStation 2 and Xbox in 2002, and for Microsoft Windows in 2003. To coincide with the game, Slater appeared as an unlockable character in the 2001 skateboarding video game Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3, complete with surfboard.

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

NHL 2002 is a video game released by EA Sports in 2001. It is the predecessor to NHL 2003. The game's cover man is Pittsburgh Penguins superstar and owner Mario Lemieux, who had just made a comeback after being retired for three and a half years. It was the first installment of the NHL series to be released on Xbox.

<i>FIFA Football 2004</i> 2003 video game

FIFA Football 2004, also known as FIFA Soccer 2004 in North America, is a football simulation video game developed by EA Canada and published by Electronic Arts. It was released in October 2003 with the tagline "Create Brilliance".

<i>Finding Nemo</i> (video game) 2003 video game anglerfish chase

Finding Nemo is a 2003 action-adventure video game based on the film of the same name by Disney and Pixar. The GameCube, PlayStation 2 and Xbox versions were developed by Traveller's Tales, the Game Boy Advance version of the game was developed by Vicarious Visions, and its Microsoft Windows and Mac versions were developed by KnowWonder. All versions were published by THQ.

<i>FIFA 07</i> 2006 video game

FIFA 07 is a football simulation video game developed by EA Canada and published by Electronic Arts under the EA Sports label.

<i>Pitfall: The Lost Expedition</i> 2004 video game

Pitfall: The Lost Expedition is a pair of action-adventure video games, one for the Game Boy Advance, and the other for the GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox, and Windows. It is the sixth installment of the Pitfall series. It was released by Activision on February 19, 2004 in North America, February 20, 2004 in Europe, and February 23, 2004 in Australia. The Windows version was released on October 11, 2004 in North America. The game was also released on October 7, 2008 on the Wii as Pitfall: The Big Adventure. Pitfall: The Big Adventure was released under the brand Fun4All in Europe. It was followed in 2012 by Pitfall! for mobile devices.

<i>Starsky & Hutch</i> (video game) 2003 video game

Starsky & Hutch is a vehicular combat video game by British studio Mind's Eye Productions and published by Empire Interactive based on the television series of the same name created by William Blinn. The game was released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 2, Xbox, Game Boy Advance and GameCube.

References

  1. ↑ Bramwell, Tom (30 January 2004). "EA bags Catwoman". Eurogamer . Archived from the original on 8 March 2021. Retrieved 26 June 2018.
  2. ↑ Hale, Jennifer (9 July 2014). "@MattMcMuscles yep". Archived from the original on 5 June 2022. Retrieved 9 July 2014.
  3. ↑ Garratt, Patrick (2004-08-06). "Catwoman". Eurogamer. Retrieved 2016-11-15.
  4. ↑ Perry, Douglass C. (2004-07-20). "Catwoman". IGN. Archived from the original on 2016-11-15. Retrieved 2016-11-15.
  5. ↑ Burnes, Andrew (June 4, 2003). "Argonaut Games After Catwoman License". IGN. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
  6. ↑ Hwang, Kaiser (January 29, 2004). "EA's Catwoman". IGN. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
  7. ↑ Fahey, Rob (February 2, 2004). "Argonaut developing Catwoman title for EA". GamesIndustry.biz. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  8. ↑ Adams, David (February 12, 2004). "EA Confirms Catwoman". IGN. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
  9. ↑ Adams, David (May 6, 2004). "Pre-E3 2004: EA Announces Lineup". IGN. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  10. ↑ Perry, Douglass C. (May 6, 2004). "Pre-E3 2004: Catwoman". IGN. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  11. ↑ Van Autrijve, Rainier (July 23, 2004). "Catwoman sneaks into stores". GameSpy . Retrieved May 11, 2024.
  12. ↑ Perry, Douglass C. (July 7, 2004). "Catwoman Hands-on". IGN. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
  13. ↑ Luke (24 July 2004). "Updated Australian Release List - 24/07/04". PALGN. Archived from the original on 17 February 2014. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
  14. ↑ Bramwell, Tom (August 6, 2004). "What's New?". Eurogamer . Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  15. 1 2 San, Jez (September 13, 2022). "Jez San On Argonaut, Star Fox And Working With Nintendo". Time Extension (Interview). Interviewed by Damien McFerran. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
  16. ↑ Cusworth, Nic (March 6, 2021). "Remembering Croc: An Interview With Lead Designer Nic Cusworth". TheGamer (Interview). Interviewed by Eric Switzer. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
  17. 1 2 "Catwoman for Game Boy Advance Reviews". Metacritic . Archived from the original on 5 June 2022. Retrieved 17 June 2013.
  18. 1 2 "Catwoman for GameCube Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved 17 June 2013.
  19. 1 2 "Catwoman for PC Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved 17 June 2013.
  20. 1 2 "Catwoman for PlayStation 2 Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on 15 November 2021. Retrieved 17 June 2013.
  21. 1 2 "Catwoman for Xbox Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on 5 June 2022. Retrieved 17 June 2013.
  22. ↑ Hunter, Kat (2004-07-23). "Catwoman Review for PS2 from 1UP.com". 1UP.com . Archived from the original on 2013-10-29. Retrieved 2013-10-28.
  23. ↑ 1UP Staff (November 2004). "Catwoman Review for PC from 1UP.com". Computer Gaming World. p. 81. Archived from the original on 2013-10-29. Retrieved 2013-10-28.{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  24. ↑ EGM Staff (October 2004). "Catwoman". Electronic Gaming Monthly . No. 184. p. 101.
  25. ↑ Garratt, Patrick (2004-08-06). "Catwoman Review". Eurogamer . Retrieved 2013-10-28.
  26. ↑ Juba, Joe (September 2004). "CatWoman (GBA)". Game Informer. p. 118. Archived from the original on 2005-11-01. Retrieved 2013-10-27.
  27. ↑ Reiner, Andrew (September 2004). "CatWoman (Xbox)". Game Informer . p. 104. Archived from the original on 2009-09-17. Retrieved 2013-10-27.
  28. ↑ MajorMike (2004-07-26). "Review: Catwoman for Xbox on GamePro.com". GamePro . Archived from the original on 2007-10-05. Retrieved 2013-10-28.
  29. ↑ Silverman, Ben (2004-08-05). "Catwoman Review". Game Revolution. Archived from the original on 2013-10-29. Retrieved 2013-10-28.
  30. ↑ Gerstmann, Jeff (2004-07-21). "Catwoman Review (PS2)". GameSpot . Archived from the original on 2014-02-21. Retrieved 2013-10-27.
  31. ↑ Gerstmann, Jeff (2004-07-28). "Catwoman Review (PC)". GameSpot. Retrieved 2013-10-27.
  32. ↑ Provo, Frank (2004-08-04). "Catwoman Review (GBA)". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 2014-02-21. Retrieved 2013-10-27.
  33. ↑ Tuttle, Will (2004-07-26). "GameSpy: Catwoman (PS2)". GameSpy. Archived from the original on 2013-10-29. Retrieved 2013-10-28.
  34. ↑ Zacarias, Eduardo (2004-08-03). "Catwoman - GBA - Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on 2007-10-06. Retrieved 2013-10-28.
  35. ↑ Valentino, Nick (2004-08-06). "Catwoman Review - Xbox". GameZone. Archived from the original on 2009-01-25. Retrieved 2013-10-28.
  36. ↑ Giacobbi, Kevin "BIFF" (2004-08-08). "Catwoman - PC - Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on 2008-04-11. Retrieved 2013-10-28.
  37. ↑ Bedigian, Louis (2004-08-02). "Catwoman Review - GameCube". GameZone. Archived from the original on 2009-01-09. Retrieved 2013-10-28.
  38. ↑ Wrentmore, John (2004-08-04). "Catwoman - PS2 - Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on 2008-12-30. Retrieved 2013-10-28.
  39. ↑ Harris, Craig (2004-08-03). "Catwoman (GBA)". IGN. Retrieved 2013-10-27.
  40. ↑ Perry, Douglass C. (2004-07-20). "Catwoman (GC)". IGN . Archived from the original on 2014-02-20. Retrieved 2013-10-27.
  41. ↑ Perry, Douglass C. (2004-07-30). "Catwoman (PC)". IGN. Archived from the original on 2013-08-07. Retrieved 2013-10-27.
  42. ↑ "Catwoman (GBA)". Nintendo Power. Vol. 184. September 2004. p. 116.
  43. ↑ "Catwoman (GC)". Nintendo Power . Vol. 185. October 2004. p. 124.
  44. ↑ "Catwoman". Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine . September 2004. p. 89.
  45. ↑ "Catwoman". Official Xbox Magazine . October 2004. p. 74.
  46. ↑ "Catwoman Review". PC Gamer : 96. November 2004.
  47. ↑ "GameSpy: Catwoman - Page 1". ps2.gamespy.com. Archived from the original on 2016-11-15. Retrieved 2016-11-15.
  48. ↑ Saltzman, Marc (August 6, 2004). "Review: 'Catwoman' game less than purr-fect". CNN . Gannett News Service . Retrieved May 11, 2024.
  49. ↑ Thorsen, Tor (September 1, 2004). "GDCE 2004 keynote: Europe will be the next-gen leader". GameSpot. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
  50. ↑ Hermida, Alfred (October 25, 2004). "Games maker fights for survival". BBC News . Retrieved May 11, 2024.
  51. ↑ Jenkins, David (November 2, 2004). "Remaining Argonaut Development Staff Laid Off". Gamasutra . Retrieved May 11, 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.