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{{Short description|2001 video game}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2019}}
{{Infobox video game
{{Infobox video game
| title = Floigan Bros.
| title = Floigan Bros. Episode 1
| image = Floigan Bros boxart.jpg
| image = Floigan Bros boxart.jpg
| image_size = 250px
| image_size = 250px
| caption = North American Dreamcast cover art
| caption = North American cover art
| developer = [[Visual Concepts]]
| developer = [[Visual Concepts]]
| publisher = [[Sega]]
| publisher = [[Sega]]
Line 10: Line 12:
| series =
| series =
| engine =
| engine =
| released = {{vgrelease|NA|July 31, 2001<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.sega.com/games/dreamcast/post_dreamcastgame.jhtml?PRODID=690 |title=Floigan Bros. |website=[[Sega]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011103034154/http://www.sega.com/games/dreamcast/post_dreamcastgame.jhtml?PRODID=690 |archive-date=November 3, 2001 |url-status=dead |access-date=December 31, 2023}}</ref>|PAL|November 23, 2001}}
| released = {{vgrelease|NA|July 30, 2001|PAL|November 23, 2001}}
| genre = [[Adventure video game|Action-adventure]]
| genre = [[Adventure video game|Action-adventure]]
| modes =
| modes = [[Single-player]]
| platforms = [[Dreamcast]]
| platforms = [[Dreamcast]]
}}
}}


'''''Floigan Bros.''''' is an [[Action-adventure game|action-adventure video game]] developed by [[Visual Concepts]] released on July 30, 2001 by [[Sega]]. It starred [[Jason Marsden]] and [[Frank Welker]] as the voices of the title characters. It was released only for the [[Dreamcast]] after production of the console had ceased.
'''''Floigan Bros. Episode 1''''', also known as simply '''''Floigan Bros.''''' or '''''Floigan Brothers''''', is an [[Action-adventure game|action-adventure video game]] developed by [[Visual Concepts]] and published by [[Sega]]. It was released in 2001 only for the [[Dreamcast]].


== Plot ==
== Plot ==
⚫
The Floigan Brothers, Moigle (voiced by [[Frank Welker]]) and Hoigle (voiced by [[Jason Marsden]]), live by themselves in their very own junkyard. Moigle is the larger of the two brothers, and is not controlled by the player. Hoigle, on the other hand, is directly controlled by the player. The two act as opposites; Moigle is larger and dimwitted, while Hoigle is smaller and far more intelligent than his brother. Moigle decides to surprise his brother with a machine, the only catch is that the parts he needs are scattered around their junkyard. Thus, Hoigle and Moigle begin to look for parts to the machine by solving various puzzles. However, hovering above the junkyard in a blimp, is Baron Malodorous. He wants the junkyard for his own uses, and sends out his cat mercenaries to weed out the Floigan Brothers. By defeating the Baron's cats, the brothers can find the parts to Moigle's machine.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smotherman |first=Ryan |date=August 21, 2001 |url=https://www.gamingtarget.com/article.php?artid=1111 |title=Floigan Brothers |website=Gaming Target |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108205645/https://www.gamingtarget.com/article.php?artid=1111 |archive-date=November 8, 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=January 23, 2024}}</ref>

⚫
The Floigan Brothers, Moigle and Hoigle, live by themselves in their very own junkyard. Moigle is the larger of the two brothers, and is not controlled by the player. Hoigle, on the other hand, is directly controlled by the player. The two act as opposites; Moigle is larger and dimwitted, while Hoigle is smaller and far more intelligent than his brother. Moigle decides to surprise his brother with a machine, the only catch is that the parts he needs are scattered around their junkyard. Thus, Hoigle and Moigle begin to look for parts to the machine by solving various puzzles. However, hovering above the junkyard in a blimp, is Baron Malodorous. He wants the junkyard for his own uses, and sends out his cat mercenaries to weed out the Floigan Brothers. By defeating the Baron's cats, the brothers can find the parts to Moigle's machine.<ref>{{cite news|last = Smotherman |first = Ryan |title = Floigan Brothers |publisher = Gaming Target |date = 2001-08-21 |url = http://www.gamingtarget.com/article.php?artid=1111 |accessdate = 2010-09-08 }}</ref>


== Gameplay ==
== Gameplay ==
[[File:Floigan Bros. Dreamcast Screenshot.jpg|alt=Screenshot showing both characters and actions available.|thumb|Screenshot showing both characters and actions available.]]
[[File:Floigan Bros. Dreamcast Screenshot.jpg|alt=Screenshot showing both characters and actions available.|thumb|Screenshot showing both characters and actions available.]]
⚫
''Floigan Bros.'' is presented in a fully 3D environment in which the player is able to interact with almost everything. The setting is the brothers' junkyard and the surrounding areas such as the swamp, bluff, cavern and dog yard.<ref name=":3">{{Cite magazine |last=Halverson |first=Dave |url=https://archive.org/details/Gamers_Republic_Issue_36 |title=Floigan Brothers |magazine=Gamers' Republic |publisher=[[Hearst Communications]] |issue=36 |date=August 2001 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/Gamers_Republic_Issue_36/page/n49 48-49]}}</ref> The player is in direct control of Hoigle for the entirety of the game. When there is something to be interacted with, commands will appear within the Dreamcast's button layout. Hoigle can perform a variety of tasks to solve a puzzle or defeat one of the Baron's cats. However, the interaction with Hoigle's brother, Moigle, is the highlighted feature of the game. The more badly he is treated, the less friendly and responsive he becomes to the player's commands.<ref name=":0">{{Cite magazine |last=Shamoon |first=Evan |url=https://archive.org/details/OfficialSegaDreamcast11Feb2001 |title=Previews: Floigan Brothers |magazine=[[Official Dreamcast Magazine (US magazine)|Official Dreamcast Magazine]] |publisher=[[Future US|Imagine Media]] |issue=11 |date=February 2001 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/OfficialSegaDreamcast11Feb2001/page/n47 44-45]}}</ref> The interactions with Moigle include hugging, punching him in the stomach, giving him something to eat and speaking to him.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Chau |first=Anthony |date=July 30, 2001 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/07/30/floigan-brothers |title=Floigan Brothers |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108205645/https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/07/30/floigan-brothers |archive-date=November 8, 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=January 23, 2024}}</ref> Moigle goes through different emotions depending what happens to him. For instance, Moigle can come in contact with a spider, and will not do anything until his fears are subsided. Alternatively, getting Moigle angry will cause him to become more aggressive, and, in turn, be used for throwing Hoigle to previously unreachable places.<ref name=":0" /> Another feature of Moigle is that the player can play short [[minigame]]s with him to earn points. When enough points are collected, they can be used to make Moigle learn new skills, tricks and games.<ref name=":1" /> These new actions can be to overcome his fear of spiders, play with a yo-yo, and many others.<ref>{{Cite web |author=nsorens |date=October 6, 2001 |url=http://www1.epinions.com/review/game-Software-All-Dreamcast-Floigan_Brothers/content_42616786564 |title=Floigan Brothers |website=Epinions |publisher=Shopping.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426173041/http://www.epinions.com/review/game-Software-All-Dreamcast-Floigan_Brothers/content_42616786564 |archive-date=April 26, 2012 |url-status=dead |access-date=June 24, 2021}}</ref> According to ''[[IGN]]'', the game is very short and can be completed in an hour.<ref name=":1" />
''Floigan Bros.'' is presented in a fully 3D environment in which the player is able to interact with almost everything. The setting is the brothers' junkyard and the surrounding areas such as the swamp, bluff, cavern and dog yard.<ref name=":3">{{Cite book|url=http://archive.org/details/Gamers_Republic_Issue_36|title=Gamers' Republic Issue 36|last=Halverson|first=Dave|date=August 2001|publisher=|year=|isbn=|location=|pages=48}}</ref>

The player is in direct control of Hoigle for the entirety of the game. When there is something to be interacted with, commands will appear within the Dreamcast's button layout. Hoigle can perform a variety of tasks to solve a puzzle or defeat one of the Baron's cats.

⚫
However, the interaction with Hoigle's brother, Moigle, is the highlighted feature of the game. The more you treat him badly, the less friendly and responsive he becomes to your commands.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/OfficialSegaDreamcast11Feb2001/page/n47|title=Official Sega Dreamcast 11 Feb 2001|last=Shamoon|first=Evan|date=February 2001|publisher=|year=|isbn=|location=|pages=44}}</ref> The interactions with Moigle range from hugging, punching him in the stomach, giving him something to eat and speaking to him.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/07/30/floigan-brothers|title=Floigan Brothers|last=Staff|first=I. G. N.|date=2001-07-30|website=IGN|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-28}}</ref> Moigle goes through different emotions depending what happens to him. For instance, Moigle can come in contact with a spider, and will not do anything until his fears are subsided. Alternatively, getting Moigle angry will cause him to become more aggressive, and, in turn, be used for throwing Hoigle to previously unreachable places.<ref name=":0" /> Another feature of Moigle is that the player can play short [[minigames]] with him to earn points. When enough points are collected, they can be used to make Moigle learn new skills, tricks and games.<ref name=":1" /> These new actions can be to over come his fear of spiders, play with a yo-yo, and many others.<ref>{{cite news|last = nsorens |first = |title = An Interactive Cartoon |publisher = Epinions |date = 2001-10-06 |url = http://www1.epinions.com/review/game-Software-All-Dreamcast-Floigan_Brothers/content_42616786564 |accessdate = 2010-09-08 }}</ref>

According to IGN, the game is very short and can be completed in an hour.<ref name=":1" />


== Development ==
== Development ==
''Floigan Bros.'' was in development in 1999 before the Dreamcast itself was even released but the game wasn't released until 2001, after production of the Dreamcast had ceased.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/the-top-7-franchise-failures/2/|title=The Top 7... Franchise failures|last=News|first=Mikel Reparaz 2007-07-24T02:40:54 204Z|website=gamesradar|language=EN-US|access-date=2019-06-28}}</ref> Sega confirmed that there were "developmental setbacks" during this time.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/NextGen67Jul2000/page/n19|title=NextGen 67 Jul 2000|last=|first=|date=July 2000|publisher=|year=|isbn=|location=|pages=18}}</ref>
''Floigan Bros.'' was in development in 1999 before the Dreamcast itself was even released but the game wasn't released until 2001, after production of the Dreamcast had ceased.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reparaz |first=Mikel |date=July 23, 2007 |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/the-top-7-franchise-failures/2/ |title=The Top 7... Franchise failures (Page 2) |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108205644/https://www.gamesradar.com/the-top-7-franchise-failures/2/ |archive-date=November 8, 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=January 23, 2024}}</ref> Sega confirmed that there were "developmental setbacks" during this time.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/NextGen67Jul2000 |title=Conspicuously Missing: Floigan Bros. |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|NextGen]] |publisher=Imagine Media |issue=67 |date=July 2000 |page=[https://archive.org/details/NextGen67Jul2000/page/n19 18]}}</ref>


The US version of the game was cracked by Echelon the same day of the title's launch and released on internet on August 1st, 2001.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Floigan_Brothers_Episode_1_DC-ECHELON • Neperos |url=https://www.neperos.com/article/pk2wic021cc624fc |website=Neperos.com}}</ref>
During development [[Bernie Stolar]], the president of SEGA said that "[Floigan Bros.] will do for SEGA what Mario did for Nintendo".<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/IGN_Unplugged_Issue_05_2001-08_IGN.com_US/page/n31|title=IGN Unplugged - Issue 05 (2001-08)(IGN.com)(US)|last=|first=|date=August 2001|publisher=|year=|isbn=|location=|pages=32}}</ref>


The game's logo also has the words 'episode 1' on it, implying that it was meant to be the first of a series. This is backed up with an [[IGN]] interview with Visual Concepts' Greg Thomas where they repeatedly referred to the game as "the first installment", mentioned "further installments" and specifically in relation to additional episodes they said "Ultimately, we want to make as many of these as we can" and "Each new Floigan Bros. game would have its own storyline".<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/12/15/igndc-interviews-visual-concepts-greg-thomas|title=IGNDC Interviews Visual Concepts' Greg Thomas|last=Staff|first=I. G. N.|date=2000-12-14|website=IGN|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-28}}</ref>
The game's logo also has the words 'episode 1' on it, implying that it was meant to be the first of a series. This is backed up with an ''IGN'' interview with Visual Concepts' Greg Thomas where they repeatedly referred to the game as "the first installment", mentioned "further installments" and specifically in relation to additional episodes they said "Ultimately, we want to make as many of these as we can" and "Each new Floigan Bros. game would have its own storyline".<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |author=IGN staff |date=December 14, 2000 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/12/15/igndc-interviews-visual-concepts-greg-thomas |title=IGNDC Interviews Visual Concepts' Greg Thomas |website=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108205644/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/12/15/igndc-interviews-visual-concepts-greg-thomas |archive-date=November 8, 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=January 23, 2024}}</ref>


[[Downloadable content]] (DLC) also existed but not all of the content was released due to the discontinuation of the Dreamcast and the games commercial failure. These were monthly DLC files which included mini games, mail, outfits, etc. The actual content was hidden on the game disc, but was unlocked when the player downloaded the DLC file. On March 10 of 2017, Dreamcast-Live announced that the original developers released a modded version of the VMU save file to allow all of the content to be accessible for the first time ever. Dreamcast-Live has provided access to the DLC file.<ref>https://www.dreamcastlive.net/blogs/post/All-Floigan-Bros-DLC-Released</ref>
[[Downloadable content]] (DLC) also existed but not all of the content was released due to the discontinuation of the Dreamcast and the game's commercial failure. These were monthly DLC files which included mini games, mail, outfits, etc. The actual content was hidden on the game disc, but was unlocked when the player downloaded the DLC file. On March 10, 2017, Dreamcast Live announced that the original developers released a modded version of the VMU save file to allow all of the content to be accessible for the first time ever. Dreamcast Live provided access to the DLC file.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Good |first=Owen S. |date=March 18, 2017 |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/3/18/14966804/dreamcast-dlc-unlocked-floigan-brothers |title=Dreamcast game's long-lost DLC unlocked with developers' help |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231126111937/https://www.polygon.com/2017/3/18/14966804/dreamcast-dlc-unlocked-floigan-brothers |archive-date=November 26, 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=January 23, 2024}}</ref>


There was also the intention to allow for players to save and trade their Moigles using the [[VMU]].<ref name=":2" />
There was also the intention to allow for players to save and trade their Moigles using the [[VMU]].<ref name=":2" />


== Reception ==
== Reception ==
{{Video game reviews
IGN gave the game an 8.4 out of 10 but noted that the game was "woefully short".<ref name=":1" />
| MC = 64/100<ref name="MC">{{Cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/floigan-bros-episode-1/ |title=Floigan Bros. Episode 1 |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[Fandom (website)|Fandom]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204175606/https://www.metacritic.com/game/floigan-bros-episode-1/ |archive-date=December 4, 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=January 23, 2024}}</ref>
| Edge = 3/10<ref>{{Cite magazine |author=Edge staff |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/3/3c/Edge_UK_102.pdf |title=Floigan Brothers [Import] |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |publisher=[[Future plc|Future Publishing]] |issue=102 |date=October 2001 |page=82 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107120237/https://retrocdn.net/images/3/3c/Edge_UK_102.pdf |archive-date=November 7, 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=January 23, 2024}}</ref>
| EGM = 1.67/10<ref>{{Cite magazine |last1=Johnston |first1=Chris |last2=Kim |first2=Jeanne |last3=Hsu |first3=Dan "Shoe" |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/5/5c/EGM_US_146.pdf |title=Floigan Bros: [sic] Episode 1 |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |publisher=Ziff Davis |issue=146 |date=September 2001 |page=145 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120180121/https://retrocdn.net/images/5/5c/EGM_US_146.pdf |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=January 23, 2024}}</ref>{{efn|Two critics of ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' gave the game each a score of 1.5/10, and the other gave it 2/10.}}
| EPD = 8/10<ref>{{Cite web |last=Steinberg |first=Scott |date=August 24, 2001 |url=http://www.elecplay.com/review.html?article=6574&full=1#mr_toppy |title=Floigan Brothers |website=[[EP Daily|The Electric Playground]] |publisher=Greedy Productions, Inc. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020827162627/http://www.elecplay.com/review.html?article=6574&full=1#mr_toppy |archive-date=August 27, 2002 |url-status=dead |access-date=June 24, 2021}}</ref>
| EuroG = 6/10<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bramwell |first=Tom |date=January 4, 2002 |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/r-floiganbros-dc |title=Floigan Brothers |website=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020113194330/http://www.eurogamer.net/content/r_floiganbros_dc |archive-date=January 13, 2002 |url-status=live |access-date=January 23, 2024}}</ref>
| GI = 8.25/10<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=Floigan Bros. [Episode 1] |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |publisher=[[FuncoLand]] |issue=100 |date=August 2001}}</ref>
| GameRev = C−<ref>{{Cite web |author=G-Wok |date=August 2001 |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/32263-floigan-brothers-review |title=Floigan Brothers |website=[[GameRevolution]] |publisher=[[CraveOnline]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040216035211/http://www.game-revolution.com/games/dreamcast/adventure/floigan_bros.htm |archive-date=February 16, 2004 |url-status=live |access-date=June 24, 2021}}</ref>
| GSpot = 5.2/10<ref>{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Ryan |date=August 7, 2001 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/floigan-bros-review/1900-2802226/ |title=Floigan Bros. Review |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=Fandom |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108205644/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/floigan-bros-review/1900-2802226/ |archive-date=November 8, 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=January 23, 2024}}</ref>
| GSpy = 6.5/10<ref>{{Cite web |author=Celeryface |date=August 8, 2001 |url=http://www.planetdreamcast.com/games/reviews/floiganbros/ |title=Floigan Bros. [Episode 1] |website=[[GameSpy|PlanetDreamcast]] |publisher=IGN Entertainment |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131133028/http://www.planetdreamcast.com/games/reviews/floiganbros/ |archive-date=January 31, 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=June 24, 2021}}</ref>
| IGN = 8.4/10<ref name=":1" />
| NGen = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name="NGen">{{Cite magazine |last=Lundrigan |first=Jeff |url=https://archive.org/details/NextGen81Sep2001 |title=Floigan Brothers: Moigle's Secret Project [sic] |magazine=NextGen |publisher=Imagine Media |issue=81 |date=September 2001 |page=[https://archive.org/details/NextGen81Sep2001/page/n87/mode/2up 87] |access-date=June 24, 2021}}</ref>
| XPlay = {{Rating|1|5}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Keil |first=Matthew |date=August 31, 2001 |url=http://www.techtv.com/extendedplay/reviews/story/0,24330,3343684,00.html |title='Floigan Brothers: Episode I' (DC) Review |website=[[X-Play|Extended Play]] |publisher=[[TechTV]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020220203328/http://www.techtv.com/extendedplay/reviews/story/0,24330,3343684,00.html |archive-date=February 20, 2002 |url-status=dead |access-date=June 24, 2021}}</ref>
}}


The game received mixed reviews according to the [[Review aggregator|review aggregation]] website [[Metacritic]].<ref name="MC" /> ''IGN'' said that the game was "woefully short".<ref name=":1" /> Jeff Lundrigan of ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|NextGen]]'' said that it "obviously needed to cook a bit longer."<ref name="NGen" /> However, Four-Eyed Dragon of ''[[GamePro]]'' said, "If you enjoy a good challenge, then embark on this adventure. The fun, whimsical gameplay in ''Floigan Bros.'' will have you cursing at some of the harder tasks but laughing at most other times. Ultimately, the star of this show is a compelling A.I. that you won't find in any other game."<ref>{{Cite magazine |author=Four-Eyed Dragon |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/0/0d/GamePro_US_156.pdf |title=Floigan Bros. Episode 1 |magazine=[[GamePro]] |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]] |issue=156 |date=September 2001 |page=85 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041222020322/http://www.gamepro.com/sega/dreamcast/games/reviews/15661.shtml |archive-date=December 22, 2004 |url-status=live |access-date=January 24, 2024}}</ref>{{efn|''[[GamePro]]'' gave the game 4/5 for graphics, sound, control, and fun factor.}}
[[Official Dreamcast Magazine (US magazine)|Official Dreamcast Magazine (US)]] praised the interactions with Moigle but also stated that "some puzzles seemed a bit too obvious while some seemed too obscure".<ref name=":0" />


{{clear}}
Gamers Republic magazine praised the visuals and humour of the game, giving it 3 out of 5 stars.<ref name=":3" />

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{moby game|id=/10475/floigan-bros-episode-1/|name=''Floigan Bros. Episode 1''}}


[[Category:2001 video games]]
[[Category:2001 video games]]
Line 57: Line 71:
[[Category:Dreamcast games]]
[[Category:Dreamcast games]]
[[Category:Dreamcast-only games]]
[[Category:Dreamcast-only games]]
[[Category:Sega video games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]
[[Category:Visual Concepts games]]

Latest revision as of 04:24, 7 March 2024

Floigan Bros. Episode 1
North American cover art
Developer(s)Visual Concepts
Publisher(s)Sega
Designer(s)Andy Ashcraft
Hirokazu Yasuhara
Composer(s)Brian Luzietti
Platform(s)Dreamcast
Release
  • NA: July 31, 2001[1]
  • PAL: November 23, 2001
Genre(s)Action-adventure
Mode(s)Single-player

Floigan Bros. Episode 1, also known as simply Floigan Bros. or Floigan Brothers, is an action-adventure video game developed by Visual Concepts and published by Sega. It was released in 2001 only for the Dreamcast.

Plot

[edit]

The Floigan Brothers, Moigle (voiced by Frank Welker) and Hoigle (voiced by Jason Marsden), live by themselves in their very own junkyard. Moigle is the larger of the two brothers, and is not controlled by the player. Hoigle, on the other hand, is directly controlled by the player. The two act as opposites; Moigle is larger and dimwitted, while Hoigle is smaller and far more intelligent than his brother. Moigle decides to surprise his brother with a machine, the only catch is that the parts he needs are scattered around their junkyard. Thus, Hoigle and Moigle begin to look for parts to the machine by solving various puzzles. However, hovering above the junkyard in a blimp, is Baron Malodorous. He wants the junkyard for his own uses, and sends out his cat mercenaries to weed out the Floigan Brothers. By defeating the Baron's cats, the brothers can find the parts to Moigle's machine.[2]

Gameplay

[edit]
Screenshot showing both characters and actions available.
Screenshot showing both characters and actions available.

Floigan Bros. is presented in a fully 3D environment in which the player is able to interact with almost everything. The setting is the brothers' junkyard and the surrounding areas such as the swamp, bluff, cavern and dog yard.[3] The player is in direct control of Hoigle for the entirety of the game. When there is something to be interacted with, commands will appear within the Dreamcast's button layout. Hoigle can perform a variety of tasks to solve a puzzle or defeat one of the Baron's cats. However, the interaction with Hoigle's brother, Moigle, is the highlighted feature of the game. The more badly he is treated, the less friendly and responsive he becomes to the player's commands.[4] The interactions with Moigle include hugging, punching him in the stomach, giving him something to eat and speaking to him.[5] Moigle goes through different emotions depending what happens to him. For instance, Moigle can come in contact with a spider, and will not do anything until his fears are subsided. Alternatively, getting Moigle angry will cause him to become more aggressive, and, in turn, be used for throwing Hoigle to previously unreachable places.[4] Another feature of Moigle is that the player can play short minigames with him to earn points. When enough points are collected, they can be used to make Moigle learn new skills, tricks and games.[5] These new actions can be to overcome his fear of spiders, play with a yo-yo, and many others.[6] According to IGN, the game is very short and can be completed in an hour.[5]

Development

[edit]

Floigan Bros. was in development in 1999 before the Dreamcast itself was even released but the game wasn't released until 2001, after production of the Dreamcast had ceased.[7] Sega confirmed that there were "developmental setbacks" during this time.[8]

The US version of the game was cracked by Echelon the same day of the title's launch and released on internet on August 1st, 2001.[9]

The game's logo also has the words 'episode 1' on it, implying that it was meant to be the first of a series. This is backed up with an IGN interview with Visual Concepts' Greg Thomas where they repeatedly referred to the game as "the first installment", mentioned "further installments" and specifically in relation to additional episodes they said "Ultimately, we want to make as many of these as we can" and "Each new Floigan Bros. game would have its own storyline".[10]

Downloadable content (DLC) also existed but not all of the content was released due to the discontinuation of the Dreamcast and the game's commercial failure. These were monthly DLC files which included mini games, mail, outfits, etc. The actual content was hidden on the game disc, but was unlocked when the player downloaded the DLC file. On March 10, 2017, Dreamcast Live announced that the original developers released a modded version of the VMU save file to allow all of the content to be accessible for the first time ever. Dreamcast Live provided access to the DLC file.[11]

There was also the intention to allow for players to save and trade their Moigles using the VMU.[10]

Reception

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The game received mixed reviews according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[12] IGN said that the game was "woefully short".[5] Jeff Lundrigan of NextGen said that it "obviously needed to cook a bit longer."[21] However, Four-Eyed Dragon of GamePro said, "If you enjoy a good challenge, then embark on this adventure. The fun, whimsical gameplay in Floigan Bros. will have you cursing at some of the harder tasks but laughing at most other times. Ultimately, the star of this show is a compelling A.I. that you won't find in any other game."[23][b]

Notes

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  1. ^ Two critics of Electronic Gaming Monthly gave the game each a score of 1.5/10, and the other gave it 2/10.
  2. ^ GamePro gave the game 4/5 for graphics, sound, control, and fun factor.

References

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  1. ^ "Floigan Bros". Sega. Archived from the original on November 3, 2001. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
  2. ^ Smotherman, Ryan (August 21, 2001). "Floigan Brothers". Gaming Target. Archived from the original on November 8, 2023. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  3. ^ Halverson, Dave (August 2001). "Floigan Brothers". Gamers' Republic. No. 36. Hearst Communications. pp. 48-49.
  4. ^ a b Shamoon, Evan (February 2001). "Previews: Floigan Brothers". Official Dreamcast Magazine. No. 11. Imagine Media. pp. 44-45.
  5. ^ a b c d e Chau, Anthony (July 30, 2001). "Floigan Brothers". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on November 8, 2023. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  6. ^ nsorens (October 6, 2001). "Floigan Brothers". Epinions. Shopping.com. Archived from the original on April 26, 2012. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
  7. ^ Reparaz, Mikel (July 23, 2007). "The Top 7... Franchise failures (Page 2)". GamesRadar+. Future plc. Archived from the original on November 8, 2023. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  8. ^ "Conspicuously Missing: Floigan Bros". NextGen. No. 67. Imagine Media. July 2000. p. 18.
  9. ^ "Floigan_Brothers_Episode_1_DC-ECHELON • Neperos". Neperos.com.
  10. ^ a b IGN staff (December 14, 2000). "IGNDC Interviews Visual Concepts' Greg Thomas". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on November 8, 2023. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  11. ^ Good, Owen S. (March 18, 2017). "Dreamcast game's long-lost DLC unlocked with developers' help". Polygon. Vox Media. Archived from the original on November 26, 2023. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  12. ^ a b "Floigan Bros. Episode 1". Metacritic. Fandom. Archived from the original on December 4, 2023. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  13. ^ Edge staff (October 2001). "Floigan Brothers [Import]" (PDF). Edge. No. 102. Future Publishing. p. 82. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 7, 2023. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  14. ^ Johnston, Chris; Kim, Jeanne; Hsu, Dan "Shoe" (September 2001). "Floigan Bros: [sic] Episode 1" (PDF). Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 146. Ziff Davis. p. 145. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 20, 2023. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  15. ^ Steinberg, Scott (August 24, 2001). "Floigan Brothers". The Electric Playground. Greedy Productions, Inc. Archived from the original on August 27, 2002. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
  16. ^ Bramwell, Tom (January 4, 2002). "Floigan Brothers". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. Archived from the original on January 13, 2002. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  17. ^ "Floigan Bros. [Episode 1]". Game Informer. No. 100. FuncoLand. August 2001.
  18. ^ G-Wok (August 2001). "Floigan Brothers". GameRevolution. CraveOnline. Archived from the original on February 16, 2004. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
  19. ^ Davis, Ryan (August 7, 2001). "Floigan Bros. Review". GameSpot. Fandom. Archived from the original on November 8, 2023. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  20. ^ Celeryface (August 8, 2001). "Floigan Bros. [Episode 1]". PlanetDreamcast. IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on January 31, 2009. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
  21. ^ a b Lundrigan, Jeff (September 2001). "Floigan Brothers: Moigle's Secret Project [sic]". NextGen. No. 81. Imagine Media. p. 87. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
  22. ^ Keil, Matthew (August 31, 2001). "'Floigan Brothers: Episode I' (DC) Review". Extended Play. TechTV. Archived from the original on February 20, 2002. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
  23. ^ Four-Eyed Dragon (September 2001). "Floigan Bros. Episode 1" (PDF). GamePro. No. 156. IDG. p. 85. Archived from the original on December 22, 2004. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
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