Jump to content

SpyHunter: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Citation bot (talk | contribs)
Bots
5,344,529 edits
Alter: template type. Add: magazine. Removed parameters. Some additions/deletions were parameter name changes. | Use this bot. Report bugs. | Suggested by Abductive | Category:2001 video games | #UCB_Category 281/714
No edit summary
 
(26 intermediate revisions by 11 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|2001 video game}}
{{About||the 1983 game|Spy Hunter{{!}}''Spy Hunter''|the 2012 game|Spy Hunter (2012 video game){{!}}''Spy Hunter'' (2012 video game)|other uses|Spy Hunter (disambiguation)}}
{{About||the 1983 game|Spy Hunter{{!}}''Spy Hunter''|the 2012 game|Spy Hunter (2012 video game){{!}}''Spy Hunter'' (2012 video game)|other uses|Spy Hunter (disambiguation)}}
{{More citations needed|date=January 2009}}
{{Infobox video game
{{Infobox video game
| title = SpyHunter
| title = SpyHunter
| image = Spy Hunter (2001) Coverart.png
| image = Spy Hunter (2001) Coverart.png
| developer = [[Paradigm Entertainment]]<br />[[Point of View, Inc.]] <small>(GC & Xbox)</small><br/>[[Midway Games]] <small>(GBA & OS X)</small><br/>[[Sidhe (game developer)|Sidhe Interactive]] <small>(PC)</small><br/>[[Fathammer]] <small>(Zodiac)</small>
| developer = [[Paradigm Entertainment]]{{efn|Ported to [[GameCube]] and [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] by [[Point of View, Inc.|Point of View]], to [[Windows]] by Fluent Entertainment,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parker |first=Sam |date=May 1, 2003 |title=''Spy Hunter'' Impressions |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/spy-hunter-impressions/1100-6026102/ |access-date=July 17, 2024 |website=[[GameSpot]] |language=en-US}}</ref> and to [[Mac OS X]] by [[TransGaming]].}}<br/>[[Midway Games]]<small> (GBA)</small><br/>[[Fathammer|Vasara Games]]<small> (Zodiac)</small>{{efn|Internal game development division of [[Fathammer]].}}
| publisher = Midway Games<br/>[[Aspyr]] <small>(PC & OS X)</small>
| publisher = [[Midway Games|Midway]]<br/>[[Aspyr]] <small>(PC & Mac OS X)</small>
| designer = Shawn Wright
| designer = Shawn Wright
| platforms = [[PlayStation 2]], [[GameCube]], [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]], [[Game Boy Advance]], [[Microsoft Windows]], [[OS X]], [[Tapwave Zodiac]]
| platforms = [[PlayStation 2]], [[GameCube]], [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]], [[Game Boy Advance]], [[Windows]], [[Mac OS X]], [[Tapwave Zodiac|Zodiac]]
| released = '''PlayStation 2'''<br/>{{vgrelease|NA|September 24, 2001|EU|October 19, 2001}}'''GameCube'''<br/>{{vgrelease|NA|March 12, 2002|EU|June 28, 2002}}'''Xbox'''<br/>{{vgrelease|NA|March 14, 2002|EU|June 28, 2002}}'''Game Boy Advance'''<br/>{{vgrelease|NA|May 14, 2002|EU|November 18, 2002}}'''Microsoft Windows''' & '''OS X'''<br />{{vgrelease|NA|May 30, 2003}}'''Zodiac'''<br/>{{vgrelease|NA|October 2003<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/games/spy-hunter-2001/tap-608381 |title=SpyHunter - Tapwave Zodiac |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=October 21, 2016}}</ref>}}
| released = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|September 24, 2001}}|'''PlayStation 2'''<br/>{{vgrelease|NA|September 24, 2001|EU|October 19, 2001}}'''GameCube''', '''Xbox'''<br/>{{vgrelease|NA|March 12, 2002<ref name="gcxbox">{{Cite web |title=''Spy Hunter'' on its way to stores |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/spy-hunter-on-its-way-to-stores/1100-2854159/ |access-date=March 4, 2023|website=[[GameSpot]]|language=en-US}}</ref>|EU|June 28, 2002}}'''Game Boy Advance'''<br/>{{vgrelease|NA|May 13, 2002<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harris |first=Craig |date=May 13, 2002|title=''SpyHunter'' Zooms to Stores |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/05/13/spyhunter-zooms-to-stores |access-date=March 4, 2023|website=[[IGN]]|language=en}}</ref>|EU|November 18, 2002}}'''Windows''' & '''Mac OS X'''<br />{{vgrelease|NA|May 26, 2003<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aspyr ships ''SpyHunter'' for Mac and PC |url=https://www.macworld.com/article/166381/spyhunter-3.html |access-date=March 4, 2023|website=Macworld |language=en}}</ref>}}'''Zodiac'''<br/>{{vgrelease|NA|November 4, 2003<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harris |first=Craig |date=November 4, 2003|title=Tapwave Zodiac Launches |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/11/04/tapwave-zodiac-launches |access-date=March 4, 2023|website=[[IGN]]|language=en}}</ref>|EU|October 22, 2004<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 8, 2004|title=Tapwave Launches the Award-Winning Zodiac Multimedia Handheld into European Market|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/tapwave-launches-the-award-winning-zodiac-multimedia-handheld-into-european-market |access-date=March 4, 2023|website=[[GamesIndustry]]|language=en}}</ref>}}}}
| genre = [[Vehicular combat game|Vehicular combat]]
| genre = [[Vehicular combat game|Vehicular combat]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
}}
}}


'''''SpyHunter''''' is a [[vehicular combat game]]. It is a [[remake]] and [[sequel]] of the [[Spy Hunter|1983 arcade game of the same name]] first released for [[PlayStation 2]] in 2001. It has since been ported to [[GameCube]], [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]], [[Game Boy Advance]], [[Microsoft Windows]], [[OS X]], and [[Tapwave Zodiac]]. In the game, the player drives the G-6155 Interceptor, an advanced, weaponized spy vehicle. Unlike the original's top-down view, the remake is played with a chase camera, similar to a [[racing game]].
'''''SpyHunter''''' is a [[vehicular combat game]] released for the [[PlayStation 2]] in 2001. It is a remake and sequel of the [[Spy Hunter|1983 arcade game of the same name]]. It was later ported to [[GameCube]], [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]], [[Game Boy Advance]], [[Windows]], [[Mac OS X]], and [[Tapwave Zodiac]]. In the game, the player drives the G-6155 Interceptor, an advanced, weaponized spy vehicle. Unlike the original's top-down view, the remake is played with a chase camera, similar to a [[racing game]]. The PlayStation 2 version received positive reviews while reception for the ports was mixed. A sequel, ''[[SpyHunter 2]]'', was released in 2003.


==Overview==
==Overview==
The game features variations of the [[Peter Gunn]] theme throughout the game, including menu screens and the main levels, as well as a variation with lyrics called "The Spy Hunter Theme" by [[Saliva (band)|Saliva]]. Each mission, of which there are fourteen (including 2 training levels), has one primary objective and a number of secondary objectives. There is a range of objectives, though the [[gameplay]] is similar on every level: the player must drive along shooting enemy vehicles, avoiding civilians and destroying set targets. Every mission must be completed within a time limit. Objectives are generally to destroy things like enemy weapons, equipment and communications towers, to avoid civilian casualties, to tag things with tracking devices and so on, although some objectives that are a little different include escaping from a warehouse using a [[trabant]] within a tight time limit, escorting and protecting allied vehicles and even chasing and destroying a stolen Interceptor vehicle.{{Citation needed|date=October 2015}}
The game features variations of the [[Peter Gunn]] theme throughout the game, including menu screens and the main levels, as well as a variation with lyrics called "The Spy Hunter Theme" by [[Saliva (band)|Saliva]]. Each mission, of which there are fourteen (including 2 training levels), has one primary objective and a number of secondary objectives. There is a range of objectives, though the [[gameplay]] is similar on every level: the player must drive along shooting enemy vehicles, avoiding civilians and destroying set targets. Every mission must be completed within a time limit. Objectives are generally to destroy things like enemy weapons, equipment and communications towers, to avoid civilian casualties, to tag things with tracking devices and so on, although some objectives that are a little different include escaping from a warehouse using a [[trabant]] within a tight time limit, escorting and protecting allied vehicles and even chasing and destroying a stolen Interceptor vehicle.{{Citation needed|date=October 2015}}


The car features the same weapons as the original arcade game, although only the [[machine gun]]s, and [[Oil spill|oil slick]] are available at first; the [[smoke screen]] and [[missiles]] are acquired later (in this game, there are two types of missiles: unguided rockets and guided missiles). New weapons include tracking devices (not really a weapon) and a [[flamethrower]], rail gun, EMP launcher, IR scanner. Larger 20mm guns, then 40mm guns are unlocked as well. The weapons van also returns in this game, and features some of the same enemies (including "Switch Blade" [[Plymouth Prowler]] which has tire slashers, and the "Road Lord" [[Mack Superliner]] which can't be destroyed with machine guns.) Or The ''Enforcer'' With [[Rocket Launcher]] And [[Gatling Guns]] Back of The Trunk [[Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit]] The Interceptor has three modes: car, boat and motorcycle (the third mode is new to this game), the latter mode appearing when the Interceptor's energy (in car or boat mode) is critically low. The game also features a two-player mode, where the player and a friend can race through any of the 14 missions after completing them in single player mode. Some are straight races, while others require the players to kill chickens or drive through icons along the way. The players can also destroy each other, after which they "respawn".{{Citation needed|date=October 2015}}
The car features the same weapons as the original arcade game, although only the [[machine gun]]s, and [[Oil spill|oil slick]] are available at first; the [[smoke screen]] and [[missiles]] are acquired later (in this game, there are two types of missiles: unguided rockets and guided missiles). New weapons include tracking devices (not really a weapon) and a [[flamethrower]], rail gun, EMP launcher, IR scanner. Larger 20mm guns, then 40mm guns are unlocked as well. The weapons van also returns in this game, and features some of the same enemies (including "Switch Blade" [[Plymouth Prowler]] which has tire slashers, and the "Road Lord" [[Mack Superliner]] which can't be destroyed with machine guns). The Interceptor has three modes: car, boat and motorcycle (the third mode is new to this game), the latter mode appearing when the Interceptor's energy (in car or boat mode) is critically low. The game also features a two-player mode, where the player and a friend can race through any of the 14 missions after completing them in single player mode. Some are straight races, while others require the players to kill chickens or drive through icons along the way. The players can also destroy each other, after which they "respawn".{{Citation needed|date=October 2015}}


==Plot==
==Plot==
The plot deals with Alec Sects, an F-15 pilot who was trained by the FBI, as he tries to take down Nostra, an Israeli-based international company that produces food products, bio-chemicals, genetics, e-commerce and children's software. Daemon Curry, a man who believes himself to be the figure mentioned in several religions (for example: the second christ/[[antichrist]] and believes in the prophecies of Nostradamus), is the founder and leader. To deal with him, the IES create a team called Spyhunter. Curry has reason to believe that it is the same person who stopped him in 1983 ([[Spy Hunter]]), when he was trying to launch his plan, he sends all he has after him. Curry's plan is to use four EMP weapons mounted on satellites, dubbed the Four Horsemen, to stop all electricity in the world, then plans to rule. Originally Alec does light missions, mostly destruction of Nostra property (like a vehicle created from Nostra and stolen IES technology). However, Nostra hijacks the "Weapons Van" and an Interceptor, and Alec is forced to destroy it. Eventually, the G-6155 Interceptor receives an upgrade (and a change of paint) to the G-6155 Interceptor II, complete with an EMP Launcher, Scanner, and a shorter Turbo lag time. Nostra's schemes become more dangerous, and Alec finds himself returning to most of the previous Nostra bases for more intense missions such as destroying weapons of mass destruction. Later, He finds the headquarters where the Four Horsemen are based in [[Petra]]. After a hard-fought battle, the Four Horsemen are defused and explode, while Alec escapes on the Interceptor II. Following a parachute dive from the cliff-side base and landing safely on the ground, he heads toward Russia, setting the stage for [[SpyHunter 2]]. Curry's fate is never shown, but he is most likely killed in the explosion as he is not mentioned among the Nostra ringleaders in the sequel.
The plot deals with Alec Sects, an F-15 pilot who was trained by the FBI, as he tries to take down Nostra, an Israeli-based international company that produces food products, bio-chemicals, genetics, e-commerce and children's software. Daemon Curry, a man who believes himself to be the figure mentioned in several religions (for example: the second christ/antichrist and believes in the prophecies of Nostradamus), is the founder and leader. To deal with him, the IES create a team called Spyhunter. Curry has reason to believe that it is the same person who stopped him in 1983 (''[[Spy Hunter]]''). When he was trying to launch his plan, he sends all he has after him. Curry's plan is to use four EMP weapons mounted on satellites, dubbed the Four Horsemen, to stop all electricity in the world, then plans to rule. Originally Alec does light missions, mostly destruction of Nostra property (like a vehicle created from Nostra and stolen IES technology), but Nostra hijacks the "Weapons Van" and an Interceptor, and Alec is forced to destroy it. Eventually, the G-6155 Interceptor receives an upgrade (and a change of paint) to the G-6155 Interceptor II, complete with an EMP Launcher, Scanner, and a shorter Turbo lag time. Nostra's schemes become more dangerous, and Alec finds himself returning to most of the previous Nostra bases for more intense missions such as destroying weapons of mass destruction. Later, he finds the headquarters where the Four Horsemen are based in [[Petra]]. After a hard-fought battle, the Four Horsemen are defused and explode, while Alec escapes on the Interceptor II. Following a parachute dive from the cliff-side base and landing safely on the ground, he heads toward Russia, setting the stage for ''[[SpyHunter 2]]''. Curry's fate is never shown, but he is most likely killed in the explosion as he is not mentioned among the Nostra ringleaders in the sequel.


==Development==
==Development==
Line 75: Line 75:
| rev1 = ''[[Maxim (magazine)|Maxim]]''
| rev1 = ''[[Maxim (magazine)|Maxim]]''
| rev1_PS2 = 8/10<ref>{{cite journal |title=Spy Hunter (PS2) |journal=[[Maxim (magazine)|Maxim]] |year=2001}}</ref>
| rev1_PS2 = 8/10<ref>{{cite journal |title=Spy Hunter (PS2) |journal=[[Maxim (magazine)|Maxim]] |year=2001}}</ref>
| MC_GBA = 64/100<ref name=mcgba>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/game-boy-advance/spy-hunter |title=Spy Hunter for Game Boy Advance Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=October 20, 2016}}</ref>
| MC_GBA = 64/100<ref name=mcgba>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/spy-hunter/critic-reviews/?platform=game-boy-advance |title=Spy Hunter for Game Boy Advance Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=October 20, 2016}}</ref>
| MC_NGC = 71/100<ref name=mcgc>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/gamecube/spy-hunter |title=Spy Hunter for GameCube Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=October 20, 2016}}</ref>
| MC_NGC = 71/100<ref name=mcgc>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/spy-hunter/critic-reviews/?platform=gamecube |title=Spy Hunter for GameCube Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=October 20, 2016}}</ref>
| MC_PC = 56/100<ref name=mcpc>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/spy-hunter |title=Spy Hunter for PC Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=October 20, 2016}}</ref>
| MC_PC = 56/100<ref name=mcpc>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/spy-hunter/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Spy Hunter for PC Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=October 20, 2016}}</ref>
| MC_PS2 = 84/100<ref name=mcps2>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/spy-hunter |title=Spy Hunter for PlayStation 2 Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=October 20, 2016}}</ref>
| MC_PS2 = 84/100<ref name=mcps2>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/spy-hunter/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=Spy Hunter for PlayStation 2 Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=October 20, 2016}}</ref>
| MC_XBOX = 71/100<ref name=mcxb>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox/spy-hunter |title=Spy Hunter for Xbox Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=October 20, 2016}}</ref>
| MC_XBOX = 71/100<ref name=mcxb>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/spy-hunter/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox |title=Spy Hunter for Xbox Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=October 20, 2016}}</ref>
}}
}}


By July 2006, the PlayStation 2 version of ''SpyHunter'' had sold 900,000 copies and earned $29 million in the United States. ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'' ranked it as the 64th highest-selling game launched for the [[PlayStation 2]], [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] or [[GameCube]] between January 2000 and July 2006 in that country. Combined console sales of ''SpyHunter'' games released in the 2000s reached 1.4 million units in the United States by July 2006.<ref name=nextgensales2>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071028115051/http://www.next-gen.biz/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3537&Itemid=2&pop=1&page=1 |url=http://www.next-gen.biz/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3537&Itemid=2&pop=1&page=1 |title=The Top 100 Games of the 21st Century|author1=Campbell, Colin |author2=Keiser, Joe | date=July 29, 2006 |work=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |archive-date=October 28, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
By July 2006, the PlayStation 2 version of ''SpyHunter'' had sold 900,000 copies and earned $29 million in the United States. ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'' ranked it as the 64th highest-selling game launched for the [[PlayStation 2]], [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] or [[GameCube]] between January 2000 and July 2006 in that country. Combined console sales of ''SpyHunter'' games released in the 2000s reached 1.6 million units in the United States by November 2003.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lewis |first=Ed |date=2003-11-25 |title=SpyHunter 2 On its Way |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/11/25/spyhunter-2-on-its-way |access-date=2023-03-04 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>


The PlayStation 2 version received "favorable" reviews, while the rest of the console versions received "mixed or average reviews", according to the [[Review aggregator|review aggregation]] website [[Metacritic]].<ref name=mcgba/><ref name=mcgc/><ref name=mcpc/><ref name=mcps2/><ref name=mcxb/>
The PlayStation 2 version received "favorable" reviews, while the rest of the console versions received "mixed or average reviews", according to the [[Review aggregator|review aggregation]] website [[Metacritic]].<ref name=mcgba/><ref name=mcgc/><ref name=mcpc/><ref name=mcps2/><ref name=mcxb/>
Line 89: Line 89:


In Japan, ''[[Famitsu]]'' gave the PS2 version a score of one nine, one six, and two eights for a total of 31 out of 40.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=プレイステーション2 - スパイハンター |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |volume=915 |date=June 30, 2006 |page=91}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Gantayat |first=Anoop |date=April 19, 2002 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/04/19/gaming-in-japan-week-in-review |title=Gaming in Japan: Week in Review |website=IGN |access-date=January 3, 2017}}</ref> [[GameSpot]]'s Ryan Davis praised the same version as "a solid reinterpretation of a video game classic that adds its own unique elements to the franchise without forsaking what made Spy Hunter what it was."<ref name=gamespot20010927/> However, he later panned the PC port as "a very modest arcade driving game that's simply not worth playing [...] Graphics and the gameplay have been compromised too much in the transition. The end result is a game with shoddy controls that looks more dated than the source material."<ref name=gamespot20030903/> Avery Score of the same website gave the Zodiac version 8.8 out of 10, saying that it "falls short of perfection, but is one of the best games in recent memory and a blast to play alone or with friends."<ref>{{cite web |last=Score |first=Avery |year=2004 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/spy-hunter-review/1900-6094172/ |title=Spy Hunter Review (Zodiac) |website=GameSpot |access-date=October 20, 2016}}</ref> GameZone also gave the Zodiac version nine out of ten, saying that it was "not just a must-buy for those who ''have'' a Zodiac, it's also a reason to ''buy'' a Zodiac."<ref>{{cite web |last=Bedigian |first=Louis |date=June 7, 2004 |url=http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/spyhunter_mb_review |title=SpyHunter - MB - Review |publisher=GameZone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080327091458/http://mobile.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r17012.htm |archive-date=March 27, 2008 |url-status=live |access-date=October 21, 2016}}</ref>
In Japan, ''[[Famitsu]]'' gave the PS2 version a score of one nine, one six, and two eights for a total of 31 out of 40.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=プレイステーション2 - スパイハンター |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |volume=915 |date=June 30, 2006 |page=91}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Gantayat |first=Anoop |date=April 19, 2002 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/04/19/gaming-in-japan-week-in-review |title=Gaming in Japan: Week in Review |website=IGN |access-date=January 3, 2017}}</ref> [[GameSpot]]'s Ryan Davis praised the same version as "a solid reinterpretation of a video game classic that adds its own unique elements to the franchise without forsaking what made Spy Hunter what it was."<ref name=gamespot20010927/> However, he later panned the PC port as "a very modest arcade driving game that's simply not worth playing [...] Graphics and the gameplay have been compromised too much in the transition. The end result is a game with shoddy controls that looks more dated than the source material."<ref name=gamespot20030903/> Avery Score of the same website gave the Zodiac version 8.8 out of 10, saying that it "falls short of perfection, but is one of the best games in recent memory and a blast to play alone or with friends."<ref>{{cite web |last=Score |first=Avery |year=2004 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/spy-hunter-review/1900-6094172/ |title=Spy Hunter Review (Zodiac) |website=GameSpot |access-date=October 20, 2016}}</ref> GameZone also gave the Zodiac version nine out of ten, saying that it was "not just a must-buy for those who ''have'' a Zodiac, it's also a reason to ''buy'' a Zodiac."<ref>{{cite web |last=Bedigian |first=Louis |date=June 7, 2004 |url=http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/spyhunter_mb_review |title=SpyHunter - MB - Review |publisher=GameZone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080327091458/http://mobile.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r17012.htm |archive-date=March 27, 2008 |url-status=live |access-date=October 21, 2016}}</ref>
⚫
{{clear}}


== Notes ==
⚫
{{Clear}}
{{notelist}}


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
Line 103: Line 105:


[[Category:2001 video games]]
[[Category:2001 video games]]
⚫
[[Category:Aspyr games]]
[[Category:Game Boy Advance games]]
[[Category:Game Boy Advance games]]
⚫
[[Category:GameCube games]]
[[Category:MacOS games]]
[[Category:MacOS games]]
[[Category:Midway video games]]
[[Category:Midway video games]]
[[Category:GameCube games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:Paradigm Entertainment games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 2 games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 2 games]]
[[Category:Point of View games]]
[[Category:Sidhe (company) games]]
[[Category:Spy Hunter]]
[[Category:Spy Hunter]]
[[Category:TransGaming Technologies games]]
[[Category:Video game remakes]]
⚫
[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Xbox games]]
[[Category:Xbox games]]
⚫
[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]
⚫
[[Category:Video game remakes]]
⚫
[[Category:Aspyr games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]

Latest revision as of 07:25, 9 October 2024

For the 1983 game, see Spy Hunter. For the 2012 game, see Spy Hunter (2012 video game). For other uses, see Spy Hunter (disambiguation).
SpyHunter
Developer(s)Paradigm Entertainment[a]
Midway Games (GBA)
Vasara Games (Zodiac)[b]
Publisher(s)Midway
Aspyr (PC & Mac OS X)
Designer(s)Shawn Wright
Platform(s)PlayStation 2, GameCube, Xbox, Game Boy Advance, Windows, Mac OS X, Zodiac
Release
September 24, 2001
  • PlayStation 2
    • NA: September 24, 2001
    • EU: October 19, 2001
    GameCube, Xbox
    • NA: March 12, 2002[1]
    • EU: June 28, 2002
    Game Boy Advance
    • NA: May 13, 2002[2]
    • EU: November 18, 2002
    Windows & Mac OS X
    Zodiac
Genre(s)Vehicular combat
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

SpyHunter is a vehicular combat game released for the PlayStation 2 in 2001. It is a remake and sequel of the 1983 arcade game of the same name. It was later ported to GameCube, Xbox, Game Boy Advance, Windows, Mac OS X, and Tapwave Zodiac. In the game, the player drives the G-6155 Interceptor, an advanced, weaponized spy vehicle. Unlike the original's top-down view, the remake is played with a chase camera, similar to a racing game. The PlayStation 2 version received positive reviews while reception for the ports was mixed. A sequel, SpyHunter 2, was released in 2003.

Overview

[edit]

The game features variations of the Peter Gunn theme throughout the game, including menu screens and the main levels, as well as a variation with lyrics called "The Spy Hunter Theme" by Saliva. Each mission, of which there are fourteen (including 2 training levels), has one primary objective and a number of secondary objectives. There is a range of objectives, though the gameplay is similar on every level: the player must drive along shooting enemy vehicles, avoiding civilians and destroying set targets. Every mission must be completed within a time limit. Objectives are generally to destroy things like enemy weapons, equipment and communications towers, to avoid civilian casualties, to tag things with tracking devices and so on, although some objectives that are a little different include escaping from a warehouse using a trabant within a tight time limit, escorting and protecting allied vehicles and even chasing and destroying a stolen Interceptor vehicle.[citation needed]

The car features the same weapons as the original arcade game, although only the machine guns, and oil slick are available at first; the smoke screen and missiles are acquired later (in this game, there are two types of missiles: unguided rockets and guided missiles). New weapons include tracking devices (not really a weapon) and a flamethrower, rail gun, EMP launcher, IR scanner. Larger 20mm guns, then 40mm guns are unlocked as well. The weapons van also returns in this game, and features some of the same enemies (including "Switch Blade" Plymouth Prowler which has tire slashers, and the "Road Lord" Mack Superliner which can't be destroyed with machine guns). The Interceptor has three modes: car, boat and motorcycle (the third mode is new to this game), the latter mode appearing when the Interceptor's energy (in car or boat mode) is critically low. The game also features a two-player mode, where the player and a friend can race through any of the 14 missions after completing them in single player mode. Some are straight races, while others require the players to kill chickens or drive through icons along the way. The players can also destroy each other, after which they "respawn".[citation needed]

Plot

[edit]

The plot deals with Alec Sects, an F-15 pilot who was trained by the FBI, as he tries to take down Nostra, an Israeli-based international company that produces food products, bio-chemicals, genetics, e-commerce and children's software. Daemon Curry, a man who believes himself to be the figure mentioned in several religions (for example: the second christ/antichrist and believes in the prophecies of Nostradamus), is the founder and leader. To deal with him, the IES create a team called Spyhunter. Curry has reason to believe that it is the same person who stopped him in 1983 (Spy Hunter). When he was trying to launch his plan, he sends all he has after him. Curry's plan is to use four EMP weapons mounted on satellites, dubbed the Four Horsemen, to stop all electricity in the world, then plans to rule. Originally Alec does light missions, mostly destruction of Nostra property (like a vehicle created from Nostra and stolen IES technology), but Nostra hijacks the "Weapons Van" and an Interceptor, and Alec is forced to destroy it. Eventually, the G-6155 Interceptor receives an upgrade (and a change of paint) to the G-6155 Interceptor II, complete with an EMP Launcher, Scanner, and a shorter Turbo lag time. Nostra's schemes become more dangerous, and Alec finds himself returning to most of the previous Nostra bases for more intense missions such as destroying weapons of mass destruction. Later, he finds the headquarters where the Four Horsemen are based in Petra. After a hard-fought battle, the Four Horsemen are defused and explode, while Alec escapes on the Interceptor II. Following a parachute dive from the cliff-side base and landing safely on the ground, he heads toward Russia, setting the stage for SpyHunter 2. Curry's fate is never shown, but he is most likely killed in the explosion as he is not mentioned among the Nostra ringleaders in the sequel.

Development

[edit]

Word that the game was in development emerged in late 1997. At the time, it was titled "Spy Hunter Returns", was planned for release in late 1998 or early 1999, and had the Nintendo 64 as its target platform, but Midway already had plans to feature different versions of the original Peter Gunn theme throughout the game.[7]

Reception

[edit]

By July 2006, the PlayStation 2 version of SpyHunter had sold 900,000 copies and earned $29 million in the United States. Next Generation ranked it as the 64th highest-selling game launched for the PlayStation 2, Xbox or GameCube between January 2000 and July 2006 in that country. Combined console sales of SpyHunter games released in the 2000s reached 1.6 million units in the United States by November 2003.[53]

The PlayStation 2 version received "favorable" reviews, while the rest of the console versions received "mixed or average reviews", according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[48][49][50][51][52]

Jeff Lundrigan reviewed the PlayStation 2 version of the game for Next Generation, rating it four stars out of five, and stated that "It's a sheer blast, and a find update to a classic game, but it's still more a rental than a keeper."[41]

In Japan, Famitsu gave the PS2 version a score of one nine, one six, and two eights for a total of 31 out of 40.[54][55] GameSpot's Ryan Davis praised the same version as "a solid reinterpretation of a video game classic that adds its own unique elements to the franchise without forsaking what made Spy Hunter what it was."[25] However, he later panned the PC port as "a very modest arcade driving game that's simply not worth playing [...] Graphics and the gameplay have been compromised too much in the transition. The end result is a game with shoddy controls that looks more dated than the source material."[24] Avery Score of the same website gave the Zodiac version 8.8 out of 10, saying that it "falls short of perfection, but is one of the best games in recent memory and a blast to play alone or with friends."[56] GameZone also gave the Zodiac version nine out of ten, saying that it was "not just a must-buy for those who have a Zodiac, it's also a reason to buy a Zodiac."[57]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Ported to GameCube and Xbox by Point of View, to Windows by Fluent Entertainment,[6] and to Mac OS X by TransGaming.
  2. ^ Internal game development division of Fathammer.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Spy Hunter on its way to stores". GameSpot. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  2. ^ Harris, Craig (May 13, 2002). "SpyHunter Zooms to Stores". IGN. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  3. ^ "Aspyr ships SpyHunter for Mac and PC". Macworld. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  4. ^ "Tapwave Launches the Award-Winning Zodiac Multimedia Handheld into European Market". GamesIndustry. October 8, 2004. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  5. ^ Harris, Craig (November 4, 2003). "Tapwave Zodiac Launches". IGN. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  6. ^ Parker, Sam (May 1, 2003). "Spy Hunter Impressions". GameSpot. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
  7. ^ "Quartermann". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 102. Ziff Davis. January 1998. p. 34.
  8. ^ Weiss, Brett Alan. "SpyHunter (GBA) - Review". AllGame. Archived from the original on November 15, 2014. Retrieved October 21, 2016.
  9. ^ Buchanan, Jason. "SpyHunter (PS2) - Review". AllGame. Archived from the original on November 15, 2014. Retrieved October 21, 2016.
  10. ^ Edge staff (November 2001). "SpyHunter (PS2)". Edge. No. 103.
  11. ^ EGM staff (November 2001). "Spy Hunter (PS2)". Electronic Gaming Monthly. p. 210.
  12. ^ EGM staff (June 2002). "Spy Hunter (Xbox)". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 155. p. 120.
  13. ^ Helgeson, Matt (June 2002). "Spy Hunter (GBA)". Game Informer. No. 110. p. 87. Archived from the original on February 27, 2005. Retrieved October 21, 2016.
  14. ^ Kato, Matthew (May 2002). "Spy Hunter (GC)". Game Informer. No. 109. p. 85. Archived from the original on August 28, 2004. Retrieved October 21, 2016.
  15. ^ McNamara, Andy (November 2001). "Spy Hunter (PS2)". Game Informer. No. 103. p. 106. Archived from the original on November 13, 2004. Retrieved October 21, 2016.
  16. ^ "Spy Hunter (Xbox)". Game Informer. No. 109. May 2002. p. 87.
  17. ^ Dan Elektro (May 14, 2002). "Spy Hunter Review for Game Boy Advance on GamePro.com". GamePro. Archived from the original on March 27, 2005. Retrieved October 22, 2016.
  18. ^ Fennec Fox (April 23, 2002). "Spy Hunter Review for GameCube on GamePro.com". GamePro. Archived from the original on February 12, 2005. Retrieved October 22, 2016.
  19. ^ Uncle Dust (September 24, 2001). "Spy Hunter Review for PS2 on GamePro.com". GamePro. Archived from the original on February 12, 2005. Retrieved October 22, 2016.
  20. ^ Fennec Fox (April 9, 2002). "Spy Hunter Review for Xbox on GamePro.com". GamePro. Archived from the original on March 29, 2005. Retrieved October 22, 2016.
  21. ^ Silverman, Ben (October 13, 2001). "Spy Hunter Review (PS2) [score is mislabeled as "C+"]". Game Revolution. Archived from the original on June 2, 2002. Retrieved October 22, 2016.
  22. ^ Provo, Frank (May 31, 2002). "Spy Hunter GBA Review". GameSpot. Retrieved October 20, 2016.
  23. ^ Davis, Ryan (March 15, 2002). "Spy Hunter Review (GC)". GameSpot. Retrieved October 20, 2016.
  24. ^ a b Davis, Ryan (September 3, 2003). "Spy Hunter Review (PC)". GameSpot. Retrieved June 6, 2016.
  25. ^ a b Davis, Ryan (September 27, 2001). "Spy Hunter Review (PS2)". GameSpot. Retrieved June 6, 2016.
  26. ^ Davis, Ryan (March 11, 2002). "Spy Hunter Review (Xbox)". GameSpot. Retrieved October 20, 2016.
  27. ^ Steinberg, Steve (June 13, 2002). "SpyHunter (GBA)". GameSpy. Archived from the original on April 3, 2005. Retrieved October 21, 2016.
  28. ^ Sabine, Mike (April 13, 2002). "Spy Hunter (GCN)". GameSpy. Archived from the original on February 17, 2005. Retrieved October 21, 2016.
  29. ^ Rice, Kevin (December 18, 2003). "GameSpy: SpyHunter (PC)". GameSpy. Retrieved October 21, 2016.
  30. ^ Hiscock, Josh (October 5, 2001). "Spy Hunter". PlanetPS2. Archived from the original on October 31, 2001. Retrieved October 21, 2016.
  31. ^ Eddy, Andy (March 19, 2002). "SpyHunter (Xbox)". GameSpy. Archived from the original on February 9, 2005. Retrieved October 21, 2016.
  32. ^ McElfish, Carlos (June 7, 2002). "SpyHunter - GBA - Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on April 26, 2005. Retrieved October 21, 2016.
  33. ^ Lafferty, Michael (March 24, 2002). "SpyHunter - GC - Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on November 19, 2008. Retrieved October 21, 2016.
  34. ^ Raymond, Justin (September 17, 2003). "SpyHunter - PC - Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on November 10, 2008. Retrieved October 21, 2016.
  35. ^ The Badger (October 14, 2001). "SpyHunter - PS2 - Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on February 4, 2008. Retrieved October 21, 2016.
  36. ^ Tha Wiz (March 26, 2002). "SpyHunter - XB - Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on July 23, 2008. Retrieved October 21, 2016.
  37. ^ Harris, Craig (June 4, 2002). "SpyHunter (GBA)". IGN. Retrieved October 21, 2016.
  38. ^ Casamassina, Matt (March 13, 2002). "SpyHunter (GCN)". IGN. Retrieved October 21, 2016.
  39. ^ Perry, Douglass C. (October 1, 2001). "Spy Hunter (PS2)". IGN. Retrieved October 21, 2016.
  40. ^ Goldstein, Hilary (March 12, 2002). "SpyHunter (Xbox)". IGN. Retrieved October 21, 2016.
  41. ^ a b Lundrigan, Jeff (November 2001). "Finals". Next Generation. Vol. 4, no. 11. Imagine Media. p. 108.
  42. ^ "SpyHunter (GBA)". Nintendo Power. Vol. 160. September 2002. p. 168.
  43. ^ "SpyHunter (GC)". Nintendo Power. Vol. 156. May 2002. p. 130.
  44. ^ "Spy Hunter". Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine. November 2001. p. 163.
  45. ^ "SpyHunter". Official Xbox Magazine. May 2002. p. 78.
  46. ^ McNamara, Tom (December 25, 2003). "Spy Hunter". PC Gamer: 113. Archived from the original on March 15, 2006. Retrieved October 21, 2016.
  47. ^ "Spy Hunter (PS2)". Maxim. 2001.
  48. ^ a b "Spy Hunter for Game Boy Advance Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved October 20, 2016.
  49. ^ a b "Spy Hunter for GameCube Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved October 20, 2016.
  50. ^ a b "Spy Hunter for PC Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved October 20, 2016.
  51. ^ a b "Spy Hunter for PlayStation 2 Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved October 20, 2016.
  52. ^ a b "Spy Hunter for Xbox Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved October 20, 2016.
  53. ^ Lewis, Ed (2003-11-25). "SpyHunter 2 On its Way". IGN. Retrieved 2023-03-04.
  54. ^ "プレイステーション2 - スパイハンター". Famitsu. Vol. 915. June 30, 2006. p. 91.
  55. ^ Gantayat, Anoop (April 19, 2002). "Gaming in Japan: Week in Review". IGN. Retrieved January 3, 2017.
  56. ^ Score, Avery (2004). "Spy Hunter Review (Zodiac)". GameSpot. Retrieved October 20, 2016.
  57. ^ Bedigian, Louis (June 7, 2004). "SpyHunter - MB - Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on March 27, 2008. Retrieved October 21, 2016.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=SpyHunter&oldid=1250240715"