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{{Use British English|date=September 2023}}
{{Infobox CVG| title = GODS
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2023}}
|image = [[Image:Gods MD cover.jpg||150px||Mega Drive cover]]
{{Short description|1991 video game}}
|developer = [[Bitmap Brothers]]
{{Infobox video game
|publisher = [[Accolade]]<br>[[Mindscape]]<br>[[Renegade Software]]
|designer =
|title = Gods
|image = Gods cover.png
|engine =
|caption = European cover art by [[Simon Bisley]]
|released = [[1991]]-[[1992|92]]
|genre = [[Platform game|Platformer]]
|developer = [[The Bitmap Brothers]]
|publisher = {{vgrelease|EU|[[Renegade Software]]|NA|[[Mindscape (company)|Mindscape]]}}
|modes = Single Player
|designer = Eric Matthews<br>Steve Tall
|ratings =
|programmer = Steve Tall
|platforms = [[Amiga]], [[DOS]], [[Atari ST]], [[Acorn Archimedes]], [[Sega Mega Drive|MD]]/[[Sega Genesis|Gen]], [[SNES]]
|artist = Mark Coleman
|media =
|composer = [[John Foxx#Withdrawal from the music scene (1985)|Nation 12]]
|requirements =
|input =
|engine =
|released = 1991-92
|genre = [[Platform game|Platform]]
|modes = [[Single-player]]
|platforms = [[Amiga]], [[Atari ST]], [[Acorn Archimedes|Archimedes]], [[MS-DOS]], [[PC-9800 Series|PC98]], [[Sega Genesis|Genesis]], [[Super NES]]
}}
}}
'''Gods''' is a [[1991]] [[video game]] by The [[Bitmap Brothers]] where the player is cast as [[Hercules]] in his quest to achieve [[immortality]]. The game was first made for [[Amiga]] and [[Atari ST]] computers and then ported for various other platforms. Not unlike other Bitmap Brothers' games, Gods was highly praised by critics thanks to the quality graphics, the music (as it was common with Bitmap Brothers, an external musician assured the game score, this time [[John Foxx]] as ''Nation 12'') but mostly for the enemy [[Artificial Intelligence|AI]], which would adapt not only to the player position, but also to his skill. Bonuses are awarded for reaching certain parts of the level under a certain limit of time or number of lifes, bringing an object to a room or simply by playing poorly, where the game helps the player.


'''''Gods''''' is a [[platform game]] by [[The Bitmap Brothers]] released for the [[Amiga]] and [[Atari ST]] in 1991. The player is cast as [[Hercules]] in his quest to achieve immortality. It was ported to the [[Acorn Archimedes]], [[Sega Genesis|Genesis/Mega Drive]], [[PC-9800 Series|PC98]], [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]], and [[Atari Jaguar]].<ref name="MO5.com3">{{cite web|last=Verdin|first=Guillaume|url=https://mag.mo5.com/199049/gods-et-the-chaos-engine-cette-annee-sur-jaguar/|title=Gods et The Chaos Engine cette année sur Jaguar|work={{ill|MO5.com|lt=MO5.com|fr|MO5.com}}|publisher=Association MO5.COM|date=May 18, 2021|access-date=2024-02-12|language=fr|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205140301/https://mag.mo5.com/199049/gods-et-the-chaos-engine-cette-annee-sur-jaguar/|archive-date=2023-02-05|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="MO5.com4">{{cite web|last=Verdin|first=Guillaume|url=https://mag.mo5.com/233879/gods-the-chaos-engine-et-stormbringer-disponibles-sur-jaguar/|title=Gods, The Chaos Engine et Stormbringer disponibles sur Jaguar|work={{ill|MO5.com|lt=MO5.com|fr|MO5.com}}|publisher=Association MO5.COM|date=November 2, 2022|access-date=2024-02-12|language=fr|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105003419/https://mag.mo5.com/233879/gods-the-chaos-engine-et-stormbringer-disponibles-sur-jaguar/|archive-date=2022-11-05|url-status=live}}</ref>
Although at first Gods might seem a "jump and run" platformer, it becomes soon evident that while precise and timed jumping are required to progress, planning each move carefully yelds better results health-wise than attempting to speedrun a level, and there are some puzzles (often involving levers and objects) which require the player to go back and forth in the level, since there's only a three space inventory where objects required to get bonuses (such as keys) or to complete a level can be [[Image:Gods md 1.png|thumb|240px|left|First level]] carried. The console versions (especially the Mega Drive/Genesis port) run at a considerably higher speed, which increases the [[difficulty level]] greatly.


==Plot==
Weapons work somewhat like those found in [[SHMUPS]]. There are several weapons available in the levels or to buy, and up to three of each can be used simultaneously. It is also possible to vary the focus of the weapons: to destroy more enemies at the same horizontal level as the player, a tight angle is advisable, but in levels with open spaces and enemies in higher places, a diffuse aim might prove more useful. There are also other weapons, such as bouncing axes that can be used to take on enemies at a lower level or fireballs.
Four guardians have invaded and usurped the citadel of the gods. The gods offer any hero who can succeed in retaking the citadel one favour. The hero who comes forth asks the gods as their favour to be granted a seat among them as an equal. The gods are only comforted by the hope the hero will fail. After the last boss is beaten, the gods prove true to their word and the last image is the hero becoming a being of light as he ascends to [[Mount Olympus]].


==Gameplay==
There are four levels, each with a [[Boss (video games)|Guardian]] at the end. After completion of a level the player meets a trader, and depending on the wealth accumulated during the game (by catching diamond-shaped jewels or bags) can buy more powerful weapons or items ([[Xenon 2: Megablast]] uses the same idea).
Precise and timed jumping are required to progress. Planning each move carefully yields better results health-wise than attempting to rush through a level, and there are some puzzles (often involving levers and objects) which require the player to go back and forth in the level, since there is only a four-space inventory where objects required to get bonuses (such as keys) or to complete a level can be carried. The console versions (particularly the Mega Drive/Genesis version) run at a considerably higher speed, which increases the difficulty level. A Game Boy Advance version was also in development but cancelled.<ref>[http://www.bitmap-brothers.co.uk/our-games/future/gods-gba/index.htm Bitmap Brothers Website]</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Gods [GBA – Cancelled] |url=https://www.unseen64.net/2008/04/07/gods-gba-unreleased/ |website=Unseen64 |date=4 July 2008}}</ref> There was also a Turbografx-CD version in the works, but apparently was canceled for unknown reasons.<ref>https://twitter.com/PCEngineCLUB/status/1526547932803395585/photo/3 {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2024}}</ref>
== External links ==

* [http://www.gods-country.de/gods/gods.php Gods Country (fanpage)]
The console versions do not share the same opening theme music as the PC versions of the game. They do, however, have background music throughout the game, while the PC version only has background music throughout the game with a [[Roland LAPC-I]].
* [http://www.bitmap-brothers.co.uk/our-games/past/gods.htm Bitmap Brothers' page]

* {{HOL|id=2754|name=Gods}}
There are several weapons available in the levels or to buy, and up to three of each can be used simultaneously. It is also possible to vary the focus of the weapons: to destroy more enemies at the same horizontal level as the player, a tight angle is advisable, but in levels with open spaces and enemies in higher places, a diffuse aim might prove more useful. There are also other weapons, such as bouncing axes that can be used to take on enemies at a lower level or fireballs.
* [http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/gods Mobygames' page]

[[Category: 1991 computer and video games]]
The enemy [[Artificial intelligence|AI]] adapts to the player position and their skill. Some rooms contain inaccessible items - smaller "thieves" show up from a passage in the wall, try to grab the item and bring it back to another point in the room or disappear with it. The player is able to obtain the item if they shoot the thief at the correct time. Bonuses are awarded for reaching certain parts of the level under a certain limit of time or number of lives, bringing an object to a room or simply by playing poorly, where the game helps the player.{{citation needed|date=July 2021}}
[[Category: 1992 computer and video games]]

[[Category:Amiga games]]
There are four levels, each with a [[Boss (video games)|Guardian]] at the end. After completion of a level the player meets a trader, and depending on the wealth accumulated during the game (by catching diamond-shaped jewels or bags) can buy more powerful weapons or items (''[[Xenon 2 Megablast]]'' uses the same idea).{{citation needed|date=July 2021}}
[[Category: DOS games]]

[[Category: Atari ST games]]
==Development==
As was common with Bitmap Brothers, an external musician assured the game score, this time [[John Foxx]] as ''Nation 12''.<ref>[http://www.atarimagazines.com/compute/issue147/104_Gods.php COMPUTE! ISSUE 147 / DECEMBER 1992 / PAGE 104] from http://www.atarimagazines.com</ref> The box cover illustration was designed by the British comic book artist [[Simon Bisley]]. The graphics were designed using the SpriteFX application.<ref>{{cite magazine|date=October 1994|title=Indies Corner|url=https://archive.org/details/ST_Format_Issue_063_1994-10_Future_Publishing_GB/page/n53|magazine=[[ST Format]]|publisher=[[Future plc|Future Publishing]]|issue=63|page=54}}</ref> Versions for the [[Nintendo DS]] and [[PC Engine Super CD-ROM²]] were planned but never released.<ref name="PCEFv5i6">{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/pc-engine-fan-june-1992/PC%20Engine%20Fan%20-%20June%201992%20%28Compressed%29/page/86/mode/1up|title=Maker Land: Other Makers|magazine=[[PC Engine Fan]]|volume=5|issue=6|publisher=[[Tokuma Shoten]]|date=June 1992|page=86|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Gasking|first=Frank|url=https://www.gamesthatwerent.com/2024/02/gods/|title=Gods (PC Engine/Nintendo DS)|work=Games That Weren't|date=February 9, 2024|access-date=2024-02-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213012058/https://www.gamesthatwerent.com/2024/02/gods/|archive-date=2024-02-13|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| CVG = 93% <ref name="Computer + Video Games">{{cite magazine|magazine=Computer + Video Games |issue=114 |date=May 1991 |first1=Richard |last1=Leadbetter |first2=Robert |last2=Swan |pages=82–84 |title=Gods Atari ST Review| url=https://archive.org/details/computer-video-games-magazine-114/page/n81}}</ref>
| Dragon = {{rating|4|5}} <ref name="Dragon189">{{cite magazine|title=The Role of Computers |last1=Lesser |last2=Lesser | last3=Lesser |first1=Hartley |first2=Patricia | first3=Kirk |name-list-style=amp |journal=Dragon |issue=189 |date=January 1993 |pages=57–62 |url=https://archive.org/stream/DragonMagazine260_201801/DragonMagazine189#page/n59}}</ref>
| rev1 = ''Datormagazin''
| rev1Score = 97% <ref name="Datormagazin">{{cite magazine|magazine=Datormagazin |volume=1991 |issue=10 |date=May 1991 |page=64 |first=Lars |last=Janson |title=Crush Your Piggy Bank or Sell Your Bike! |url=https://archive.org/stream/Datormagazin1991Nr22/Datormagazin_1991_nr10#page/n63 |publisher=[[Egmont Group|Egmont Publishing]]}}</ref>
| rev2 = ''[[CU Amiga]]''
| rev2Score = 93% <ref name="CUAmiga">{{cite magazine|magazine=[[CU Amiga]] |date=March 1991 |first=Dan |last=Slingsby |pages=34–36 |url=https://archive.org/stream/cuamiga-magazine-013/CUAmiga_013_Mar_1991#page/n33/mode/2up |publisher=[[Ascential|EMAP]] |title=Gods Amiga Review}}</ref>
| rev3 = ''[[Zero (video game magazine)|Zero]]''
| rev3Score = 90% <ref name="Zero">{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Zero (video game magazine)|Zero]] |issue=18 |date=April 1991 |first=David |last=McCandless |pages =43–44 |url=https://archive.org/details/zero-magazine-18/page/n42 |publisher=[[Dennis Publishing]] |title=Gods Atari ST Review}}</ref>
| rev4 = ''[[Amiga Computing]]''
| rev4Score = 90% <ref name="AmigaComputing">{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Amiga Computing]] |date=July 1991 |issue=38 |first=Nick |last=Clarkson |pages=54–55 |url=https://archive.org/details/amiga-computing-magazine-038/page/n53 |publisher=Europress Publications |title=Gods Amiga Review}}</ref>
| rev5 = ''[[Amiga Format]]''
| rev5Score = 90% <ref name="AmigaFormat">{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Amiga Format]] |issue=23 |date=June 1991 |first=Trenton |last=Webb |pages=54–56 |publisher=Future plc. |title=Gods Amiga Review |url=https://archive.org/details/Amiga_Format_Issue_023_1991-06_Future_Publishing_GB/page/n153}}</ref>
| rev6 = ''[[The One (magazine)|The One]]''
| rev6Score = 93% <ref name="TheOne">{{cite magazine|title=Gods |magazine=[[The One (magazine)|The One]] |date=March 1991 |first=Laurence |last=Scotford |pages=48–50}}</ref>
}}

''[[Computer Gaming World]]'' in 1992 named it one of the year's top four action games for "fast and furious arcade-style action [and] enough exploration and puzzle-solving to raise it above the typical action crowd".<ref>{{cite magazine | url=http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1992&pub=2&id=100 | title=CGW Salutes The Games of the Year | magazine=Computer Gaming World | date=November 1992 | access-date=4 July 2014 | pages=110}}</ref>

==Legacy==
A remastered version of the game, ''Gods Remastered'', was developed by Robot Riot Games and released on 4 December 2018 for [[Microsoft Windows]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2018/11/27/the-unnaturally-muscular-hercules-of-gods-returns-next-week/ |title=The unnaturally muscular Hercules of Gods returns next week |first=Brendan |last=Caldwell |date=27 November 2018 |access-date=27 November 2018 |work=[[Rock Paper Shotgun]] }}</ref> It was then announced for [[Xbox]] and [[Steam (service)|Steam]], and released December 2019, followed by [[Nintendo Switch]] and [[PlayStation 4|PS4]], with 29 March 2020 given as the release date for the latter platforms.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/games/switch-eshop/gods_remastered|title=Gods Remastered|website=Nintendo Life|access-date=8 February 2019}}</ref> Licensing restrictions prevented the distribution of this remastered edition past 27 March 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/628720/view/4515423468947477869|title=End of distribution|website=Steam|date=30 January 2022 |access-date=31 January 2022}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{moby game|id=/gods|name=''Gods''}}
*{{Internet Archive game|msdos_Gods_1991|Gods}}
*[http://st-news.com/issues/st-news-volume-6-issue-2/reviews/gods/ Gods Atari ST version review, 1992]

{{The Bitmap Brothers}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1991 video games]]
[[Category:Acorn Archimedes games]]
[[Category:Acorn Archimedes games]]
[[Category: Sega Genesis games]]
[[Category:Amiga games]]
[[Category: Super NES games]]
[[Category:Atari Jaguar games]]
[[Category:Atari ST games]]
[[de:Gods]]
[[Category:The Bitmap Brothers games]]
[[tr:Gods (bilgisayar oyunu)]]
[[Category:Cancelled Nintendo DS games]]
[[Category:Cancelled TurboGrafx-16 games]]
[[Category:DOS games]]
[[Category:Mindscape games]]
[[Category:NEC PC-9801 games]]
[[Category:Platformers]]
[[Category:Sega Genesis games]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]
[[Category:Super Nintendo Entertainment System games]]
[[Category:Video games based on Greek mythology]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Video games scored by David Whittaker]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Richard Joseph]]
[[Category:Video games set in antiquity]]
[[Category:Renegade Software games]]

Latest revision as of 06:02, 16 October 2024

Gods
European cover art by Simon Bisley
Developer(s)The Bitmap Brothers
Publisher(s)
Designer(s)Eric Matthews
Steve Tall
Programmer(s)Steve Tall
Artist(s)Mark Coleman
Composer(s)Nation 12
Platform(s)Amiga, Atari ST, Archimedes, MS-DOS, PC98, Genesis, Super NES
Release1991-92
Genre(s)Platform
Mode(s)Single-player

Gods is a platform game by The Bitmap Brothers released for the Amiga and Atari ST in 1991. The player is cast as Hercules in his quest to achieve immortality. It was ported to the Acorn Archimedes, Genesis/Mega Drive, PC98, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, and Atari Jaguar.[1][2]

Plot

[edit]

Four guardians have invaded and usurped the citadel of the gods. The gods offer any hero who can succeed in retaking the citadel one favour. The hero who comes forth asks the gods as their favour to be granted a seat among them as an equal. The gods are only comforted by the hope the hero will fail. After the last boss is beaten, the gods prove true to their word and the last image is the hero becoming a being of light as he ascends to Mount Olympus.

Gameplay

[edit]

Precise and timed jumping are required to progress. Planning each move carefully yields better results health-wise than attempting to rush through a level, and there are some puzzles (often involving levers and objects) which require the player to go back and forth in the level, since there is only a four-space inventory where objects required to get bonuses (such as keys) or to complete a level can be carried. The console versions (particularly the Mega Drive/Genesis version) run at a considerably higher speed, which increases the difficulty level. A Game Boy Advance version was also in development but cancelled.[3][4] There was also a Turbografx-CD version in the works, but apparently was canceled for unknown reasons.[5]

The console versions do not share the same opening theme music as the PC versions of the game. They do, however, have background music throughout the game, while the PC version only has background music throughout the game with a Roland LAPC-I.

There are several weapons available in the levels or to buy, and up to three of each can be used simultaneously. It is also possible to vary the focus of the weapons: to destroy more enemies at the same horizontal level as the player, a tight angle is advisable, but in levels with open spaces and enemies in higher places, a diffuse aim might prove more useful. There are also other weapons, such as bouncing axes that can be used to take on enemies at a lower level or fireballs.

The enemy AI adapts to the player position and their skill. Some rooms contain inaccessible items - smaller "thieves" show up from a passage in the wall, try to grab the item and bring it back to another point in the room or disappear with it. The player is able to obtain the item if they shoot the thief at the correct time. Bonuses are awarded for reaching certain parts of the level under a certain limit of time or number of lives, bringing an object to a room or simply by playing poorly, where the game helps the player.[citation needed]

There are four levels, each with a Guardian at the end. After completion of a level the player meets a trader, and depending on the wealth accumulated during the game (by catching diamond-shaped jewels or bags) can buy more powerful weapons or items (Xenon 2 Megablast uses the same idea).[citation needed]

Development

[edit]

As was common with Bitmap Brothers, an external musician assured the game score, this time John Foxx as Nation 12.[6] The box cover illustration was designed by the British comic book artist Simon Bisley. The graphics were designed using the SpriteFX application.[7] Versions for the Nintendo DS and PC Engine Super CD-ROM² were planned but never released.[8][9]

Reception

[edit]

Computer Gaming World in 1992 named it one of the year's top four action games for "fast and furious arcade-style action [and] enough exploration and puzzle-solving to raise it above the typical action crowd".[18]

Legacy

[edit]

A remastered version of the game, Gods Remastered, was developed by Robot Riot Games and released on 4 December 2018 for Microsoft Windows.[19] It was then announced for Xbox and Steam, and released December 2019, followed by Nintendo Switch and PS4, with 29 March 2020 given as the release date for the latter platforms.[20] Licensing restrictions prevented the distribution of this remastered edition past 27 March 2022.[21]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Verdin, Guillaume (18 May 2021). "Gods et The Chaos Engine cette année sur Jaguar". MO5.com [fr] (in French). Association MO5.COM. Archived from the original on 5 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
  2. ^ Verdin, Guillaume (2 November 2022). "Gods, The Chaos Engine et Stormbringer disponibles sur Jaguar". MO5.com [fr] (in French). Association MO5.COM. Archived from the original on 5 November 2022. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
  3. ^ Bitmap Brothers Website
  4. ^ "Gods [GBA – Cancelled]". Unseen64. 4 July 2008.
  5. ^ https://twitter.com/PCEngineCLUB/status/1526547932803395585/photo/3 [bare URL]
  6. ^ COMPUTE! ISSUE 147 / DECEMBER 1992 / PAGE 104 from http://www.atarimagazines.com
  7. ^ "Indies Corner". ST Format. No. 63. Future Publishing. October 1994. p. 54.
  8. ^ "Maker Land: Other Makers". PC Engine Fan (in Japanese). Vol. 5, no. 6. Tokuma Shoten. June 1992. p. 86.
  9. ^ Gasking, Frank (9 February 2024). "Gods (PC Engine/Nintendo DS)". Games That Weren't. Archived from the original on 13 February 2024. Retrieved 13 February 2024.
  10. ^ Leadbetter, Richard; Swan, Robert (May 1991). "Gods Atari ST Review". Computer + Video Games. No. 114. pp. 82–84.
  11. ^ Lesser, Hartley; Lesser, Patricia & Lesser, Kirk (January 1993). "The Role of Computers". Dragon. No. 189. pp. 57–62.
  12. ^ Janson, Lars (May 1991). "Crush Your Piggy Bank or Sell Your Bike!". Datormagazin. Vol. 1991, no. 10. Egmont Publishing. p. 64.
  13. ^ Slingsby, Dan (March 1991). "Gods Amiga Review". CU Amiga. EMAP. pp. 34–36.
  14. ^ McCandless, David (April 1991). "Gods Atari ST Review". Zero. No. 18. Dennis Publishing. pp. 43–44.
  15. ^ Clarkson, Nick (July 1991). "Gods Amiga Review". Amiga Computing. No. 38. Europress Publications. pp. 54–55.
  16. ^ Webb, Trenton (June 1991). "Gods Amiga Review". Amiga Format. No. 23. Future plc. pp. 54–56.
  17. ^ Scotford, Laurence (March 1991). "Gods". The One. pp. 48–50.
  18. ^ "CGW Salutes The Games of the Year". Computer Gaming World. November 1992. p. 110. Retrieved 4 July 2014.
  19. ^ Caldwell, Brendan (27 November 2018). "The unnaturally muscular Hercules of Gods returns next week". Rock Paper Shotgun. Retrieved 27 November 2018.
  20. ^ "Gods Remastered". Nintendo Life. Retrieved 8 February 2019.
  21. ^ "End of distribution". Steam. 30 January 2022. Retrieved 31 January 2022.
[edit]
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