:I-War (1995 video game)
{{about|the 1995 Atari Jaguar video game|the 1997 Microsoft Windows video game|I-War (1997 video game)|other uses|I-War (disambiguation){{!}}I-War}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox video game
|title = I-War
|image = IWarBoxShotJaguar.jpg
|developer = Imagitec Design
|publisher = Atari Corporation
|producer = Bill Newsham
Ted Tahquechi
|designer = Emerson Best
|programmer = Andrew Seed
Karl West
|artist = Andrew Seed
Andy Noble
Karl West
|composer = Alastair Lindsay
|platforms = Atari Jaguar
|released = {{vgrelease|NA|December 15, 1995|EU|December 1995}}
|genre = Shooter
|modes = Single-player, multiplayer
}}
I-War is a 1995 shooter video game developed by Imagitec Design and published by Atari Corporation for the Atari Jaguar. The plot takes place in a futuristic setting where the mainframe supercomputer Override begins to mutate databases and create computer viruses. The player is tasked with piloting an antivirus tank vehicle to eliminate mutated databases and viruses clogging the I-Way network, while recovering data pods and facing off against a variety of enemies.
Imagitec proposed a racing game to Philips Interactive Media, but backed out before production started and the project eventually morphed into I-War for Atari. It was co-produced by Bill Newsham and Ted Tahquechi, who worked on Jaguar titles such as Cybermorph and Kasumi Ninja. The game was first announced under the working title Redemption and early versions only had gouraud shading for the visuals; however, the team knew that Atari would have requested texture mapping and implemented it, but maintained the possibility of disabling it if Atari changed its course. The soundtrack was scored by Alastair Lindsay, who also composed Tempest 2000.
I-War garnered mixed reception from critics; reviewers expressed mixed opinions regarding the graphics, sound, controls, gameplay, and frame rate, but some complimented its multiplayer mode. Atari allowed Particle Systems to use the name for the 1997 space combat simulation game of the same title. Retrospective commentary for the game has been generally favorable.
Gameplay
I-War is a three-dimensional shooter game played from a first-person perspective, similar to Cybermorph and Assault Rigs.{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/electronic-gaming-monthly-issue-078-january-1996_202301/page/138/mode/1up|title=Next Wave - Jaguar: I-War — Go Virus Hunting|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|issue=78|publisher=Sendai Publishing|date=January 1996|page=138}}{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/ultimate-future-games-15/page/n39/mode/2up|title=Trailers - Jaguar: I-War|magazine=Ultimate Future Games|issue=15|publisher=Future Publishing|date=February 1996|pages=40–41}}{{cite web|last=Scholeri III|first=Joseph|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=7214|title=I-War (Atari Jaguar) - Overview|work=AllGame|publisher=All Media Network|date=1998|access-date=2024-01-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114095637/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=7214|archive-date=2014-11-14|url-status=dead}} The plot takes place in a futuristic setting where the mainframe supercomputer Override became operational after decades of development. Override was designed to handle the increasingly complex I-Way network and therefore society begins to rely heavily on it. The system operated without problems until its databases began to mutate and create computer viruses that obstruct the I-Way network, causing delays in information transfers that drive Override to the point of self-destruction. The player is tasked with piloting an antivirus tank vehicle to eliminate mutated databases and viruses obstructing the I-Way network.
The main objective of the game is to retrieve data pods while facing a variety of enemies to remove existing virus programs in each of the 21 levels.{{cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/I_War_1995_Atari|title=I-War|date=1995|publisher=Atari Corporation|edition=International|type=Game Manual}} The player can choose between three different types of tanks, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Most levels feature traps and manipulable switches that activate devices like doors, jump pads, and teleporters. The levels are sorted into closed rooms connected via teleporters. The player can also explore each level to uncover items and weapon power-ups. After retrieving a pre-determined number of data pods, an exit will open and the player proceeds to the next level. Between levels there are bonus rounds in which the player are tasked with collecting a set percentage of data pods to gain an extra life.
During gameplay, the player can toggle an auto-targeting reticle, activate a level map, switch between camera angles, or change perspective from first-person to third-person. The game is over once all lives are lost, though the player can resume their progress via a save function. In the options menu, the player has access to settings such as three difficulty levels and control setup. The game also has a two-player split-screen versus mode.
Development
I-War was developed by Imagitec Design, which had previously developed several games for the Atari Jaguar such as Evolution: Dino Dudes, a conversion of Raiden (1990), and Bubsy in Fractured Furry Tales.{{cite web|last=Vendel|first=Curt|url=http://www.atarimuseum.com/videogames/consoles/jaguar/jagfiles/jag64-payments.PDF|title=Payment Schedule for Jaguar games to Developers|website=atarimuseum.com|date=August 26, 1995|access-date=2024-01-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100414145638/http://www.atarimuseum.com/videogames/consoles/jaguar/jagfiles/jag64-payments.PDF|archive-date=2010-04-14|url-status=dead}}{{cite magazine|last=Hawken|first=Kieren|url=https://www.retrogamer.net/profiles/company/imagitech-design-2/|title=From The Archives: Imagitec Design|magazine=Retro Gamer|issue=111|publisher=Imagine Publishing|date=January 3, 2013|pages=30–35|access-date=2018-12-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140705064957/http://www.retrogamer.net/profiles/company/imagitech-design-2/|archive-date=2014-07-05|url-status=dead}} During development, the project went under the working titles Redemption, Dreadnaught, and Netwar. It was co-produced by Bill Newsham and Ted Tahquechi of Atari Corporation, who worked on Jaguar titles like Cybermorph and Kasumi Ninja.{{cite web|last=Sillifant|first=Ross|url=http://www.ataricompendium.com/archives/interviews/ted_tahquechi/interview_ted_tahquechi.html|title=Ted Tahquechi interview|work=Atari Compendium|date=2016|access-date=2024-01-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180626110832/http://www.ataricompendium.com/archives/interviews/ted_tahquechi/interview_ted_tahquechi.html|archive-date=2018-06-26|url-status=live}} The game was designed by Emerson Best, who also acted as co-level designer alongside co-programmers Andrew Seed and Karl West (miscredited as Karl Vest).{{cite web|author=Seed, Andrew (Seedy1812)|url=https://atariage.com/forums/topic/335639-prototypes-for-kasumi-ninja-and-i-war/page/2/?tab=comments#comment-5059238|title=Prototypes for Kasumi Ninja and I-War UPDATE 5/21 NOW WITH WORKING IWAR PROTO|website=AtariAge|date=May 16, 2022|pages=1–3|access-date=2024-01-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230518180739/https://forums.atariage.com/topic/335639-prototypes-for-kasumi-ninja-and-i-war-update-521-now-with-working-iwar-proto/page/2/?tab=comments#comment-5059238|archive-date=2023-05-18|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Verdin|first=Guillaume|url=https://mag.mo5.com/223890/trois-prototypes-exhumes-sur-jaguar/|title=Trois prototypes exhumés sur Jaguar|work={{ill|MO5.com|lt=MO5.com|fr|MO5.com}}|publisher=Association MO5.COM|date=May 19, 2022|access-date=2024-01-09|language=fr|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127164930/https://mag.mo5.com/223890/trois-prototypes-exhumes-sur-jaguar/|archive-date=2022-11-27|url-status=live}} Seed and West also served as co-graphic artists along with Andy Noble.{{cite web|last=Noble|first=Andy|url=http://andynoble.co.uk:80/cv.htm|title=CV - Employment History|website=Andys Page|date=2004|access-date=2024-01-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060210013647/http://andynoble.co.uk:80/cv.htm|archive-date=2006-02-10|url-status=dead}} The soundtrack was scored by English composer Alastair Lindsay, who also composed Tempest 2000.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/jeo_0202.htm|title=Alastair Lindsay Interview: Imagitec Tunesmith Takes Note (Mini-Interview)|magazine=Jaguar Explorer Online|volume=2|issue=2|publisher=White Space Publishers|date=July 20, 1998|access-date=2024-01-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001204104500/http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/jeo_0202.htm|archive-date=2000-12-04|url-status=live}} ([http://justclaws.atari.org/jagudome/alinterview.html Transcription] by Jagu-Dome. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110109090136/http://justclaws.atari.org/jagudome/alinterview.html|date=2011-01-09}}).
Seed recalled that Imagitec proposed a racing game project to Philips Interactive Media, but backed out before production began, with the project eventually morphed into I-War for Atari. Seed stated that the tank configuration screen was initially a shop menu, where the player could spend credits in exchange for additional equipment for the tank and juggle between offensive or defensive upgrades and speed. Atari requested to add a bonus round sequence to the game, which proved easy and quick to implement as Seed was reminiscent of the tunnel levels in Stardust (1993). Seed revealed that early versions of the game only had gouraud shading for the visuals; however, the staff knew Atari would have requested texture mapping. The team implemented texture mapping but maintained the possibility of disabling it, in case Atari changed its course. Internal documentation from Atari showed that production of the game was completed by December 11, 1995.{{cite web|author=Sillifant, Ross (Lost Dragon)|url=http://forums.atari.io/index.php/topic/2674-the-ultimate-jaguar-unreleasedbetasourcedev-master-list/page-5#entry34184|title=The Ultimate Jaguar Unreleased/Beta/Source/Dev Master List!|website=Atari I/O|date=July 5, 2017|page=5|access-date=2024-01-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181104015428/http://forums.atari.io/index.php/topic/2674-the-ultimate-jaguar-unreleasedbetasourcedev-master-list/page-5#entry34184|archive-date=2018-11-04|url-status=dead}} Seed found the game easier to develop compared to Fractured Furry Tales, as West had previously worked on 3D titles and handled the gameplay aspect while he took care of the rest.
Release
The game was first advertised under the name Redemption, planning for release in the second quarter of 1995.{{cite magazine|url=https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File%3AUltimateFutureGames_UK_04.pdf&page=38|title=Jag CD - What's so grrrreat about Jaguar CD then?|magazine=Ultimate Future Games|issue=4|publisher=Future Publishing|date=March 1995|pages=38–39|access-date=2024-01-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113003440/https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File:UltimateFutureGames_UK_04.pdf&page=39|archive-date=2023-01-13|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/MANIAC.N020.1995.06/page/n39/mode/1up|title=Feature: XT Generation Report - Atari Jaguar|magazine={{ill|M! Games|lt=MAN!AC|de|M! Games}}|issue=20|publisher=Cybermedia|date=June 1995|page=40|language=de}} It was later showcased during an event hosted by Atari Corporation dubbed "Fun 'n' Games Day" under its final title, I-War.{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/GamePro_Issue_078_January_1996/page/n61/mode/1up|title=Atari's Fun 'n' Games Day|magazine=GamePro|issue=78|publisher=IDG|date=January 1996|page=60}} The game was first published by Atari in North America on December 15, 1995, and in Europe the same month.{{cite web|url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Atari+Corp.%27s+Jaguar+64+hits+mass+market+price%3B+in+time+for+holiday...-a017867020|title=Atari Corp.'s Jaguar 64 hits mass market price; in time for holiday sales, Jaguar now $99|website=TheFreeLibrary.com|publisher=Business Wire|date=December 15, 1995|access-date=September 24, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709010018/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Atari+Corp.%27s+Jaguar+64+hits+mass+market+price%3b+in+time+for+holiday...-a017867020|archive-date=July 9, 2018|url-status=dead}}{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/st-report-1149/page/n45/mode/1up|title=Jaguar Online STR InfoFile: Online Users Growl & Purr! - CATnips... Jaguar tidbits from Don Thomas (95.12.06)|magazine=Silicon Times Report|issue=1149|publisher=STR Electronic Publishing Inc.|date=December 8, 1995}}{{cite magazine|last=Abramson|first=Marc|url=https://archive.org/details/st-magazine-102/page/n56/mode/1up|title=Cahier Loisirs / Jaguar: Interrogation Écrite|magazine={{ill|ST Magazine|lt=ST Magazine|fr|ST Magazine}}|issue=102|publisher=Pressimage|date=February 1996|pages=57–58|language=fr}} After finishing production, Imagitec Design ceased support for the Atari Jaguar and ended its relationship with Atari due to internal conflicts.{{cite web|author=Hawken, Kieren (The Laird)|url=https://gameon.freeforums.net/thread/88/martin-hooley-imagitec-design|title=Martin Hooley - Imagitec Design|website=Game-On|date=July 16, 2015|access-date=2024-01-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213080525/https://gameon.freeforums.net/thread/88/martin-hooley-imagitec-design|archive-date=2018-02-13|url-status=live}} In 1997, the game's trademark was abandoned.{{cite web|last=Fagan|first=Maximina K.|url=https://trademarks.justia.com/750/07/i-war-75007490.html|title=I-WAR - Trademark Details|website=Justia.com|date=March 18, 1997|access-date=2019-04-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110010720/https://trademarks.justia.com/750/07/i-war-75007490.html|archive-date=2024-01-10|url-status=live}} According to composer Alastair Lindsay, Atari allowed Particle Systems to use the name for the 1997 space combat simulation game of the same title. In 2022, a prototype ROM image dating six weeks before release was leaked online.
Reception
{{Video game reviews
|EGM = 3.9/10{{efn|Electronic Gaming Monthly{{'}}s review was by four critics with different ratings: 5.5, 2.5, 3.5, and 4.0.{{cite magazine|last1=Baran|first1=Andrew|last2=LeFebvre|first2=Mark|last3=Desmond|first3=Mike|last4=Williams|first4=Ken|url=https://archive.org/details/electronic-gaming-monthly-issue-078-january-1996_202301/page/46/mode/1up|title=Review Crew: I-War (Jaguar)|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|issue=78|publisher=Sendai Publishing|date=January 1996|page=46}}}}
|NGen = {{Rating|2|5}}{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/nextgen-issue-014/page/n169/mode/1up|title=Finals - Jaguar: I-War|magazine=Next Generation|issue=14|publisher=Imagine Media|date=February 1996|page=168}}
|rev1 = Atari Fan
|rev2 = Atari Gaming Headquarters
|rev3 = Game Zero Magazine
|rev4 = ST-Computer
|rev5 = ST Magazine
|rev6 = VideoGames
|rev6Score = 5/10{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/Video_Games_The_Ultimate_Gaming_Magazine_Issue_84_January_1996/page/n89/mode/1up|title=Reviews: I-War (Jaguar)|magazine=VideoGames|issue=84|publisher=Larry Flynt Publications|date=January 1996|page=88}}
}}
I-War received mixed reception from critics.{{cite magazine|last=Karels|first=Ralph|url=https://archive.org/details/video-games-de-1999-08/page/56/mode/1up|title=Special: Atari Jaguar - Komplettübersicht Jaguar-Modul-Games|magazine={{ill|Video Games (German magazine)|lt=Video Games|de|Video Games}}|issue=93|publisher=WEKA Consumer Medien|date=August 1999|page=56|language=de}} Electronic Gaming Monthly{{'}}s four reviewers labelled it as a cross between Cyber Sled and Cybermorph. They highlighted the game's smooth frame rate, responsive controls, and levels, but criticized its dark polygonal graphics, voiceovers, simplistic enemies, and unexciting gameplay. VideoGames regarded it as a "middling attempt at establishing a genre inspired by Jaguar games like Cybermorph and Battlemorph". They also found the game's visuals and gameplay to be inferior to both titles. Next Generation faulted the game's graphical department, lack of innovation, sluggish controls, and gameplay, but commended its soundtrack and two-player deathmatch mode, which they compared to Cyber Sled. German publication ST-Computer gave favorable remarks to the game's music and enemy variety, but panned its low frame rate.
GamePro highlighted the game's variety of viewpoints and two-player mode, but faulted its controls, unimaginative weapons, and flat backgrounds.{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/GamePro_Issue_080_March_1996/page/n69/mode/1up|title=ProReview - Jaguar: I-War|magazine=GamePro|issue=80|publisher=IDG|date=March 1996|page=68}} MAN!AC{{'}}s Winnie Forster criticized the game's three-dimensional visuals for their abstract polygonal look, as well as the primitive controls and enemy behavior, but noted its two-player mode. Marc Abramson of French ST Magazine compared the game to Cybermorph, particularly its gameplay structure and gouraud-shaded environments, but found the tank to be slower and less maneuverable. Game Zero Magazine{{'}}s Benjamin expressed fondness over the game's retro feel reminiscent of I, Robot (1984), but saw the occasional slowdown and soundscapes as shortcomings. Atari Gaming Headquarters{{'}} Keita Iida wrote: "If I-War expanded upon, or even enhanced the genre established by Cybermorph, we could have dealt with it".
= Retrospective coverage =
Retrospective commentary for I-War has been generally favorable. The Atari Times{{'}} Chris Donaldson and Rob Longmire considered it a solid and enjoyable title. They commended its polygonal visuals, techno soundtrack, and controls, but found the plot underdeveloped and criticized the slowdown that occurs when too much action is onscreen. They also saw repetitive gameplay as its biggest drawback, citing a lack of replay value.{{cite book|last=Donaldson|first=Chris|date=December 2001|chapter=Jaguar Reviews: I-War — Another Cybermorph clone falls short|chapter-url=http://www.ataritimes.com/index.php?ArticleIDX=91|title=2001 Year End Issue|publisher=The Atari Times|pages=8–24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029103325/http://www.ataritimes.com/index.php?ArticleIDX=91|archive-date=2014-10-29|url-status=dead|access-date=2024-01-09}}{{cite book|last=Longmire|first=Rob|date=April 2004|chapter=Jaguar Reviews: I-War — Virtua-Tank!|chapter-url=http://www.ataritimes.com/index.php?ArticleIDX=327|title=2004 Compendium|publisher=The Atari Times|pages=1–102|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029101314/http://www.ataritimes.com/index.php?ArticleIDX=327|archive-date=2014-10-29|url-status=live|access-date=2024-01-09}} Brett Daly of Jaguar Front Page News (a part of the GameSpy network) praised the game's overall graphical department, upbeat techno music, sound effects, and gameplay, but pointed out its inconsistent frame rate.{{cite web|last=Daly|first=Brett|url=http://www.classicgaming.com/jfpn/iwar_review.htm|title=Jaguar Reviews: I-War|work=Jaguar Front Page News|publisher=GameSpy|date=2001|access-date=2024-01-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021104054809/http://www.classicgaming.com/jfpn/iwar_review.htm|archive-date=2002-11-04|url-status=dead}} Author Andy Slaven deemed it one of the least impressive 3D shooters on Jaguar, citing its bland graphics, boring levels and objectives, and awkward controls.{{cite book|last1=Slaven|first1=Andy|last2=Barnes|first2=Lucus|year=2002|chapter=JAG - Atari Jaguar|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oShzmF1Pxc4C&pg=PA47|title=Video Game Bible, 1985-2002|volume=1|publisher=Trafford Publishing|pages=47–53|isbn=9781553697312|access-date=2024-01-09|archive-date=2023-02-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230211213017/https://books.google.com/books?id=oShzmF1Pxc4C&pg=PA47|url-status=live}} Retro Gamer found the game to be more stylish compared to Cybermorph, highlighting its colorful flat-shaded polygons, levels, soundtrack, and bonus stages. They called it a "brillant example of the type of 3D shoot-'em-up that became very popular in the mid-nineties".{{cite magazine|last=Hawken|first=Kieren|title=Minority Report Special: Atari Jaguar - I-War|magazine=Retro Gamer|issue=118|publisher=Imagine Publishing|date=July 18, 2013|page=47}}
Notes
{{notelist}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{Portal|1990s|United Kingdom|Video games}}
- [https://www.atariage.com/software_page.php?SoftwareLabelID=1094 I-War] at AtariAge
- [https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/jaguar/586894-i-war I-War] at GameFAQs
- [https://www.giantbomb.com/i-war/3030-6540/ I-War] at Giant Bomb
- [https://www.mobygames.com/game/6855/i-war/ I-War] at MobyGames
{{DEFAULTSORT:I-War (1995 video game)}}
Category:Atari Jaguar-only games
Category:Imagitec Design games
Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games
Category:Science fiction video games
Category:Split-screen multiplayer games
Category:Tank simulation video games
Category:Video games about virtual reality
Category:Video games developed in the United Kingdom
Category:Video games scored by Alastair Lindsay