:Phase Zero
{{For|the ComicBook.com podcast|Phase Zero (podcast)}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox video game
|title = Phase Zero
|image = Atari Jaguar Phase Zero (Demo) cover art.jpg
|alt = Cover art showing an internal view of the player's hovercraft targeting two enemies in a desert
|developer = Hyper Image Productions
|publisher = {{nowrap|B&C ComputerVisions}},
Songbird Productions {{small|(Demo)}}
|director = Paul Good
|producer = {{ubl|John Skruch|Ted Tahquechi}}
|designer = Matías Duarte
|programmer = {{ubl|Jeremy Gordon|Otávio Good}}
|artist = Matías Duarte
|composer = Andy Carlson
|platforms = Atari Jaguar
|released = {{vgrelease|WW|June 2002 {{small|(Demo)}}}}
|genre = Shooter
|modes = Single-player, multiplayer
}}
Phase Zero is an unfinished shooter video game that was being developed by Hyper Image Productions and would have been published by Atari for the Atari Jaguar. Set in the future on a terrestrial planet, the player takes on the role of a newcomer to the Phase Zero squad, piloting a hovercraft to fight rival corporate states. The player is tasked with various objectives while fighting enemies in multiple missions.
Phase Zero was the first project by Hyper Image, a game company led by Jeremy Gordon, Matías Duarte, and brothers Otávio Good and Paul Good. In 1994, the group took an academic hiatus and banded together to enter the video game industry by establishing Hyper Image. It was initially conceived as a top-down shooter for the Super NES, but the team decided to move with Jaguar due to its powerful hardware, opting to use heightmaps for the graphics and support local area network (LAN) play for multiplayer. It was produced by Ted Tahquechi, who worked on Jaguar titles such as Cybermorph and Kasumi Ninja.
In 1996, Atari laid off several staff members amid rumors that they were leaving the console market, which included the departure of Tahquechi. Hyper Image suspended production of the game indefinitely pending word from Atari about its plans. Atari halted its development before ceasing production of the Jaguar and merging with JTS, resulting in Phase Zero not being released. After a demo was leaked online in 2000, publisher Songbird Productions tracked down former Hyper Image staff and obtained the rights to publish it alongside B&C ComputerVisions in 2002.
Gameplay
Phase Zero is a three-dimensional shooter game played from a first-person perspective, similar to AirCars and Hover Strike.{{cite magazine|url=http://cyberroach.com/jaguarcd/ultimate05.jpg|title=New Cart Releases: Game On...|magazine=Ultimate Future Games|type=supplement|issue=11|publisher=Future Publishing|date=October 1995|pages=4–7|access-date=2024-04-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030124234359/http://cyberroach.com/jaguarcd/ultimate05.jpg|archive-date=2003-01-24|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|last=Iida|first=Keita|url=http://www.atarihq.com/reviews/jaguar/phase_zero.html|title=AGH Jaguar Review: PHASE ZERO (Unreleased Prototype)|work=Atari Gaming Headquarters|date=2001|access-date=2024-04-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010303090237/http://www.atarihq.com/reviews/jaguar/phase_zero.html|archive-date=2001-03-03|url-status=dead}}{{cite magazine|last=Baker|first=Matthew|title=Phase Zero|magazine=Jungle Guide|issue=2|publisher=Songbird Productions|year=2004|pages=8–9}} The premise takes place in the future on a terrestrial planet, where the player assumes the role of a newcomer to the Phase Zero squad, piloting a Hunter-class VTV hovercraft to fight the Pulsar Collective and the Miner's Consortium, two rival corporate states seeking control of the territory by the Foundation Prime corporation.{{cite magazine|title=Up-front - Ultimate Update: Atari To Quit?; Up-front Previews: Phase Zero|magazine=Ultimate Future Games|issue=16|publisher=Future Publishing|date=March 1996|pages=[https://archive.org/details/ultimate-future-games-16/page/72/mode/1up 16], [https://archive.org/details/ultimate-future-games-16/page/47/mode/1up 40]}}{{cite video game|title=Phase Zero|developer=Hyper Image Productions|publisher=B&C ComputerVisions, Songbird Productions (Demo)|date=June 2002|platform=Atari Jaguar|level=Mission Briefing}} The player is tasked with completing mission objectives, ranging from rescuing a stranded soldier to destroying enemies.{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/Video_Games_The_Ultimate_Gaming_Magazine_Issue_75_April_1995/page/n56/mode/1up|title=Preview: Hover Hunter|magazine=VideoGames|issue=75|publisher=Larry Flynt Publications|date=April 1995|page=57}}
The player controls the hovercraft in a landscape featuring six degrees of freedom and destructible environments, while navigating through checkpoints and fighting enemies.{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/ultimate-future-games-05/page/n16/mode/1up|title=Up-front Previews: Hover Hunter|magazine=Ultimate Future Games|issue=5|publisher=Future Publishing|date=April 1995|page=17}} The heads-up display of the hovercraft shows various functions such as shields, radar, and checkpoint markers, while the player can also open a map screen, balance the ship's shields, and select weapons. There are several types of weapons, but only four can be equipped at a time, while some missions may assign preset weapons to the player.{{cite magazine|title=Test: Phase Zero|magazine=ReVival|issue=14|publisher=Association RayXambeR|date=August 2001|language=fr}} The game contains nine missions set in a variety of landscapes and some have terrain features including deserts, ramps, rivers and hills.
Due to its unfinished nature, the game is prone to crashing and the player can only reach the fifth mission, which cannot be finished but more missions are accessed via a cheat code.{{cite magazine|author1=The Helpful Gamer|last2=Fix|first2=Joe|url=http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/jeo_0401.htm|title=CyberChatter — Overheard Online: Phase Zero; JagFest 2000: The Aftermath — Let's Mess with Texas!|magazine=Jaguar Explorer Online|volume=4|issue=1|publisher=White Space Publishers|date=December 31, 2000|access-date=2024-04-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229120223/http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/jeo_0401.htm|archive-date=2023-12-29|url-status=dead}} Although single-player mode works for four of the missions, accessing the network mode crashes the game. The game was intended to support JagLink and CatBox for multiplayer.{{cite magazine|url=https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File%3AMegaFun_DE_1995-05.pdf&page=14|title=News - Jaguar: Hover Hunter|magazine={{ill|Mega Fun|lt=Mega Fun|de|Mega Fun}}|issue=32|publisher=Computec|date=May 1995|page=14|language=de|access-date=2024-04-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916060139/https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File%3AMegaFun_DE_1995-05.pdf&page=14|archive-date=2018-09-16|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/videogame-advisor-june-1995/page/n45/mode/1up|title=Department: Previews — Hover Hunter|magazine=VideoGame Advisor|volume=1|issue=2|publisher=Cyberactive Publications|date=June 1995|page=44}}
History
= Development =
File:Atari-Jaguar-Console-Set.jpg before Hyper Image decided to work with the Atari Jaguar for their first project due to its hardware]]
Phase Zero was the first project by Hyper Image Productions, a Maryland-based game developer led by Jeremy Gordon, Matías Duarte, and brothers Otávio Good and Paul Good.{{cite news|last=Rhoads|first=Todd|date=January 30, 1995|title=Students create video games|url=https://digital.lib.umd.edu/student-newspapers/id/f6df3787-aa52-4f59-a3ae-14663857e3bf|url-status=live|work=The Diamondback|volume=87|issue=81|location=University of Maryland, College Park|publisher=Maryland Media, Inc.|page=7|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240415003426/https://digital.lib.umd.edu/student-newspapers/id/f6df3787-aa52-4f59-a3ae-14663857e3bf|archive-date=2024-04-15|access-date=2024-04-15}}{{cite magazine|last=Svensson|first=Christian|url=http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/archive.htm|title=The Hype on Hyper Image: Sven shares a Dew with the young gang behind Jaguar Hover Hunter|magazine=Atari Explorer Online|volume=4|issue=4|publisher=Subspace Publishers|date=March 28, 1995|access-date=2024-04-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303202933/http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/archive.htm|archive-date=2016-03-03|url-status=dead}} ([http://jaguar.gamebygamepodcast.com/aeo/aeo_0404.txt Transcription] by The Atari Jaguar Game by Game Podcast. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714235918/http://jaguar.gamebygamepodcast.com/aeo/aeo_0404.txt|date=2023-07-14}}).{{cite magazine|last=Carter|first=Bryan|date=April 1995|url=http://www.gamezero.com/team-0/articles/interviews/hyper_image/|title=Feature Articles - Interviews: Hyper Image Productions|magazine=Game Zero Magazine|publisher=Game Zero|access-date=2024-04-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980121161331/http://www.gamezero.com/team-0/articles/interviews/hyper_image/|archive-date=1998-01-21|url-status=live}} Gordon met Duarte in high school and the Good brothers at the University of Maryland.{{cite AV media|people=Guy, Travis (producer)|year=1995|title=AEO at E3 1995|work=Atari Explorer Online|medium=VHS|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioG07qR6T7k|access-date=2020-07-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811065435/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioG07qR6T7k|archive-date=2020-08-11|url-status=live|time=1h37m30s|location=United States|publisher=Subspace Publishers}} In 1994, the group took an academic hiatus and banded together to enter the video game industry by establishing Hyper Image. They moved from an apartment to a house with four other members, including Bill Lanides, Andy Carlson, Sterling Krauss, and an intern known only as Damian. The game was originally conceived as a top-down shooter with exploration elements for the Super NES, but Hyper Image signed to become a licensed game developer for Jaguar.{{cite AV media|people=Azahn, Kazdan R.|year=1995|title=Atari Dev. Space - S2 E3. Phase Zero for Atari Jaguar (Paul Good talks Atari & 1990s Development)|work=K.R.A.Z. Productions|medium=YouTube|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yFtkWq_swI|access-date=2024-10-13|location=United States}} The team decided to go with Jaguar because they found its hardware to be powerful and support from Atari. It was produced by Ted Tahquechi of Atari, who worked on several Jaguar titles such as Cybermorph and Kasumi Ninja.{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/st-report-1203/page/n52/mode/1up|title=STReport Confidential — News, Tips, Rumors, Exposes, Predictions: Atari Announces Major Cuts|magazine=Silicon Times Report|issue=1203|publisher=STR Electronic Publishing Inc.|date=January 19, 1996}}{{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}}
For the graphics, the team opted to use heightmaps, similar to the effect used in Comanche and CyberRace, where each landscape pixel has its own elevation value to represent a specific height from flat terrain, but would become too pixelated when viewed too close. To mitigate the problem, Gordon and Otávio devised a technique using the Jaguar's blitter dubbed "displacement texture mapping", which allowed for large and detailed interpolated heightmaps. Duarte was the lead game designer under direction of Paul and responsible for the artwork, creating a tile-based terrain system to build levels and supervising artists with visual assets.{{cite web|last=Duarte|first=Matías|author-link=Matías Duarte|date=February 2007|url=http://www.matiasduarte.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/02/matiasduarte.pdf|title=Resume|website=matias duarte 4.o|access-date=2024-04-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100601190855/http://www.matiasduarte.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/02/matiasduarte.pdf|archive-date=2010-06-01|url-status=live}} Krauss helped translate the design document written by Duarte into English. Carlson scored the music using Scream Tracker on PC, which was then converted with a sound driver written by Otávio. Local area network (LAN) support for multiplayer was also planned, as staff members were fans of network gaming.
= Promotion =
The game was first showcased at ToadFest '94 under the title Hover Hunter.{{cite magazine|last=Svensson|first=Christian|url=http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/archive.htm|title=Jaguars at ToadFest 94: Details — Hover Hunter (working title)|magazine=Atari Explorer Online|volume=3|issue=13|publisher=Subspace Publishers|date=December 4, 1994|access-date=2024-05-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303202933/http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/archive.htm|archive-date=2016-03-03|url-status=dead}} ([https://www.atarimax.com/freenet/freenet_material/6.16and32-BitComputersSupportArea/8.OnlineMagazines/showarticle.php?499 Transcription] by The Cleveland Free-Net Atari SIG Historical Archive. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060516015114/https://www.atarimax.com/freenet/freenet_material/6.16and32-BitComputersSupportArea/8.OnlineMagazines/showarticle.php?499|date=2006-05-16}}). More details were shared at the 1995 Winter Consumer Electronics Show, revealing support for CatBox and a release date in the second quarter of 1995.{{cite magazine|last=LaBarge|first=Dimitri Mark|url=http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/archive.htm|title=Surfing the Jagged Edge: A Hot Game Hovers Near|magazine=Atari Explorer Online|volume=4|issue=1|publisher=Subspace Publishers|date=January 16, 1995|access-date=2024-04-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303202933/http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/archive.htm|archive-date=2016-03-03|url-status=dead}} ([https://www.atarimax.com/freenet/freenet_material/6.16and32-BitComputersSupportArea/8.OnlineMagazines/showarticle.php?506 Transcription] by The Cleveland Free-Net Atari SIG Historical Archive. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060516022254/https://www.atarimax.com/freenet/freenet_material/6.16and32-BitComputersSupportArea/8.OnlineMagazines/showarticle.php?506|date=2006-05-16}}).{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/EGM2_08_February_1995_U/page/n125/mode/1up|title=Winter CES Las Vegas '95: Jaguar|magazine=EGM2|issue=8|publisher=Sendai Publishing|date=February 1995|page=126}}{{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}} Hyper Image reportedly declined an offer with Nintendo, which was looking for developers to secure titles for its upcoming "Project Reality" system, to continue as an independent developer.{{cite magazine|last=Osserman|first=Brian|title=News: Atari Upheaval; Features: Nothing to Phear|magazine=Intelligent Gamer's Fusion|volume=2|issue=7|publisher=Decker Publications|date=March 1996|pages=[https://archive.org/details/intelligent-gamers-fusion-1996-03/page/n15/mode/1up 14]; [https://archive.org/details/intelligent-gamers-fusion-1996-03/page/n37/mode/2up 36–41]}} It made other appearances at the 1995 ECTS Spring event and E3 1995.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.abandonware-magazines.org/affiche_mag.php?mag=&num=13867&album=oui|title=Salon: ECTS 95|magazine={{ill|Consoles +|lt=Consoles +|fr|Consoles +}}|issue=43|publisher={{ill|M.E.R.7|lt=M.E.R.7|fr|M.E.R.7}}|date=May 1995|pages=38–52|language=fr|access-date=2024-04-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240402161731/https://www.abandonware-magazines.org/affiche_mag.php?mag=&num=13867&album=oui|archive-date=2024-04-02|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://archive.org/details/central-atari-12/page/n45/mode/1up|title=Internet E3 Show Reports|work=Central Atari Information Network|volume=2|issue=4|publisher=Cain Publishing|date=April–May 1995}} ([https://www.atariarchives.org/cfn/12/08/0018.php Transcription] by AtariArchives.org. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030329053301/https://www.atariarchives.org/cfn/12/08/0018.php|date=2003-03-29}}).{{cite magazine|last1=François|first1=Tommy|last2=Msika|first2=David|last3=Poirot|first3=Romain|url=https://www.abandonware-magazines.org/affiche_mag.php?mag=101&num=2883&album=oui|title=Reportage - E3: Atari — Le Virtuel, Ça Marche|magazine=CD Consoles|issue=8|publisher=Pressimage|date=June 1995|pages=42–43|access-date=2024-04-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111111223853/https://www.abandonware-magazines.org/affiche_mag.php?mag=101&num=2883&album=oui|archive-date=2011-11-11|url-status=live}} The game was featured at Atari during "Fun 'n' Games Day", an event to show upcoming Jaguar titles to journalists.{{cite magazine|last1=Tosado|first1=Will|last2=Zachlod|first2=Aaron|url=https://archive.org/details/videogame-advisor-july-1995/page/n19/mode/2up|title=The Jaguar Plan: Atari's Fun N' Games Media Day; Atari {{as written|expl|iots [sic]}} {{as written|i|t's [sic]}} low price point in new marketing plan|magazine=VideoGame Advisor|volume=1|issue=3|publisher=Cyberactive Publications|date=July 1995|pages=18–20}}{{cite magazine|last=Wise|first=Carey|url=https://archive.org/details/electronic-gaming-monthly-issue-074-september-1995/page/n65/mode/1up|title=Special Feature: Gamer's Day at Atari|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|issue=74|publisher=Sendai Publishing|date=September 1995|pages=64–66}}{{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}} It was covered by press invited to Atari's European offices under its final title, Phase Zero, but was delayed until September 1995.{{cite magazine|last=Gore|first=Chris|author-link=Chris Gore|url=https://archive.org/details/Video_Games_The_Ultimate_Gaming_Magazine_Issue_79_August_1995/page/n13/mode/1up|title=The Gorescore - Industry News You Can: Upcoming Jaguar Software Titles|magazine=VideoGames|issue=79|publisher=Larry Flynt Publications|date=August 1995|page=14}}{{cite magazine|url=https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File%3AMegaFun_DE_1995-09.pdf&page=96|title=Special Atari: Zu Besuch bei Atari|magazine={{ill|Mega Fun|lt=Mega Fun|de|Mega Fun}}|issue=36|publisher=Computec|date=September 1995|page=96|language=de|access-date=2024-04-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728191342/https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File%3AMegaFun_DE_1995-09.pdf&page=96|archive-date=2018-07-28|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|last=Schaedle|first=Wolfgang|url=https://archive.org/details/video-games-de-1995-09/page/44/mode/2up|title=Profil: Atari News|magazine={{ill|Video Games (German magazine)|lt=Video Games|de|Video Games}}|issue=46|publisher=Magna Media|date=September 1995|pages=44–45|language=de}} The game was also exhibited during the 1995 Toy Test held by CBS This Morning at the Pacific Science Center.{{cite magazine|last=Keylard|first=Frans|url=http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/archive.htm|title=Jaguar at the CBS Toy Test|magazine=Atari Explorer Online|volume=4|issue=7|publisher=Subspace Publishers|date=September 15, 1995|access-date=2024-12-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303202933/http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/archive.htm|archive-date=2016-03-03|url-status=dead}} ([http://jaguar.gamebygamepodcast.com/aeo/aeo_0407.txt Transcription] by The Atari Jaguar Game by Game Podcast. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127111747/http://jaguar.gamebygamepodcast.com/aeo/aeo_0407.txt|date=2021-11-27}}). It was later scheduled for launch in late 1995 and appeared in a promotional recording sent by Atari to video game retail stores on October 9, 1995.{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wW4YAgzs4cA|title=Official Atari Jaguar Dealer Demo Promo Tape|work=Atari Studios|medium=VHS|location=United States|publisher=Atari Corporation|date=October 9, 1995|time=3m45s|access-date=2024-04-14}}
The game garnered a positive response from attendees and impressed Atari developers at CES.{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/games-world-13/page/n7/mode/2up|title=News - Up Front: Hover Hunter (Future Screens)|magazine=Games World|issue=13|publisher=Paragon Publishing|date=July 1995|pages=8–9}} It received favorable commentary from gaming publications prior to launch.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.abandonware-magazines.org/affiche_mag.php?mag=101&num=2939&album=oui|title=Actualités - Made in USA: La Jaguar sort ses pingouins!|magazine=CD Consoles|issue=13|publisher=Pressimage|date=January 1996|pages=24–25|language=fr|access-date=2024-04-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403080400/https://www.abandonware-magazines.org/affiche_mag.php?mag=101&num=2939&album=oui|archive-date=2019-04-03|url-status=live}} Consoles + stated that the game would attract attention due to its impressive frame rate and controls. Atari Explorer Online{{'}}s Adam Urbano said that it showed the Jaguar's hardware potential and expressed excitement over its realistic landscapes, smooth frame rate, and controls.{{cite magazine|last=Urbano|first=Adam|url=http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/archive.htm|title=Fun 'N Games Deux|magazine=Atari Explorer Online|volume=4|issue=9|publisher=Subspace Publishers|date=January 1, 1996|access-date=2024-04-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303202933/http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/archive.htm|archive-date=2016-03-03|url-status=live}} ([https://www.atarimax.com/freenet/freenet_material/6.16and32-BitComputersSupportArea/8.OnlineMagazines/showarticle.php?569 Transcription] by The Cleveland Free-Net Atari SIG Historical Archive. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060516023331/https://www.atarimax.com/freenet/freenet_material/6.16and32-BitComputersSupportArea/8.OnlineMagazines/showarticle.php?569|date=2006-05-16}}). CD Consoles proclaimed that Phase Zero would be one of the best Jaguar games, highlighting its audiovisual presentation, interactive environments, enemy AI, and freedom of movement. Hyper Image also noted the level of praise and feedback the team received from the public who followed its production.{{cite magazine|last=Charlton|first=Frank|url=http://www.stformat.com/stf84/index.html|title=The Latest News: Phase Zero|magazine=ST Format|issue=84|publisher=Future plc|date=July 1996|page=30|access-date=2024-04-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131209074347/http://www.stformat.com/stf84/index.html|archive-date=2013-12-09|url-status=live}}
= Cancellation =
In 1996, Atari laid off several members of its staff amid an internal restructuring to focus on software publishing and rumors that they were leaving the console market, which included the departure of Tahquechi, who was replaced by John Skruch as the game's producer.{{cite magazine|last=Carter|first=Bryan|date=January 26, 1996|url=http://gamezero.com/team-0/whats_new/past/news9601.html|title=What's New(s) of 01/96: Atari Restructuring|magazine=Game Zero Magazine|publisher=Game Zero|access-date=2024-04-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980121161007/http://gamezero.com/team-0/whats_new/past/news9601.html|archive-date=1998-01-21|url-status=live}} ([https://archive.org/details/st-report-1206/page/n51/mode/2up Transcription] by Silicon Times Report). Atari planned to release it in late 1996, however, Beyond Games reported that Hyper Image suspended production of the game indefinitely pending word from Atari about its plans, which was later confirmed by Gordon in a statement on the company's website.{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/st-report-1210/page/n76/mode/1up|title=Jaguar Section: From the Editor's Controller - Playin' it like it is!; Jaguar Online STR InfoFile - Online Users Growl & Purr!|magazine=Silicon Times Report|issue=1210|publisher=STR Electronic Publishing Inc.|date=March 8, 1996}} Atari halted its development before ceasing production of the Jaguar and merging with JTS, resulting in Phase Zero not being released.{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/GamePro_Issue_082_May_1996/page/n21/mode/1up|title=ProNews: Adios, Atari|magazine=GamePro|issue=82|publisher=IDG|date=May 1996|page=20}}{{cite web|author=pcwzrd13|date=October 17, 2016|url=https://dreamcastlive.net/blogs/post/interview-with-josh-adams-co-founder-of-secret-level/|title=Interview with Josh Adams, Co-Founder of Secret Level|website=Dreamcast Live|access-date=2024-04-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104170759/https://dreamcastlive.net/blogs/post/interview-with-josh-adams-co-founder-of-secret-level/|archive-date=2016-11-04|url-status=live}} That same year, the trademark for Hover Hunter, the game's original name, was abandoned.{{cite web|last=Ann Bald|first=Susan|url=https://trademarks.justia.com/746/83/hover-hunter-74683169.html|title=HOVER HUNTER - Trademark Details|publisher=Justia|date=July 16, 1996|access-date=2018-11-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181112101252/https://trademarks.justia.com/746/83/hover-hunter-74683169.html|archive-date=2018-11-12|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/jeo_0302.htm#TOP4|title=CyberChatter — Overheard Online: Unreleased Stuff|magazine=Jaguar Explorer Online|volume=3|issue=2|publisher=White Space Publishers|date=November 19, 1999|access-date=2024-04-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716225408/http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/jeo_0302.htm#TOP4|archive-date=2023-07-16|url-status=dead}}
The Hyper Image staff moved the company to San Francisco and renamed it MagicArts Corporation to pursue projects on Sega Saturn, PlayStation, and Windows 95 platforms.{{cite web|last=Goreham|first=Keith M.|date=September 8, 2009|url=http://www.goreham.com/resume.htm|title=My Resume|website=Keith M. Goreham - Interactive 3D Technical Artist|access-date=2024-04-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100107095842/http://www.goreham.com/resume.htm|archive-date=2010-01-07|url-status=dead}} MagicArts worked on a Saturn port of Iron & Blood: Warriors of Ravenloft, but was cancelled by Acclaim as part of their withdrawal of support for Saturn.{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/NEXT_Generation_32/page/n17/mode/2up|title=News — Sega and Bandai: a merger collapses|magazine=Next Generation|issue=32|publisher=Imagine Media|date=August 1997|pages=16–17}} Sony hired MagicArts to develop two games for PlayStation but neither were released: Alien Earth/Legion (a 3D action shooter), and Yoyo's Adventure (a 3D platformer).{{cite magazine|url=https://www.abandonware-magazines.org/affiche_mag.php?mag=155&num=6881&album=oui|title=News: Mon Légionnaire|magazine=Consoles News|issue=14|publisher={{ill|FJM Publications|lt=FJM Publicatiuons|fr|FJM}}|date=September 1997|page=21|language=fr|access-date=2024-04-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130913185644/https://www.abandonware-magazines.org/affiche_mag.php?mag=155&num=6881&album=oui|archive-date=2013-09-13|url-status=live}}
{{cite magazine|url=https://www.abandonware-magazines.org/affiche_mag.php?mag=92&num=5627&album=oui|title=PlayView: Legion (Playstation)|magazine=PlayMag|issue=17|publisher={{ill|Cyber Press Publishing|lt=Cyber Press Publishing|fr|Cyber Press Publishing}}|date=September 1997|page=38|language=fr|access-date=2024-04-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130913221749/https://www.abandonware-magazines.org/affiche_mag.php?mag=92&num=5627&album=oui|archive-date=2013-09-13|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/archive.htm|title=CyberChatter: Unfinished Games/Hyper Image|magazine=Jaguar Explorer Online|volume=2|issue=1|publisher=White Space Publishers|date=February 9, 1998|access-date=2024-04-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303202933/http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/archive.htm|archive-date=2016-03-03|url-status=dead}} Gordon, Otávio, and programmer Josh Adams decided to leave MagicArts and founded Secret Level, Inc. in 1999. Between 2003 and 2004, renewals of the Hyper Image brand were cancelled.{{cite web|last=A. Smith|first=Susan|url=https://trademarks.justia.com/746/83/hyper-image-74683168.html|title=HYPER IMAGE - Trademark Details|publisher=Justia|date=June 28, 2003|access-date=2018-11-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181112101305/https://trademarks.justia.com/746/83/hyper-image-74683168.html|archive-date=2018-11-12|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=A. Harrison|first=Debra|url=https://trademarks.justia.com/750/01/hip-75001495.html|title=HIP - Trademark Details|publisher=Justia|date=March 13, 2004|access-date=2018-11-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181112061012/https://trademarks.justia.com/750/01/hip-75001495.html|archive-date=2018-11-12|url-status=live}} Versions for other platforms were planned after the Jaguar version was discontinued and in 2018, former Sega Technical Institute (STI) programmer Jamie Bible stated on AtariAge that Hyper Image hired him for a Saturn port of Phase Zero due to his experience with heightmap engines, but it was ultimately cancelled.{{cite web|last=Senn|first=Chris|url=http://www.senntient.com:80/projects/xtreme/FAQ.html#team|title=Sonic Xtreme Frequently-Asked Questions: People questions|work=Sonic X-treme Compendium|publisher=Senntient|date=December 23, 2008|access-date=2024-04-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110317064824/http://www.senntient.com:80/projects/xtreme/FAQ.html#team|archive-date=2011-03-17|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|author=Bible, Jamie (quackmore)|url=http://www.atariage.com/forums/topic/151097-phaze-zero-songbird-or-bc-differences/?do=findComment&comment=3997156|title=Phaze Zero - Songbird or B&C Differences|website=AtariAge|date=March 30, 2018|access-date=2024-04-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026162918/https://atariage.com/forums/topic/151097-phaze-zero-songbird-or-bc-differences/?do=findComment&comment=3997156|archive-date=2020-10-26|url-status=live}}
Release
In 1999, Hasbro Interactive declared the Atari Jaguar as an open platform, releasing the console's patents and rights into public domain after much lobbying from Atari fans, allowing software developers to make and release games for Jaguar without a licensing agreement.{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/Classic_Gamer_Magazine_Volume_1_Issue_1_1999-03_Classic_Gamer_US/page/n9/mode/1up|title=Classic Gamer Newswire: Jaguar News — Hasbro Sets Jaguar Free|magazine=Classic Gamer Magazine|volume=1|issue=1|date=March 1999|page=10}}{{cite magazine|first3=Stephanie|url=http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/jeo_0301.htm|title=Jaguar Tackboard: Announcements and Press Releases – Hasbro Frees Jaguar!; BattleSphere News: 4Play Marches On|magazine=Jaguar Explorer Online|volume=3|issue=1|publisher=White Space Publishers|date=June 3, 1999|access-date=2023-12-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010428113235/http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/jeo_0301.htm|archive-date=2001-04-28|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|title=Retro - Collector's Corner: BattleSphere Gold|magazine=GamesTM|issue=83|publisher=Imagine Publishing|date=May 2009|pages=142–143}} Following the announcement, hobbyists have produced homebrew games and released previously finished but unpublished titles.{{cite magazine|last=Toyama|first=Kevin|url=https://archive.org/details/next-gen-lifecycle-2-vol-3-issue-77-may-2001/page/n72/mode/1up|title=Nouveau Classic Gaming: Old System, New Games|magazine=Next Generation|issue=77|publisher=Imagine Media|date=May 2001|pages=68–73}}
{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/edge-020/Edge-098/page/n63/mode/2up|title=What goes around comes around|magazine=Edge|issue=98|publisher=Future plc|date=June 2001|pages=62–67}}{{cite magazine|last=Szczepaniak|first=John|title=Retroinspection: Atari Jaguar|magazine=Retro Gamer|issue=26|publisher=Imagine Publishing|date=July 2006|pages=48–53}} A demo of Phase Zero was leaked online by former Atari Explorer Online editor Mark Santora in 2000.{{cite web|last=Anderson|first=Heath|url=http://www.metalstuff.com/area64/currentnews/1.html|title=Current News: Phase Zero ROM|work=Area 64: The Jagzone|date=July 14–21, 2000|access-date=2024-04-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080725015033/http://www.metalstuff.com/area64/currentnews/1.html|archive-date=2008-07-25|url-status=dead}}{{cite magazine|title=Les Niouzes|magazine=ReVival|issue=11|publisher=Association RayXambeR|date=Autumn 2000|pages=5–9|language=fr}} In June 2002, publisher Songbird Productions contacted former Hyper Image Productions staff and obtained the rights to release the demo in conjunction with B&C ComputerVisions, a California-based company founded by Bruce and Cathy Carso in 1979.{{cite web|last=Anderson|first=Heath|url=http://www.metalstuff.com/area64/currentnews/031902.htm|title=Current News: Phase Zero Prototype Cart at B&C (* * Update * *)|work=Area 64: The Jagzone|date=June 7, 2002|access-date=2024-04-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020627074205/http://www.metalstuff.com/area64/currentnews/031902.htm|archive-date=2002-06-27|url-status=dead}}{{cite magazine|author=S.T.A.R.|url=https://www.matranet.net/webzine/BACK/ABR2K3/03/index.php|title=Atari Jaguar: Prototipos|magazine=Matranet|issue=16|publisher=Matra Computer Automations|date=April 2003|access-date=2023-11-22|language=es|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160802112935/https://www.matranet.net/webzine/BACK/ABR2K3/03/index.php|archive-date=2016-08-02|url-status=live}} The publisher also stated that the original developers may still have the source code in order to complete the game. In 2004, Songbird re-released the demo, complete with packaging mimicking officially licensed Jaguar releases.{{cite magazine|last=Dupré|first=Guillaume|title=En Bref... - Jaguar|magazine=ReVival|issue=31|publisher=Association RayXambeR|date=June 9, 2006|pages=9–10|language=fr}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{Portal|2000s|United States|Video games}}
- {{Official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20060209021302/http://songbird-productions.com/phasezero.shtml}} at Songbird Productions
- [https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/jaguar/605335-phase-zero Phase Zero] at GameFAQs
{{DEFAULTSORT:Phase Zero}}
Category:Atari Jaguar-only games
Category:Cancelled Atari Jaguar games
Category:Cancelled Sega Saturn games
Category:Cancelled Super Nintendo Entertainment System games
Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games
Category:Songbird Productions games