BattleSphere
{{Short description|2000 video game}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox video game
|title = BattleSphere
|image = Atari Jaguar BattleSphere cover art.jpg
|alt = Cover art featuring two Oppressor bombers and four Se'Bab fighters with one being destroyed by an O'Catanut fighter engaging in dogfight
|developer = 4Play
|publisher = ScatoLOGIC
|designer = Douglas Engel
Scott Le Grand
Stephanie Wukovitz
Tom Harker
|programmer = Douglas Engel
Scott Le Grand
Stephanie Wukovitz
|artist = Douglas Engel
|composer = Stephanie Wukovitz
|platforms = Atari Jaguar
|released = {{vgrelease|WW|February 29, 2000|WW|March 15, 2002 {{small|(Gold)}}}}
|genre = Space combat simulation
|modes = Single-player, multiplayer
}}
BattleSphere is a space combat simulation video game developed by 4Play for the Atari Jaguar. The game was released in 2000, with the enhanced edition BattleSphere Gold released in 2002. Set during a future war between seven alien races, the factions agree to confine their hostilities to a tournament with the galaxy at stake. Gameplay consists of five modes, each featuring distinct scenarios and objectives. Up to 16 players can participate in a deathmatch mode via local area network (LAN) play.
BattleSphere was the first Jaguar title by 4Play, a partnership between Douglas Engel, Scott Le Grand, Stephanie Wukovitz, and Tom Harker. The project was conceptualized in 1993, when Engel and Le Grand decided to pitch a space combat game to Atari Corporation, and suggested developing the concept as an update to Star Raiders (1980). The team decided that it should feature different scenarios for single-player and network multiplayer. They combined aspects of Star Raiders, Doom (1993), and Star Wars: TIE Fighter, with the networking component of Netrek. Production began in 1994, with the partners self-funding the game's development while employed full-time. A PC port was in development, but never entered full production due to lack of interest from publishers.
BattleSphere was published after the Jaguar was declared as an open platform by Hasbro Interactive under the ScatoLOGIC label. ScatoLOGIC was formed by Engel, Le Grand, and Wukovitz following Harker's departure from 4Play to handle all production aspects. The first copy was sold on eBay, and the developers pledged to donate all profits from sales to charity. Gaming publications gave the game generally favorable reviews, praising its graphics, sound, gameplay, multiplayer, and AI. Some reviewers also cited the game's network support. Retrospective commentary in the years following its release have hailed it as one of the best titles for the Jaguar.
Gameplay and premise
BattleSphere is a space combat simulation game played from a first-person perspective, similar to Wing Commander, Star Wars: TIE Fighter, and Descent: FreeSpace.{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/atari-world-01/page/n9/mode/1up|title=News: Jaguar Update|magazine=Atari World|issue=1|publisher=Neal O'Nions|date=May 1995|page=10}}{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/GamePro_The_Cutting_Edge_Spring_1996/page/n126/mode/1up|title=The Jaguar: A Hungry Cat Looking for Food - Battlesphere|magazine=GamePro|issue=Premiere|type=Supplement|publisher=IDG|date=Spring 1996|page=124}} The story is set during a future war between seven alien races. The leaders of each race confine all hostilities to an enclosed region of space formerly used for testing weapons and starships. Each race send their best soldiers and military technology in a tournament to claim control of the galaxy.{{cite magazine|url=http://download.abandonware.org/magazines/CD%20Consoles/cdconsoles_numero12/Page%20020.jpg|title=Actualité - Du Tout Bon Sur Jaguar !|magazine=CD Consoles|issue=12|publisher=Pressimage|date=December 1995|pages=20|access-date=2018-09-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916092938/http://download.abandonware.org/magazines/CD%20Consoles/cdconsoles_numero12/Page%20020.jpg|archive-date=2018-09-16|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|last=LaBarge|first=Dimitri Mark|url=http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/archive.htm|title=Jaguar Tackboard: Battle Sphere Description; Surfing the Jagged Edge: Battlesphere Under Construction|magazine=Atari Explorer Online|volume=4|issue=1|publisher=Subspace Publishers|date=January 16, 1995|access-date=2023-07-13|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?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}}). Gameplay consists of five modes divided into single console or network submenus, each with distinct scenarios and objectives: "Alone Against the Empires" is a single-player scenario in which the player fights enemy armadas across 64 quadrants.{{cite magazine|url=https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File%3AMegaFun_DE_1995-05.pdf&page=14|title=News - Jaguar: BattleSphere|magazine={{ill|Mega Fun|lt=Mega Fun|de|Mega Fun}}|issue=32|publisher=Computec|date=May 1995|page=14|language=de}} "Gauntlet" is an endless mode where the player defends six bases from enemy waves.{{cite book|title=BattleSphere|date=2000|publisher=ScatoLOGIC|edition=North American|type=Game Manual}} "Free-For-All" is a deathmatch mode, where victory is awarded to the first player to reach a specific number of kills. "Pilot Training" is a practice mode for novices. "BattleSphere" is a multiplayer network mode where two teams attempt to capture each other's bases.
There are seven playable races: the demon-esque Oppressors, the all-female Se'Bab, the advanced Telchines, the lizard-like Slith, the humanoid Smg'Heed, the feline O'Catanut, and the hawk-like Thunderbirds. There are also secret races unlockable via cheat codes. For each race, players can select a fighter, bomber, or supership, with unplayable set pieces in the background such as starbases.
The player controls the ship in a 3D environment. The player can maneuver, lock onto targets, and fire weapons. There are six weapon types depending on the game mode and ship: lasers, plasma, virus shots, stasis bolts, mines, and homing missiles. The heads-up display of each ship type shows several functions such as velocity and thrust meters, shield and energy levels, and integrity of its hull. Every ship is also equipped with a missile approach warning system, emitting a noise when enemy missiles are nearby. In "Alone Against the Empires", the player can view a galactic chart, which shows a map displayed as hexagonal grids that indicate friendly starbases, enemy ships and the player's location. The player can also repair the ship by orbiting a friendly starbase, command allied ships, and jump to hyperspace when playing in "Alone Against the Empires".
The game features support for the ProController. A second player can act as a gunner using another controller; one player pilots the ship while the other player aims the reticle and shoot. Two players can play "Gauntlet" mode using JagLink. Up to 16 players can play in "Free-For-All" via local area network (LAN) play using CatBox across 16 consoles. Optional gunners can also participate for a total of 32 players.
Production
File:Atari-Jaguar-Console-Set.jpg was declared as an open platform by Hasbro Interactive]]
BattleSphere was the first Atari Jaguar title by 4Play (previously Phalanx Software), a team led by Douglas Engel, Scott Le Grand, Stephanie Wukovitz, and Tom Harker.{{cite magazine|last=LaBarge|first=Dimitri Mark|url=http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/archive.htm|title=Surfing the Jagged Edge: The BattleSphere Saga, Cont'd...|magazine=Atari Explorer Online|volume=4|issue=7|publisher=Subspace Publishers|date=September 15, 1995|access-date=2023-07-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303202933/http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/archive.htm|archive-date=2016-03-03|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|last=Cody|first=Jason W.|url=https://archive.org/details/syzygy-issue-1/page/18/mode/2up|title=BattleSphere: The Jaguar's Brilliant Epilogue|magazine=Syzygy Magazine|volume=1|issue=1|date=Fall 2000|pages=18–21}}{{cite magazine|author=Taz|url=https://archive.org/details/The_Atari_Times_1997-03/page/n4/mode/1up|title=BattleSphere Programmers Interview|magazine=The Atari Times|issue=9|publisher=Gregory George|date=March–April 1997|pages=5–6}} ([http://ataritimes.com/index.php?ArticleIDX=61 Transcription] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804061728/http://ataritimes.com/index.php?ArticleIDX=61|date=2016-08-04}}). Engel and Le Grand had previously written games for the Atari 8-bit computers such as Rocks! (1987) and Death Run respectively.{{cite magazine|last=Santora|first=Mark|url=http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/archive.htm|title=California 4Play: Mark Santora talks with the West Coast half of the BattleSphere Dream Team|magazine=Atari Explorer Online|volume=4|issue=4|publisher=Subspace Publishers|date=March 28, 1995|access-date=2023-07-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303202933/http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/archive.htm|archive-date=2016-03-03|url-status=live}} ([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}}). The four acted as co-designers, with Wukovitz providing music using an audio engine created by Engel, who also provided most of the artwork.{{cite web|last=Thomasson|first=Michael|url=http://www.gooddealgames.com/interviews/int_engel.html|title=Classic Videogame Games INTERVIEW: Douglas Engel - Douglas Engel is a programmer and artist for the upcoming Jaguar release BattleSphere, and a nice guy to boot!|website=Good Deal Games|date=December 2, 1999|access-date=2020-03-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000815234857/http://www.gooddealgames.com/interviews/int_engel.html|archive-date=2000-08-15|url-status=live}} Engel, Le Grand, and Wukovitz also served as co-programmers. Harker designed the CatBox peripheral, and provided 4Play with necessary software and hardware components.{{cite magazine|last1=LaBarge|first1=Dimitri Mark|last2=Svensson|first2=Christian|url=http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/archive.htm|title=Surfing the Jagged Edge: Notes from the BattleSphere; Jaguars at ToadFest 94: Details — BattleSphere (working title)|magazine=Atari Explorer Online|volume=3|issue=13|publisher=Subspace Publishers|date=December 4, 1994|access-date=2023-07-13|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?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}}).
BattleSphere uses a polygon rendering engine written by Le Grand, which displays up to 256 objects onscreen. A hardware trick using the Jaguar's Blitter processor was devised to run the game up to 60 frames per second.{{cite magazine|last=LaBarge|first=Dimitri Mark|url=http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/archive.htm|title=Surfing the Jagged Edge: In the Sphere|magazine=Atari Explorer Online|volume=4|issue=8|publisher=Subspace Publishers|date=October 10, 1995|access-date=2023-07-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303202933/http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/archive.htm|archive-date=2016-03-03|url-status=live}} Texture-mapping is employed for details such as the alien races' symbols and identification numbers in multiplayer, using a graphical technique dubbed "Decal-Mapping" for all Gouraud-shaded 3D models.{{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=1h03m08s|location=United States|publisher=Subspace Publishers}} The 3D models were created by Engel using the InShape graphic program on Atari Falcon.{{cite journal|last=Funke-Bilu|first=Tal|url=https://archive.org/details/SanLeandroComputerClubslcc-Atari-Newsletters1994/SanLeandroComputerClubslccJournalAtariNewsletter94-09September1994/page/n12/mode/1up|title=AEO's 1994 Summer Consumer Electronics Show (GEnie: EXPLORER.5 Delphi: AEXPLORER)|journal=San Leandro Computer Club Journal|publication-place=San Leandro, California|publisher=San Leandro Computer Club|date=September 1994|pages=8–14}} Wukovitz scored the music using Protracker and a music tracker on PC, citing Babylon 5 as an inspiration. The story sequence uses a fractal animation donated by Damien Jones of Temporary Sanity Designs dubbed "Julia", originally for an Atari 2600 (VCS) Jaguar emulator called Virtual VCS. The Jaguar's hardware is also used for tasks such as handling of AI and physics engine. The network code was written by Engel in six months.
= Concept =
Engel and Le Grand created the concept in August 1993, beginning the project as a space combat game. While Le Grand was researching on developing for The 3DO Company's 3DO platform, Atari Corporation unveiled their own console plans with the Jaguar. The team thus sent their 20-page game proposal to both console makers, among other companies.{{cite journal|last=Engel|first=Douglas|title=The BattleSphere Saga: The History of Atari's Swan Song|journal=JagFest 2K1: Beyond Tempest|type=Official Program|publication-place=Milwaukee, Wisconsin|publisher=GOAT Store|date=June 30, 2001|pages=[https://www.vgdb.com.br/gf/fotos/games/media_49082/battlesphere-49082.jpg 6]–[https://www.vgdb.com.br/gf/fotos/games/media_49083/battlesphere-49083.jpg 9]}} They also posted an online advert expressing interest in Jaguar development. Atari invited the team to a private showing of the Jaguar in September 1993, where Engel and Le Grand pitched the project under the name Singularity.{{cite web|last=Bessemer|first=Brian C.|url=http://www.atarihq.com/jaglynx/4play.html|title=4-Play Interview|work=Atari Gaming Headquarters|date=January 1996|access-date=2018-09-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19981201060056/http://atarihq.com/jaglynx/4play.html|archive-date=1998-12-01|url-status=live}}{{cite journal|last=Le Grand|first=Scott|url=https://archive.org/details/WorldOfAtariConventionLasVegas1998/page/n11/mode/2up|title=In the Beginning|journal=The World of Atari|type=Program|publication-place=Las Vegas, Nevada|publisher=Richard Tsukiji|date=August 1998|pages=10–11}} ([http://atarihq.com/jaglynx/bsfinish.html Transcription] by Atari Gaming Headquarters. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/19981201213328/http://atarihq.com/jaglynx/bsfinish.html|date=1998-12-01}}). When the team suggested developing the game as an update to Atari's 1980 game Star Raiders, Atari staffer Bill Rehbock responded that the title was reserved for an in-house project. Atari liked the proposal however, becoming interested in signing them as developers under the Phalanx Software name. Engel based the game's concept on Star Wars: X-Wing, but with the story focusing on a black hole. This idea was eventually scrapped, as they could not achieve an accurate depiction of a black hole. Engel and Le Grand brought on board Harker, who reached to them when looking for programmers to produce titles for the Jaguar. Le Grand also convinced Wukovitz to compose music for the game, resulting in 4Play's formation as a partnership.
= Development =
Work on the project began in 1994, after 4Play received Jaguar development kits from Atari. The working title changed from Singularity to Star Battle, in honor of a mainframe computer game written by Le Grand during his high school period in the 1980s. The team decided that the game should feature different scenarios for single-player and network multiplayer. 4Play cited Star Raiders, Doom (1993), Star Wars: TIE Fighter, and Iron Soldier as influences for the game. The group combined aspects of each game design with the networking component of Netrek. Since the entire team already had full-time jobs, they began development in their spare time without any outside investment. 4Play estimated the game would be done in 12 or 18 months but faced several issues during production, including lack of support from Atari.
As 4Play shifted to full-time development in July 1995, the game received its final name as BattleSphere. Meanwhile, Atari shelved another space game called Space War 2000 due to a poor reception in focus tests, deciding to shift their focus to BattleSphere due to the demo's positive reception. Atari discontinued the Jaguar in 1996, and the company merged with JTS Corporation.{{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}} 4Play decided to continue production of the game, focusing on adding multiple game modes.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/archive.htm|title=BattleSphere Updates: How it's Coming|magazine=Jaguar Explorer Online|volume=1|issue=1|publisher=White Space Publishers|date=March 27, 1997|access-date=2023-07-15|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?637 Transcription] by The Cleveland Free-Net Atari SIG Historical Archive. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060516025112/https://www.atarimax.com/freenet/freenet_material/6.16and32-BitComputersSupportArea/8.OnlineMagazines/showarticle.php?637|date=2006-05-16}}). The BattleSphere mode was completed by February 1997, while more features were introduced and gameplay was refined.{{cite magazine|title=BattleSphere(tm) Update(r) 2/3/97|magazine=The Atari Times|issue=8|publisher=Gregory George|date=January–February 1997|pages=[https://archive.org/details/The_Atari_Times_1997-01/page/n1/mode/1up 2], [https://archive.org/details/The_Atari_Times_1997-01/page/9/mode/1up 9]}} ([http://www.ataritimes.com/index.php?ArticleIDX=53 Transcription] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029065532/http://www.ataritimes.com/index.php?ArticleIDX=53|date=2014-10-29}}). The team improved their skills as production neared completion, with Engel and Wukovitz implementing changes to the graphics and sound driver.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/archive.htm|title=BattleSphere Updates: 4Play Marches On; Temporary Sanity Travails – Virtual VCS and Beyond|magazine=Jaguar Explorer Online|volume=2|issue=1|publisher=White Space Publishers|date=February 9, 1998|access-date=2023-07-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303202933/http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/archive.htm|archive-date=2016-03-03|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/archive.htm|title=BattleSphere Updates: 4Play Marches On|magazine=Jaguar Explorer Online|volume=1|issue=2|publisher=White Space Publishers|date=July 1, 1997|access-date=2023-07-15|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.atariarchives.org/cfn/12/05/03/0616.php Transcription] by AtariArchives.org. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030709163513/https://www.atariarchives.org/cfn/12/05/03/0616.php|date=2003-07-09}}).{{cite magazine|url=http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/archive.htm|title=BattleSphere Updates: 4Play Marches On|magazine=Jaguar Explorer Online|volume=1|issue=3|publisher=White Space Publishers|date=October 15, 1997|access-date=2023-07-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303202933/http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/archive.htm|archive-date=2016-03-03|url-status=live}} With the help of several volunteers, Engel led the testing process, discovering bugs that were fixed with Le Grand's help.
In March 1998, Hasbro Interactive acquired all of Atari's assets after buying out JTS, approving BattleSphere for binary encryption soon after.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/jeo_0202.htm|title=Jaguar Tackboard: Announcements and Press Releases – Hasbro Interactive Acquires Legendary Atari Game Property Assets; BattleSphere Updates: 4Play Marches On|magazine=Jaguar Explorer Online|volume=2|issue=2|publisher=White Space Publishers|date=July 20, 1998|access-date=2023-07-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001204104500/http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/jeo_0202.htm|archive-date=2000-12-04|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/jeo_0204.htm#BSNEWS|title=BattleSphere Updates: 4Play Marches On|magazine=Jaguar Explorer Online|volume=2|issue=4|publisher=White Space Publishers|date=December 18, 1998|access-date=2023-07-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010428113058/http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/jeo_0204.htm#BSNEWS|archive-date=2001-04-28|url-status=live}} However, 4Play didn't receive any approval in writing, leading them to encode the game's ROM image using encryption cracking software, without official hardware support.{{cite magazine|last1=Engel|first1=Douglas|last2=Santora|first2=Mark|last3=Wukovitz|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=2023-07-14|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|url=http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/jeo_0302.htm#BSNEWS|title=BattleSphere News: 4Play Marches On|magazine=Jaguar Explorer Online|volume=3|issue=2|publisher=White Space Publishers|date=November 19, 1999|access-date=2023-07-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010121121500/http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/jeo_0302.htm#BSNEWS|archive-date=2001-01-21|url-status=live}} Harker departed the studio in mid 1998, citing concerns with the project's financial viability, and development concluded in July.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/jeo_0203.htm|title=BattleSphere Updates: 4Play Marches On; JagFest '98: The Aftermath|magazine=Jaguar Explorer Online|volume=2|issue=3|publisher=White Space Publishers|date=October 18, 1998|access-date=2023-07-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010428112124/http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/jeo_0203.htm|archive-date=2001-04-28|url-status=live}} Hasbro declared the Jaguar as an open platform in 1999, 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 it 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|last=Hawken|first=Kieren|title=Jaguar: 20 Years On|magazine=Retro Gamer|issue=119|publisher=Imagine Publishing|date=August 15, 2013|pages=76–81}} Le Grand criticized Atari's handling of the Jaguar, but stated he enjoyed working with the hardware and found it easier to program for compared to Sega Saturn.
Release
The game was first revealed at the 1994 Summer Consumer Electronics Show, planning for a Christmas release date under the title Star Battle.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/archive.htm|title=Jaguar Tackboard – Atari's SCES 94 Press Releases: 4Play Announces Star Battle; AEO at SCES 94 video|magazine=Atari Explorer Online|volume=3|issue=10|publisher=Subspace Publishers|date=July 2, 1994|access-date=2023-07-13|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.atariarchives.org/cfn/12/05/03/0421.php Transcription] by AtariArchives.org. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030920214601/https://www.atariarchives.org/cfn/12/05/03/0421.php|date=2003-09-20}}). More details were showcased at additional tradeshows, revealing additional gameplay at ToadFest '94, the BattleSphere title at the 1995 Winter CES, and network play at E3 1995.{{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|last=Zengerle|first=Robert|url=https://archive.org/details/video-games-de-1995-07/page/30/mode/1up|title=E3 - Jaguar|magazine={{ill|Video Games (German magazine)|lt=Video Games|de|Video Games}}|issue=44|publisher=Magna Media|date=July 1995|page=30|language=de}}{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/GamePro_Issue_073_August_1995/page/n38/mode/1up|title=Electronic Entertainment Expo Special Report: Jaguar on the Prowl — BattleSphere|magazine=GamePro|issue=73|publisher=IDG|date=August 1995|page=37}} It made appearances at other events such as the 1995 MiST Atari festival, and the 1998 World of Atari show.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/archive.htm|title=Surfing the Jagged Edge: BattleSphere tidbits; Developing news! – Items of interest from TOS platform developers and supporters: MIST VII|magazine=Atari Explorer Online|volume=4|issue=5|publisher=Subspace Publishers|date=July 20, 1995|access-date=2023-07-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303202933/http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/archive.htm|archive-date=2016-03-03|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|last=LaBarge|first=Dimitri Mark|url=http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/archive.htm|title=Surfing the Jagged Edge: 4-Playing|magazine=Atari Explorer Online|volume=4|issue=6|publisher=Subspace Publishers|date=August 21, 1995|access-date=2023-07-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303202933/http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/archive.htm|archive-date=2016-03-03|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.next-generation.com/jsmid/news/4268.html|title=Intelligence: World of Atari Report|work=Next Generation|publisher=Imagine Media|date=August 24, 1998|access-date=2023-07-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19981206185027/http://www.next-generation.com/jsmid/news/4268.html|archive-date=1998-12-06|url-status=dead}} The game garnered positive response from atendees at E3 1995 and the 1995 Super Tour hosted by Electronic Gaming Monthly.{{cite magazine|last=Santora|first=Mark|url=http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/archive.htm|title=Atari at the EGM Supertour; Surfing the Jagged Edge: In the Sphere|magazine=Atari Explorer Online|volume=4|issue=9|publisher=Subspace Publishers|date=January 1, 1996|access-date=2023-07-14|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}}). It was featured at JagFest '97, a show dedicated to the Atari Jaguar scene, and was subsequently shown at JagFest '98 and JagFest '99.{{cite magazine|last=Iacovelli|first=Daniel|title=JagFest #1: Welcome to Jag Fest '97; Battle Sphere & Air Cars previews — Battle Sphere by 4-Play|magazine=The Atari Zone|volume=8|issue=4|type=special edition|publisher=Atari Video Club|date=July 19, 1997|pages=2–3}}{{cite web|last=Dolce|first=Mike|url=http://classicgaming.com/jfpn/jagfest99_vid.htm|title=Articles: JagFest '99 Video thoughts|work=Jaguar Front Page News|publisher=GameSpy|date=1999|access-date=2023-07-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021227130247/http://classicgaming.com/jfpn/jagfest99_vid.htm|archive-date=2002-12-27|url-status=dead}} In 1999, composer Stephanie Wukovitz released music tracks from the game at MP3.com as part of an album titled The Original BS.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/jeo_0401.htm|title=CyberChatter: BattleSphere; BattleSphere News: The Final Update|magazine=Jaguar Explorer Online|volume=4|issue=1|publisher=White Space Publishers|date=December 31, 2000|access-date=2023-07-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010308093141/http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/jeo_0401.htm|archive-date=2001-03-08|url-status=live}}
BattleSphere received favorable commentary from gaming publications prior to launch, and became an anticipated title for the Jaguar.{{cite magazine|last=Charlton|first=Frank|url=http://www.stformat.com/stf78/index.html|title=Feature - Jaguar: The Jaguar past, present and future|magazine=ST Format|issue=78|publisher=Future plc|date=January 1996|pages=30–31|access-date=2023-07-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170716233421/http://www.stformat.com/stf78/index.html|archive-date=2017-07-16|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|last=Forhan|first=Carl|url=https://archive.org/details/Classic_Gamer_Magazine_Volume_1_Issue_4_2000-06_Classic_Gamer_US/page/n39/mode/1up|title=Jaguar/Lynx: Straight From The Cat's Mouth|magazine=Classic Gamer Magazine|volume=1|issue=4|date=June 2000|page=40}} Leading up to release, VideoGames magazine noted it as a "respectful tribute" to space combat games.{{cite magazine|last=Gore|first=Chris|author-link=Chris Gore|title=The Gorescore - Industry News You Can: Upcoming Jaguar Software Titles; Preview - Jaguar: Battle Sphere|magazine=VideoGames|issue=79|publisher=Larry Flynt Publications|date=August 1995|pages=[https://archive.org/details/Video_Games_The_Ultimate_Gaming_Magazine_Issue_79_August_1995/page/n13/mode/1up 14], [https://archive.org/details/Video_Games_The_Ultimate_Gaming_Magazine_Issue_79_August_1995/page/n70/mode/1up 71]}} Intelligent Gamer's Fusion expressed excitement over the game's audiovisuals and network play.{{cite magazine|last=Jung|first=Robert A.|title=Previews: BattleSphere — Garage Development Team 4Play Primes a Rarity: Hot Jag Software; Endnotes|magazine=Intelligent Gamer's Fusion|volume=2|issue=8|publisher=Decker Publications|date=April 1996|pages=[https://archive.org/details/intelligent-gamers-fusion-1996-04/page/n70/mode/1up 71], [https://archive.org/details/intelligent-gamers-fusion-1996-04/page/n97/mode/1up 98]}} This was echoed by Next Generation, who hailed it as one of the best Jaguar games, while lamenting that "it's too bad that the game will not receive the large audience it deserves".{{cite web|url=http://www.next-generation.com/jsmid/previews/8750_1.html|title=Alphas: BattleSphere - The most anticipated, and belated, Jaguar game finally shows itself at the World of Atari 98|work=Next Generation|publisher=Imagine Media|date=August 25, 1998|access-date=2018-09-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991023121344/http://www.next-generation.com/jsmid/previews/8750_1.html|archive-date=1999-10-23|url-status=dead}}
BattleSphere was released on February 29, 2000, published by 4Play under the label ScatoLOGIC, a production and publishing entity formed by Wukovitz, Engel, and Le Grand following Harker's departure.{{cite web|url=http://www.atarihq.com/news/2000/0229.html|title=SCATOLOGIC RELEASES LONG AWAITED BATTLESPHERE™ FOR ATARI JAGUAR — Company Donates All Profits To Diabetes Research|work=ScatoLOGIC|publisher=Atari Gaming Headquarters|date=February 29, 2000|access-date=2023-07-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000522053128/http://www.atarihq.com/news/2000/0229.html|archive-date=2000-05-22|url-status=live}} The first copy of BattleSphere signed by the authors was sold on eBay, and the developers pledged to donate all profits from sales to diabetes research.{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/Classic_Gamer_Magazine_Volume_1_Issue_3_2000-03_Classic_Gamer_US/page/n6/mode/1up|title=Classic Gamer Newswire: Help Fight Diabetes! Buy Battlesphere for the Jaguar! — Battlesphere for the Atari Jaguar Shipping Soon|magazine=Classic Gamer Magazine|volume=1|issue=3|date=March 2000|page=7}}{{cite web|url=http://www.atarihq.com/news/2000/index.html|title=News Briefs - 2000 ARCHIVE|work=Atari Gaming Headquarters|date=2000|access-date=2023-07-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010407064155/http://www.atarihq.com/news/2000/index.html|archive-date=2001-04-07|url-status=live}} Concealed within the game is JUGS{{efn|Acronym for the Jaguar Unmodified Game Server}}, a development system which allow users to create and load software for the Jaguar via PC.{{cite web|url=http://www.atarihq.com/news/2000/0814.html|title=NEW UNDERGROUND SOFTWARE LOADER COMES TO JAGUAR PLATFORM — The fabled JUGS (Jaguar Unmodified Game Server) proves to be more than just a rumor|work=Jaguar Unmodified Game Server|publisher=Atari Gaming Headquarters|date=August 14, 2000|access-date=2023-07-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010306110901/http://www.atarihq.com/news/2000/0814.html|archive-date=2001-03-06|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|last=Forhan|first=Carl|url=https://archive.org/details/Classic_Gamer_Magazine_Volume_1_Issue_5_2000-09_Classic_Gamer_US/page/n42/mode/1up|title=Jaguar/Lynx: Straight From The Cat's Mouth|magazine=Classic Gamer Magazine|volume=1|issue=5|date=September 2000|page=43}}
An enhanced edition called BattleSphere Gold was released on March 15, 2002, offering new visuals, as well as bug fixes and compatibility improvements.{{cite web|url=http://www.scatologic.com/press.html|title=SCATOLOGIC INC. NOW SHIPPING BATTLESPHERE GOLD™: THE LIMITED EDITION ENHANCED BATTLESPHERE™|publisher=ScatoLOGIC|date=March 15, 2002|access-date=2018-09-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030409065529/http://www.scatologic.com/press.html|archive-date=2003-04-09|url-status=live}} In 2003, ScatoLOGIC released an unofficial peripheral called ScatBox, which enabled LAN play in both BattleSphere and Gold edition with more than two Jaguar consoles.{{cite magazine|last=de Bie|first=Rene|url=http://www.myatari.net/issues/mar2003/scatbox.htm|title=Reviews: ScatBox|magazine=MyAtari|issue=29|date=March 2003|access-date=2023-08-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030401125336/http://www.myatari.net/issues/mar2003/scatbox.htm|archive-date=2003-04-01|url-status=dead}} In 2006, a one-of-a-kind edition called BattleSphere Trio was auctioned on eBay.{{cite magazine|last=Dutcher|first=Robert|title=eBay Treasures: BattleSphere Trio Multicart|magazine=Jagwire Magazine|issue=6|date=June 2006}}{{cite web|url=http://mleguludec.free.fr/jc_news.htm|title=Les News de la Jaguar Connexion: Juillet 2006|work=Atari Connexion|publisher=Retro-Gaming Connexion|year=2006|access-date=2023-11-28|language=fr|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720231600fw_/http://mleguludec.free.fr/jc_news.htm|archive-date=2011-07-20|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Smith|first=Jason|url=http://www.jaguarsector.com/index.php?autocom=ibwiki&cmd=article&do=print_article&id=379|title=Atari Jaguar Timeline|website=Jaguar Sector II|access-date=2023-07-12|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130629025431/http://www.jaguarsector.com/index.php?autocom=ibwiki&cmd=article&do=print_article&id=379|archive-date=2013-06-29|url-status=dead}} 4Play expressed interest licensing the game to third parties, or porting the game to PCs and consoles. They began development on a PC port, but never entered full production due to lack of interest from publishers.
Reception
{{Video game reviews
|rev1 = The Atari Times
|rev2 = neXGam
}}
Upon its release in February 2000, BattleSphere was met with generally favorable reception from reviewers.{{cite web|last=Dolce|first=Mike|url=http://www.classicgaming.com/jfpn/bsphere_review.htm|title=Jaguar Reviews: BattleSphere|work=Jaguar Front Page News|publisher=GameSpy|date=2001|access-date=2023-07-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061027004227/http://www.classicgaming.com/jfpn/bsphere_review.htm|archive-date=2006-10-27|url-status=dead}} GameFan{{'}}s Eric Mylonas praised the networked multiplayer as its strongest feature, while also highlighting the game's soundscapes and gouraud-shaded graphics.{{cite magazine|last=Mylonas|first=Eric|url=https://archive.org/details/Gamefan_Vol_8_Issue_10/page/n109/mode/2up|title=Graveyard - BattleSphere: Star Raiders 2000?|magazine=GameFan|volume=8|issue=10|publisher=Shinno Media|date=October 2000|pages=106–107}} The Atari Times{{'}} Gregory D. George also praised the game's audiovisual presentation, as well as its fast-paced action and intelligent enemy ships. Author Andy Slaven wrote that "It's too bad the early Jaguar games didn't look and play like this one".{{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}} The game is considered by gaming journalists as one of the rarest, most valuable and sought-after Jaguar titles; it became a rare collector's item that fares high prices on the secondary collecting market, due to being produced under a very limited run of copies since the components necessary to manufacture the cartridges were scarce.{{cite web|last=Wallett|first=Adrian|url=https://www.arcadeattack.co.uk/top-ten-rarest-atari-jaguar-games/|title=Top Ten – Rarest Atari Jaguar Games!|work=Arcade Attack|date=August 19, 2019|access-date=2023-08-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814101351/https://www.arcadeattack.co.uk/top-ten-rarest-atari-jaguar-games/|archive-date=2020-08-14|url-status=live}}
In the years after its release, reviewers have celebrated BattleSphere as one of the Jaguar's best and most desired games. In a 2002 retro gaming feature, Edge called it "one of the most desirable games of all time" due to its small production, created by a small team with a "bedroom coding ethic".{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/EDGE.RETRO.N1.2002.Guide.classic.videogame.playing.collecting/page/27/mode/1up|title=Obsessive: The wish list - Rich pickings for the collector looking for that special little something — BattleSphere|magazine=Edge|issue=1|type=Retro [supplement]|publisher=Future Publishing|date=December 2002|page=22}} Reviewing the game in 2007, nexGam praised the ship designs and multiplayer mode, while criticizing some issues with network support. GamesTM regarded the game as a "desirable prospect" for any Atari collector, stating that it pushed the Jaguar further than other titles during the system's commercial lifespan. They added that the mix of action and strategy in a 3D arena, and particularly the multiplayer options, made the game stand out.{{cite magazine|title=Retro - Collector's Corner: BattleSphere Gold|magazine=GamesTM|issue=83|publisher=Imagine Publishing|date=May 2009|pages=142–143}} Retro Gamer named it one of the ten best games for Jaguar, noting its visuals, dynamic AI, network multiplayer, and references to popular sci-fi franchises.{{cite magazine|last=Szczepaniak|first=John|title=Retroinspection: Atari Jaguar|magazine=Retro Gamer|issue=26|publisher=Imagine Publishing|date=July 2006|pages=48–53}} ([https://www.retrogamer.net/profiles/hardware/atari-jaguar-2/ Transcription] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906051454/http://www.retrogamer.net/profiles/hardware/atari-jaguar-2/|date=2015-09-06}}).
{{cite magazine|title=Perfect 10: Atari Jaguar - Perfect Ten Games|magazine=Retro Gamer|issue=26|publisher=Imagine Publishing|date=June 22, 2006|pages=54–55}} ([http://www.retrogamer.net/top_10/atari-jaguar/ Transcription] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170119112310/http://www.retrogamer.net/top_10/atari-jaguar/|date=2017-01-19}}). 1Up.com included the game as one of "31 Homebrew Games Worth Playing", labelling it as the most high profile title from the Jaguar's homebrew scene.{{cite web|last=Winterhalter|first=Ryan|url=http://www.1up.com/features/31-homebrew-games-worth-playing?pager.offset=4|title=31 Homebrew Games Worth Playing — We track down some of the game industry's most interesting homebrew games from over the years|work=1Up.com|publisher=IGN Entertainment|date=April 29, 2011|pages=1–6|access-date=2023-07-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625150200/http://www.1up.com/features/31-homebrew-games-worth-playing?pager.offset=4|archive-date=2016-06-25|url-status=dead}} Lamenting its limited release, HobbyConsolas identified it as one of the twenty best games for the Jaguar.{{cite web|last=Alonso|first=Álvaro|url=https://www.hobbyconsolas.com/reportajes/20-mejores-juegos-atari-jaguar-60844|title=Reportaje: Los 20 mejores juegos de Atari Jaguar|work=HobbyConsolas|publisher=Axel Springer SE|date=December 18, 2013|access-date=2023-07-12|language=es|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131221194911/https://www.hobbyconsolas.com/reportajes/20-mejores-juegos-atari-jaguar-60844|archive-date=2013-12-21|url-status=live}} In 2023, Time Extension also listed BattleSphere as one of the best games on Jaguar.{{cite web|last=McFerran|first=Damien|url=https://www.timeextension.com/guides/best-atari-jaguar-games|title=Best Atari Jaguar Games - Roar-some 64-bit power|work=Time Extension|publisher=Hookshot Media|date=July 7, 2023|access-date=2023-07-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707181323/https://www.timeextension.com/guides/best-atari-jaguar-games|archive-date=2023-07-07|url-status=live}}
Notes
{{notelist}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{Portal|2000s|United States|Video games}}
- {{Official website|http://www.scatologic.com/}}
{{Homebrew}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:BattleSphere}}
Category:Atari Jaguar-only games
Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games
Category:Post-apocalyptic video games
Category:Science fiction video games
Category:Space combat simulators