Destruction Derby (series)
Encyclopedia
The Destruction Derby series is a collection of video games. They have been published by a number of companies, including Studio 33
, Psygnosis, THQ
, and Reflections Interactive
.
The first game in the series was Destruction Derby
, which was released in 1995.
by Reflections
and published
by Psygnosis, the former of which would later develop the successful Driver
series. It was released for PlayStation
, Sega Saturn
, and MS-DOS
(PC
). Based around the real-life sport of demolition derby
driving, the game involves wrecking other cars
for point
s, or driving a simple stock car
race around one of five tracks. Though simplistic in its aims, the game achieved popularity and was one of the first games to achieve platinum sales on the PlayStation console. The game was given a name change just two months prior to its release in October 1995; it was originally called Demolish 'em Derby
The game is currently available on the PlayStation Network for PSP
and PlayStation 3
download.
The popularity of the game resulted in a 1996 follow-up, Destruction Derby 2
, released for PlayStation and MS-DOS, 1999's Destruction Derby 64 for Nintendo 64
, and further games for the PlayStation and PlayStation 2
. The games in the Destruction Derby series have led to several attempts by other companies to recreate their success, such as Demolition Racer
by The Pitbull Syndicate (later to become Midway Studios Newcastle
), and Bugbear Entertainment
's FlatOut
series.
and PC
, developed by Reflections Interactive
. A version for the Sega Saturn
was also planned and developed, but never released.
In Destruction Derby 2 the player must race on up to seven different circuits, in a range of modes, similar to its predecessor. The key changes introduced in this sequel were a wider variety of tracks, and the ability of cars to flip over and jump. Commentator Paul Page
performed as the announcer, shouting small phrases during moments of impact, such as; "Yeah!!" and "Go easy on the paintwork!".
Destruction Derby 2 was added to the PlayStation Platinum range
in 1997. Originally the game was released in a double-CD cover (even though the game was only on one CD), but the platinum range version was released in an ordinary PlayStation cover.
version of the first game in the series. It is graphically and technically superior to its PlayStation counterpart, with more cars, brighter and more detailed graphics, and expanded crash damage graphics, including the hoods and trunks of cars flying off in hard collisions.
The cars that the player starts out with are rather basic generic saloons painted up for racing and smashing. As the game progresses through the championships, the player is awarded bonus vehicles, such as a black Hot rod
with flames and a blue Ford Mustang GT hybrid called the 'Blue Demon'.
, but this is the only recorded illustration of the cancelled game.
and is considered the fifth installment of the series. It was developed by Studio 33
and was first released in 2000.
. It was developed by Studio 33
and published by Gathering of Developers
. It was released on 1 April 2004.
The game is notable for being one of the first PS2 games that allowed online play. Whilst it was the first title of the Destruction Derby series released for the PS2, the game was met with generally low reception in comparison to its predecessors, due to its deviation away from realism and reliance on a more cartoonish tone.
Due to poor sales, it was the last game of the Destruction Derby series, but the car crashing genre still continued with the likes of Flatout
, which arguably could be the spiritual successor of Destruction Derby.
Studio 33
Studio 33 was a game developer from Liverpool, UK. It was once partly owned by Psygnosis, making Newman-Haas Racing, Formula One 99, Formula One 2000, Formula One 2001 and Destruction Derby Raw for the PlayStation, and Destruction Derby Arenas for the PlayStation 2.In 1993, SCEE bought out...
, Psygnosis, THQ
THQ
THQ Inc. is an American developer and publisher of video games. Founded in 1989 in the United States, the company develops products for video game consoles, handheld game systems, as well as for personal computers and wireless devices...
, and Reflections Interactive
Reflections Interactive
Ubisoft Reflections Ltd., formerly known as Reflections Interactive, is a video game developer based in Newcastle, United Kingdom. The studio focuses on racing games and it is best known for creating the award winning Driver series.-History:...
.
The first game in the series was Destruction Derby
Destruction Derby
Destruction Derby is a 1995 video game developed by Reflections and published by Psygnosis, the former of which would later develop the successful Driver series. It was released for PlayStation, Sega Saturn, and MS-DOS...
, which was released in 1995.
Destruction Derby
Destruction Derby is a 1995 video game developedVideo game developer
A video game developer is a software developer that creates video games. A developer may specialize in a certain video game console, such as Nintendo's Wii, Microsoft's Xbox 360, Sony's PlayStation 3, or may develop for a variety of systems, including personal computers.Most developers also...
by Reflections
Reflections Interactive
Ubisoft Reflections Ltd., formerly known as Reflections Interactive, is a video game developer based in Newcastle, United Kingdom. The studio focuses on racing games and it is best known for creating the award winning Driver series.-History:...
and published
Video game publisher
A video game publisher is a company that publishes video games that they have either developed internally or have had developed by a video game developer....
by Psygnosis, the former of which would later develop the successful Driver
Driver (series)
Driver is a series of mission-based driving video games developed by Reflections Interactive , and originally published by GT Interactive and later by Atari. The gameplay consists of a mixture of action, driving, and third-person shooting in open world environments...
series. It was released for PlayStation
PlayStation
The is a 32-bit fifth-generation video game console first released by Sony Computer Entertainment in Japan on December 3, .The PlayStation was the first of the PlayStation series of consoles and handheld game devices. The PlayStation 2 was the console's successor in 2000...
, Sega Saturn
Sega Saturn
The is a 32-bit fifth-generation video game console that was first released by Sega on November 22, 1994 in Japan, May 11, 1995 in North America, and July 8, 1995 in Europe...
, and MS-DOS
MS-DOS
MS-DOS is an operating system for x86-based personal computers. It was the most commonly used member of the DOS family of operating systems, and was the main operating system for IBM PC compatible personal computers during the 1980s to the mid 1990s, until it was gradually superseded by operating...
(PC
IBM PC compatible
IBM PC compatible computers are those generally similar to the original IBM PC, XT, and AT. Such computers used to be referred to as PC clones, or IBM clones since they almost exactly duplicated all the significant features of the PC architecture, facilitated by various manufacturers' ability to...
). Based around the real-life sport of demolition derby
Demolition derby
Demolition derby is a motorsport usually presented at county fairs and festivals. While rules vary from event to event, the typical demolition derby event consists of five or more drivers competing by deliberately ramming their vehicles into one another...
driving, the game involves wrecking other cars
Automobile
An automobile, autocar, motor car or car is a wheeled motor vehicle used for transporting passengers, which also carries its own engine or motor...
for point
Score (gaming)
In games, score refers to an abstract quantity associated with a player or team. Score is usually measured in the abstract unit of points, and events in the game can raise or lower the score of different parties...
s, or driving a simple stock car
Stock car racing
Stock car racing is a form of automobile racing found mainly in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Great Britain, Brazil and Argentina. Traditionally, races are run on oval tracks measuring approximately in length...
race around one of five tracks. Though simplistic in its aims, the game achieved popularity and was one of the first games to achieve platinum sales on the PlayStation console. The game was given a name change just two months prior to its release in October 1995; it was originally called Demolish 'em Derby
The game is currently available on the PlayStation Network for PSP
PSP
PSP most commonly refers to the PlayStation Portable, a handheld game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment.PSP may also refer to:-Computing and programming:*Corel Paint Shop Pro, a graphics editor...
and PlayStation 3
PlayStation 3
The is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment and the successor to the PlayStation 2 as part of the PlayStation series. The PlayStation 3 competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
download.
The popularity of the game resulted in a 1996 follow-up, Destruction Derby 2
Destruction Derby 2
Destruction Derby 2 is a video game released in October 1996 for the PlayStation and Microsoft Windows, developed by Reflections Interactive. A version for the Sega Saturn was also planned and developed by Probe Entertainment, but was never released....
, released for PlayStation and MS-DOS, 1999's Destruction Derby 64 for Nintendo 64
Nintendo 64
The , often referred to as N64, was Nintendo′s third home video game console for the international market. Named for its 64-bit CPU, it was released in June 1996 in Japan, September 1996 in North America, March 1997 in Europe and Australia, September 1997 in France and December 1997 in Brazil...
, and further games for the PlayStation and PlayStation 2
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan...
. The games in the Destruction Derby series have led to several attempts by other companies to recreate their success, such as Demolition Racer
Demolition Racer
Demolition Racer was a game developed by Pitbull Syndicate and published by Infogrames. It is a racing game that combines destruction and driving tactics in a fast paced racing environment...
by The Pitbull Syndicate (later to become Midway Studios Newcastle
Midway Games
Midway Games, Inc. is an American company that was formerly a major video game publisher. Following a bankruptcy filing in 2009, it is no longer active and is in the process of liquidating all of its assets. Midway's titles included Mortal Kombat, Ms.Pac-Man, Spy Hunter, Tron, Rampage, the...
), and Bugbear Entertainment
Bugbear Entertainment
Bugbear Entertainment Ltd. is a Finnish video game company. It was established in March, 2000 and employed 40 employees as in 2007. The company solely focuses on various kinds of racing games.- Released games :- Upcoming games :...
's FlatOut
FlatOut
FlatOut is a racing video game developed by Finnish Bugbear Entertainment and published by Empire Interactive and Vivendi Universal Games in 2004 and 2005. Gameplay in Flatout places emphasis on demolition derby-style races, and features a sophisticated physics engine...
series.
Destruction Derby 2
Destruction Derby 2 was released in 1996 for the PlayStationPlayStation
The is a 32-bit fifth-generation video game console first released by Sony Computer Entertainment in Japan on December 3, .The PlayStation was the first of the PlayStation series of consoles and handheld game devices. The PlayStation 2 was the console's successor in 2000...
and PC
Personal computer
A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end-user with no intervening computer operator...
, developed by Reflections Interactive
Reflections Interactive
Ubisoft Reflections Ltd., formerly known as Reflections Interactive, is a video game developer based in Newcastle, United Kingdom. The studio focuses on racing games and it is best known for creating the award winning Driver series.-History:...
. A version for the Sega Saturn
Sega Saturn
The is a 32-bit fifth-generation video game console that was first released by Sega on November 22, 1994 in Japan, May 11, 1995 in North America, and July 8, 1995 in Europe...
was also planned and developed, but never released.
In Destruction Derby 2 the player must race on up to seven different circuits, in a range of modes, similar to its predecessor. The key changes introduced in this sequel were a wider variety of tracks, and the ability of cars to flip over and jump. Commentator Paul Page
Paul Page
Paul Page is an American motorsports broadcaster who was the lead announcer for ABC Sports' coverage of CART and the IRL from 1988 to 2004. He currently is the lead announcer for NHRA.-Early life and career:...
performed as the announcer, shouting small phrases during moments of impact, such as; "Yeah!!" and "Go easy on the paintwork!".
Destruction Derby 2 was added to the PlayStation Platinum range
Platinum range
The Platinum Range is a Sony PlayStation budget range in the PAL regions, notably Europe , Australia, New Zealand, India, and Africa...
in 1997. Originally the game was released in a double-CD cover (even though the game was only on one CD), but the platinum range version was released in an ordinary PlayStation cover.
Destruction Derby 64
Destruction Derby 64 is the Nintendo 64Nintendo 64
The , often referred to as N64, was Nintendo′s third home video game console for the international market. Named for its 64-bit CPU, it was released in June 1996 in Japan, September 1996 in North America, March 1997 in Europe and Australia, September 1997 in France and December 1997 in Brazil...
version of the first game in the series. It is graphically and technically superior to its PlayStation counterpart, with more cars, brighter and more detailed graphics, and expanded crash damage graphics, including the hoods and trunks of cars flying off in hard collisions.
The cars that the player starts out with are rather basic generic saloons painted up for racing and smashing. As the game progresses through the championships, the player is awarded bonus vehicles, such as a black Hot rod
Hot rod
Hot rods are typically American cars with large engines modified for linear speed. The origin of the term "hot rod" is unclear. One explanation is that the term is a contraction of "hot roadster," meaning a roadster that was modified for speed. Another possible origin includes modifications to or...
with flames and a blue Ford Mustang GT hybrid called the 'Blue Demon'.
Destruction Derby 3
Destruction Derby 3 was a cancelled game in the series. It was to be released in spring 2000. Several images from a demo were recorded on the first edition of PlayStation Zone Magazine in GermanyGermany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, but this is the only recorded illustration of the cancelled game.
Destruction Derby Raw
Destruction Derby Raw is a game for the PlayStationPlayStation
The is a 32-bit fifth-generation video game console first released by Sony Computer Entertainment in Japan on December 3, .The PlayStation was the first of the PlayStation series of consoles and handheld game devices. The PlayStation 2 was the console's successor in 2000...
and is considered the fifth installment of the series. It was developed by Studio 33
Studio 33
Studio 33 was a game developer from Liverpool, UK. It was once partly owned by Psygnosis, making Newman-Haas Racing, Formula One 99, Formula One 2000, Formula One 2001 and Destruction Derby Raw for the PlayStation, and Destruction Derby Arenas for the PlayStation 2.In 1993, SCEE bought out...
and was first released in 2000.
Destruction Derby Arenas
Destruction Derby Arenas is a video game for the PlayStation 2PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan...
. It was developed by Studio 33
Studio 33
Studio 33 was a game developer from Liverpool, UK. It was once partly owned by Psygnosis, making Newman-Haas Racing, Formula One 99, Formula One 2000, Formula One 2001 and Destruction Derby Raw for the PlayStation, and Destruction Derby Arenas for the PlayStation 2.In 1993, SCEE bought out...
and published by Gathering of Developers
Gathering of Developers
Gathering of Developers was a Texas-based PC and video games publishing company, founded in January 1998 with the mission to bridge the gap between publishers and independent game developers, allowing independent developers creative control over their projects, ownership of their IP, and...
. It was released on 1 April 2004.
The game is notable for being one of the first PS2 games that allowed online play. Whilst it was the first title of the Destruction Derby series released for the PS2, the game was met with generally low reception in comparison to its predecessors, due to its deviation away from realism and reliance on a more cartoonish tone.
Due to poor sales, it was the last game of the Destruction Derby series, but the car crashing genre still continued with the likes of Flatout
FlatOut
FlatOut is a racing video game developed by Finnish Bugbear Entertainment and published by Empire Interactive and Vivendi Universal Games in 2004 and 2005. Gameplay in Flatout places emphasis on demolition derby-style races, and features a sophisticated physics engine...
, which arguably could be the spiritual successor of Destruction Derby.