Unbound Saga
Encyclopedia
Unbound Saga is a 2.5D
side-scrolling beat 'em up
video game developed and published by Vogster Entertainment and also a one-shot comic book published by Dark Horse Comics
. It was released July 16, 2009 for the PlayStation Portable
via the PlayStation Network, and on December 1, 2010 for the Xbox 360
via Xbox Live Arcade
. Unbound Saga is the story of Rick Ajax, a comic book character who is aware he is in a comic. Ajax and fellow comic character Lori Machete seek to confront the artist who created them and be freed from constantly fighting.
The game received moderate reviews from critics, with the PlayStation Portable version averaging 52.60% at GameRankings and 56/100 at Metacritic
. Reviewers felt that the game's art direction was well done, with several reviewers praising the comic-esque cutscenes, as well as the voice acting. Some reviewers felt that the combat lacked polish, and added that the combat and upgrade system lacked depth. Other reviewers lauded the simplicity of combat, likening it to classic beat 'em up titles.
side-scrolling beat 'em up
game. The game is played as though the character is reading a comic book. In individual comic panels the player character fights off his enemies using a combination of three attacks, which can be chained together in combos. When a character is defeated the hand of The Maker appears and draws additional enemies. In order to complete a panel, the player must defeat all the enemies The Maker draws. As a panel is completed, the character jumps to the next one, similar to Comix Zone
. The environment locales vary and include areas such as sewers, city slums, jungles and tundra.
Each of the game's two playable characters has a unique animation set and fighting style. Rick uses a fighting style similar to wrestling and can also pick up and throw enemies. Lori's moveset is more reminiscent of kung fu, and she has the ability to use smoke pellets to sneak up on enemies. Characters moves and abilities can be upgraded to earn and upgrade more powerful attacks. Two players can team up to complete the game on the Xbox 360, each taking a respective character. Objects can also be picked up and thrown. These objects decay into smaller objects after each use.
at New York Comic-Con
2009. It was released July 16, 2009. On April 23, 2010, Vogster announced that the game was being ported to the Xbox 360
. The port was announced to have cooperative gameplay
, a feature absent from the PSP version. It was subsequently released on Xbox Live Arcade
on December 1, 2010. In an interview with Mike Kennedy from Vogster Entertainment Kennedy stated the game was influenced by Final Fight
and Streets of Rage
.
The art for the in-game cutscenes was done by Cliff Richards
. A one-shot comic book was also created and published by Dark Horse Comics
in conjunction with the game. Richards also created all of the art for the comic book. Mike Kennedy stated in an interview at St. Louis Comic-Con
2009 that the game and the comic had always been developed as one, rather than one being an adaptation of the other. The comic was launched on July 1, 2009. Limited edition figurines were also created to promote the game and comic book launch.
. GameRankings and Metacritic report similar numbers for the Xbox 360 verision of the game, with aggregate scores of 55.86% and 52/100, respectively. Scores across both versions of the game ranged from a 30% approval rating from Kristan Reed of Eurogamer
to a 75% approval rating from Jim Sterling and Nick Chester of Destructoid
. The Xbox 360 version moved over 3,900 units during the month of its release.
Reviewers had mixed views on Unbound Sagas gameplay. The reviewer from Spazio Games, an Italian gaming site, compared the game to Double Dragon
and Final Fight
. The reviewer felt that the game felt rushed, and this affected gameplay. Carolyn Petit of GameSpot
was more critical of the game, calling it "dull" and "mindless. IGN
's Greg Miller noted the inclusion of combos and upgradeable character statistics, but felt that they "never really amplify the fun in alternating between punch and kick." Destructoid's Jim Sterling noted "While there are more complex combos to unlock during the course of the game, the meat and potatoes of Unbound Saga is the endless hammering buttons to punch, kick and throw enemies around each level." Co-reviewer Nick Chester called it "classic beat-’em-up game". Although giving the simple gameplay high marks, Chester felt that the PSP version of the game should have received cooperative play. Mike Jackson of GamesRadar
appreciated the addition of cooperative gameplay on the Xbox 360 version, but wished players could join or leave on the fly
.
Critics were universal in praising the comic book art and voice acting present in the game's cutscenes. The reviewer from Spazio Games felt the cutscenes were well crafted and professionally done. GameSpot's Carolyn Petit stated that the "cutscenes are the game's high point and feature gorgeous comic-book artwork", and added "the voice actors do a fine job". Destructoid's Jim Sterling called the visuals "gritty comic book feel that doesn't look obtusely cel-shaded" and added "the voice talent is damn good as well". Nick Chester agreed with his co-reviewer and added "without a doubt, the game’s animated comics-brought-to-life cut-scenes are absolutely marvelous." GamesRadar's Mike Jackson enjoyed the character's one-liners
. He stated it was "pretty amusing with a tinge of adult humor." He also felt that the plot was well written, that the characters were instantly likable, and that the game had a "great comic book style." Brian Rowe of GameZone
was surprisingly pleased with the game's soundtrack, and called it "unusually cool."
2.5D
2.5D , 3/4 perspective and pseudo-3D are terms used to describe either:* 2D graphical projections and techniques which cause a series of images or scenes to fake or appear to be three-dimensional when in fact they are not, or* gameplay in an otherwise three-dimensional video game that is...
side-scrolling beat 'em up
Beat 'em up
Beat 'em up is a video game genre featuring melee combat between the protagonist and a large number of underpowered antagonists. These games typically take place in urban settings and feature crime-fighting and revenge-based plots, though some games may employ historical or fantasy themes...
video game developed and published by Vogster Entertainment and also a one-shot comic book published by Dark Horse Comics
Dark Horse Comics
Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent American comic book and manga publisher.Dark Horse Comics was founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson in Milwaukie, Oregon, with the concept of establishing an ideal atmosphere for creative professionals. Richardson started out by opening his first comic book...
. It was released July 16, 2009 for the PlayStation Portable
PlayStation Portable
The is a handheld game console manufactured and marketed by Sony Corporation Development of the console was announced during E3 2003, and it was unveiled on , 2004, at a Sony press conference before E3 2004...
via the PlayStation Network, and on December 1, 2010 for the Xbox 360
Xbox 360
The Xbox 360 is the second video game console produced by Microsoft and the successor to the Xbox. The Xbox 360 competes with Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
via Xbox Live Arcade
Xbox Live Arcade
Xbox Live Arcade is a type of video game download distribution available primarily in a section of the Xbox Live Marketplace, Microsoft's digital distribution network for the Xbox 360, that focuses on smaller downloadable games from both major publishers and independent game developers...
. Unbound Saga is the story of Rick Ajax, a comic book character who is aware he is in a comic. Ajax and fellow comic character Lori Machete seek to confront the artist who created them and be freed from constantly fighting.
The game received moderate reviews from critics, with the PlayStation Portable version averaging 52.60% at GameRankings and 56/100 at Metacritic
Metacritic
Metacritic.com is a website that collates reviews of music albums, games, movies, TV shows and DVDs. For each product, a numerical score from each review is obtained and the total is averaged. An excerpt of each review is provided along with a hyperlink to the source. Three colour codes of Green,...
. Reviewers felt that the game's art direction was well done, with several reviewers praising the comic-esque cutscenes, as well as the voice acting. Some reviewers felt that the combat lacked polish, and added that the combat and upgrade system lacked depth. Other reviewers lauded the simplicity of combat, likening it to classic beat 'em up titles.
Gameplay
Unbound Saga is a 2.5D2.5D
2.5D , 3/4 perspective and pseudo-3D are terms used to describe either:* 2D graphical projections and techniques which cause a series of images or scenes to fake or appear to be three-dimensional when in fact they are not, or* gameplay in an otherwise three-dimensional video game that is...
side-scrolling beat 'em up
Beat 'em up
Beat 'em up is a video game genre featuring melee combat between the protagonist and a large number of underpowered antagonists. These games typically take place in urban settings and feature crime-fighting and revenge-based plots, though some games may employ historical or fantasy themes...
game. The game is played as though the character is reading a comic book. In individual comic panels the player character fights off his enemies using a combination of three attacks, which can be chained together in combos. When a character is defeated the hand of The Maker appears and draws additional enemies. In order to complete a panel, the player must defeat all the enemies The Maker draws. As a panel is completed, the character jumps to the next one, similar to Comix Zone
Comix Zone
Comix Zone is a arcade-style action game. The game's unique feature is that it is set within the panels of a comic book. Each level consists of two pages and secrets are discovered by shredding the paper and revealing items. The unique dialogue is rendered within talk bubbles with the typical...
. The environment locales vary and include areas such as sewers, city slums, jungles and tundra.
Each of the game's two playable characters has a unique animation set and fighting style. Rick uses a fighting style similar to wrestling and can also pick up and throw enemies. Lori's moveset is more reminiscent of kung fu, and she has the ability to use smoke pellets to sneak up on enemies. Characters moves and abilities can be upgraded to earn and upgrade more powerful attacks. Two players can team up to complete the game on the Xbox 360, each taking a respective character. Objects can also be picked up and thrown. These objects decay into smaller objects after each use.
Synopsis
The game follows Rick Ajax, a bartending comic book character aware of the fact that he is in a comic. He knows of his creator, whom he refers to as The Maker. A second character, Lori Machete, is also available for play. Together they journey through the fictional city of Toxopolis to confront The Maker.Development and marketing
Unbound Saga was first announced by Vogster Entertainment for the PlayStation PortablePlayStation Portable
The is a handheld game console manufactured and marketed by Sony Corporation Development of the console was announced during E3 2003, and it was unveiled on , 2004, at a Sony press conference before E3 2004...
at New York Comic-Con
New York Comic-Con
The New York Comic Con is an annual New York City fan convention dedicated to comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, toys, movies, and television.-History:The first event was held in 2006 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center...
2009. It was released July 16, 2009. On April 23, 2010, Vogster announced that the game was being ported to the Xbox 360
Xbox 360
The Xbox 360 is the second video game console produced by Microsoft and the successor to the Xbox. The Xbox 360 competes with Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
. The port was announced to have cooperative gameplay
Cooperative gameplay
Cooperative gameplay is a feature in video games that allows players to work together as teammates. It is distinct from other multiplayer modes, such as competitive multiplayer modes like player versus player or deathmatch...
, a feature absent from the PSP version. It was subsequently released on Xbox Live Arcade
Xbox Live Arcade
Xbox Live Arcade is a type of video game download distribution available primarily in a section of the Xbox Live Marketplace, Microsoft's digital distribution network for the Xbox 360, that focuses on smaller downloadable games from both major publishers and independent game developers...
on December 1, 2010. In an interview with Mike Kennedy from Vogster Entertainment Kennedy stated the game was influenced by Final Fight
Final Fight
is a side-scrolling beat-'em-up game originally released by Capcom as a coin-operated video game in . It was the seventh game released by Capcom for their CP System arcade game hardware...
and Streets of Rage
Streets of Rage
Streets of Rage, known in Japan as , is a side-scrolling beat 'em up released by Sega in 1991 for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. It is the first installment of the Streets of Rage series which was followed by Streets of Rage 2 and Streets of Rage 3. The game was also converted over to Sega's Game...
.
The art for the in-game cutscenes was done by Cliff Richards
Cliff Richards
Cliff Richards is a comic book artist.-Biography:Richards is best known as the penciller of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer monthly series from Dark Horse Comics, as well as the artist on the Buffy limited series, Haunted...
. A one-shot comic book was also created and published by Dark Horse Comics
Dark Horse Comics
Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent American comic book and manga publisher.Dark Horse Comics was founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson in Milwaukie, Oregon, with the concept of establishing an ideal atmosphere for creative professionals. Richardson started out by opening his first comic book...
in conjunction with the game. Richards also created all of the art for the comic book. Mike Kennedy stated in an interview at St. Louis Comic-Con
Comic-Con
Comic-Con, Comic Con or ComiCon may refer to any of the following Comic book conventions, none of them affiliated to any other:*San Diego Comic-Con International, annual fan convention in San Diego held since 1970, also known as Comic-Con or San Diego Comic-Con*Dallas Comic Con, annual fan...
2009 that the game and the comic had always been developed as one, rather than one being an adaptation of the other. The comic was launched on July 1, 2009. Limited edition figurines were also created to promote the game and comic book launch.
Reception
Unbound Saga received mixed reviews from critics. The game holds a score of 52.60% for the PSP at GameRankings and 56/100 for the PSP at MetacriticMetacritic
Metacritic.com is a website that collates reviews of music albums, games, movies, TV shows and DVDs. For each product, a numerical score from each review is obtained and the total is averaged. An excerpt of each review is provided along with a hyperlink to the source. Three colour codes of Green,...
. GameRankings and Metacritic report similar numbers for the Xbox 360 verision of the game, with aggregate scores of 55.86% and 52/100, respectively. Scores across both versions of the game ranged from a 30% approval rating from Kristan Reed of Eurogamer
Eurogamer
Eurogamer is a Brighton-based website focused on video games news, reviews, previews and interviews. It is operated by Eurogamer Network Ltd., which was formed in 1999 by brothers Rupert and Nick Loman. Eurogamer has grown to become one of the most important European-based websites focused on...
to a 75% approval rating from Jim Sterling and Nick Chester of Destructoid
Destructoid
Destructoid is an independent video game-focused blog based in San Francisco, California that was founded in March 2006. It has since grown into one of the most widely read video game sites on the Internet, reaching more than 3 million unique visitors per month...
. The Xbox 360 version moved over 3,900 units during the month of its release.
Reviewers had mixed views on Unbound Sagas gameplay. The reviewer from Spazio Games, an Italian gaming site, compared the game to Double Dragon
Double Dragon
is a classic beat 'em up video game series initially developed by Technos Japan Corporation, who also developed the Kunio-kun series ....
and Final Fight
Final Fight
is a side-scrolling beat-'em-up game originally released by Capcom as a coin-operated video game in . It was the seventh game released by Capcom for their CP System arcade game hardware...
. The reviewer felt that the game felt rushed, and this affected gameplay. Carolyn Petit of GameSpot
GameSpot
GameSpot is a video gaming website that provides news, reviews, previews, downloads, and other information. The site was launched in May 1, 1996 by Pete Deemer, Vince Broady and Jon Epstein. It was purchased by ZDNet, a brand which was later purchased by CNET Networks. CBS Interactive, which...
was more critical of the game, calling it "dull" and "mindless. IGN
IGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
's Greg Miller noted the inclusion of combos and upgradeable character statistics, but felt that they "never really amplify the fun in alternating between punch and kick." Destructoid's Jim Sterling noted "While there are more complex combos to unlock during the course of the game, the meat and potatoes of Unbound Saga is the endless hammering buttons to punch, kick and throw enemies around each level." Co-reviewer Nick Chester called it "classic beat-’em-up game". Although giving the simple gameplay high marks, Chester felt that the PSP version of the game should have received cooperative play. Mike Jackson of GamesRadar
GamesRadar
GamesRadar is a multi-format video game website featuring regular news, previews, reviews, videos, and guides. It is owned and operated simultaneously in the UK and US by worldwide publisher Future Publishing...
appreciated the addition of cooperative gameplay on the Xbox 360 version, but wished players could join or leave on the fly
On the fly
-Colloquial usage:In colloquial use, on the fly means something created when needed. The phrase is used to mean:# something that was not planned ahead# changes that are made during the execution of same activity: ex tempore, impromptu.-Automotive usage:...
.
Critics were universal in praising the comic book art and voice acting present in the game's cutscenes. The reviewer from Spazio Games felt the cutscenes were well crafted and professionally done. GameSpot's Carolyn Petit stated that the "cutscenes are the game's high point and feature gorgeous comic-book artwork", and added "the voice actors do a fine job". Destructoid's Jim Sterling called the visuals "gritty comic book feel that doesn't look obtusely cel-shaded" and added "the voice talent is damn good as well". Nick Chester agreed with his co-reviewer and added "without a doubt, the game’s animated comics-brought-to-life cut-scenes are absolutely marvelous." GamesRadar's Mike Jackson enjoyed the character's one-liners
One-liner joke
A one-liner is a joke that is delivered in a single line. A good one-liner is said to be pithy.Comedians and actors use this comedic method as part of their act, e.g...
. He stated it was "pretty amusing with a tinge of adult humor." He also felt that the plot was well written, that the characters were instantly likable, and that the game had a "great comic book style." Brian Rowe of GameZone
GameZone
GameZone is an American multiplatform video game website. GameZone's daily coverage includes reviews, previews, news, hints & cheats, and editorials. Additionally, GameZone offers downloads, a child-targeted website and in association with GameStop, hosts GZGameShop, an online retailer...
was surprisingly pleased with the game's soundtrack, and called it "unusually cool."