Vigilante 8 Arcade
Encyclopedia
Vigilante 8 Arcade is a vehicular combat video game
developed by Isopod Labs and published by Activision
. It was announced February 14, 2008 and released on November 5, 2008 for Xbox Live Arcade
on the Xbox 360
. Isopod Labs was formed by three former members of Luxoflux
, developer of the original Vigilante 8 series. A remake of Vigilante 8
with some elements of the sequel
also included, Vigilante 8 Arcade features online play for up to eight players.
V8 Arcade received mixed reviews. Aggregate scores average 58 out of 100 at Metacritic
and 59% at GameRankings. Reviewers were divided, multiple reviewers felt the game was a good fit for Xbox Live, with one reviewer calling it "a glorious throwback to a simpler age in gaming." Others praised the game's online multiplayer component and the game's salvage upgrade system. Some reviewers, however, felt that the vehicle physics were poor.
in which vehicles are outfitted with weaponry to combat opponents. Each vehicle is equipped with machine guns and one special attack that is unique to that vehicle. Weapon powerups are littered throughout each map and can range from heat seeking missiles to mines. Each can be fired in a total of four ways, the weapon's standard operation and via three specialized, more powerful attacks unique to that weapon. The game uses a salvage point upgrade system similar to Vigilante 8: Second Offense
, meaning that vehicles can be upgraded by picking up salvage point icons dropped by enemies.
V8 Arcade features four single player game modes. In Quest mode, players choose a character and play through the game from that character's perspective, learning about the character's background as the game progresses. In Quick Battle players are given and random vehicle to combat against random enemies until the player is either dead or victorious. Custom Battle is similar, but allows the players to choose both the characters and the arena to play in. Free Wheelin' is a mode with no AI that allows the players to drive around the environment, searching for secrets and learning the layout. Multiplayer can be played with up to four players via splitscreen, Xbox Live or in any combination of the two. It features two modes, Deathmatch
, which pits all players against each other, and Team Co-Op
, where all human players work together against AI opponents.
The game includes five levels, each inspired by original Vigilante 8 and Vigilante 8: Second Offense levels, but with modified layouts. Some of the game's levels are inspired by multiple levels from the previous games, melded together to create a new environment. Two additional levels are available via downloadable content
. The first, Stunt Track, is a circular track that has ramps, loops and other daredevil-esque hazards. The second, Garage, is an oversized level set in a giant garage, making vehicles the size of an RC car.
in the 1970s. The United States was on the verge of economic breakdown, with crime, strikes and riots rampant. All available law enforcement were called to the major cities, which left the countryside and outlands vulnerable. A foreign multinational oil consortium, Oil Monopoly Alliance Regime (OMAR), sought to monopolize the world oil trade. OMAR hired professional terrorist Sid Burn to wreak havoc and destroy the US economy. Sid organized a group of terrorists to help him with his task. Calling themselves the Coyotes, they began to destroy oil refineries, commercial installations and other vital industries throughout the southwestern United States. With law enforcement all in the cities, civilians began to take the law into their own hands. A trucker known as Convoy organized a group to fight against the Coyotes, taking the name of the Vigilante
s. As conditions continued to deteriorate the US government focused all its research and development to that of new military arsenal. The most advanced weaponry, based on alien technology, was located at Site-4
, a secret facility at Papoose Lake
. Word of the facility was leaked to Sid, and the Coyotes ambushed Site-4. As Sid and his gang packed up the weaponry the Vigilantes unexpectedly arrived to stop them. As a result, both parties found themselves in possession of the world's most advanced weaponry.
will be unlocked, playable in all game modes.
Unlockable character
Downloadable character
Isopod Labs' Adrian Stephens added "The certification issue is a tricky one and more could be done to smooth the path towards certification." Vigilante 8 Arcade passed Microsoft's Xbox Live certification on September 24, 2008, and was released November 5, 2008.
Although the cars are mostly based on the original Vigilante 8, the soundtrack is a remixed version of the music from Vigilante 8: 2nd Offense. V8 Arcade supports the Xbox Live Vision camera, allowing players to see their opponents face to face. Developers Isopod Labs also converted the original cars from Vigilante 8 as unlockable bonus content. *J3 Concepts also created a custom theme for the original blades Xbox 360 dashboard. A downloadable content
addon known as the High Octane pack was released on Xbox Live marketplace on December 3, 2008. It features three new characters and two new levels.
. Aggregate scores for the game were mediocre, averaging 59% at GameRankings and 58 out of 100 at Metacritic
.
Reviewers generally remarked on the game's multiplayer as its strong point. OXMUK reviewer Ryan King called V8 Arcade "a glorious throwback to a simpler age in gaming." He further applauded the game's online multiplayer, stating that it was some of the best that Xbox Live Arcade has to offer players. Cheat Code Central
's Jason Lauritzen felt the game was nostalgiac. Nate Ahearn of IGN
welcomed the game's salvage gameplay mechanic while also praising the online multiplayer. Official Xbox Magazine
Mitch Dyer also commented on the strong multiplayer, and added positive remarks on the amount of weaponry and number of firing modes per weapon. TeamXbox
's Tom Price noted the game's "big levels, tons of weapon pickups, and crazy opponents" calling them "simple and effective." Reviewer Andrew Hayward of 1UP.com
stated the game's predecessors "built a solid foundation for taking the series online" adding that the game as fun when "pounding mortar shots and missiles at some unfortunate foe from afar."
Critics were disappointed in the poor controls, gameplay glitches, and game camera issues. Official Xbox Magazines Mitch Dyer commented that the game had "crummy controls" and a poor camera. Reviewer Austin Light of GameSpot
also cited poor controls, physics, and gameplay glitches. Eurogamer
's Dan Whitehead felt the controls were weak in comparison to the original Vigilante 8. He further felt the game did not meet up to its potential. Reviewer Andrew Hayward of 1UP.com
further agreed Eurogamer's Dan Whitehead, stating "sadly [...] most of Vigilante 8: Arcade's issues are technical in nature."
Vigilante 8 Arcade sold over 60,000 copies as of June 2010, and contrary to critical review scores the game averages a 3.75 out of 5 score at xbox.com based on over three thousand votes by the Xbox Live community. Though reviews of the game have been mixed, some reviewers cited its relatively inexpensive 800 Microsoft Point cost as a selling point.
Vehicular combat game
Vehicular combat games are typically video or computer games where the primary focus of play concerns automobiles or other vehicles, normally armed with guns or other weaponry, attempting to destroy vehicles controlled by the CPU or by opposing players...
developed by Isopod Labs and published by Activision
Activision
Activision is an American publisher, majority owned by French conglomerate Vivendi SA. Its current CEO is Robert Kotick. It was founded on October 1, 1979 and was the world's first independent developer and distributor of video games for gaming consoles...
. It was announced February 14, 2008 and released on November 5, 2008 for 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 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...
. Isopod Labs was formed by three former members of Luxoflux
Luxoflux
Luxoflux was an American video game developer. It was founded by Peter Morawiec and Adrian Stephens in January 1997, and was based in Santa Monica, California.-History:...
, developer of the original Vigilante 8 series. A remake of Vigilante 8
Vigilante 8
Vigilante 8 is a vehicular combat video game released on June 4, 1998 for the PlayStation, Nintendo 64, and Game Boy Color. It is a spinoff of the PC game Interstate '76, and features several concepts carried over from that title.Vigilante 8 was developed with a team of only five people Vigilante...
with some elements of the sequel
Vigilante 8: Second Offense
Vigilante 8: 2nd Offense is a vehicular combat video game released for the PlayStation, Dreamcast and the Nintendo 64 on December 1, 1999...
also included, Vigilante 8 Arcade features online play for up to eight players.
V8 Arcade received mixed reviews. Aggregate scores average 58 out of 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,...
and 59% at GameRankings. Reviewers were divided, multiple reviewers felt the game was a good fit for Xbox Live, with one reviewer calling it "a glorious throwback to a simpler age in gaming." Others praised the game's online multiplayer component and the game's salvage upgrade system. Some reviewers, however, felt that the vehicle physics were poor.
Gameplay
Vigilante 8 Arcade is a vehicular combat gameVehicular combat game
Vehicular combat games are typically video or computer games where the primary focus of play concerns automobiles or other vehicles, normally armed with guns or other weaponry, attempting to destroy vehicles controlled by the CPU or by opposing players...
in which vehicles are outfitted with weaponry to combat opponents. Each vehicle is equipped with machine guns and one special attack that is unique to that vehicle. Weapon powerups are littered throughout each map and can range from heat seeking missiles to mines. Each can be fired in a total of four ways, the weapon's standard operation and via three specialized, more powerful attacks unique to that weapon. The game uses a salvage point upgrade system similar to Vigilante 8: Second Offense
Vigilante 8: Second Offense
Vigilante 8: 2nd Offense is a vehicular combat video game released for the PlayStation, Dreamcast and the Nintendo 64 on December 1, 1999...
, meaning that vehicles can be upgraded by picking up salvage point icons dropped by enemies.
V8 Arcade features four single player game modes. In Quest mode, players choose a character and play through the game from that character's perspective, learning about the character's background as the game progresses. In Quick Battle players are given and random vehicle to combat against random enemies until the player is either dead or victorious. Custom Battle is similar, but allows the players to choose both the characters and the arena to play in. Free Wheelin' is a mode with no AI that allows the players to drive around the environment, searching for secrets and learning the layout. Multiplayer can be played with up to four players via splitscreen, Xbox Live or in any combination of the two. It features two modes, Deathmatch
Deathmatch (gaming)
Deathmatch or Player vs All is a widely-used gameplay mode integrated into many shooter and real-time strategy computer games...
, which pits all players against each other, and Team Co-Op
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...
, where all human players work together against AI opponents.
The game includes five levels, each inspired by original Vigilante 8 and Vigilante 8: Second Offense levels, but with modified layouts. Some of the game's levels are inspired by multiple levels from the previous games, melded together to create a new environment. Two additional levels are available via downloadable content
Downloadable content
Downloadable content is official additional content for a video game distributed through the Internet. Downloadable content can be of several types, ranging from a single in-game outfit to an entirely new, extensive storyline, similarly to an expansion pack. As such, DLC may add new game modes,...
. The first, Stunt Track, is a circular track that has ramps, loops and other daredevil-esque hazards. The second, Garage, is an oversized level set in a giant garage, making vehicles the size of an RC car.
Synopsis
V8 Arcade is built around an alternate history, in which there was a serious worldwide oil crisis1973 oil crisis
The 1973 oil crisis started in October 1973, when the members of Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries or the OAPEC proclaimed an oil embargo. This was "in response to the U.S. decision to re-supply the Israeli military" during the Yom Kippur war. It lasted until March 1974. With the...
in the 1970s. The United States was on the verge of economic breakdown, with crime, strikes and riots rampant. All available law enforcement were called to the major cities, which left the countryside and outlands vulnerable. A foreign multinational oil consortium, Oil Monopoly Alliance Regime (OMAR), sought to monopolize the world oil trade. OMAR hired professional terrorist Sid Burn to wreak havoc and destroy the US economy. Sid organized a group of terrorists to help him with his task. Calling themselves the Coyotes, they began to destroy oil refineries, commercial installations and other vital industries throughout the southwestern United States. With law enforcement all in the cities, civilians began to take the law into their own hands. A trucker known as Convoy organized a group to fight against the Coyotes, taking the name of the Vigilante
Vigilante
A vigilante is a private individual who legally or illegally punishes an alleged lawbreaker, or participates in a group which metes out extralegal punishment to an alleged lawbreaker....
s. As conditions continued to deteriorate the US government focused all its research and development to that of new military arsenal. The most advanced weaponry, based on alien technology, was located at Site-4
S-4 (Sector Four)
S-4 is an alleged military base said to be near Papoose Lake, supposedly hidden under the Papoose Range within Nevada's Nellis Air Force Range at Area 51. The site is protected from all view, as it is located within a valley...
, a secret facility at Papoose Lake
Papoose Lake
Papoose Lake is a dry lake bed located in Lincoln County, Nevada, USA. The lake lies within the plot of land referred to as the Groom Lake facility and is a restricted area. The lake is located a few miles Southwest of the Groom lake facility nestled adjacent the Papoose Range....
. Word of the facility was leaked to Sid, and the Coyotes ambushed Site-4. As Sid and his gang packed up the weaponry the Vigilantes unexpectedly arrived to stop them. As a result, both parties found themselves in possession of the world's most advanced weaponry.
Characters
Eight characters are available at the start of the game, similar to the original Vigilante 8, each with five different colors to choose from.. There is also one unlockable character, and downloadable content featuring more characters. Once a character has completed the story mode, the original Vigilante 8 vehicle model from the PlayStation gameVigilante 8
Vigilante 8 is a vehicular combat video game released on June 4, 1998 for the PlayStation, Nintendo 64, and Game Boy Color. It is a spinoff of the PC game Interstate '76, and features several concepts carried over from that title.Vigilante 8 was developed with a team of only five people Vigilante...
will be unlocked, playable in all game modes.
| Vigilantes | |
|---|---|
|
|
| Coyotes | |
|
|
|
| Unaligned | |
|
|
|
Unlockable character
Downloadable character
Development and marketing
Vigilante 8 Arcade was announced on February 14, 2008. The game's developer, Isopod Labs, consists of three key individuals responsible for much of the production of the original Vigilante 8. The studio consisted of just six individuals and a small number of art contractors, and the title's development was self-funded. Isopod Labs originally looked to a June 2008 release, however the game was not originally submitted for Xbox Live certification until August 12, 2008. Testers found issues on Microsoft's end in relation to the QNet code library. The issue was resolved by both parties and the game was sent back to Microsoft for resubmission. "We certainly wish it was a quicker process," said Isopod Labs, "but this is how the cookie crumbles — not much else to do, but wait." In a post-release interview with JoystiqJoystiq
Joystiq is a video gaming blog founded in June 2004 that has since become one of the most successful sites within the Weblogs, Inc. family of weblogs. It is the centerpiece of WIN's own network of video gaming blogs, which also includes a blog dealing specifically with the popular MMORPG World of...
Isopod Labs' Adrian Stephens added "The certification issue is a tricky one and more could be done to smooth the path towards certification." Vigilante 8 Arcade passed Microsoft's Xbox Live certification on September 24, 2008, and was released November 5, 2008.
Although the cars are mostly based on the original Vigilante 8, the soundtrack is a remixed version of the music from Vigilante 8: 2nd Offense. V8 Arcade supports the Xbox Live Vision camera, allowing players to see their opponents face to face. Developers Isopod Labs also converted the original cars from Vigilante 8 as unlockable bonus content. *J3 Concepts also created a custom theme for the original blades Xbox 360 dashboard. A downloadable content
Downloadable content
Downloadable content is official additional content for a video game distributed through the Internet. Downloadable content can be of several types, ranging from a single in-game outfit to an entirely new, extensive storyline, similarly to an expansion pack. As such, DLC may add new game modes,...
addon known as the High Octane pack was released on Xbox Live marketplace on December 3, 2008. It features three new characters and two new levels.
Reception
Vigilante 8 Arcade received mixed reviews from critics, but was received as mediocre overall. Reviewer scores varied greatly, from a 25% approval rating by Gaming Nexus to an 80% approval rating given by Official Xbox Magazine UK (OXMUK)Official Xbox Magazine
Official Xbox Magazine is a monthly video game magazine which started in November 2001 around the launch of the original Xbox. A preview issue was released for E3 2001, with another preview issue for November 2001. The magazine is bundled with a disc that includes game demos, preview videos and...
. Aggregate scores for the game were mediocre, averaging 59% at GameRankings and 58 out of 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 generally remarked on the game's multiplayer as its strong point. OXMUK reviewer Ryan King called V8 Arcade "a glorious throwback to a simpler age in gaming." He further applauded the game's online multiplayer, stating that it was some of the best that Xbox Live Arcade has to offer players. Cheat Code Central
Cheat Code Central
Cheat Code Central is a video game website primarily known for its extensive list of cheat codes. Cheat Code Central, also known as CCC and CheatCC, offers previews, reviews, news, and various articles on the gaming industry...
's Jason Lauritzen felt the game was nostalgiac. Nate Ahearn of 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...
welcomed the game's salvage gameplay mechanic while also praising the online multiplayer. Official Xbox Magazine
Official Xbox Magazine
Official Xbox Magazine is a monthly video game magazine which started in November 2001 around the launch of the original Xbox. A preview issue was released for E3 2001, with another preview issue for November 2001. The magazine is bundled with a disc that includes game demos, preview videos and...
Mitch Dyer also commented on the strong multiplayer, and added positive remarks on the amount of weaponry and number of firing modes per weapon. TeamXbox
TeamXbox
TeamXbox is a gaming media web site dedicated to Microsoft's Xbox and Xbox 360 platforms. While the majority of content is Xbox and Xbox 360 related, the site occasionally covers general technology and other video game news....
's Tom Price noted the game's "big levels, tons of weapon pickups, and crazy opponents" calling them "simple and effective." Reviewer Andrew Hayward of 1UP.com
1UP.com
1UP.com is a video game website owned by IGN Entertainment, a division of News Corporation. Previously, the site was owned by Ziff Davis before being sold to UGO Entertainment in 2009....
stated the game's predecessors "built a solid foundation for taking the series online" adding that the game as fun when "pounding mortar shots and missiles at some unfortunate foe from afar."
Critics were disappointed in the poor controls, gameplay glitches, and game camera issues. Official Xbox Magazines Mitch Dyer commented that the game had "crummy controls" and a poor camera. Reviewer Austin Light 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...
also cited poor controls, physics, and gameplay glitches. 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...
's Dan Whitehead felt the controls were weak in comparison to the original Vigilante 8. He further felt the game did not meet up to its potential. Reviewer Andrew Hayward of 1UP.com
1UP.com
1UP.com is a video game website owned by IGN Entertainment, a division of News Corporation. Previously, the site was owned by Ziff Davis before being sold to UGO Entertainment in 2009....
further agreed Eurogamer's Dan Whitehead, stating "sadly [...] most of Vigilante 8: Arcade's issues are technical in nature."
Vigilante 8 Arcade sold over 60,000 copies as of June 2010, and contrary to critical review scores the game averages a 3.75 out of 5 score at xbox.com based on over three thousand votes by the Xbox Live community. Though reviews of the game have been mixed, some reviewers cited its relatively inexpensive 800 Microsoft Point cost as a selling point.