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Magnetica

Topic: Software

 From HandWiki - Reading time: 10 min

Magnetica
Developer(s)Mitchell Corporation
Publisher(s)Nintendo
Director(s)Satoru Tsujita
Composer(s)Toshiyuki Sudo
Platform(s)Nintendo DS, Wii (WiiWare)
Release
Genre(s)Puzzle
Mode(s)Single player, multiplayer

Magnetica (known in Japan as Shunkan Puzzloop (瞬感パズループ, Shunkan Pazurūpu) and in Europe as Actionloop) is a puzzle video game for the Nintendo DS, released as part of the Touch! Generations series. The game was developed by Mitchell Corporation and published by Nintendo, and is based on Mitchell's 1998 arcade game Puzz Loop.[1]

The game was first revealed at Nintendo Japan's 2006 Conference. The European version came packaged with the Nintendo DS Rumble Pak.

A version for WiiWare, titled Minna de Puzzloop (みんなでパズループ, Minna de Pazurūpu) in Japan, Magnetica Twist in North America and Actionloop Twist in PAL regions, was released in Japan on April 22, 2008,[2] June 6, 2008 in Europe,[3] and on June 30, 2008 in North America.[4]

Gameplay

In the game, marbles roll down a twisted path toward the goal and the player must stop them by launching new marbles into the oncoming ones. The DS touchscreen is used to 'flick' the marbles from their launch point to their destination with the stylus. The marbles disappear if player matches three or more marbles of the same type; marbles of the same color are magnetically attracted to each other over any length of wide open space, and allowing for chains of disappearances to occur.

The game is over if any marble reaches a specific point, usually near the center of each level, but using the magnetic properties of the marbles can allow one to pull marbles away from this point. Bonus items attached to marbles can, for example, temporarily slow down the rate the marbles advance or cause all marbles of a color to disappear.

In addition to the main survival mode of play, the player can take part in a quest mode, where they must clear boards under certain conditions, and a puzzle mode, where a fixed arrangement of marbles around the board must be cleared using only the few marbles made available to the player.

WiiWare version

The WiiWare version of Magnetica supports up to four players simultaneously in either co-operative or competitive multiplayer modes, in addition to the ability to use the player's own Miis in the game. Control is done by twisting the Wii Remote left or right to turn the marble cannon, and an ability to lob marbles over others has been added.[5]

The game features the challenge and quest modes of the DS version, but omits the puzzle mode. Extensive statistics are also kept for each player.

Reception

Reception
Review scores
PublicationScore
DSWii
Edge6/10[6]N/A
Eurogamer6/10[7]9/10[8]
Famitsu31/40[9]N/A
Game Informer7.25/10[10]N/A
GameProStarStarStarStar[11]N/A
GameRevolutionC−[12]N/A
GameSpot7/10[13]N/A
GameSpyStarStarStar[14]N/A
GameZone8.3/10[15]N/A
IGN8/10[16]7/10[17]
Nintendo Power8/10[18]N/A
The Washington Post StarStar[1]N/A
Aggregate score
Metacritic68/100[19]70/100[20]

Magnetica and Magnetica Twist received "average" reviews according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[19][20] Nintendo Life said that although the DS version fails to impress with its visuals and audio, it is an excellent addition to anyone's Nintendo DS library whether a gamer is casual or hardcore.[21] The Washington Post criticized the same console version's $35 price tag, which it said was a bit too much for a game that has nothing new to add.[1] In Japan, Famitsu gave the same DS version a score of two eights, one seven, and one eight for a total of 31 out of 40.[9]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Lou Kesten (June 21, 2006). "Review: Brainteasers Find Niche in Games". The Washington Post (Associated Press). https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/21/AR2006062101522_pf.html. Retrieved January 6, 2018. 
  2. ↑ John Tanaka (April 16, 2008). "Puzzloop Dated in Japan". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/04/16/puzzloop-dated-in-japan. Retrieved September 25, 2018. 
  3. ↑ Damien McFerran (June 5, 2008). "EU WiiWare Update: Actionloop Twist". Gamer Network. http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2008/06/eu_wiiware_update_actionloop_twist. Retrieved January 6, 2018. 
  4. ↑ "One WiiWare Game and One Virtual Console Game Added to Wii Shop Channel". June 30, 2008. https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/KgdnrOfYS8YsKdwFvlAfLI9azQFVTh9K. Retrieved July 7, 2008. 
  5. ↑ Craig Harris (April 22, 2008). "Hands-on Puzzloop". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/04/23/hands-on-puzzloop. Retrieved September 25, 2018. 
  6. ↑ Edge staff (August 2006). "Magnetica". Edge (Future plc) (165): 92. 
  7. ↑ John Walker (July 3, 2006). "Magnetica". Gamer Network. https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/ir_magnetica_ds. Retrieved September 25, 2018. 
  8. ↑ Tom Bramwell (June 10, 2008). "Actionloop Twist". Gamer Network. https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/actionloop-twist-review. Retrieved September 25, 2018. 
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "New Famitsu Scores". NeoGaf LLC. February 22, 2006. https://www.neogaf.com/threads/new-famitsu-scores.87283/. Retrieved September 25, 2018. 
  10. ↑ "Magnetica". Game Informer (GameStop) (160): 92. August 2006. 
  11. ↑ Johnny K. (June 7, 2006). "Review: Magnetica". GamePro (IDG Entertainment). Archived from the original on June 15, 2006. https://web.archive.org/web/20060615004028/http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/ds/games/reviews/63088.shtml. Retrieved September 25, 2018. 
  12. ↑ Mike Reilly (June 14, 2006). "Magnetica Review". CraveOnline. Archived from the original on September 8, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150908151129/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/magnetica. Retrieved September 25, 2018. 
  13. ↑ Alex Navarro (June 5, 2006). "Magnetica Review". CBS Interactive. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/magnetica-review/1900-6152321/. Retrieved January 6, 2018. 
  14. ↑ Sterling McGarvey (June 6, 2006). "GameSpy: Magnetica". IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on August 21, 2006. https://web.archive.org/web/20060821182521/http://ds.gamespy.com/nintendo-ds/puzzeloop/711555p1.html. Retrieved September 25, 2018. 
  15. ↑ Angelina Sandoval (June 23, 2006). "Magnetica – NDS – Review". Archived from the original on September 28, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20080928102438/http://nds.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r28931.htm. Retrieved September 25, 2018. 
  16. ↑ Craig Harris (June 5, 2006). "Magnetica". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/06/05/magnetica. Retrieved September 25, 2018. 
  17. ↑ Craig Harris (June 30, 2008). "Magnetica Twist Review". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/06/30/magnetica-twist-review. Retrieved September 25, 2018. 
  18. ↑ "Magnetica". Nintendo Power (Nintendo of America) 205: 94. July 2006. 
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 "Magnetica for DS Reviews". CBS Interactive. https://www.metacritic.com/game/magnetica/critic-reviews/?platform=ds. Retrieved January 6, 2018. 
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 "Magnetica Twist for Wii Reviews". CBS Interactive. https://www.metacritic.com/game/magnetica-twist/critic-reviews/?platform=wii. Retrieved September 25, 2018. 
  21. ↑ Stuart Reddick (April 21, 2009). "Magnetica Review". Gamer Network. http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2009/04/magnetica_ds. Retrieved January 6, 2018. 

Features

Edits and submissions to the site (including screenshots, box art, developer information, game summaries, and more) go through a verification process of fact-checking by volunteer "approvers".[2] This lengthy approval process after submission can range from minutes to days or months.[3] The most commonly used sources are the video game's website, packaging, and credit screens. There is a published standard for game information and copy-editing.[4] A ranking system allows users to earn points for contributing accurate information.[5]

Registered users can rate and review games. Users can create private or public "have" and "want" lists, which can generate a list of games available for trade with other registered users. The site contains an integrated forum. Each listed game can have its own sub-forum.

History

Logo used until March 2014

MobyGames was founded on March 1, 1999, by Jim Leonard and Brian Hirt, and joined by David Berk 18 months later, the three of which had been friends since high school.[6][7] Leonard had the idea of sharing information about computer games with a larger audience. The database began with information about games for IBM PC compatibles, relying on the founders' personal collections. Eventually, the site was opened up to allow general users to contribute information.[5] In a 2003 interview, Berk emphasized MobyGames' dedication to taking video games more seriously than broader society and to preserving games for their important cultural influence.[5]

In mid-2010, MobyGames was purchased by GameFly for an undisclosed amount.[8] This was announced to the community post factum , and the site's interface was given an unpopular redesign.[7] A few major contributors left, refusing to do volunteer work for a commercial website.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025} On December 18, 2013, MobyGames was acquired by Jeremiah Freyholtz, owner of Blue Flame Labs (a San Francisco-based game and web development company) and VGBoxArt (a site for fan-made video game box art).[9] Blue Flame Labs reverted MobyGames' interface to its pre-overhaul look and feel,[10] and for the next eight years, the site was run by Freyholtz and Independent Games Festival organizer Simon Carless.[7]

On November 24, 2021, Atari SA announced a potential deal with Blue Flame Labs to purchase MobyGames for $1.5 million.[11] The purchase was completed on 8 March 2022, with Freyholtz remaining as general manager.[12][13][14] Over the next year, the financial boost given by Atari led to a rework of the site being built from scratch with a new backend codebase, as well as updates improving the mobile and desktop user interface.[1] This was accomplished by investing in full-time development of the site instead of its previously part-time development.[15]

In 2024, MobyGames began offering a paid "Pro" membership option for the site to generate additional revenue.[16] Previously, the site had generated income exclusively through banner ads and (from March 2014 onward) a small number of patrons via the Patreon website.[17]

See also

  • IGDB – game database used by Twitch for its search and discovery functions

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sheehan, Gavin (2023-02-22). "Atari Relaunches The Fully Rebuilt & Optimized MobyGames Website". https://bleedingcool.com/games/atari-relaunches-the-fully-rebuilt-optimized-mobygames-website/. 
  2. ↑ Litchfield, Ted (2021-11-26). "Zombie company Atari to devour MobyGames". https://www.pcgamer.com/zombie-company-atari-to-devour-mobygames/. 
  3. ↑ "MobyGames FAQ: Emails Answered § When will my submission be approved?". Blue Flame Labs. 30 March 2014. http://www.mobygames.com/info/faq7#g1. 
  4. ↑ "The MobyGames Standards and Practices". Blue Flame Labs. 6 January 2016. http://www.mobygames.com/info/standards. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Miller, Stanley A. (2003-04-22). "People's choice awards honor favorite Web sites". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 
  6. ↑ "20 Years of MobyGames" (in en). 2019-02-28. https://trixter.oldskool.org/2019/02/28/20-years-of-mobygames/. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Plunkett, Luke (2022-03-10). "Atari Buys MobyGames For $1.5 Million". https://kotaku.com/mobygames-retro-credits-database-imdb-atari-freyholtz-b-1848638521. 
  8. ↑ "Report: MobyGames Acquired By GameFly Media". Gamasutra. 2011-02-07. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/report-mobygames-acquired-by-gamefly-media. 
  9. ↑ Corriea, Alexa Ray (December 31, 2013). "MobyGames purchased from GameFly, improvements planned". http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/31/5261414/mobygames-purchased-from-gamefly-improvements-planned. 
  10. ↑ Wawro, Alex (31 December 2013). "Game dev database MobyGames getting some TLC under new owner". Gamasutra. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/game-dev-database-mobygames-getting-some-tlc-under-new-owner. 
  11. ↑ "Atari invests in Anstream, may buy MobyGames". November 24, 2021. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-11-24-atari-invests-in-anstream-may-buy-mobygames. 
  12. ↑ Rousseau, Jeffrey (2022-03-09). "Atari purchases Moby Games". https://www.gamesindustry.biz/atari-purchases-moby-games. 
  13. ↑ "Atari Completes MobyGames Acquisition, Details Plans for the Site's Continued Support". March 8, 2022. https://www.atari.com/atari-completes-mobygames-acquisition-details-plans-for-the-sites-continued-support/. 
  14. ↑ "Atari has acquired game database MobyGames for $1.5 million" (in en-GB). 2022-03-09. https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/atari-has-acquired-game-database-mobygames-for-1-5-million/. 
  15. ↑ Stanton, Rich (2022-03-10). "Atari buys videogame database MobyGames for $1.5 million". https://www.pcgamer.com/atari-buys-videogame-database-mobygames-for-dollar15-million/. 
  16. ↑ Harris, John (2024-03-09). "MobyGames Offering “Pro” Membership". https://setsideb.com/mobygames-offering-pro-membership/. 
  17. ↑ "MobyGames on Patreon". http://www.patreon.com/mobygames. 
  • No URL found. Please specify a URL here or add one to Wikidata.

Template:Atari



  • MobyGames is a commercial database website that catalogs information on video games and the people and companies behind them via crowdsourcing. This includes over 300,000 games for hundreds of platforms.[1] Founded in 1999, ownership of the site has changed hands several times. It has been owned by Atari SA since 2022.

Features

Edits and submissions to the site (including screenshots, box art, developer information, game summaries, and more) go through a verification process of fact-checking by volunteer "approvers".[2] This lengthy approval process after submission can range from minutes to days or months.[3] The most commonly used sources are the video game's website, packaging, and credit screens. There is a published standard for game information and copy-editing.[4] A ranking system allows users to earn points for contributing accurate information.[5]

Registered users can rate and review games. Users can create private or public "have" and "want" lists, which can generate a list of games available for trade with other registered users. The site contains an integrated forum. Each listed game can have its own sub-forum.

History

Logo used until March 2014

MobyGames was founded on March 1, 1999, by Jim Leonard and Brian Hirt, and joined by David Berk 18 months later, the three of which had been friends since high school.[6][7] Leonard had the idea of sharing information about computer games with a larger audience. The database began with information about games for IBM PC compatibles, relying on the founders' personal collections. Eventually, the site was opened up to allow general users to contribute information.[5] In a 2003 interview, Berk emphasized MobyGames' dedication to taking video games more seriously than broader society and to preserving games for their important cultural influence.[5]

In mid-2010, MobyGames was purchased by GameFly for an undisclosed amount.[8] This was announced to the community post factum , and the site's interface was given an unpopular redesign.[7] A few major contributors left, refusing to do volunteer work for a commercial website.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025} On December 18, 2013, MobyGames was acquired by Jeremiah Freyholtz, owner of Blue Flame Labs (a San Francisco-based game and web development company) and VGBoxArt (a site for fan-made video game box art).[9] Blue Flame Labs reverted MobyGames' interface to its pre-overhaul look and feel,[10] and for the next eight years, the site was run by Freyholtz and Independent Games Festival organizer Simon Carless.[7]

On November 24, 2021, Atari SA announced a potential deal with Blue Flame Labs to purchase MobyGames for $1.5 million.[11] The purchase was completed on 8 March 2022, with Freyholtz remaining as general manager.[12][13][14] Over the next year, the financial boost given by Atari led to a rework of the site being built from scratch with a new backend codebase, as well as updates improving the mobile and desktop user interface.[1] This was accomplished by investing in full-time development of the site instead of its previously part-time development.[15]

In 2024, MobyGames began offering a paid "Pro" membership option for the site to generate additional revenue.[16] Previously, the site had generated income exclusively through banner ads and (from March 2014 onward) a small number of patrons via the Patreon website.[17]

See also

  • IGDB – game database used by Twitch for its search and discovery functions

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sheehan, Gavin (2023-02-22). "Atari Relaunches The Fully Rebuilt & Optimized MobyGames Website". https://bleedingcool.com/games/atari-relaunches-the-fully-rebuilt-optimized-mobygames-website/. 
  2. ↑ Litchfield, Ted (2021-11-26). "Zombie company Atari to devour MobyGames". https://www.pcgamer.com/zombie-company-atari-to-devour-mobygames/. 
  3. ↑ "MobyGames FAQ: Emails Answered § When will my submission be approved?". Blue Flame Labs. 30 March 2014. http://www.mobygames.com/info/faq7#g1. 
  4. ↑ "The MobyGames Standards and Practices". Blue Flame Labs. 6 January 2016. http://www.mobygames.com/info/standards. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Miller, Stanley A. (2003-04-22). "People's choice awards honor favorite Web sites". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 
  6. ↑ "20 Years of MobyGames" (in en). 2019-02-28. https://trixter.oldskool.org/2019/02/28/20-years-of-mobygames/. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Plunkett, Luke (2022-03-10). "Atari Buys MobyGames For $1.5 Million". https://kotaku.com/mobygames-retro-credits-database-imdb-atari-freyholtz-b-1848638521. 
  8. ↑ "Report: MobyGames Acquired By GameFly Media". Gamasutra. 2011-02-07. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/report-mobygames-acquired-by-gamefly-media. 
  9. ↑ Corriea, Alexa Ray (December 31, 2013). "MobyGames purchased from GameFly, improvements planned". http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/31/5261414/mobygames-purchased-from-gamefly-improvements-planned. 
  10. ↑ Wawro, Alex (31 December 2013). "Game dev database MobyGames getting some TLC under new owner". Gamasutra. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/game-dev-database-mobygames-getting-some-tlc-under-new-owner. 
  11. ↑ "Atari invests in Anstream, may buy MobyGames". November 24, 2021. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-11-24-atari-invests-in-anstream-may-buy-mobygames. 
  12. ↑ Rousseau, Jeffrey (2022-03-09). "Atari purchases Moby Games". https://www.gamesindustry.biz/atari-purchases-moby-games. 
  13. ↑ "Atari Completes MobyGames Acquisition, Details Plans for the Site's Continued Support". March 8, 2022. https://www.atari.com/atari-completes-mobygames-acquisition-details-plans-for-the-sites-continued-support/. 
  14. ↑ "Atari has acquired game database MobyGames for $1.5 million" (in en-GB). 2022-03-09. https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/atari-has-acquired-game-database-mobygames-for-1-5-million/. 
  15. ↑ Stanton, Rich (2022-03-10). "Atari buys videogame database MobyGames for $1.5 million". https://www.pcgamer.com/atari-buys-videogame-database-mobygames-for-dollar15-million/. 
  16. ↑ Harris, John (2024-03-09). "MobyGames Offering “Pro” Membership". https://setsideb.com/mobygames-offering-pro-membership/. 
  17. ↑ "MobyGames on Patreon". http://www.patreon.com/mobygames. 
  • No URL found. Please specify a URL here or add one to Wikidata.

Template:Atari




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