Voltron: Defender of the Universe (video game)
Voltron: Defender of the Universe | |
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multidirectional shooter |
Voltron: Defender of the Universe is a
Plot
Voltron: Defender of the Universe is based on the cartoon series of the
The story is an amalgam of multiple episodes from cartoon series. The first act begins with an attack by King Zarkon and the Drule Army on the Planet Arus. Much of this act revolves around the Voltron episode The Missing Key, including Voltron's first battle with a robeast.
Gameplay
Voltron: Defender of the Universe is played primarily as a twin stick shooter. During most levels players control one of five Voltron lions. The lions are equipped with multi-directional cannons, controlled with the right thumbstick, while the left thumbstick coordinates movement. Each lion is equipped with pounce and melee attacks. Each lion features a unique special attack and individual strengths and weaknesses. These levels consist of both ground and space-based levels, with only secondary controls changing between the two environments.[4] The game features cooperative gameplay with up to five players. Up to two players can play on a local machine, and the game supports any combination of local and online players up to five. The game features leaderboards and a downloadable challenge mode in which players must combat increasingly difficult waves of enemies.
Also featured during ground-based levels is a feature known as Survival Mode. This mode is activated when a lion takes too much damage. The player character is ejected from the cockpit and must survive for 10 seconds while the lion repairs itself. During these sequences the character is equipped with a blaster and must survive on foot, using the same multi-directional gameplay mechanics as when piloting the lion. Once the 10 seconds have elapsed the player character can re-enter the lion's cockpit and resume normal gameplay.[4] Players can also find collectible items throughout the level which can provide their character with an extra life or additional, temporary features such as enhanced firepower.[4]
During
Development
The game was unveiled at San Diego Comic-Con, which included a Voltron panel.[5] It was developed by Behaviour Interactive and published by THQ.[5] Original clips and voice overs from the show as well as remastered music are also featured in the game.[6] THQ's Russell Brock stated that Voltron's development was a "labor of love".[6] Brock cited the original voice clips and video clips from the show as well as Peter Cullen's inclusion as narrator. He also stated that as an "in gag" for Voltron fans the pilot of the blue lion changes from Sven to Allura as the game progresses.[6] The game's soundtrack was remastered and modified to fit the length of the video game.[6]
As part of the game’s promotions, there was a Voltron scavenger hunt that took place at the convention. The scavenger hunt entitled, The Hunt to Form Voltron had participants use their smartphones to find the five Voltron lion stands and their corresponding QR codes. At each stand, participants received an exclusive button and a chance to win a variety of collectible prizes from THQ, Mattel, WEP, Viz Media and Classic Media including: a 92-inch flat screen Mitsubishi television, an Xbox 360 console, classic Voltron action figures, Voltron retro T-shirts and DVDs.[7]
Reception
Voltron: Defender of the Universe received mixed to unfavorable reviews from critics. On aggregate website Metacritic the game holds a score of 51 out of 100 on the PlayStation 3, while the Xbox 360 version has a score of 48 out of 100.[10][11] Fellow aggregate site GameRankings reports slightly higher scores, with the PlayStation 3 version averaging 57.25% and the Xbox 360 version a score of 54.94%.[8][9] Individual review scores were quite polarized, with the lowest score being at 26% approval from Shelby Reiches of Cheat Code Central and the highest score of 82% approval from Oscar Perez of Game Chronicles.[17][18] Early sales analysis reported over 9,000 units as of year-end 2011.[19]
The critics were most divided in terms of Voltron's gameplay.
Critics were mostly unified in the opinion that the game paid
References
- ^ Voltron: Season 1, Episode 4 - The Missing Key
- ^ Voltron: Season 1, Episode 44 - Voltron vs Voltron
- ^ Voltron: Season 1, Episode 50 - Zarkon Becomes a Robeast
- ^ a b c d Chiappini, Dan (2011-09-30). "Voltron: Defender of the Universe First Look Preview". GameSpot. Retrieved 2011-10-26.
- ^ a b Goldstein, Hilary (2011-02-14). "Voltron Forms to create new video game". IGN. Retrieved 2011-10-26.
- ^ a b c d Melton, Steve (2011-12-19). "Interview: THQ's Russell Brock on Voltron". XBLAFans. Retrieved 2012-01-14.
- ^ "THQ & Mitsubishi Launch 92 3D HDTV Comic Con Sweepstakes". THQ. 2011-07-21. Retrieved 2011-10-26.
- ^ a b "Voltron: Defender of the Universe (PlayStation 3)". GameRankings. Retrieved 2012-01-07.
- ^ a b "Voltron: Defender of the Universe (Xbox 360)". GameRankings. Retrieved 2012-01-07.
- ^ a b "Voltron: Defender of the Universe (PlayStation 3)". Metacritic. Retrieved 2012-01-07.
- ^ a b "Voltron: Defender of the Universe (Xbox 360)". Metacritic. Retrieved 2012-01-07.
- ^ a b Bailey, Kat (2011-12-07). "Voltron: Defender of the Universe review". GameSpot. Retrieved 2012-01-08.
- ^ a b Ogilvie, Tristan (2011-11-30). "Voltron: Defender of the Universe review". IGN. Retrieved 2012-01-08.
- ^ Team Xbox. Retrieved 2012-01-08.
- ^ Inside Gaming Daily. Retrieved 2012-01-08.
- ^ a b c Furfari, Paul (2011-12-09). "Voltron: Defender of the Universe Review". UGO Networks. Retrieved 2012-01-08.
- ^ Reiches, Shelby. "Voltron: Defender of the Universe Review". Cheat Code Central. Retrieved 2012-01-10.
- ^ Perez, Oscar (2011-12-09). "Voltron: Defender of the Universe Review". Game Chronicles. Retrieved 2012-01-10.
- Gamasutra. Retrieved 2012-01-23.