This Day in Gaming History is an editorial released 2-3 days per week, that takes you on a ride in its custom-built gaming history blue box. We take a look at titles all released on the same day throughout gaming history, while also giving extra facts and anecdotes as available or appropriate. Got a favorite game that you want to learn more about, or perhaps want to see featured on TDIGH? Send angel1573 a message on the forums, or leave a comment below!
Spring time. That subtle time of year where students throw books into the air at the end of their studies, adults get a bit of sun, and kids do….kid stuff? The allegory has run away with itself; I think they really just want us to start going outside. Regardless, the spring season has generally been a great time to catch up on gaming you’ve neglected, due to any number of reasons, as you anticipate all the releases later in the year. Yes, spring often finds itself with less love in gaming releases than fall or winter, but our blue box has its mission prerogative, and so we will keep scouring the annals of history, release drought or not. With that in mind,
SIMCITY 3000 UNLIMITED (PC)
Originally released in January of 1999, the Unlimited version of Sim City 3000, was released on this day in 2000. Adding East Asian and European building sets, new terrain colors, new vegetation, new music, a snapshot feature, an improved version of the Building Architect Tool, four new disasters, more landmarks, more reward buildings, and thirteen scenarios, SimCity 3000 Unlimited outdid the original release in critical review. The game was originally supposed to be fully 3D, but the idea was scrapped after a failed unveiling at the 1997 E3. The game developed significantly over the original SimCity 2000, especially with regard of city management components of the game, particularly with waste management. Neighbouring cities also feature a role in Sim City 3000 over its predecessor, allowing players to broker deals between towns to deal with waste or power management issues, as well as business deals. In 2007, a heavily modified version of the title was released for the Nintendo DS handheld in Japan. It inherits the original graphics, but also utilizes the dual screens to display more at once. The DS version also incorporates console-specific attributes, such as the use of the integrated microphone to blow out fires. The title was also released on iOS, mainly only adding the implementation of a touch screen interface.
AEGIS WING (XBOX 360)
Released on this day in 2007, Aegis Wing is a side-scroller shooting game developed in classic arcade style by Carbonated games and three Microsoft interns for the Xbox Live Arcade. On release, it was made freely available to all Xbox Live members in North America. The player controls a small ship against endless foes, complete with end-stage bosses. Aegis Wing supports up to four players cooperatively, either locally or online, and with two or more players in attendance, additional players can choose to temporarily attach themselves to the ship of their allies. This allows one player to pilot the combined ship while the others are able to fire in a 360 degree arc; increasing power for each ship added. As the Microsoft XNA toolkit was not yet ready when the team began, the team made several of their own. Also, due to limited time and personnel to complete the project, the team was forced to remove and change certain features; e.g. in multiplayer ship combination.
SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 4: EPISODE II (XBOX 360)
The second in the 2012 episodic platformer developed by Dimps and Sonic Team, Sonic 4 was designed to emulate the original titles from the Sega Genesis. Released in May on PC, PSN, XBL, Android, and iOS, the 2D side-scrolling platformer follows the design of Episode I but now features Tails as a playable character, either locally or via online co-op. Unlike the original 16-bit titles (e.g. Sonic the Hedgehog 3), Tails cannot be played solo, neither can Sonic be played on his own. While the game appears to have the same look and feel of the original Genesis titles, the game was not well received; being quoted as missing the ‘magic’ of the original games. While Episode II fixes physics issues from Episode I, the game was criticized for its multiplayer, stated as being more about griefing one’s friends than actual teamwork (New Super Mario Bros, anyone?). A lack of innovative level design and inconsistent boss battles also netted a sour note in reviewer’s remarks. It might not be the Sonic we deserve, but attempts at returning to a classic style are to be applauded. Let’s hope for Sonic the Hedgehog 5’s release.
Some other titles released on this day:
- Bonanza Bros. – Sega Genesis – 1991
- Giga Wing 2 – Sega Dreamcast – 2001
- X-Men: The Official Game – DS/Gameboy Advance/PC/PS2/Xbox 360 – 2006
- Terraria – PC – 2011
Images © Electronic Arts, Microsoft Game Studios, & Sega
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