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!
FATE (PC)
Released on this day in 2005, Fate was released as a single-player action RPG. Perhaps a genre better known as a dungeon crawler (think Diablo), the game takes players through increasingly difficult levels of its dungeons, fighting monsters, completing quests, collecting valuable loot, and improving their avatar along the way. The game favors randomization of its gameplay mechanics: levels, loot, and monsters alike. The title is also fully rendered in 3D, allowing players to zoom in or out as gameplay requires, but from a fixed camera angle. In the sequels, this fixed camera can be unlocked and manipulated. When a player dies, they are offered three different methods of reincarnation, all varying in theme, from the personification of Fate (who greatly resembles the Grim Reaper in style). While all result in a penalty of some kind, each one has its own risks and benefits, allowing the player some choice in what they’re willing to lose, either temporarily or permanently, in order to continue. Players are also given the option to retire their existing avatars after the main quest has been completed, and begin anew. The game was positively received, sparking two sequels. The original title can be found on Steam.
PRINCE OF PERSIA: THE FORGOTTEN SANDS (PS3/WII/XBOX360)
A title shared by PSP, Nintendo DS, and Wii versions, the primary title was released on Xbox 360, PS3, and PC on this day in 2010. The game returns to the storyline that started in Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, taking place in the seven year gap between Sands of Time and Warrior Within. As a result, the version of the Prince played by players in Forgotten Sands, is a mix of the other two games’ models. Throughout the version found on these consoles, the Prince learns new powers. The biggest feature of these are the elemental powers, which act as power-ups in battles and allowing him to access previously unreachable areas. There are four core versions of these: Fire, Ice, Wind, and Earth–each of them giving their own unique benefits. There are also minor powers that can be purchased. The gameplay is similar to that of Sands of Time, encouraging multiple-enemy battles and crowd control style reactions. There are no quick-time events, or blocks, except to finish bosses. The game was received positive (but average) reviews on the full consoles; in stark contrast to the 57% received by the DS title. The game’s release also coincided with the release of the film-adaptation movie Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time.
ALAN WAKE (XBOX 360)
We might have encouraged the blue box to stop specifically on this day, just to talk about this title. Published by Microsoft Studios, and released on this day in 2010 for the Xbox 360, Alan Wake is an action-adventure psychological horror third-person shooter (try saying that three times fast). Players take the title role of Alan Wake, a best-selling thriller novelist, as he tries to unravel the mysteries surrounding his wife’s disappearance during a vacation in the small rural town of Bright Falls, Washington. All the while, Wake begins to experience events from the plot of his latest novel come to life, which he does not remember writing. The game was highly influenced by other psychological thriller and horror stories in pop culture; some of which make it into the game itself in homage. Stephen King’s works in particular were of particular inspiration for Sam Lake (Alan Wake‘s writer) and Remedy Studios. The setting of the game itself draws on the TV show Twin Peaks. There are a number of television sets found within the game, that when switched on, play a fictional TV show called Night Springs, echoing real-world episodes of The Twilight Zone. The game also makes references to Max Payne, a previous title by developer Remedy Entertainment.
The pacing and structure of Alan Wake plays like a thriller TV show, including cliffhangers and plot twists. There were two special episodes released as DLCs within a year of the title’s initial release. In addition, there was a six-part live action web series Bright Falls, which served as a prequel to the game’s story. There are also a number of books and manuscripts which expand on the story. The game was received incredibly well by critics and players alike; praised for it’s flawless pacing, authentic experience, stunning visuals and environments, and its enthralling story. It was touted by some as redefining interactive storytelling, playing like a video game but with a cinematic quality. Unsurprisingly, the title received a number of awards.
Recommendation of the Week: If this is the first time you’ve heard of Alan Wake, or if you’ve been planning on “getting around to it”, we highly recommend you take this reminder and dust off your Xbox 360 and give it a try. The critics got this one right.
© Images Encore Software, Microsoft Game Studios, Ubisoft, and WildTangent
Some other titles released on this day:
- Gekido – Playstation – 2000
- Red Dead Redemption – PS3/Xbox 360 – 2010
- Resident Evil: Operation Racoon City – PC – 2012
My Life, or Something Like It 