Aquaman: Battle for Atlantis
Encyclopedia
Aquaman: Battle for Atlantis is a console video game for the Xbox
and Nintendo GameCube
systems, based on the DC Comics
character Aquaman
. It was developed by Lucky Chicken Studios and published by TDK
in conjunction with DC Comics. It is based on the long-running comic book mythos, as opposed to most other DC Comics-based games which are adaptations of the characters in other mediums besides the source material. Its negative reception has earned the game a spot on the List of video games notable for negative reception.
's mortal enemy Black Manta
has returned. Bringing with him waves upon waves of dedicated warriors, Manta intends to terrorize and ultimately destroy Aquaman's kingdom of Atlantis. In order to protect his subjects and the rest of the seven seas from Manta's evil machinations, Aquaman must venture into his city, save his people, and defeat Black Manta once and for all.
and was the genesis for their annual "Golden Mullet Awards," a ranking of the previous years' worst games.
The game received very negative reviews, many of which stated that the game was boring and lacked originality. According to a review by GameSpot, “Aquaman has basic punch, kick, and grab attacks, a half dozen or so combo attacks, and a couple of special moves, including the ability to call in the help of some nearby sea life, but simply mashing on the A button for the duration of the game works sufficiently.” Another main aspect of the game that is criticized is the graphics. IGN reviewed the graphics and said, “Unimpressive. Aquaman looks like one-time-rock star Ted Nugent
on a bad hair day and animates through fights like a robot having a seizure. While worlds are large looking, they are also filled with some kind of fogging and also completely void of life; no ground objects or animated backgrounds; no civilians; no craft.” The game was rated a 3 out of ten by IGN. The game was sold for only twenty dollars upon release.
Xbox
The Xbox is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Microsoft. It was released on November 15, 2001 in North America, February 22, 2002 in Japan, and March 14, 2002 in Australia and Europe and is the predecessor to the Xbox 360. It was Microsoft's first foray into the gaming console...
and Nintendo GameCube
Nintendo GameCube
The , officially abbreviated to NGC in Japan and GCN in other regions, is a sixth generation video game console released by Nintendo on September 15, 2001 in Japan, November 18, 2001 in North America, May 3, 2002 in Europe, and May 17, 2002 in Australia...
systems, based on the DC Comics
DC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
character Aquaman
Aquaman
Aquaman is a fictional superhero who appears in comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger, the character debuted in More Fun Comics #73 . Initially a backup feature in DC's anthology titles, Aquaman later starred in several volumes of a solo title...
. It was developed by Lucky Chicken Studios and published by TDK
TDK
, formerly , is a Japanese company which manufactures electronic materials, electronic components, and recording and data-storage media, and markets them globally. Their motto is "Contribute to culture and industry through creativity"...
in conjunction with DC Comics. It is based on the long-running comic book mythos, as opposed to most other DC Comics-based games which are adaptations of the characters in other mediums besides the source material. Its negative reception has earned the game a spot on the List of video games notable for negative reception.
Plot
After a long absence and being presumed dead, AquamanAquaman
Aquaman is a fictional superhero who appears in comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger, the character debuted in More Fun Comics #73 . Initially a backup feature in DC's anthology titles, Aquaman later starred in several volumes of a solo title...
's mortal enemy Black Manta
Black Manta
Black Manta is a supervillain appearing in DC Comics, primarily as the archenemy of Aquaman. The character debuted in Aquaman #35 .-Fictional character biography:...
has returned. Bringing with him waves upon waves of dedicated warriors, Manta intends to terrorize and ultimately destroy Aquaman's kingdom of Atlantis. In order to protect his subjects and the rest of the seven seas from Manta's evil machinations, Aquaman must venture into his city, save his people, and defeat Black Manta once and for all.
Gameplay
The purpose of the game is to save Atlantis from doom. The story is told by cut scenes that do not use animation or voices. Instead, it is told by text that accompanies pictures, like a comic book. The player progresses by swimming around the level and defeating the enemies there. The levels are filled with empty ruined buildings that Aquaman sometimes has to swim around. Sometimes Aquaman approaches groups of enemies. When Aquaman fights, he can punch, kick, and grapple with his opponents to defeat them. There are also times throughout the game where the player can pilot crafts through the water and shoot down enemy submarines.Reception
This game has been named "one of the worst games of all time" by the hosts of the show X-PlayX-Play
X-Play is a TV program about video games, known for its reviews and comedy skits...
and was the genesis for their annual "Golden Mullet Awards," a ranking of the previous years' worst games.
The game received very negative reviews, many of which stated that the game was boring and lacked originality. According to a review by GameSpot, “Aquaman has basic punch, kick, and grab attacks, a half dozen or so combo attacks, and a couple of special moves, including the ability to call in the help of some nearby sea life, but simply mashing on the A button for the duration of the game works sufficiently.” Another main aspect of the game that is criticized is the graphics. IGN reviewed the graphics and said, “Unimpressive. Aquaman looks like one-time-rock star Ted Nugent
Ted Nugent
Theodore Anthony "Ted" Nugent is an American guitarist, musician, singer, author, reserve police officer, and activist. From Detroit, Michigan, he originally gained fame as the lead guitarist of The Amboy Dukes, before embarking on a lengthy solo career...
on a bad hair day and animates through fights like a robot having a seizure. While worlds are large looking, they are also filled with some kind of fogging and also completely void of life; no ground objects or animated backgrounds; no civilians; no craft.” The game was rated a 3 out of ten by IGN. The game was sold for only twenty dollars upon release.