Oliver Twins
Encyclopedia
The Oliver Twins are two British
brothers, Philip and Andrew Oliver, who started to professionally develop computer games
while they were still at school. Their first game, Super Robin Hood
for the Amstrad CPC
, was published in 1985
by Codemasters
. They are most well known for the Dizzy series
of computer games.
, at the age of 22, they started Interactive Studios, now called Blitz Games Studios
. Apart from their own games, the Oliver Twins were also responsible for porting a number of other prominent games to the Sega
platforms, including Theme Park and Syndicate.
Both of the Olivers take an active role in supporting the UK games industry. Philip Oliver is one of the founders of developers' trade body TIGA
and has served as an active board member (currently a Director) since its inception in 2001. He is also a Director on the board for E-Skills UK.
Philip and Andrew Oliver received Honorary Doctorates in 2008 from Coventry University (in Business Administration (DBA) and Technology (DTech) respectively) in recognition of their contribution to the growth of the electronic games industry both regionally and internationally.
Philip and Andrew Oliver were honoured as Fellows of the Royal Society of Arts in 2010.
Great Britain
Great Britain or Britain is an island situated to the northwest of Continental Europe. It is the ninth largest island in the world, and the largest European island, as well as the largest of the British Isles...
brothers, Philip and Andrew Oliver, who started to professionally develop computer games
Computer Games
"Computer Games" is a single by New Zealand group, Mi-Sex released in 1979 in Australia and New Zealand and in 1981 throughout Europe. It was the single that launched the band, and was hugely popular, particularly in Australia and New Zealand...
while they were still at school. Their first game, Super Robin Hood
Super Robin Hood
Super Robin Hood is a platform action video game featuring Robin Hood released in November 1985 by Codemasters. The game was developed by the Oliver twins on the Amstrad CPC at the age of 17 and was their first title published by Codemasters....
for the Amstrad CPC
Amstrad CPC
The Amstrad CPC is a series of 8-bit home computers produced by Amstrad between 1984 and 1990. It was designed to compete in the mid-1980s home computer market dominated by the Commodore 64 and the Sinclair ZX Spectrum, where it successfully established itself primarily in the United Kingdom,...
, was published in 1985
1985 in video gaming
-Notable releases:* Brøderbund releases Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?, the first game of the prolific Carmen Sandiego series* Nintendo releases Super Mario Bros. on September 13, 1985, which eventually sells 40 million copies making it the best-selling video game of all time until 2008.*...
by Codemasters
Codemasters
The Codemasters Software Company Limited, or Codemasters is a British video game developer founded by Richard and David Darling in 1986...
. They are most well known for the Dizzy series
Dizzy series
The Dizzy series of computer games, published by Codemasters, was one of the most successful European computer game brands of the late 1980s. The games were based around a central figure: an intelligent egg-like creature called Dizzy...
of computer games.
Overview
In 19901990 in video gaming
-Notable releases:*Bonk's Adventure is released for NEC's TurboGrafx-16 and is the first US appearance of Bonk, the mascot of the TurboGrafx-16.*February 12 — Nintendo releases the NES game Super Mario Bros. 3 in North America...
, at the age of 22, they started Interactive Studios, now called Blitz Games Studios
Blitz Games Studios
Blitz Games Studios is a video game developer located in Leamington Spa, United Kingdom. It was founded by the Oliver Twins, Andrew and Philip Oliver, in 1981. They completed their first game in 1984 and started developing titles for video game publisher Codemasters.The Codemasters publishing...
. Apart from their own games, the Oliver Twins were also responsible for porting a number of other prominent games to the Sega
Sega
, usually styled as SEGA, is a multinational video game software developer and an arcade software and hardware development company headquartered in Ōta, Tokyo, Japan, with various offices around the world...
platforms, including Theme Park and Syndicate.
Both of the Olivers take an active role in supporting the UK games industry. Philip Oliver is one of the founders of developers' trade body TIGA
The Independent Games Developers Association
TIGA is the national trade association representing the business and commercial interests of video and computer game developers in the UK and Europe...
and has served as an active board member (currently a Director) since its inception in 2001. He is also a Director on the board for E-Skills UK.
Philip and Andrew Oliver received Honorary Doctorates in 2008 from Coventry University (in Business Administration (DBA) and Technology (DTech) respectively) in recognition of their contribution to the growth of the electronic games industry both regionally and internationally.
Philip and Andrew Oliver were honoured as Fellows of the Royal Society of Arts in 2010.
Games created or published by Interactive Studios/Blitz Games Studios
- Puss in BootsPuss in Boots'Puss' is a character in the fairy tale "The Master Cat, or Puss in Boots" by Charles Perrault. The tale was published in 1697 in his Histoires ou Contes du temps passé...
(Q4 2011) - Michael Phelps: Push the Limit (Q4 2011)
- SpongeBob's Surf and Skate Roadtrip (Q4 2011)
- Fantastic Pets (2011)
- Yoostar 2 (2011)
- Droplitz Delight (2010)
- SFG Soccer: Football Fever (2010) - Published by Blitz 1UP
- The Biggest Loser: Ultimate Workout (2010)
- The Biggest Loser Challenge (2010)
- Dead to Rights: RetributionDead to Rights: RetributionDead to Rights: Retribution is a 2010 third-person action game. It is the reboot of the Dead to Rights franchise. Featuring, Grant City police officer Jack Slate and his canine companion Shadow. Developed by Volatile Games and published by Namco Bandai Games for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3,...
(2010) - All Star Karate (2010)
- Biggest Loser (2009)
- Karaoke RevolutionKaraoke RevolutionKaraoke Revolution and its many sequels are video games for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Nintendo GameCube, Wii, Xbox, and Xbox 360, developed by Harmonix Music Systems and Blitz Games and published by Konami in its Bemani line of music games. The Original Concept for Karaoke Revolution was...
(2009) - iCarlyICarlyiCarly is an American sitcom that focuses on a girl named Carly Shay who creates her own web show called iCarly with her best friends Sam and Freddie. The series was created by Dan Schneider, who also serves as executive producer. It stars Miranda Cosgrove as Carly, Jennette McCurdy as Sam, Nathan...
(2009) - KrissX (2009)- Published by Blitz 1UP
- Fluttabyes (2009)- Published by Blitz 1UP
- Mole Control (2009)- Published by Blitz 1UP
- Clover: A Curious Tale (2009)- Published by Blitz 1UP
- Invincible Tiger: The Legend of Han TaoInvincible Tiger: The Legend of Han TaoInvincible Tiger: The Legend of Han Tao is a hand-to-hand action video game developed by Blitz Arcade and published by Namco Bandai Games for the PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade. The game tells the story of Han Tao, aka General of a Thousand Victories, who attempts to rescue the Star of...
(Q4 2009) - DroplitzDroplitzDroplitz is a 2009 Puzzle video game developed by Blitz Arcade and published by Atlus. It was released on Xbox Live Arcade on June 24, 2009 and June 25, 2009 on PlayStation Network. It is also available on Microsoft Windows and iPhone....
(Q3 2009) - PowerUp ForeverPowerUp ForeverPowerUp Forever is a downloadable multi-directional shooter developed by Blitz Arcade and published by Namco Bandai for the Xbox 360 via Xbox Live Arcade and the PlayStation 3 via PlayStation Network. It was released on Xbox Live Arcade on December 10, 2008 and the PlayStation Network on December...
(2008) - Buccaneer: The Pursuit of Infamy (2008)- Published by Blitz 1UP
- Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore 2Karaoke RevolutionKaraoke Revolution and its many sequels are video games for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Nintendo GameCube, Wii, Xbox, and Xbox 360, developed by Harmonix Music Systems and Blitz Games and published by Konami in its Bemani line of music games. The Original Concept for Karaoke Revolution was...
(2008) - Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? Make the Grade (2008)
- Bratz Girlz Really RockBratz Girlz Really Rock (video game)Bratz Girlz Really Rock is a video game of the Bratz franchise. This game based on the doll line and film of the same name.-Gameplay:Gameplay of Bratz Girlz Really Rock follows on from the seris. Four playable characters...
(2008) - Tak and the Guardians of GrossTak and the Guardians of GrossTak and the Guardians of Gross is a video game released for Wii and PlayStation 2.-Plot:While cleaning up a shrine, Tak removes a giant crystal and inadvertently releases the four Big G's, four of the nastiest, most disgusting Titans to terrorize Tak's village: Trashthulu the landfill giant,...
(2008) - Project Aftermath (2008)- Published by Blitz 1UP
- Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol EncoreKaraoke RevolutionKaraoke Revolution and its many sequels are video games for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Nintendo GameCube, Wii, Xbox, and Xbox 360, developed by Harmonix Music Systems and Blitz Games and published by Konami in its Bemani line of music games. The Original Concept for Karaoke Revolution was...
(2008) - SpongeBob SquarePants - Underpants Slam (2007)
- Bratz: The Movie (video game)Bratz: The Movie (video game)Bratz: The Movie is a video game of the Bratz franchise. This game is based on episodes from the TV series of bratz and is not based on the film with the same name, video game, Bratz 4 Real is based on the film.-Gameplay:...
(2007) - Karaoke Revolution Presents: American IdolKaraoke RevolutionKaraoke Revolution and its many sequels are video games for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Nintendo GameCube, Wii, Xbox, and Xbox 360, developed by Harmonix Music Systems and Blitz Games and published by Konami in its Bemani line of music games. The Original Concept for Karaoke Revolution was...
(2007) - Big Bumpin'Big Bumpin'Big Bumpin' is an advergaming title from Burger King for the Xbox and Xbox 360 video game consoles. published by King Games & developed by Blitz Games. On November 19, 2006, Burger King started selling it for an additional $3.99 USD with any value meal...
(2006) - PocketBike RacerPocketBike RacerPocketbike Racer is an advergaming title from Burger King for the Xbox and Xbox 360 video game consoles. On November 19, 2006, Burger King started selling it for an additional $3.99 USD with any value meal...
(2006) - Sneak KingSneak KingSneak King is an advergaming title from Burger King for the Xbox and Xbox 360 video game consoles. On November 19, 2006, Burger King started selling it for an additional $3.99 USD with any value meal...
(2006) - SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty KrabSpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty KrabSpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab is a video game for the Nintendo GameCube, PlayStation 2, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, and Wii developed by Blitz Games and published by THQ. It stars SpongeBob SquarePants, his best friend Patrick Star and their enemy Sheldon J. Plankton as...
(2006) - Bratz: Forever DiamondzBratz: Forever Diamondz (video game)Bratz: Forever Diamondz is the third video game based on the popular fashion doll line, Bratz. It is the second published by THQ. It was released on September 18, 2006 at GameStop, then September 21, 2006 nationwide...
(2006) - Reservoir DogsReservoir Dogs (video game)Reservoir Dogs is a video game based on the Quentin Tarantino film of the same name. Released in 2006, it garnered mostly mediocre reviews and caused minor controversies for its violence, being banned in Australia and New Zealand.-Plot:...
(2006) - Pac-Man World 3Pac-Man World 3is a video game that was released on November 15, 2005 in North America for PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube, Xbox, PlayStation Portable, Nintendo DS, and PC. It is the third game in the Pac-Man World series. It also marks the 25th anniversary of the Pac-Man arcade game. This game features more...
(2005) - Bratz: Rock AngelzBratz: Rock Angelz (video game)Bratz: Rock Angelz is a video game based on the popular Bratz fashion doll line. This is the first Bratz game published by THQ. It is based on the direct-to-DVD movie and the collection with the same name...
(2005) - The Fairly OddParents: Shadow ShowdownThe Fairly OddParents: Shadow ShowdownThe Fairly OddParents: Shadow Showdown is a platforming video game released in 2004 by ImaginEngine for the PC, Blitz Games for the Nintendo GameCube and THQ. The game is based on the animated television series The Fairly OddParents...
(2004) - Bad Boys: Miami TakedownBad Boys: Miami TakedownBad Boys: Miami Takedown is a video game released in 2004 based on the action-comedy movie Bad Boys II starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence...
(2004) - Barbie Horse Adventures: Wild Horse RescueBarbie Horse Adventures: Wild Horse RescueBarbie Horse Adventures: Wild Horse Rescue is a video game available for PlayStation 2, Game Boy Advance and Xbox, based on the Barbie line of dolls by Mattel.-Gameplay:...
(2003) - The Fairly OddParents: Breakin' Da RulesThe Fairly OddParents: Breakin' Da RulesThe Fairly OddParents: Breakin' Da Rules is a video game released for the Game Boy Advance, Nintendo GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox, and the PC in 2003. It is based on the famous Nickelodeon cartoon, Fairly OddParents. It was developed by Helixe and published by THQ. Its sequel, The Fairly...
(2003) - Zapper: One Wicked CricketZapper: One Wicked CricketZapper: One Wicked Cricket is a platform game for the Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, PlayStation 2, Game Boy Advance and PC. The game was developed by Blitz Games and published by Infogrames. Zapper was released in North America in November 2002....
(2002) - Taz: WantedTaz: WantedTaz: Wanted is an action-adventure video game released in 2002 by Blitz Games. The game is based on the Looney Tunes' character, Tasmanian Devil.-Plot:...
(2002) - Lilo & Stitch: Trouble in Paradise (2002)
- Fuzion FrenzyFuzion FrenzyFuzion Frenzy is a launch title for the Microsoft Xbox. At its core, Fuzion Frenzy is a four-player party game featuring 45 different mini-games . A demo of the game was included with some other launch titles in the US, including Halo, Munch's Oddysee and Amped...
(2001) - The Mummy Returns (2001)
- Chicken RunChicken Run (video game)Chicken Run is a stealth-based 3-D platformer based on the movie Chicken Run. The game is a loose parody of the famous The Great Escape movie, which is based in World War II.-Plot:...
(2000) - The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea (2000)
- Frogger 2: Swampy's RevengeFrogger 2: Swampy's RevengeFrogger 2: Swampy's Revenge is a console and computer game released in 2000. The game is part of the Frogger series, and the sequel to Frogger , featuring similar 4-way movement gameplay in a 3D world with 6 different environments...
(2000) - Action ManAction ManAction Man is an action figure boys' toy launched in Britain in 1966 by Palitoy as a licensed copy of Hasbro's American "moveable fighting man": G.I...
: Destruction X (2000) - Action ManAction ManAction Man is an action figure boys' toy launched in Britain in 1966 by Palitoy as a licensed copy of Hasbro's American "moveable fighting man": G.I...
: Mission Xtreme (1999) - GloverGlover (video game)Reviews were mixed, mostly pointing out the interesting game mechanics and variety, but also noting the bland storyline and confusing controls.The N64 version was praised by IGN, specifically on its gameplay and sound. Comically, they wrote "In addition to your standard bouncing balls, Glover --...
(1999) - WarGames (1998)
Games published by Codemasters
- Super Robin HoodSuper Robin HoodSuper Robin Hood is a platform action video game featuring Robin Hood released in November 1985 by Codemasters. The game was developed by the Oliver twins on the Amstrad CPC at the age of 17 and was their first title published by Codemasters....
– November 1985 – CPCAmstrad CPCThe Amstrad CPC is a series of 8-bit home computers produced by Amstrad between 1984 and 1990. It was designed to compete in the mid-1980s home computer market dominated by the Commodore 64 and the Sinclair ZX Spectrum, where it successfully established itself primarily in the United Kingdom,...
, SpectrumZX SpectrumThe ZX Spectrum is an 8-bit personal home computer released in the United Kingdom in 1982 by Sinclair Research Ltd...
, C64Commodore 64The Commodore 64 is an 8-bit home computer introduced by Commodore International in January 1982.Volume production started in the spring of 1982, with machines being released on to the market in August at a price of US$595...
, STAtari STThe Atari ST is a home/personal computer that was released by Atari Corporation in 1985 and commercially available from that summer into the early 1990s. The "ST" officially stands for "Sixteen/Thirty-two", which referred to the Motorola 68000's 16-bit external bus and 32-bit internals...
, AmigaAmigaThe Amiga is a family of personal computers that was sold by Commodore in the 1980s and 1990s. The first model was launched in 1985 as a high-end home computer and became popular for its graphical, audio and multi-tasking abilities...
, NESNintendo Entertainment SystemThe Nintendo Entertainment System is an 8-bit video game console that was released by Nintendo in North America during 1985, in Europe during 1986 and Australia in 1987... - Ghost Hunters (video game)Ghost Hunters (video game)Ghost Hunters is an platform/action video game written by the Oliver twins for the Amstrad CPC and ZX Spectrum platforms and published by Codemasters in February 1987. The game combined platform-style action with shooting gameplay similar to that found in the game Operation Wolf...
– February 1986 – CPC, Spectrum - Grand Prix SimulatorGrand Prix SimulatorGrand Prix Simulator is a racing game developed by The Oliver Twins and published by Codemasters for the ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC and Commodore 64 computer systems. The ZX Spectrum conversion was done by Serge Dosang...
– April 1986 – CPC, Spectrum, C64, ST, Amiga - Dizzy - The Ultimate Cartoon AdventureDizzy - The Ultimate Cartoon AdventureDizzy, or Dizzy – The Ultimate Cartoon Adventure, was the first video game featuring the character Dizzy, an anthropomorphic egg. The game was designed by two British brothers, Philip and Andrew Oliver, frequently referred to as the Oliver twins...
– June 1986 – CPC, Spectrum, C64 - Professional Ski SimulatorProfessional Ski SimulatorProfessional Ski Simulator is an isometric 3D sports simulation game released by Codemasters in for the Sinclair Spectrum, Commodore 64, and Amstrad CPC. It was later also released for the Atari ST and Amiga as Advanced Ski Simulator.-Gameplay:...
– October 1986 – CPC, Spectrum, C64, ST, Amiga - 3D Starfighter – November 1986 – CPC, Spectrum
- Fruit Machine Simulator – February 1987 – Spectrum, CPC, C64, ST, Amiga
- Treasure Island DizzyTreasure Island DizzyTreasure Island Dizzy is a computer puzzle game published in 1987 by Codemasters for the Amstrad, Commodore 64, Spectrum, DOS, NES, Amiga and Atari ST....
– August 1987 – CPC, Spectrum, C64, ST, Amiga, NES, PC DOS - Advanced Pinball Simulator – October 1987 – CPC, Spectrum C64
- Pro BMX Simulator – November 1987 – CPC, Spectrum, C64
- Incredible Shrinking Sphere – November 1987 – CPC, Spectrum, C64, ST, Amiga
- Fast Food DizzyFast Food DizzyFast Food is an arcade style video game much in the design of Pac-Man featuring the video game character, Dizzy the anthropomorphic egg designed by the British born Oliver twins...
– December 1987 – CPC, Spectrum, C64, ST, Amiga, PC DOS - Grand Prix Simulator II – February 1988 – CPC, Spectrum, C64
- The Race Against Time – May 88 – CPC, Spectrum, C64
- Jet Bike Simulator – September 1988 – CPC Spectrum, C64, ST, Amiga
- Fantasy World DizzyFantasy World DizzyFantasy World Dizzy is an arcade adventure video game released in October 1989 by Codemasters and designed by the Oliver twins.The game is considered the third in the Dizzy series and was developed under the name Dizzy III...
– October 1988 – CPC, Spectrum, C64, ST, Amiga, PC - Ghostbusters II (published by ActivisionActivisionActivision is an American publisher, majority owned by French conglomerate Vivendi SA. Its current CEO is Robert Kotick. It was founded on October 1, 1979 and was the world's first independent developer and distributor of video games for gaming consoles...
) – August 1988 – CPC, Spectrum, C64, ST, Amiga - Operation Gunship – August 1989 – CPC, Spectrum, C64
- Kwik SnaxKwik SnaxKwik Snax is an arcade style maze video game play developed by the Oliver Twins and was published in 1990 by Codemasters for the Amstrad, Spectrum, Commodore 64, DOS, and Amiga...
– November 1989 – CPC, Spectrum, C64, ST, Amiga, PC - The CD Games Pack – December 1989 – CPC, Spectrum, C64
- Magicland DizzyMagicland DizzyMagicland Dizzy is a platform adventure game published in Europe in 1990 by Codemasters for the ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64 and Amiga platforms. By 1992 there were also DOS, Atari ST and Amstrad CPC versions available. It is the sixth game in the Dizzy series, and the fourth adventure-based Dizzy title...
– February 1990 – CPC, Spectrum, C64, ST, Amiga, PC - Dizzy Panic!Dizzy Panic!Dizzy Panic! is a puzzle video game published in 1990 by Codemasters for the Amstrad CPC, ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, Sega Master System and the Sega Game Gear...
– May 90 – CPC, Spectrum, C64, Master System, Game Gear - Dizzy Prince of the YolkfolkDizzy Prince of the YolkfolkDizzy Prince of the Yolkfolk is an adventure video game published in December 1991 by Codemasters for the Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, DOS, NES and Amiga. It was the sixth game in the Dizzy adventure series...
– August 1990 – CPC, Spectrum, C64, ST, Amiga, PC - Bubble DizzyBubble DizzyBubble Dizzy is an arcade style action video game developed by the Oliver twins and published in November 1990 by Codemasters for the Amstrad, Spectrum, DOS, Atari ST, Commodore 64 and Amiga....
– November 1990 – CPC, Spectrum, C64, ST, Amiga, PC - Spellbound DizzySpellbound DizzySpellbound Dizzy is an adventure video game, featuring the character Dizzy, released in December 1990 by Codemasters. The series was originally developed by the Oliver twins; however, they had little involvement with this title other than executive sign off - confident in leaving Big Red Software...
– December 1990 – CPC, Spectrum, C64, ST, Amiga, PC - Dizzy Down the RapidsDizzy Down the RapidsDizzy Down the Rapids is an arcade style action video game that was published in 1991 by Codemasters for the Amstrad CPC, Spectrum, DOS, Atari ST, Commodore 64 and Amiga....
– April 1991 – CPC, Spectrum, C64, ST, Amiga - Fantastic Adventures of Dizzy – April 1991 – NES, ST, Amiga, Mega Drive/Genesis, PC, Game Boy, Master System, Game Gear.
- Firehawk – September 1991 – NES, ST, Amiga
- Crystal Kingdom DizzyCrystal Kingdom DizzyCrystal Kingdom Dizzy is an adventure video game featuring the character Dizzy released in December 1992 by Codemasters. The Oliver Twins—who were heavily involved in the design and programming of previous Dizzy games—had less involvement with the title..The game is the last title to...
– December 1991 – CPC, Spectrum, C64, ST, Amiga, PC - Robin Hood Legend Quest – February 1992 – ST, Amiga
- Aladdin Deck EnhancerAladdin Deck EnhancerThe Aladdin Deck Enhancer, produced by Camerica, and developed by Codemasters, is a cartridge based system that allows software on Compact Cartridges to be played on the Nintendo Entertainment System. It is similar to the Datach system for the Famicom, but without the Barcode feature...
– November 1992 – NES - Dizzy The Adventurer – November 1992 – NES (free with Aladdin)
- Dreamworld Pogie – Never Released – NES (on Aladdin)
- Go! Dizzy Go! – Never Released – NES (on Aladdin)
- Wonderland Dizzy – Never released – NES (on Aladdin)
- The Excellent Dizzy Collection – November 1993 – Master System, Game Gear
External links
- Official Oliver Twins website
- Blitz Games Studios website
- Desert Island Discs style interview with Andrew Oliver
- Oliver Twins interview
- Oliver Twins interview with the Goddess from GIGnews