BattleBots (found build of unreleased GameCube/PlayStation 2 game based on robot combat TV series; 2003): Difference between revisions

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(Major expansion. I was not expecting to find that many screenshots! But I guess one strikes lucky once in a while!)
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|title=<center>BattleBots</center>
|title=<center>BattleBots</center>
|image=BattleBots UScoverart.png
|image=BattleBots UScoverart.png
|imagecaption=U.S. GameCube cover art.
|imagecaption=GameCube cover art.
|status=<span style="color:red;">'''Lost'''</span>
|status=<span style="color:red;">'''Lost'''</span>
}}
}}
'''''BattleBots''''' was a video game based on the television show of the same name, ''BattleBots'', a robot combat game show. Developed by Warthog Games, it would have featured forty playable robots (both real and fictional) and twenty arenas. It was supposed to be released for the Nintendo GameCube and PlayStation 2 by THQ, but was ultimately cancelled, possibly due to the cancellation of the original show. The game was cancelled despite being at an advanced stage of development, as gameplay footage can be found online and the U.S. version of the GameCube version's cover art had an ESRB rating and the Nintendo Seal of Quality.
'''''BattleBots''''' was a video game based on the television show of the same name, ''BattleBots'', a robot combat game show. It was developed by Wharthog Games and was set to be published by THQ for the GameCube and PlayStation 2 in 2003 prior to cancellation.


==Development==
==Development==
The game was first announced on the official ''BattleBots'' website on September 12, 2002, with a possible release in November 2002.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20021004184030/http://battlebots.com/news_home.asp#news112 Archive of the official site announcing the game.] Retrieved 21 Nov '15</ref> However, the game was then postponed until early February 2003, before being delayed once again to May 2003.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20030213024520/http://battlebots.com/store/store_search_results.asp?ID=9 Archive of the site announcing the first delay.] Retrieved 21 Nov '15</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20030413050652/http://battlebots.com/store/store_search_results.asp?ID=9 Archive of the site announcing the second delay.] Retrieved 21 Nov '15</ref> However, according to ex-Warthog Games employees in an interview with Retro Gamer, THQ decided to end the project. After that, there were no more mentions of the game on the website.
On 19th November 2001, it was announced that THQ had secured the licence to publish ''BattleBots'' games. Development for a GameCube and PlayStation 2 title had already started, with plans for future Xbox and PC games.<ref>[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/thq-secures-battlebots-license/1100-2825836/?utm_source=gamefaqs&utm_medium=partner&utm_content=news_module&utm_campaign=gamespace_news ''GameSpot'' reporting on THQ securing the ''BattleBots'' licence, detailing game development plans.] Retrieved 11 Nov '21</ref> ''BattleBots'' was first showcased by THQ at E3 2002.<ref>[http://www.tmstation.scei.co.jp/ps2/public/Newsletter0006_2/index_e.html ''TM Station'' noting ''BattleBots'' was showcased at E3 2002.] Retrieved 11 Nov '21</ref><ref>[https://www.digitpress.com/images/e32k2/larry/index.htm ''Digital Press'' providing a photo of ''BattleBots'' at E3 2002.] Retrieved 11 Nov '21</ref> According to ''Nintendo World Report'', there was a playable GameCube demo containing around five robots to battle as, within a single bridge arena. Based on this article, the game would feature 80 robots, 40 of which would be from the TV show. It also featured basic and advance control configurations, and plans were made to have a four-player mode.<ref>[http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/hands-on-preview/2916/battlebots-gamecube ''Nintendo World Report'' reporting on the ''BattleBots'' demo at E3 2002.] Retrieved 11 Nov '21</ref>
 
''IGN'' listed other details, including 20 arenas being added into the game, and three different game modes; these were Simulation Mode that emulated the TV series' tournament structure and arenas; Arcade Mode, where one could freely choose robots they created or from the show and compete in arenas with power-ups added; and Multi-player Mode.<ref>[https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/09/05/battlebots ''IGN'' reporting on details regarding ''BattleBots''.] Retrieved 11 Nov '21</ref> The game would also be showcased at Gen Con 2002, with ''GameSpot'' reviewers detailing the GameCube demo, and noting that the game would allow for the camera to be switched to a "robot's eye" view during a fight.<ref>[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/gen-con-2002battlebots-hands-on/1100-6023304/?utm_source=gamefaqs&utm_medium=partner&utm_content=news_module&utm_campaign=gamespace_news ''GameSpot'' detailing the ''BattleBots'' demo at Gen Con 2002.] Retrieved 11 Nov '21</ref>
 
The game was first announced on the official ''BattleBots'' website on September 12, 2002, with an expected release date in November 2002.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20021004184030/http://battlebots.com/news_home.asp#news112 Archive of the official site announcing the game.] Retrieved 21 Nov '15</ref> However, the game was then postponed until early February 2003,<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20030213024520/http://battlebots.com/store/store_search_results.asp?ID=9 Archive of the site announcing the first delay.] Retrieved 21 Nov '15</ref> before being delayed once again to May 2003.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20030413050652/http://battlebots.com/store/store_search_results.asp?ID=9 Archive of the site announcing the second delay.] Retrieved 21 Nov '15</ref> After that, there were no more mentions of the game on the website. According to the February 2018 issue of Retro Gamer, THQ suddenly decided to end the project, despite the game reaching "an advanced stage of development".<ref>[https://www.pressreader.com/uk/retro-gamer/20180222/281651075574034 February 2018 issue of ''Retro Gamer'' noting that ''BattleBots'' was cancelled at an advanced stage of development by THQ.] Retrieved 11 Nov '21</ref> This most likely stemmed from the announcement that Comedy Central had decided not to renew the show for another season in September 2002.<ref>[https://www.sbnation.com/longform/2013/6/18/4438250/battlebots-robot-wars-combat-oral-history ''SB Nation'' noting ''BattleBots'' was not renewed in September 2002 by Comedy Central, likely being a major catalyst for the game's cancellation.] Retrieved 11 Nov '21</ref>


==Availability==
==Availability==
While the game went unreleased, prototypes of the game were made and sold on the official website for $150<ref>[http://assemblergames.com/l/threads/is-there-a-working-copy-of-the-battlebots-game.54347/ AssemblerGames thread on the game.] Retrieved 21 Nov '15</ref> and again for $299.98, with seemingly only one copy for sale.<ref>[http://store.battlebots.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=154_156&product_id=240%7C Official store page for the game.] Retrieved 21 Nov '15</ref> In May 2015, Team Nightmare Combat Robots were actually able to play the GameCube version. A screenshot exists of the aftermath, where hotel security caught them playing it on the hotel lobby's television.<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=922181194494848&set=that-would-be-donald-hutson-of-mutant-robots-getting-busted-by-hotel-security-fo A photo of the hotel event.] Retrieved 15 Oct '21</ref> Despite all of these events, the game is still not online in any form.
While the game went unreleased, prototypes of the game were made and sold on the official website for $150<ref>[http://assemblergames.com/l/threads/is-there-a-working-copy-of-the-battlebots-game.54347/ AssemblerGames thread on the game.] Retrieved 21 Nov '15</ref> and again for $299.98, with seemingly only one copy for sale.<ref>[http://store.battlebots.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=154_156&product_id=240%7C Official store page for the game.] Retrieved 21 Nov '15</ref> In May 2015, Team Nightmare Combat Robots were actually able to play the GameCube version. A screenshot exists of the aftermath, where hotel security caught them playing it on the hotel lobby's television.<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=922181194494848&set=that-would-be-donald-hutson-of-mutant-robots-getting-busted-by-hotel-security-fo A photo of the hotel event.] Retrieved 15 Oct '21</ref> Despite all of these events, no build of the game, in demo or complete form, has ever been publicly released.


==Videos==
Nevertheless, a video was uploaded to YouTube showcasing gameplay footage. Additionally, many screenshots of the game and its concept art were made public in 2017 by Gary Switzer.<ref>[https://www.artstation.com/artwork/AbNDW List of screenshots and concept art provided by Gary Switzer.] Retrieved 11 Nov '21</ref>
 
==Gallery==
===Video===
{{Video|perrow  =1
{{Video|perrow  =1
   |service1    =youtube
   |service1    =youtube
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   |description1 =Gameplay footage of ''BattleBots''.
   |description1 =Gameplay footage of ''BattleBots''.
}}
}}
===Images===
<gallery mode=packed heights=200px>
Battlebotsgame2.jpg|Sunshine L vs Mouser Cat.
Battlebotsgame3.jpg|Fang vs a spinner in a fictional arena.
Battlebotsgame4.jpg|Two spinners in a fictional arena.
Battlebotsgame5.jpg|Robot select screen.
Battlebotsgame6.jpg|Robot select screen.
Battlebotsgame7.jpg|Applying logos in the robot workshop.
Battlebotsgame8.jpg|Arena select screen.
Battlebotsgame9.jpg|Toe Crusher vs Atomic Monkey.
Battlebotsgame10.jpg|Biohazard vs Atomic Monkey.
Battlebotsgame11.jpg|Deadblow vs Fang in a fictional arena.
Battlebotsgame12.jpg|Diesector.
Battlebotsgame13.jpg|El Diablo Grande.
Battlebotsgame14.jpg|Techno Destructo.
Battlebotsgame15.jpg|Biohazard.
Battlebotsgame16.jpg|Iceberg.
Battlebotsgame17.jpg|Killerhurtz.
Battlebotsgame18.jpg|Little Sister.
Battlebotsgame19.jpg|DooAll.
Battlebotsgame20.jpg|Mauler.
Battlebotsgame21.jpg|Frostbite.
Battlebotsgame22.jpg|Mecha Tentoumushi.
Battlebotsgame23.jpg|Minion.
Battlebotsgame24.jpg|Nightmare.
Battlebotsgame25.jpg|Overkill.
Battlebotsgame26.jpg|Rammstein.
Battlebotsgame27.jpg|Mechavore.
Battlebotsgame28.jpg|Toro.
Battlebotsgame29.jpg|Vlad The Impaler.
Battlebotsgame30.jpg|Ronin.
Battlebotsgame31.jpg|''BattleBots'' at E3 2002.
Battlebotsgame32.jpg|Poster for the game.
</gallery>
==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}

Revision as of 22:37, 11 November 2021

BattleBots UScoverart.png

GameCube cover art.

Status: Lost

BattleBots was a video game based on the television show of the same name, BattleBots, a robot combat game show. It was developed by Wharthog Games and was set to be published by THQ for the GameCube and PlayStation 2 in 2003 prior to cancellation.

Development

On 19th November 2001, it was announced that THQ had secured the licence to publish BattleBots games. Development for a GameCube and PlayStation 2 title had already started, with plans for future Xbox and PC games.[1] BattleBots was first showcased by THQ at E3 2002.[2][3] According to Nintendo World Report, there was a playable GameCube demo containing around five robots to battle as, within a single bridge arena. Based on this article, the game would feature 80 robots, 40 of which would be from the TV show. It also featured basic and advance control configurations, and plans were made to have a four-player mode.[4]

IGN listed other details, including 20 arenas being added into the game, and three different game modes; these were Simulation Mode that emulated the TV series' tournament structure and arenas; Arcade Mode, where one could freely choose robots they created or from the show and compete in arenas with power-ups added; and Multi-player Mode.[5] The game would also be showcased at Gen Con 2002, with GameSpot reviewers detailing the GameCube demo, and noting that the game would allow for the camera to be switched to a "robot's eye" view during a fight.[6]

The game was first announced on the official BattleBots website on September 12, 2002, with an expected release date in November 2002.[7] However, the game was then postponed until early February 2003,[8] before being delayed once again to May 2003.[9] After that, there were no more mentions of the game on the website. According to the February 2018 issue of Retro Gamer, THQ suddenly decided to end the project, despite the game reaching "an advanced stage of development".[10] This most likely stemmed from the announcement that Comedy Central had decided not to renew the show for another season in September 2002.[11]

Availability

While the game went unreleased, prototypes of the game were made and sold on the official website for $150[12] and again for $299.98, with seemingly only one copy for sale.[13] In May 2015, Team Nightmare Combat Robots were actually able to play the GameCube version. A screenshot exists of the aftermath, where hotel security caught them playing it on the hotel lobby's television.[14] Despite all of these events, no build of the game, in demo or complete form, has ever been publicly released.

Nevertheless, a video was uploaded to YouTube showcasing gameplay footage. Additionally, many screenshots of the game and its concept art were made public in 2017 by Gary Switzer.[15]

Gallery

Video

Gameplay footage of BattleBots.

Images

  • Sunshine L vs Mouser Cat.

    Sunshine L vs Mouser Cat.

  • Fang vs a spinner in a fictional arena.

    Fang vs a spinner in a fictional arena.

  • Two spinners in a fictional arena.

    Two spinners in a fictional arena.

  • Robot select screen.

    Robot select screen.

  • Robot select screen.

    Robot select screen.

  • Applying logos in the robot workshop.

    Applying logos in the robot workshop.

  • Arena select screen.

    Arena select screen.

  • Toe Crusher vs Atomic Monkey.

    Toe Crusher vs Atomic Monkey.

  • Biohazard vs Atomic Monkey.

    Biohazard vs Atomic Monkey.

  • Deadblow vs Fang in a fictional arena.

    Deadblow vs Fang in a fictional arena.

  • Diesector.

    Diesector.

  • El Diablo Grande.

    El Diablo Grande.

  • Techno Destructo.

    Techno Destructo.

  • Biohazard.

    Biohazard.

  • Iceberg.

    Iceberg.

  • Killerhurtz.

    Killerhurtz.

  • Little Sister.

    Little Sister.

  • DooAll.

    DooAll.

  • Mauler.

    Mauler.

  • Frostbite.

    Frostbite.

  • Mecha Tentoumushi.

    Mecha Tentoumushi.

  • Minion.

    Minion.

  • Nightmare.

    Nightmare.

  • Overkill.

    Overkill.

  • Rammstein.

    Rammstein.

  • Mechavore.

    Mechavore.

  • Toro.

    Toro.

  • Vlad The Impaler.

    Vlad The Impaler.

  • Ronin.

    Ronin.

  • BattleBots at E3 2002.

    BattleBots at E3 2002.

  • Poster for the game.

    Poster for the game.

References

  1. ↑ GameSpot reporting on THQ securing the BattleBots licence, detailing game development plans. Retrieved 11 Nov '21
  2. ↑ TM Station noting BattleBots was showcased at E3 2002. Retrieved 11 Nov '21
  3. ↑ Digital Press providing a photo of BattleBots at E3 2002. Retrieved 11 Nov '21
  4. ↑ Nintendo World Report reporting on the BattleBots demo at E3 2002. Retrieved 11 Nov '21
  5. ↑ IGN reporting on details regarding BattleBots. Retrieved 11 Nov '21
  6. ↑ GameSpot detailing the BattleBots demo at Gen Con 2002. Retrieved 11 Nov '21
  7. ↑ Archive of the official site announcing the game. Retrieved 21 Nov '15
  8. ↑ Archive of the site announcing the first delay. Retrieved 21 Nov '15
  9. ↑ Archive of the site announcing the second delay. Retrieved 21 Nov '15
  10. ↑ February 2018 issue of Retro Gamer noting that BattleBots was cancelled at an advanced stage of development by THQ. Retrieved 11 Nov '21
  11. ↑ SB Nation noting BattleBots was not renewed in September 2002 by Comedy Central, likely being a major catalyst for the game's cancellation. Retrieved 11 Nov '21
  12. ↑ AssemblerGames thread on the game. Retrieved 21 Nov '15
  13. ↑ Official store page for the game. Retrieved 21 Nov '15
  14. ↑ A photo of the hotel event. Retrieved 15 Oct '21
  15. ↑ List of screenshots and concept art provided by Gary Switzer. Retrieved 11 Nov '21
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