Misplaced Pages

Darwinia (video game): Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editContent deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 14:28, 26 December 2006 editNeoThermic (talk | contribs)352 editsNo edit summary← Previous edit Latest revision as of 04:15, 19 November 2024 edit undoGreenC bot (talk | contribs)Bots2,547,819 edits Move 1 url. Wayback Medic 2.5 per WP:URLREQ#avclub.com 
(388 intermediate revisions by more than 100 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2015}}
{{Infobox CVG
{{Use British English|date=December 2012}}
| title = Darwinia
{{Infobox video game
|image = ]
|title=Darwinia
|image = Darwinia Coverart.png
|caption=
|developer = ] |developer = ]
|publisher = ] (Windows/Linux)<br />] (Mac OS X)<br />] (] label) (US PC format) |publisher=Introversion Software (Windows/Linux)<br />] (Mac OS X)<br />]/] (U.S.)<br />Stomp (Australia)
|distributor = ] (Windows)<br />] (Steam)
|designer = Chris Delay |designer = Chris Delay
|composer = ]<br />Mathieu Stempell
|engine = |engine =
|released='''Windows'''<br />{{vgrelease|EU|4 March 2005|NA|12 June 2006}}'''Linux'''<br />18 March 2005<br />'''Mac'''<br />30 March 2005<br />'''Steam'''<br />14 December 2005<ref name=Steam/><br />'''MSN Games'''<br />31 January 2007<br />'''Xbox 360'''<br />10 February 2010
|released = ] ], ] (Windows)<br />] ], ] ]<br />] ], ] (Mac OS X)<br />] ] ] (Steam)
|genre = Not well defined; ] of ] and ] |genre = ], ]
|modes = ] |modes = ]
|platforms=]<br />]<br />]<br />]
|ratings = ]: 7+
|platforms = ]<br />] ]<br />]<br />]
|media = ] (Windows)]<br />] download ] (Mac OS X)<br />] download (Windows)
|requirements = 600MHz ]<br />128MB ]<br />60MB ]<br />16MB ]
|input = ] and ]
}} }}
'''''Darwinia''''' is the second game made by ], the creators of '']''. It is an ], similar to '']'', with graphics inspired by early ].
<br clear="left" />


'''''Darwinia''''' is a 2005 ] and ] ] for ], ] and ]. It is the second game developed by ], and is set within a computer environment that simulates artificial intelligence. It received favourable reviews and won three awards at the 2006 ]. A multiplayer sequel, '']'', was released for Windows in 2008. ''Darwinia'' and ''Multiwinia'' were released together as '''''Darwinia+''''' for the ] in 2010.
==Backstory==
]


==Plot==
Contrary to the indicative name, the world of Darwinia is not a ]. It was created as a digital theme world - a '']'' for ]s by the mysterious Dr. Sepulveda (who himself bears an uncanny likeness to renowned ] inventor ], tieing into the retro presentation of the game). Housed in a massive network of surplus Protologic 68000 machines from the ], Darwinia is a world where the single-poly Darwinians (also known as DGs or DeeGees meaning "Darwinia Guy" a name that the fanbase created that predates their official title), with their simple, but growing AI, can grow and evolve. And where the world can visit to see them gambolling in their natural, fractal ]. Except, when the player arrives, something has gone horribly wrong. Darwinia has been infected by a ], and Dr. Sepulveda is panicking, watching decades of research being corrupted and consumed. Since the player is the only other person there at the time, Sepulveda decides that the player can help him. The player is given access to the combat programs, simple tools that were meant as mini-games, mostly involving guns and blowing things up, but now the only attack against the virus. It soon becomes clear this is not enough, and that triggers the third aspect of the gameplay - ].
''Darwinia'' was created as a digital theme world for ] ]s by Dr. Sepulveda. Housed in a massive network of surplus Protologic 68000 machines from the 1980s, Darwinia is a world where the single-poly Darwinians, with their simple, but growing AI, can grow and evolve. Darwinia is also where the world can visit to see them frolicking in their natural, fractal habitat. A Darwinian lives a life working and growing, until the eventual death of the Darwinian, which releases their digital soul to later be reincarnated.

However, the player arrives in the midst of an emergency. Darwinia has been infected by a ], and Sepulveda is in near panic, watching decades of research being corrupted and being used up. Sepulveda enlists the player, a curious hacker who stumbled across Darwinia by accident, to aid him in rescuing the Darwinians and drive off the computer virus. The player is given access to the combat programs, simple tools that originally began as mini-games. These are now the only means of attack against the virus. As the player progresses, it soon becomes clear this is not enough, and that triggers the third aspect of the gameplay, which is evolution.

The first two levels of the video game act as an introduction and allow the player to familiarize themselves with the controls. After that, Dr. Sepulveda begins assigning tasks that span several levels to achieve a long-term objective. The first task involves clearing the virus population from and reactivating the Mines and Power Generator to provide resources for the Construction Yard. Once done, the Yard begins producing armored units, allowing the player to move on. The next task involves the reincarnation of Darwinians: the Soul Repository in the center of Darwinia collects the floating souls, and sends them down to the Receiver, where the Darwinians gather them and send them to the Pattern Buffer to be reprogrammed with the main Darwinian blueprint code, where they are sent to the Biosphere to be reborn. The player must clear the Viruses from all the facilities and reactivate them.

In the final level of the game, Sepulveda traces the Viral infection back to its source, which is ]. After Sepulveda had accidentally flashed an image of his face across the skies of Darwinia, The Darwinians had assumed him to be God. They then re-aligned a portal inside Darwinia in an attempt to communicate with God. The Darwinians managed to access Sepulveda's computer, downloading several files and eventually downloading the Spam. The e-mails were infected with a very nasty strain of internet virus which corrupted the Darwinians. The player is tasked to destroying the few remaining e-mails.


==Gameplay== ==Gameplay==
]
{{spoiler}}
''Darwinia'' mixes elements from strategy, action, puzzle, ] and ]s alike, meaning that it does not fall under a specific ].<ref name="PCGUK">{{cite magazine | title = Darwinia | magazine = ] | publisher = ] | author = Stone, T | date = March 2005 | pages = 80–81}}</ref> The player has the ability to run several programs through the Task Manager, similar to units used in many ] games. Research allows the player to upgrade programs and weapons, which is critical as the enemy develops. Mission objectives are given at each location/level, as the player and the Darwinians attempt to wipe out the Viruses.


==Development==
''Darwinia'' fails to fall into any game genre, as it mixes elements from strategy, action, puzzle, hacker, and God games alike. <ref>Stone, T: "PC Gamer UK", pages 80, 81. Future Publishing, 2005</ref> Its retro styling coupled with colorful 3D design is unlike most games on the market, and its simple, intuitive gameplay is mysteriously profound. The player has the ability to run several programs through the Task Manager (Windows pun intended). The Squad program will give the player a close up action and stealth game, aiming and firing both primary and secondary weapons. The Engineer program can then reprogram buildings and collect Souls from the destroyed Virus to create Darwinians. The Officer program allows you to indirectly order the masses of Darwinians to run, occupy, and even attack, reminiscent of "Lemmings". Strategy is required whether you use commando raids or control large battles. Research allows the player to develop bigger and better weapons, as the enemy viruses also get bigger and better. All this to complete Mission Objectives at a Location, as the player and the Darwinians wipe out the Virus in a great War.
''Darwinia'' was inspired by the theme of the first ], where a group of programmers experimented with generating tens of thousands of ] on screen at once. Introversion began prototyping a war game with more units on screen than had ever been done at that point. After months of iteration and development, this coalesced into the gameplay for ''Darwinia''.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://archive.gamedev.net/archive/columns/interviews/introversion.html | title = Interview with Introversion Software | website = GameDev.net | first = Drew "Gaiiden" | last = Sikora | access-date = 11 October 2016}}</ref>


The initial ] of ''Darwinia'' began on 27 August 2004, and the beta testing of the full game started on 26 November, the same year. A demo level of ''Darwinia'' was released 3 months later on 21 January, and can be downloaded from the ''Darwinia'' website. ''Darwinia'' was released in Europe on 4 March 2005 (the U.S. version followed on 12 June 2006), while the ] version was released 30 March 2005 by publisher ]. A ] was released on 28 April 2005 for ], bringing the version to 1.2. New features included an improved unit selection system, as well as numerous modding updates including the ability to create custom strings. Another patch (version 1.3) was released in September 2005, which includes the option (enabled by default) of clicking icons or using keyboard shortcuts to create units instead of using the gesture system. A new demo, using features of the above-mentioned version 1.3 patch and an entirely new level "Launchpad" not in the full game, was released in September 2005.
===Friendly Units===
These are the friendly units in the game, units that the player can either directly control or influence. The DGs have a green color, while the player-created units are yellowish-gold.


''Darwinia'' was released on ] on 14 December 2005.<ref name=Steam>{{cite web | url = http://store.steampowered.com/news/493/ | title = Darwinia Available Now On Steam | website = ] | publisher = ] | date = 14 December 2005 | access-date = 11 October 2016}}</ref> This helped solve some of Introversion's distribution problems, and allowed for localized versions to be developed; a German translation was included with the Steam release.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://steamreview.org/posts/darwiniainterview/ | title = Darwinia and Steam: an Interview with Introversion | website = The Steam Review | date = 23 November 2005 | access-date = 24 March 2018}}</ref> A new patch was released on 10 March 2006 bringing the version up to 1.42 and adding difficulty settings ranging from 1 to 10. Higher difficulties increase the number, speed, and health of monsters. It also increases the speed of the player's own units.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.introversion.co.uk/darwinia/support/changes.txt | title = VERSION 1.42 | website = ] | access-date = 24 March 2018}}</ref> ]-owned ] on 4 April 2006 issued a press release announcing they would bring ''Darwinia'' to US markets in June 2006. Beta testing signups for version 1.5.x started on 15 December 2006.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://forums.introversion.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=40359 | title = Darwinia Update Testing | website = Introversion Software | first = John | last = Knottenbelt | date = 15 December 2006 | access-date = 24 March 2018}}</ref> A Windows Vista exclusive version of ''Darwinia'' with extra eye candy and 3 additional levels was released on 31 January 2007. Version 1.5.1.1 patch released on 18 June 2007, providing support for DirectX 9c, including extra eye candy and the "Launchpad" level.
*'''Darwinian (DG)''': The natives of Darwinia, these green sprites roam about freely. They are the product of Dr. Sepulveda's life work, and their intelligence has been evolving for thousands of generations. The DGs at first are defenseless, with screaming and running as their only reaction to the virus. They can be later upgraded with lasers (and use a fire-and-flee behavior when attacking) and later with grenades (fired very rarely). They are not very effective by themselves, but a large-sized group can be very formidable. Darwinians can operate buildings such as the Refinery and Mines. However, Dr. Sepulveda had endowed them with free will, so you cannot control them directly.
*'''Officer''': These are Darwinians promoted with a special program that the Doc had created and that you find in a research cube. They are the only Darwinians that can be directly controlled, and do not take up any space on the task manager (except when the program is created). They are very conspicuous, with their larger yellow bodies and waving flag. They can issue the rally point GOTO (basic) order, the stronger FOLLOW (upgrade) order, or ABSORB (upgrade) Darwinians to create a Soul Shield. They are not very effective combat units, as they rarely fire lasers, and only one can be selected at a time. However, any DG in their command radius will instantly obey their orders.
*'''Squad''': Your basic combat unit, and your primary weapon against the viral outbreak. Their primary weapon is a barrage of lasers, while their secondary weapon can be either grenades, rockets, or airstrike beacons. The squad originally has three members, but can be upgraded to have six members. Several squads can be on the map, but only one squad can be controlled at a time. Their lasers and secondary weapons can be upgraded for range except the Airstrike (increases the number of bombers instead).
**''Squad Weaponry''
*''Laser'': The Squad is always equipped with the standard laser weapon. Effective against basic Virii and Centipedes, but almost useless against anything else. The laser must be firing in order for the Squad to be able to use any secondary weapons.
*''Grenade'': The first secondary weapon obtained in the game. They are effective against all types of Virus, especially in large groups. However, the grenades need time to be lobbed, and sit about two seconds on the ground before exploding. The grenades are also affected by gravity and slope, so your grenades can bounce right back to you or overshoot your targets. Fully upgraded DGs have access to Grenades, but no other squad weaponry.
*''Rocket'': The Rocket weapon is one of the more powerful weapons the squad obtains. The rockets are high explosive, and even spiders fall after a full volley of Squad Rockets. While extremely powerful, the rockets are also highly dangerous to your Squad and DGs. The Rockets originally have a very short range, only going out a short distance before going off. The biggest drawback is that rockets explode on contact to the terrain, so two rockets fired into the hill can easily wipe out your squad.
*''Airstrike'': The airstrike program is the most powerful secondary weapon the squad has, especially when fully upgraded. When triggered, the Squad will lob airstrike markers (one for each squadmate), which will then be attacked by hit-and-run bombers (known as "Invaders"). The airstrike marker originally has only one bomber for each marker, but can be upgraded to have a maximum of 4 bombers to each marker. The Airstrike is not without drawbacks. The bombers do take some time to get to the target, and, like real airstrikes, can be a bit off-target from their markers.
*'''Engineer''': The basic utility unit, a dumb debugger. This useful tweezer-looking program automatically reprograms nearby buildings and collects "souls" left by dead virii to be reborn into new DGs. At the DG core is a digital "soul," represented by a green diamond (yellow in the case of an Officer, red in the case of Viruses. Engineers, Squads, and Armour do not drop souls) that can be brought back to a friendly incubator to be reborn into a new DG. They are slow, but they can move over water. They can be upgraded to collect more souls before having to return to the nearest incubator. They have no weaponry.
*'''Armour''': The Armour can be created when the Construction Yard is re-activated. The Armour functions like an APC, being able to transport and protect a number of DGs across rough land and even through water. They can be upgraded to contain more DGs, but have no weaponry. Be aware that if an Armour is destroyed or closed while DGs are still inside of it, the DGs will be destroyed (reverted to soul form).
*'''Battle Cannon''': The Armour can reform into a Battle Cannon, a four-barreled stationary turret. The battle cannon needs to be on level ground to reform, and needs four DGs for maximum effectiveness. An unoccupied Battle Cannon is useless, one DG will fire one barrel, two will fire two, and so on and so forth. The Battle cannon does have a minimum and maximum range of fire, so it can't fire at things right under it and cannot hit things out of range. Battle Cannons cannot be moved once placed, and must be destroyed to be removed. The player can directly control a Battle Cannon if there's at least one DG in it, but only one turret can be controlled in this matter. The DGs aren't the brightest when it comes to weapons of extreme power. When they see a virus in range, they will shoot at it, and they will continue to shoot at it until they kill it, even if player units or even friendly DGs are in the line of fire. The DGs inside are easily killed, and the Battle Cannon itself can be used by enemy DGs. However, this weapon has the most firepower in the game and is effective against all Virus types, even the ones that require explosives to destroy. Their upgrades are joint with the Armour upgrades, and cannon range will increase with each one.


In 2010 in context of a Bundle sale the ] of the game ] for purchase under a non-].<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2010/07/10/be-beside-the-c-side-darwinia-source-code/ | title = Be Beside The C-Side: Darwinia Source Code | website = ] | first = Kieron | last = Gillen | date = 10 July 2010}}</ref>
===Buildings===
*'''Control Tower''': Controls the connected building. These can be reprogrammed by an Engineer to retake that building.
*'''Incubator''': Rebirths Souls into Darwinians. Engineers can return collected Souls here.
*'''Radar Dish''': Teleports units to another Radar Dish. Player must aim the sending Radar Dish at the receiving Radar Dish, which must be facing it.
*'''Trunk Port''': Connects different parts of Darwinia together. Mission objectives usually include turning these back on.
*'''Mine''': Used to mine polygons from the ground. DG operated.
*'''Refinery''': Used to refine polygons into Primaries. DG operated.
*'''Spawn Points''': Spawns Darwinians until the island maximum is reached. Unlike the Incubator, no souls are needed. DG operated.


On April 18, 2022, the remastered version of ''Darwinia'' was released via an update for Steam and GOG releases to celebrate its "10000th anniversary".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-18 |title=Darwinia - Darwinia 10000th Anniversary Edition - Steam News |url=https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1500/view/6150237114786411070 |access-date=2022-04-19 |website=store.steampowered.com |language=en}}</ref> The remaster includes updated graphics, numerous bugfixes, support of surround sound up to ] and the Steam integration, native support of ] included.
===Viral Units===
These creatures are the by-product of the viral infection, corrupting and consuming the virtual world bit by bit. They all have a trademark red color and usually attack when they see a player unit or a DG. Because they had consumed so much of the digital world, they also drop souls when they are defeated.


==''Darwinia+''==
*'''Virii''': The first enemy that you face in ''Darwinia'', and by far the most common. They are two-dimensional "snakes" made of triangles, and usually don't stray too far away from a designated spot. They're not a threat by themselves, but they are usually in large groups, and will mindlessly attack any hostile unit, even across water. They can be eliminated easily with basic weapons fire.
''Darwinia+'' is the version of ''Darwinia'' for the ], released on the ] on 11 February 2010. It includes updated versions of both ''Darwinia'' and '']''. This was Introversion Software's first venture onto a video game console.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.introversion.co.uk/darwiniaplus/ | title = Darwinia+ XBLA Xbox Live Arcade | website = Introversion Software | date = 10 February 2010 | access-date = 17 November 2012}}</ref>
*'''Centipede''': They essentially the same basic Virii, except they have grown larger and expanded into three dimensions. A dangerous opponent, the Centipede is fast moving and can destroy Squads and groups of Darwinians by crushing them. However, it usually appears alone or in pairs, and will flee if fired upon. However, when hit with enough firepower, it will split into several smaller centipedes, creating a bigger headache. Smaller centipedes are faster and harder to hit, but are weaker. The Centipede can grow new segments by consuming loose souls, so any smaller centipedes must be taken care of quickly before they find a stash of souls and become much tougher.
*'''Jellyfish''': These are the egg-laying kind of virus and are usually float above clumps of Virii. These are the first enemies that must be destroyed with explosives, for any laser fire will not harm the creature. It has no attack of its own, it only lays Virii eggs, which must be fertilized by viruses carrying souls. However, this can make it one of the more annoying enemies. When attacked, it will fly back up; consequently, multiple attacks are needed to destroy it.
*'''Spider''': These highly agile and dangerous enemies can jump long distances and crush large numbers of Darwinians and Squads alike. The most difficulty in destroying these enemies is that they are absolutely impervious to standard laser fire, which means that only squads and fully upgraded DGs can take them on with their explosive weaponry. Moreover, the attempt to destroy it with explosives can damage a nearby Squad or Darwinians after they have jumped onto a group of them. Spiders have the ability to lay eggs like the jellyfish.
*'''Spore Launcher AKA Triffid''': These plants can launch large spores long distances, even to other islands. The spores can spawn a variety of objects, such as multiple Virii, a Centipede, or even a Spider. Their main defense is that they're relatively isolated from main engagement areas, but do not have an other form of attack or defense. Once the player has gotten a squad into range, the Triffids can be burned to ground with explosives. Be warned that when burning to the ground, the Triffids will try to launch one last egg.
*'''Ants''': Individually weak, these workers can pick up Souls or even live Darwinians and carry them back to colonies to form more ants. For every death on the battlefield, a new ant can arise. Ants mindlessly attack any unit within their range, and their nests crank out more and more of the red bugs. Consequently, large battles between Darwinians and ants can result in unstoppable numbers of ants, and even with heavy firepower the result is usually a stalemate. Defeating the ants involves either slow attrition at the battlefront or a sneak attack on the colony itself.
*'''Soul Destroyers''': The dragon-like Viruses roam the skies of Darwinia and are the most difficult Virus to destroy. Not only are they heavily armored and fast moving, their attacks will actually destroy the souls of the Darwinians, killing them permanently and leaving behind eerie ghosts instead of Souls. Expect to lose a couple of Squads or DGs when taking these monsters down.


==Reception==
{{Spoiler}}
{{Video game reviews
*'''Spam''': In the final level of the game, Dr. Sepulveda had managed to trace the Viral infection back to its source. It seemed that the Darwinians had managed to open up a connection to the Doc's computer, downloading several files and eventaully, the Spam E-mails. The E-mails were infected with a very nasty strain of internet virus, and the E-mails activated within the system, corrupting the Darwinians and turning into the Virii. The Doc had managed to find a few e-mails that were still active, and the player is tasked to destroying them. The Emails are a very tough enemy. Though stationary, they regularly spread out red beams that destroy any player unit nearby, corrupt nearby DGs, and spawn more viral units, ie Centipedes and Spiders. The Emails must be destroyed by explosives at close range, as like all advanced enemies, are impervious to standard laser fire.
| PC = true
{{Endspoiler}}
| X360 = true
| na = true
| CGW_PC = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine | url = http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_257.pdf | title = Darwinia | magazine = ] | publisher = ] | first = Darren | last = Gladstone | issue = 257 | date = December 2005 | page = 98 | access-date = 24 March 2018}}</ref>
| Edge_PC = 7/10<ref>{{cite magazine | title = Darwinia | magazine = ] | publisher = Future plc | author = Edge staff | issue = 147 | date = March 2005 | page = 82}}</ref>
| Edge_X360 = 8/10<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.edge-online.com/magazine/review-darwinia | title = Review: Darwinia+ | website = Edge | publisher = Future plc | author = Edge staff | date = 10 February 2010 | access-date = 24 March 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100212215809/http://www.edge-online.com/magazine/review-darwinia | archive-date = 12 February 2010 | url-status = dead}}</ref>
| EuroG_PC = 9/10<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_darwinia_pc | title = Darwinia | website = ] | publisher = Gamer Network | first = Kieron | last = Gillen | date = 7 March 2005 | access-date = 11 October 2016}}</ref>
| EuroG_X360 = 8/10<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/darwinia-review | title = Darwinia+ | website = Eurogamer | publisher = Gamer Network | first = Dan | last = Whitehead | date = 10 February 2010 | access-date = 24 March 2018}}</ref>
| GI_PC = 7.5/10<ref>{{cite magazine | title = Darwinia | magazine = ] | publisher = ] | issue = 159 | date = July 2006 | page = 109}}</ref>
| GameRev_PC = C+<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/37172-darwinia-review | title = Darwinia Review | website = ] | publisher = ] | first = Ben | last = Silverman | date = 28 June 2006 | access-date = 24 March 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120927181001/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/darwinia | archive-date = 27 September 2012 | url-status = live}}</ref>
| GameRev_X360 = A−<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/45391-darwinia-review | title = Darwinia+ Review | website = Game Revolution | publisher = CraveOnline | first = Daniel R. | last = Bischoff | date = 5 March 2010 | access-date = 24 March 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110925053247/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/darwinia-plus | archive-date = 25 September 2011 | url-status = live}}</ref>
| GSpot_PC = 8.5/10<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/darwinia-review/1900-6131968/ | title=Darwinia Review | website = ] | publisher = ] | first = Greg | last = Mueller | date = 25 August 2005 | access-date = 11 October 2016}}</ref>
| GSpot_X360 = 8/10<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/darwinia-review/1900-6251060/ | title = Darwinia+ Review | website = GameSpot | publisher = CBS Interactive | first = Brett | last = Todd | date = 17 February 2010 | access-date = 24 March 2018}}</ref>
| GameZone_PC = 9/10<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamezone.com/reviews/darwinia_pc_review/ | title = Darwinia - PC - Review | website = GameZone | first = Michael | last = Knutson | date = 26 July 2005 | access-date = 24 March 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081004004821/http://pc.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r24808.htm | archive-date = 4 October 2008 | url-status = live}}</ref>
| IGN_PC = 8.8/10<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/03/25/darwinia | title = Darwinia | website = ] | publisher = Ziff Davis | first = Dan | last = Adams | date = 25 March 2005 | access-date = 11 October 2016}}</ref>
| IGN_X360 = 8.9/10<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/02/10/darwinia-review | title = Darwinia+ Review | website = IGN | publisher = Ziff Davis | first = Daemon | last = Hatfield | date = 9 February 2010 | access-date = 24 March 2018}}</ref>
| OXM_X360 = 7.5/10<ref>{{cite magazine | title = Darwinia+ | magazine = ] | publisher = ] | date = April 2010 | page = 80}}</ref>
| PCGUS_PC = 82%<ref>{{cite magazine | title = Darwinia | magazine = ] | publisher = Future US | volume = 12 | issue = 7 | date = July 2005 | page = 68}}</ref>
| rev1 = 411Mania
| rev1_X360 = 9/10<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.411mania.com/games/downloadable_content/131574/Darwinia+-(XBLA)-Review.htm | title = Darwinia+ (XBLA) Review | website = 411Mania | first = Trace | last = Aber | date = 5 March 2010 | access-date = 24 March 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100611054747/http://www.411mania.com/games/downloadable_content/131574/Darwinia+-(XBLA)-Review.htm | archive-date = 11 June 2010 | url-status = dead}}</ref>
| rev2 = '']''
| rev2_PC = A−<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.avclub.com/darwinia-1798209214 | title = Darwinia | website = ] | publisher = ] | first = Chris | last = Dahlen | date = 12 April 2006 | access-date = 12 March 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060419075525/http://www.avclub.com/content/node/47356 | archive-date = 19 April 2006 | url-status = live}}</ref>
| MC_PC = 84/100<ref name="MCPC">{{cite web | url = https://www.metacritic.com/game/darwinia/critic-reviews/?platform=pc | title = Darwinia for PC Reviews | website = ] | publisher = CBS Interactive | access-date = 24 March 2018}}</ref>
| MC_X360 = 80/100<ref name="MCX360">{{cite web | url = https://www.metacritic.com/game/darwinia/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 | title = Darwinia+ for Xbox 360 Reviews | website = Metacritic | publisher = CBS Interactive | access-date=24 March 2018}}</ref>
| award1Pub = ]
| award1 = ]<ref name="igfawards">{{cite web | url = http://www.igf.com/2006finalistswinners.html | title = 2006 Independent Games Festival Winners | website = ] | access-date = 11 October 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160604201241/http://www.igf.com/2006finalistswinners.html | archive-date = 4 June 2016 |url-status = dead}}</ref>
| award2Pub = Independent Games Festival
| award2 = Technical Excellence
| award3Pub = Independent Games Festival
| award3 = Innovation in Visual Art
}}
''Darwinia'' and ''Darwinia+'' were positively received by critics, garnering "generally favorable reviews" according to ].<ref name="MCPC"/><ref name="MCX360"/> The PC version won the ] at ] 2006, as well as the Technical Excellence and Innovation in Visual Art awards.<ref name="igfawards"/> New Age Gaming magazine awarded the game a score of 97, its highest ever as of June 2007, and an Editor's Choice award.<ref>{{cite magazine | url = http://www.introversion.co.uk/darwinia/exposure/nag_april_2005/review.jpg | title = Darwinia Review | magazine = New Age Gaming | date = April 2005 | page = 66 | format = JPEG | access-date = 24 March 2018 | archive-date = 17 July 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120717011858/http://www.introversion.co.uk/darwinia/exposure/nag_april_2005/review.jpg | url-status = dead }}</ref> It scored 90% from '']'' UK and reached number 21 on its 'Top 100 PC Games' list.<ref name="PCGUK" /> PC Review described it as "one game that simply has to be played".<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcreview.co.uk/articles/darwinia.169/ | title = Darwinia | website = PC Review | first = Chris | last = Pickering | date = 5 September 2005}}</ref>


==Progress== ===Awards===
* Initial ] on ''Darwinia'' started on ], ], and full game ] started on ], ].
* A demo level was released on ], ] and can be downloaded from the ''Darwinia'' website.
* ''Darwinia'' was released on ], ], while the ] version was released ], ] by publisher ].
* A ] was released on ], ] for ], bringing the version to 1.2. New features included an improved unit selection system, as well as numerous modding updates including the ability to create custom strings.
* Another patch (version 1.3) was released in ], which includes the option of clicking icons to create units instead of using the gesture system.
* A new demo, using features of the above-mentioned version 1.3 patch and an entirely new level "Launchpad" not in the full game, was released in ].
* ''Darwinia'' was released on ] on ], ].
* With the Steam framework open to them, Introversion now hopes to implement the long-planned multiplayer mode into ''Darwinia'' .
* Beta testing signups for the next Windows Patch started on the ], ].
* A new patch was released on ], ] bringing the version up to 1.42 and adding difficulty settings ranging from 1 to 10. Higher difficulties increase the number, speed, and health of monsters. It also increases the speed of the player's own units. When played on the highest difficulty, the players will experience "Darwinia on Steroids", a term coined by Introversion and referring to the high speed. .
* ]-owned ] on ], ] issued a press release announcing they would bring ''Darwinia'' to US markets in ].


''Darwinia'' won '']''{{'}}s 2005 "Special Achievement in Creativity" award. The editors wrote, "Part RTS game, part sandbox, part Sea Monkeys — ''Darwinia''{{'}}s retro-cool is backed up with intense and often surprising strategic moments."<ref>{{cite magazine | title = The Twelfth Annual ''PC Gamer'' Awards | magazine = PC Gamer US | publisher = Future US | volume = 13 | issue = 3 | date = March 2006 | pages = 33–36, 38, 40–42, 44}}</ref> It was nominated for Best Game in the ] Innovation in Games Awards 2006{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} and listed in '']''.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Dahlen |first=Chris |title=1001 Video Games You Must Play Before You Die |date=October 2010 |publisher=] |isbn=9780789320902 |editor-last=Mott |editor-first=Tony |editor-last2=Molyneux |editor-first2=Peter}}</ref>
==Critical appraisal==
* Nominated for Best Game in the ] Innovation in Games Awards 2006
* Scored 90% from '']'' UK and reached number 21 on its 'Top 100 PC Games' list.
* Scored 8.5 in ]'s .
* "Has to be played" from
* ] noted that they couldn't stop themselves from playing it.
* ''Darwinia'' won the Seumas McNally Grand Prize, Technical Excellence, and Innovation in Visual Art awards at the 2006 ].
* Earned a 5 out of 5 on ].


{{clear}}
==Notes and references==

<references />
==References==
{{Reflist}}


==External links== ==External links==
* *
*{{moby game|id=/darwinia}}
*
*{{moby game|id=/xbox360/darwinia_|name=''Darwinia+''}}
*
* at
*
*
*
* {{moby game|id=/darwinia|name=''Darwinia''}}


{{Introversion Software}}
]
{{Ambrosia Software}}
]
{{Seumas McNally Grand Prize}}
]
{{Portal bar|Video games|border=yes}}
]
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Darwinia (Video Game)}}
]
] ]
] ]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]


] ]
]
]

Latest revision as of 04:15, 19 November 2024

2005 video game
Darwinia
Developer(s)Introversion Software
Publisher(s)Introversion Software (Windows/Linux)
Ambrosia Software (Mac OS X)
Cinemaware Marquee/eGames (U.S.)
Stomp (Australia)
Designer(s)Chris Delay
Composer(s)Timothy Lamb
Mathieu Stempell
Platform(s)Microsoft Windows
Linux
Mac OS X
Xbox 360
ReleaseWindows
  • EU: 4 March 2005
  • NA: 12 June 2006
Linux
18 March 2005
Mac
30 March 2005
Steam
14 December 2005
MSN Games
31 January 2007
Xbox 360
10 February 2010
Genre(s)Real-time tactics, real-time strategy
Mode(s)Single-player

Darwinia is a 2005 real-time tactics and real-time strategy video game for Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X and Linux. It is the second game developed by Introversion Software, and is set within a computer environment that simulates artificial intelligence. It received favourable reviews and won three awards at the 2006 Independent Games Festival. A multiplayer sequel, Multiwinia, was released for Windows in 2008. Darwinia and Multiwinia were released together as Darwinia+ for the Xbox 360 in 2010.

Plot

Darwinia was created as a digital theme world for artificially intelligent polygons by Dr. Sepulveda. Housed in a massive network of surplus Protologic 68000 machines from the 1980s, Darwinia is a world where the single-poly Darwinians, with their simple, but growing AI, can grow and evolve. Darwinia is also where the world can visit to see them frolicking in their natural, fractal habitat. A Darwinian lives a life working and growing, until the eventual death of the Darwinian, which releases their digital soul to later be reincarnated.

However, the player arrives in the midst of an emergency. Darwinia has been infected by a computer virus, and Sepulveda is in near panic, watching decades of research being corrupted and being used up. Sepulveda enlists the player, a curious hacker who stumbled across Darwinia by accident, to aid him in rescuing the Darwinians and drive off the computer virus. The player is given access to the combat programs, simple tools that originally began as mini-games. These are now the only means of attack against the virus. As the player progresses, it soon becomes clear this is not enough, and that triggers the third aspect of the gameplay, which is evolution.

The first two levels of the video game act as an introduction and allow the player to familiarize themselves with the controls. After that, Dr. Sepulveda begins assigning tasks that span several levels to achieve a long-term objective. The first task involves clearing the virus population from and reactivating the Mines and Power Generator to provide resources for the Construction Yard. Once done, the Yard begins producing armored units, allowing the player to move on. The next task involves the reincarnation of Darwinians: the Soul Repository in the center of Darwinia collects the floating souls, and sends them down to the Receiver, where the Darwinians gather them and send them to the Pattern Buffer to be reprogrammed with the main Darwinian blueprint code, where they are sent to the Biosphere to be reborn. The player must clear the Viruses from all the facilities and reactivate them.

In the final level of the game, Sepulveda traces the Viral infection back to its source, which is e-mail spam. After Sepulveda had accidentally flashed an image of his face across the skies of Darwinia, The Darwinians had assumed him to be God. They then re-aligned a portal inside Darwinia in an attempt to communicate with God. The Darwinians managed to access Sepulveda's computer, downloading several files and eventually downloading the Spam. The e-mails were infected with a very nasty strain of internet virus which corrupted the Darwinians. The player is tasked to destroying the few remaining e-mails.

Gameplay

A Squad attacking its target with an airstrike

Darwinia mixes elements from strategy, action, puzzle, hacker and God games alike, meaning that it does not fall under a specific video game genre. The player has the ability to run several programs through the Task Manager, similar to units used in many real-time strategy games. Research allows the player to upgrade programs and weapons, which is critical as the enemy develops. Mission objectives are given at each location/level, as the player and the Darwinians attempt to wipe out the Viruses.

Development

Darwinia was inspired by the theme of the first Indie Game Jam, where a group of programmers experimented with generating tens of thousands of sprites on screen at once. Introversion began prototyping a war game with more units on screen than had ever been done at that point. After months of iteration and development, this coalesced into the gameplay for Darwinia.

The initial beta testing of Darwinia began on 27 August 2004, and the beta testing of the full game started on 26 November, the same year. A demo level of Darwinia was released 3 months later on 21 January, and can be downloaded from the Darwinia website. Darwinia was released in Europe on 4 March 2005 (the U.S. version followed on 12 June 2006), while the Macintosh version was released 30 March 2005 by publisher Ambrosia Software. A patch was released on 28 April 2005 for Microsoft Windows, bringing the version to 1.2. New features included an improved unit selection system, as well as numerous modding updates including the ability to create custom strings. Another patch (version 1.3) was released in September 2005, which includes the option (enabled by default) of clicking icons or using keyboard shortcuts to create units instead of using the gesture system. A new demo, using features of the above-mentioned version 1.3 patch and an entirely new level "Launchpad" not in the full game, was released in September 2005.

Darwinia was released on Steam on 14 December 2005. This helped solve some of Introversion's distribution problems, and allowed for localized versions to be developed; a German translation was included with the Steam release. A new patch was released on 10 March 2006 bringing the version up to 1.42 and adding difficulty settings ranging from 1 to 10. Higher difficulties increase the number, speed, and health of monsters. It also increases the speed of the player's own units. eGames-owned Cinemaware on 4 April 2006 issued a press release announcing they would bring Darwinia to US markets in June 2006. Beta testing signups for version 1.5.x started on 15 December 2006. A Windows Vista exclusive version of Darwinia with extra eye candy and 3 additional levels was released on 31 January 2007. Version 1.5.1.1 patch released on 18 June 2007, providing support for DirectX 9c, including extra eye candy and the "Launchpad" level.

In 2010 in context of a Bundle sale the source code of the game was made available for purchase under a non-open-source license.

On April 18, 2022, the remastered version of Darwinia was released via an update for Steam and GOG releases to celebrate its "10000th anniversary". The remaster includes updated graphics, numerous bugfixes, support of surround sound up to 7.1 and the Steam integration, native support of Steam Deck included.

Darwinia+

Darwinia+ is the version of Darwinia for the Xbox 360, released on the Xbox Live Arcade on 11 February 2010. It includes updated versions of both Darwinia and Multiwinia. This was Introversion Software's first venture onto a video game console.

Reception

Reception
Aggregate score
AggregatorScore
PCXbox 360
Metacritic84/10080/100
Review scores
PublicationScore
PCXbox 360
Computer Gaming WorldN/A
Edge7/108/10
Eurogamer9/108/10
Game Informer7.5/10N/A
GameRevolutionC+A−
GameSpot8.5/108/10
GameZone9/10N/A
IGN8.8/108.9/10
Official Xbox Magazine (US)N/A7.5/10
PC Gamer (US)82%N/A
411ManiaN/A9/10
The A.V. ClubA−N/A
Awards
PublicationAward
Independent Games FestivalSeumas McNally Grand Prize
Independent Games FestivalTechnical Excellence
Independent Games FestivalInnovation in Visual Art

Darwinia and Darwinia+ were positively received by critics, garnering "generally favorable reviews" according to Metacritic. The PC version won the Seumas McNally Grand Prize at IGF 2006, as well as the Technical Excellence and Innovation in Visual Art awards. New Age Gaming magazine awarded the game a score of 97, its highest ever as of June 2007, and an Editor's Choice award. It scored 90% from PC Gamer UK and reached number 21 on its 'Top 100 PC Games' list. PC Review described it as "one game that simply has to be played".

Awards

Darwinia won PC Gamer US's 2005 "Special Achievement in Creativity" award. The editors wrote, "Part RTS game, part sandbox, part Sea Monkeys — Darwinia's retro-cool is backed up with intense and often surprising strategic moments." It was nominated for Best Game in the GameShadow Innovation in Games Awards 2006 and listed in 1001 Video Games You Must Play Before You Die.

References

  1. ^ "Darwinia Available Now On Steam". Steam. Valve. 14 December 2005. Retrieved 11 October 2016.
  2. ^ Stone, T (March 2005). "Darwinia". PC Gamer UK. Future plc. pp. 80–81.
  3. Sikora, Drew "Gaiiden". "Interview with Introversion Software". GameDev.net. Retrieved 11 October 2016.
  4. "Darwinia and Steam: an Interview with Introversion". The Steam Review. 23 November 2005. Retrieved 24 March 2018.
  5. "VERSION 1.42". Introversion Software. Retrieved 24 March 2018.
  6. Knottenbelt, John (15 December 2006). "Darwinia Update Testing". Introversion Software. Retrieved 24 March 2018.
  7. Gillen, Kieron (10 July 2010). "Be Beside The C-Side: Darwinia Source Code". Rock, Paper, Shotgun.
  8. "Darwinia - Darwinia 10000th Anniversary Edition - Steam News". store.steampowered.com. 18 April 2022. Retrieved 19 April 2022.
  9. "Darwinia+ XBLA Xbox Live Arcade". Introversion Software. 10 February 2010. Retrieved 17 November 2012.
  10. Gladstone, Darren (December 2005). "Darwinia" (PDF). Computer Gaming World. No. 257. Ziff Davis. p. 98. Retrieved 24 March 2018.
  11. Edge staff (March 2005). "Darwinia". Edge. No. 147. Future plc. p. 82.
  12. Edge staff (10 February 2010). "Review: Darwinia+". Edge. Future plc. Archived from the original on 12 February 2010. Retrieved 24 March 2018.
  13. Gillen, Kieron (7 March 2005). "Darwinia". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. Retrieved 11 October 2016.
  14. Whitehead, Dan (10 February 2010). "Darwinia+". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. Retrieved 24 March 2018.
  15. "Darwinia". Game Informer. No. 159. GameStop. July 2006. p. 109.
  16. Silverman, Ben (28 June 2006). "Darwinia Review". Game Revolution. CraveOnline. Archived from the original on 27 September 2012. Retrieved 24 March 2018.
  17. Bischoff, Daniel R. (5 March 2010). "Darwinia+ Review". Game Revolution. CraveOnline. Archived from the original on 25 September 2011. Retrieved 24 March 2018.
  18. Mueller, Greg (25 August 2005). "Darwinia Review". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Retrieved 11 October 2016.
  19. Todd, Brett (17 February 2010). "Darwinia+ Review". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Retrieved 24 March 2018.
  20. Knutson, Michael (26 July 2005). "Darwinia - PC - Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on 4 October 2008. Retrieved 24 March 2018.
  21. Adams, Dan (25 March 2005). "Darwinia". IGN. Ziff Davis. Retrieved 11 October 2016.
  22. Hatfield, Daemon (9 February 2010). "Darwinia+ Review". IGN. Ziff Davis. Retrieved 24 March 2018.
  23. "Darwinia+". Official Xbox Magazine. Future US. April 2010. p. 80.
  24. "Darwinia". PC Gamer US. Vol. 12, no. 7. Future US. July 2005. p. 68.
  25. Aber, Trace (5 March 2010). "Darwinia+ (XBLA) Review". 411Mania. Archived from the original on 11 June 2010. Retrieved 24 March 2018.
  26. Dahlen, Chris (12 April 2006). "Darwinia". The A.V. Club. The Onion. Archived from the original on 19 April 2006. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  27. ^ "Darwinia for PC Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved 24 March 2018.
  28. ^ "Darwinia+ for Xbox 360 Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved 24 March 2018.
  29. ^ "2006 Independent Games Festival Winners". Independent Games Festival. Archived from the original on 4 June 2016. Retrieved 11 October 2016.
  30. "Darwinia Review". New Age Gaming. April 2005. p. 66. Archived from the original (JPEG) on 17 July 2012. Retrieved 24 March 2018.
  31. Pickering, Chris (5 September 2005). "Darwinia". PC Review.
  32. "The Twelfth Annual PC Gamer Awards". PC Gamer US. Vol. 13, no. 3. Future US. March 2006. pp. 33–36, 38, 40–42, 44.
  33. Dahlen, Chris (October 2010). Mott, Tony; Molyneux, Peter (eds.). 1001 Video Games You Must Play Before You Die. Universe Publishing. ISBN 9780789320902.

External links

Introversion video games
Ambrosia Software
Games
Utilities
Seumas McNally Grand Prize
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
Portal: Categories: