LEGO Rock Raiders (PlayStation video game): Difference between revisions

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{{Italic title|''LEGO Rock Raiders'' (PlayStation video game)}}
{{Infobox video game
'''''LEGO Rock Raiders''''' is a 1999 [[Wikipedia:Action game|action]] and [[Wikipedia:Strategy video game|strategy game]] developed by [[Data Design Interactive]] and published by [[LEGO Media International]] for [[Wikipedia:PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]. The game is based on and was developed alongside the LEGO theme [[LEGO Rock Raiders|of the same name]]. Like the Windows version of [[LEGO Rock Raiders (video game)|''LEGO Rock Raiders'']], it features a team of space explorers mining for energy crystals on a hostile alien planet. Rather than managing a team of Rock Raiders, the player controls one character, travelling through levels using their chosen character's skills and any vehicles they find.
| image = SLES-01690-F-G.jpg
| caption = European front cover
| developer = {{Unbulleted list|[[Data Design Interactive]]|GameWorld 7 <small>(NTSC levels)</small>}}
| publisher = [[LEGO Media International]]
| platforms = [[Wikipedia:PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]
| released = {{vgrelease|EU|10 December 1999<ref name="Chips"/>|NA|August 17, 2000<ref name="Zdyrko"/>}}
| genre = [[Wikipedia:Action game|Action]], [[Wikipedia:Strategy video game|strategy]]
| modes = [[Wikipedia:Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[Wikipedia:Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
| producer = {{Unbulleted list|Stewart Green (executive)|Tomas Gillo (senior)|David Upchurch}}
| programmer = {{Unbulleted list|Tony Stoddart|Steve Deacon}}
| artist = {{Unbulleted list|Rob Dorney|Dave Garbett}}
}}
'''''LEGO Rock Raiders''''' is a 1999 [[Wikipedia:Action game|action]] and [[Wikipedia:Strategy video game|strategy game]] developed by [[Data Design Interactive]] and published by [[LEGO Media International]] for [[Wikipedia:PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]. The game is based on and was developed alongside the LEGO theme [[LEGO Rock Raiders|of the same name]]. Like the Windows version of [[LEGO Rock Raiders (video game)|''LEGO Rock Raiders'']], it features a team of space explorers mining for energy crystals on a hostile alien planet. Rather than managing a team of Rock Raiders, however, the player directly controls one character in each level, traversing challenges using their chosen character's skills and any vehicles they find.


Initially conceived as a strategy game akin to its Windows counterpart, the PlayStation version of ''Rock Raiders'' eventually became more ''[[Wikipedia:Blast Corps|Blast Corps]]''-esque after a period of troubled development, releasing in Europe in late 1999 alongside the Windows version. The North American release of the game went through a further period of development, receiving many adjustments and a new set of levels by GameWorld 7, before eventually releasing in mid-2000.
Initially conceived as a strategy game akin to its Windows counterpart, development on the PlayStation version of ''Rock Raiders'' started over in early 1999 at the behest of LEGO Media International. Developers were given only six months to complete the new version of the game, which eventually became an action game similar to ''[[Wikipedia:Blast Corps|Blast Corps]]''. It released in Europe in December 1999, shortly after the Windows version did; however, the game was initially rejected by Sony's North American branch. The North American version went through a further period of development, receiving many adjustments and a new set of levels by GameWorld 7, before eventually releasing in August 2000. Though the game was reworked due to concerns that strategy games would not be successful on PlayStation, it ended up receiving mixed reviews.


== Gameplay ==
== Gameplay ==
[[File:Level01 Easy Pickings west shore.png|thumb|left|How does this screenshot look?]]
Write about Mark's incredible gameplay here!<ref name="Fielder"/>


Characters
=== Characters ===
Write the differences between the characters
* [[Docs]]
* [[Docs]]
* [[Sparks]]
* [[Sparks]]
Line 13: Line 28:
* [[Bandit]]
* [[Bandit]]


Vehicles
=== Vehicles ===
* [[Chrome Crusher]]
(images are temporary until I can try scanning my manual)
* [[Hover Scout]]
{| class="wikitable"
* [[Large Mobile Laser Cutter]]
|-
* [[Loader Dozer]]
! Header text !! Header text
* [[Rapid Rider]]
|-
* [[Small Digger]]
| align=center style="background:#fff" | [[File:RR manual Chrome Crusher.png|100px]]<br>[[Chrome Crusher]] || The Chrome Crusher is a large mining vehicle with both a drill and a laser. It can drill through all rock types quickly. If the player has Laser Beam PowerCells, its laser can destroy walls and Rock Monsters in a single shot. If driven by Axle, this vehicle will travel faster. The Tunnel Transport can carry this vehicle.
* [[Small Mobile Laser Cutter]]
|-
* [[Tunnel Scout]]
| align=center style="background:#fff" | [[File:RR manual Hover Scout.png|100px]]<br>[[Hover Scout]] || The Hover Scout is a small hovering vehicle that can travel over land quickly, though it is hard to control.
* [[Tunnel Transport]]
|-
| align=center style="background:#fff" | [[File:RR manual Large Mobile Laser Cutter.png|100px]]<br>[[Large Mobile Laser Cutter]] || The Small Mobile Laser Cutter is a large, slow-moving mining vehicle with a laser. If the player has Laser Beam PowerCells, its laser can destroy walls and Rock Monsters in a single shot. If driven by Axle, this vehicle will travel faster.
|-
| align=center style="background:#fff" | [[File:RR manual Loader Dozer.png|100px]]<br>[[Loader Dozer]] || The Loader Dozer has a large front-mounted bucket that can be used to clear away spider webs. If driven into Dirt or Loose Rock walls fast enough, it will smash through them instantly. It is also immune to damage from geysers and lava plumes. If driven by Axle, this vehicle will travel faster.
|-
| align=center style="background:#fff" | [[File:RR manual Rapid Rider.png|100px]]<br>[[Rapid Rider]] || The Rapid Rider is a water-bound vehicle that can swiftly traverse underground lakes and rivers. If sailed by Bandit, this vehicle will travel faster.
|-
| align=center style="background:#fff" | [[File:RR manual Small Digger.png|100px]]<br>[[Small Digger]] || The Small Digger is a small drilling vehicle. It can drill through Dirt and Loose Rock faster than a Rock Raider; it cannot drill through Hard Rock. If driven by Axle, this vehicle will travel faster. The Tunnel Transport can carry this vehicle.
|-
| align=center style="background:#fff" | [[File:RR manual Small Mobile Laser Cutter.png|100px]]<br>[[Small Mobile Laser Cutter]] || The Small Mobile Laser Cutter is a small mining vehicle with a laser. If the player has Laser Beam PowerCells, its laser can destroy walls and Rock Monsters in a single shot. If driven by Axle, this vehicle will travel faster.
|-
| align=center style="background:#fff" | [[File:RR manual Tunnel Scout.png|100px]]<br>[[Tunnel Scout]] || The Tunnel Scout is a small flying vehicle that can travel over land, water, or lava. It flies high enough that creatures cannot attack it, though it can still take damage from geysers and lava plumes. If piloted by Jet, this vehicle will travel faster.
|-
| align=center style="background:#fff" | [[File:PS UK manual Tunnel Transport.png|110px]]<br>[[Tunnel Transport]] || The Tunnel Transport is a large flying vehicle that can pick up certain other units. It can fly over any surface type and even travel over rock walls if it is not carrying anything. It is only able to land on landing pads, including those at Teleport Stations. It flies high enough that creatures cannot attack it, though it can still take damage from geysers and lava plumes, and carried units can be damaged by creatures or by being slammed into walls. It can pick up Rock Raiders, the Small Digger, the Chrome Crusher, and the scoop. While in the air, pressing {{key|X}} over any of these units will pick it up; the latter three can be dropped by pressing {{key|X}} again. Scoops can be dropped into water to fill them, then water-filled scoops can be dropped by lava to turn it into ground. If piloted by Jet, this vehicle will travel faster.
|}
 
=== Alien lifeforms ===
Maybe also hazards in general
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Header text !! Header text
|-
| [[Spider]] || I hate you
|-
| [[Scorpion]] || One is annoying, one is deadly
|-
| [[Slimy Slug]] || Battering ram
|-
| [[Rock Monster]] || Comes in three tasty flavours!
|-
| [[Rock Whale]] || big boy
|}


Alien lifeforms
Other stuff like geysers and webs.
* [[Spider]]
* [[Scorpion]]
* [[Slimy Slug]]
* [[Rock Monster]]
* [[Rock Whale]]


=== Missions ===
=== Missions ===
Missions are divided into different screens (or "levels"), with each screen having five open missions and one locked "boss" mission. Completing missions will give the player a bronze, silver, or gold medal, depending on how many objectives they completed. When the player has earned enough points (a minimum of five bronze, four silver, or three gold medals) the boss mission opens, which will unlock the next screen when completed.
One-player mode has eighteen missions divided between three screens. The missions are completely different between the European and North American versions. The European version also has three bonus missions, each one unlocked by getting gold medals in all missions in one of the three previous screens. The European missions were designed by Data Design Interactive<ref name="credits levels Eur"/> and David Upchurch,<ref name="Upchurch LRR"/> while the North American missions were designed by [[Gameworld 7]].<ref name="credits levels US"/>
Two-player mode in the European version also has eighteen missions, five original ones and thirteen modified one-player missions. The North American version only has one level of six original missions. Boss missions start off unlocked in two-player mode.
In total, the two versions of the game have fifty unique missions between them, and sixty-three total missions, listed below:
In total, the two versions of the game have fifty unique missions between them, and sixty-three total missions, listed below:
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 140: Line 175:


== Development ==
== Development ==
Development on the PlayStation version of ''LEGO Rock Raiders'' began in July 1998. Like the Windows version, it was developed by the [[Wikipedia:Halesowen|Halesowen]]-based video game company [[Data Design Interactive]].{{R|WC memo|p=2}}
{{further|LEGO Rock Raiders (video game)#Development}}
Like its Windows counterpart, the PlayStation version of ''LEGO Rock Raiders'' was developed by the [[Wikipedia:Halesowen|Halesowen]]-based video game developer [[Data Design Interactive]]. Work on it began in July 1998, following the Windows version's development that started in October 1997.{{R|WC memo|p=2}}
 
{{quote box
|quote = ...my dreams of Nintendo-like quality were sort of shattered when the {{abbr|MD|Managing Director}}, who was, well... My personal opinion was that he knew nothing about game development. I had to explain to him the difference between a 3D character and a sprite once. You know when you think, "I have to explain this?"
|author = David Upchurch<ref name="Monaghan"/>
|width  = 40%<!--
|align  = left-->}}
The PlayStation version of ''LEGO Rock Raiders'' was initially intended to be a [[Wikipedia:Real-time strategy|real-time strategy]] like the Windows version. In February 1999, however, LEGO Media's worldwide managing director Mark Livingstone decided that real-time strategy games did not work on the PlayStation, following the commercial failure of a [[Wikipedia:Command & Conquer|''Command & Conquer'']] title on the system.<ref name="Monaghan"/><ref name="credits EU WMM"/> Despite having only six months before the game was due to be submitted to [[Wikipedia:Sony Computer Entertainment|Sony Computer Entertainment]], the developers were ordered to rework it into an [[Wikipedia:Action game|action game]].<ref name="Upchurch Rock"/> Tomas Gillo, the project's senior producer,<ref name="credits EU SP"/> insisted he did not have time to rework the PlayStation game while finishing work on the Windows version, so David Upchurch was made the PlayStation version's producer in March 1999.<ref name="Upchurch Rock"/> Upchurch had previously worked for LEGO Media as a producer for ''[[LEGO Chess]]'' and [[LEGO Fantasy|early versions]] of what would eventually become ''[[LEGO Island 2]]'',<ref name="Upchurch Chess"/><ref name="Upchurch Fantasy"/> and had visited Data Design to playtest the Windows version of ''Rock Raiders'' several times.{{r|BNB 28|p=10}}


In early 1999, six months before the PlayStation version of ''LEGO Rock Raiders'' was supposed to be submitted to Sony, the head of LEGO Media International{{efn|Mark Livingstone?}} decided that a real-time strategy game would not sell on the PlayStation.{{efn|Hypothesised by Upchurch to be due to poor sales of [[Wikipedia:Command & Conquer (1995 video game)|''Command & Conquer'']] on PlayStation.}} Data Design was ordered to change the game to be an [[Wikipedia:Action game|action game]]. As senior producer Tomas Gillo{{efn|Only listed as "the original Producer" by Upchurch; inferred from the game's credits, which lists Gillo as Senior Producer.}} did not have time to rework the PlayStation game while finishing the Windows version, David Upchurch was made the producer for the PlayStation version in March 1999.<ref name="Upchurch LRR"/>
[[File:PSX LegoRock 02 Vg.jpg|thumb|left|The game's development shifted to focus on controlling vehicles]]
After many strategy-focused elements were removed from the PlayStation game, the developers were left with a 3D engine that could render deformable terrain, some LEGO vehicle models, and small [[minifigure]] [[Wikipedia:Sprite (computer graphics)|sprites]]. Upchurch enjoyed controlling the vehicles and drilling through walls, and suggested making the game play like a hybrid between [[Wikipedia:Gauntlet (1985 video game)|''Gauntlet'']] and [[Wikipedia:Blast Corps|''Blast Corps'']]. The player would be given missions they could complete either on-foot or using a variety vehicles, each with different attributes, and could collect LEGO bricks to construct new vehicles.<ref name="Upchurch Rock"/>


{{quote box
{{quote box
|quote = ...every night I’d retire to my hotel room, exhausted, thinking to myself “That was a good day, we made good progress… but the game’s still going to crap.” All in all, it was a depressing and demoralising experience that soured my attitude towards working at LEGO Media.
|quote = ...every night I'd retire to my hotel room, exhausted, thinking to myself "That was a good day, we made good progress... but the game’s still going to crap." All in all, it was a depressing and demoralising experience that soured my attitude towards working at LEGO Media.
|author = David Upchurch
|author = David Upchurch<ref name="Upchurch Rock"/>
|source = ''dupchurch.com''<ref name="Upchurch LRR"/>
|width  = 40%}}
|width  = 40%}}
As the game's submission date approached, Upchurch spent nearly two months living in [[Wikipedia:Birmingham|Birmingham]] while he worked on it with Data Design Interactive, designing levels and playtesting it. After finishing work on ''LEGO Rock Raiders'' in August 1999, Upchurch left LEGO Media, going on to launch the magazine [[Wikipedia:PlayStation World|''PlayStation World'']] for Computec Media in 2000.<ref name="Upchurch Rock"/><ref name="Upchurch PSW"/> Upchurch later wrote about his experience on his website, where he described his assignment as being handed "the poison chalice" and cited his negative experience producing ''Rock Raiders'' as a major reason for leaving LEGO Media. He also hypothesised that Livingstone's desire to drastically change the game was due to poor sales of [[Wikipedia:Command & Conquer (1995 video game)|''Command & Conquer'']] on PlayStation.<ref name="Upchurch Rock"/>


After many strategy-focussed elements were removed from the PlayStation game, the developers were left with a 3D rendering engine that could render and deform terrain, some LEGO vehicle models, and small minifigure [[Wikipedia:Sprite (computer graphics)|sprites]]. Upchurch enjoyed controlling the vehicles and suggested making the game play like a hybrid between [[Wikipedia:Gauntlet (1985 video game)|''Gauntlet'']] and [[Wikipedia:Blast Corps|''Blast Corps'']], where the player could complete missions either on-foot or in vehicles, and could construct vehicles and decide how to best use them to traverse caverns.<ref name="Upchurch LRR"/>
Although Sony Computer Entertainment Europe signed off on ''LEGO Rock Raiders'', Sony Computer Entertainment America rejected it, stating that further fixes were required before it could be released.<ref name="rru ps1"/>{{efn|Upchurch stated in the source that SCEA accepted it and SCEE rejected it, leading to the European version being delayed. However, the latest dates on each version's files (1 September 1999 for the European version, 12 February 2000 for the North American version) indicate that he mixed them up, and the American version was delayed. The August 2000 release date in North America further supports this.}} The North American version received a further three or four months of development; LEGO Media and Data Design took this opportunity to further adjust the game's gameplay and levels. GameWorld 7 was hired to create an entirely new set of levels to replace Data Design's.<ref name="rru ps1"/><ref name="credits NA GW7"/>


As the game's submission date approached, Upchurch spent nearly two months living in Birmingham while he worked on it with Data Design Interactive, playtesting and designing levels for it. After finishing work on ''LEGO Rock Raiders'' in August 1999, Upchurch left LEGO Media, going on to launch [[Wikipedia:PlayStation World|''PlayStation World'']] magazine for Computec Media in 2000. He later cited his negative experience producing this game as a major reason for leaving.<ref name="Upchurch LRR"/><ref name="Upchurch PSW"/>
== Release ==
''LEGO Rock Raiders'' for PlayStation was released in Europe on 10 December 1999.<ref name="Chips"/>


== Release ==
LEGO Media announced that ''LEGO Rock Raiders'' for PlayStation had shipped in North America on August 15, 2000. Its suggested retail price was initially US$19.95. LEGO Media's global director Mark Livingstone stated enthusiasm for the game's success, citing the reception that ''LEGO Racers'' received on PlayStation.<ref name="GS ship"/> ''Rock Raiders'' was officially available at retail two days later on August 17.<ref name="Zdyrko"/>


== Reception ==
== Reception ==
The game received mixed reviews.
{{Video game reviews
| GR = 59%<ref name="GRPS"/>
| Allgame = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="Green"/>
| EPD = 3.5/10<ref name="Ashe"/>
| GSpot =3.2/10<ref name="Satterfield"/>
| IGN = 6/10<ref name="Cleveland"/>
| OPSMAu = 4/10<ref name="OAPM"/>
| OPSMUS = 1/5<ref name="Steinman"/>
}}
 
''LEGO Rock Raiders'' received mixed reviews on PlayStation according to the [[Wikipedia:Review aggregator|review aggregation]] website [[Wikipedia:GameRankings|GameRankings]].<ref name="GRPS"/>
{{clear}}


== Notes ==
== Notes ==
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== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist|refs=
{{Reflist|refs=
<ref name="credits levels Eur">[[Data Design Interactive]] (November 1999). ''LEGO Rock Raiders'' (PlayStation, PAL). [[LEGO Media International]]. Credits. "LEVEL DESIGNERS — David Allen – Scott Campbell – Scott Newby – Aron Phelan".</ref>
<ref name="manual E">{{cite book |title=LEGO Rock Raiders PlayStation manual |first=David |last=Upchurch |publisher=LEGO Media International |year=1999}}</ref>
<ref name="credits levels US">[[Data Design Interactive]] (17 August 2000). ''LEGO Rock Raiders'' (PlayStation, NTSC-U/C). [[LEGO Media International]]. Credits. "LEVEL DESIGN — Gameworld Seven Ltd".</ref>
 
<ref name="Upchurch LRR">Upchurch, David (2012). [https://web.archive.org/web/20190118171620/dupchurch.com/?portfolio=lego-rock-raiders-ps1 "LEGO Rock Raiders (PS1)"]. ''dupchurch.com''. Archived from the original on 18 January 2019.</ref>
<ref name="Chips">{{Cite web |title=''Lego Rock Raiders'' for PlayStation |url=http://chipsworld.co.uk/detProd.asp?ProductCode=1598 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010426032611/http://www.chipsworld.co.uk/detProd.asp?ProductCode=1598 |archive-date=26 April 2001 |access-date=7 June 2024 |website=Chipsworld}}</ref>
<ref name="Upchurch PSW">Upchurch, David (2012). [https://web.archive.org/web/20180821015608/http://dupchurch.com/?portfolio=psw-playstation-world "PSW: Playstation World"]. ''dupchurch.com''. Archived from the original on 21 August 2018.</ref>
 
<ref name="WC memo">Schwelling, Amy (17 May 1999). [https://archive.org/details/DDI-RockRaiders-RaidersWorldClub/mode/2up?view=theater "LEGO Rock Raiders "Behind the Scenes..." for the LEGO World Club Magazine"]. LEGO Media internal memo. Retrieved 25 April 2023</ref>
<!-- reviews -->
 
<ref name="GRPS">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/ps/197778-lego-rock-raiders/index.html |title=LEGO Rock Raiders for PlayStation |website=[[Wikipedia:GameRankings|GameRankings]] |publisher=[[Wikipedia:CBS Interactive|CBS Interactive]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501070507/https://www.gamerankings.com/ps/197778-lego-rock-raiders/index.html |archive-date=1 May 2019 |access-date=1 September 2023}}</ref>
 
<ref name="Ashe">{{cite web |url=http://www.elecplay.com/review.html?article=3037&full=1 |title=LEGO Rock Raiders (PS) |last=Ashe |first=Suzanne |date=August 30, 2000 |website=[[Wikipedia:EP Daily|The Electric Playground]] |publisher=Elecplay.com Productions, Inc |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031114022132/http://www.elecplay.com/review.html?article=3037&full=1 |archive-date=14 November 2003 |url-status=usurped}}</ref>
 
<ref name="Cleveland">{{cite web |url=http://psx.ign.com/reviews/11740.html |title=Who knew playing with Lego's on your PlayStation could be fun? We sure were surprised |last=Cleveland |first=Adam |date=August 16, 2000 |website=[[Wikipedia:IGN|IGN PSX]] |publisher=Snowball.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001215041100/http://psx.ign.com/reviews/11740.html |archive-date=15 December 2000 |access-date=30 May 2024}}</ref>
 
<ref name="Green">{{cite web |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=20387&tab=review |title=LEGO Rock Raiders (PS) - Review |last=Green |first=Earl |date=August 2000 |website=[[Wikipedia:AllGame|All Game Guide]] |publisher=AEC One Stop Group, Inc |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141117065632/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=20387&tab=review |archive-date=17 November 2014 |access-date=30 May 2024}}</ref>
 
<ref name="OAPM">{{cite magazine |last=Soropos |first=George |date=January 2000 |title=Lego Rockraiders |url=https://archive.org/details/official-australian-playstation-magazine-30-january-2000/page/72/mode/2up?view=theater |magazine=Official Australian PlayStation Magazine |number=30 |location=[[Wikipedia:Sydney|Sydney]] |publisher=APC Publishing |page=72}}</ref>
 
<ref name="Satterfield">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps/adventure/legorockraiders/review.html |title=Lego Rock Raiders Review for PlayStation |last=Satterfield |first=Shane |date=August 24, 2000 |website=[[Wikipedia:GameSpot|GameSpot]] |publisher=[[Wikipedia:CNET|CNET Networks, Inc]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030626124024/http://www.gamespot.com:80/ps/adventure/legorockraiders/review.html |archive-date=26 June 2003 |access-date=30 May 2024}}</ref>
 
<ref name="Steinman">{{cite magazine |last=Steinman |first=Gary |date=October 2000 |title=Reviews: Lego Rock Raiders |url=https://archive.org/details/official-u.-s.-playstation-magazine-issue-37-october-2000/page/132/mode/2up?view=theater |magazine=[[Wikipedia:Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine|Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine]] |issue=37 |location=[[Wikipedia:Oak Brook, Illinois|Oak Brook]] |publisher=[[Wikipedia:Ziff Davis Media|Ziff Davis Media]] |page=133}} </ref>
 
<!-- news -->
 
<ref name="Fielder">{{cite web |url=http://www.videogames.com/psx/adventure/legorock/index.html |title=Lego Rock Raiders Preview [last updated March 21, 2000] |last=Fielder |first=Lauren |date=April 28, 1999 |website=[[Wikipedia:GameSpot|videogames.com]] |publisher=[[Wikipedia:ZDNet|ZDNet]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000816004357/http://www.videogames.com:80/psx/adventure/legorock/index.html |archive-date=16 August 2000 |access-date=3 June 2024}} Proper date sourced from [https://web.archive.org/web/20030725012027/http://www.gamespot.com/ps/adventure/legorockraiders/preview_2548128.html ''GameSpot'' mirror].</ref>
 
<ref name="GS ship">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps/adventure/legorockraiders/news_2616046.html |title=Lego Rock Riders Ship |author=Gamespot Staff |date=August 15, 2000 |website=[[Wikipedia:GameSpot|GameSpot]] |publisher=[[Wikipedia:CNET|CNET Networks, Inc]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031004010547/http://www.gamespot.com/ps/adventure/legorockraiders/news_2616046.html |archive-date=4 October 2003 |access-date=30 May 2024}}</ref>
 
<ref name="Zdyrko">{{cite web |url=http://psx.ign.com:80/previews/11740.html |title= New screens of Lego Media's venture into strategic mining action -- mining has never been this fun! |last=Zdyrko |first=Dave |date=August 4, 2000 |website=[[Wikipedia:IGN|IGN PSX]] |publisher=Snowball.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000815063155/http://psx.ign.com:80/previews/11740.html |archive-date=August 15, 2000}}</ref>
 
<!-- devs -->
 
<ref name="BNB 28">{{cite web |url=https://www.lego.com/cdn/cs/set/assets/blt91b7459c7d4a7c4f/bits_n_bricks_s02e28_feature_and_transcript.pdf |title=Episode 28 – The Fans, Devs, and Remake of RTS Classic LEGO Rock Raiders |last1=Crecente |first1=Brian |last2=Vincent |first2=Ethan |others=Participants: Simon Eriksson, Ferdinand Köstler, Alan Sokol, and Karl White |date=14 July 2021 |work=[[Bits N' Bricks]] |type=Podcast |publisher=[[The LEGO Group]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230119070931/https://www.lego.com/cdn/cs/set/assets/blt91b7459c7d4a7c4f/bits_n_bricks_s02e28_feature_and_transcript.pdf |archive-date=19 January 2023 |access-date=30 May 2024 |url-status=live}} [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDGAJObpSAA Audio version] via YouTube.</ref>
 
<ref name="Monaghan">{{cite podcast |url=https://maximumpowerup.com/episode-83-dave-upchurch-interview/ |title=Episode 83: Dave Upchurch Interview |website=Maximum Power Up |publisher=[[Wikipedia:Libsyn|Libsyn]] |last=Monaghan |first=Paul |date=21 January 2019 |time=2:23:36<!--2:30:25-->–2:35:00 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531045917/https://maximumpowerup.com/episode-83-dave-upchurch-interview/ |archive-date=31 May 2024 |access-date=31 May 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref>
 
<ref name="rru ps1">{{cite web |url=http://www.rockraidersunited.com/topic/4102-lego-interactive-producer-located#comment-85183 |title=I had an email conversation with Dave back in December, he's a really nice guy and had lots of cool stuff to share. |author=jamesster |date=17 February 2013 |type=comment on forum topic "LEGO Interactive producer located" |website=Rock Raiders United |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151007222710/http://www.rockraidersunited.com/topic/4102-lego-interactive-producer-located#comment-85183 |archive-date= 7 October 2015}}</ref>
 
<ref name="Upchurch Chess">{{cite web |url=http://dupchurch.com/?portfolio=lego-chess-pc |title=LEGO Chess (PC) |last=Upchurch |first=David |year=2012 |website=DUpchurch.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821013515/http://dupchurch.com/?portfolio=lego-chess-pc |archive-date=21 August 2018 |url-status=usurped}}</ref>
 
<ref name="Upchurch Fantasy">{{cite web |url=http://dupchurch.com/?portfolio=lego-island-2-various |title=LEGO Island 2 (Various) |last=Upchurch |first=David |year=2012 |website=DUpchurch.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821005113/http://dupchurch.com/?portfolio=lego-island-2-various |archive-date=21 August 2018 |url-status=usurped}}</ref>
 
<ref name="Upchurch PSW">{{cite web |url=http://dupchurch.com/?portfolio=psw-playstation-world |title=PSW: Playstation World |last=Upchurch |first=David |year=2012 |website=DUpchurch.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821015608/http://dupchurch.com/?portfolio=psw-playstation-world |archive-date=21 August 2018 |url-status=usurped}}</ref>
 
<ref name="Upchurch Rock">{{cite web |url=http://dupchurch.com/?portfolio=lego-rock-raiders-ps1 |title=LEGO Rock Raiders (PS1) |last=Upchurch |first=David |year=2012 |website=DUpchurch.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190118171620/http://dupchurch.com/?portfolio=lego-rock-raiders-ps1 |archive-date=18 January 2019 |url-status=usurped}}</ref>
 
<!-- credits -->
 
<ref name="credits EU SP">{{cite video game |title=LEGO Rock Raiders |developer=[[Data Design Interactive]] |publisher=[[LEGO Media International]] |date=November 1999 |platform=PlayStation |version=PAL|scene=Credits |language=English |quote=Senior Producer: Tomas Gillo — Producer: David Upchurch}}</ref>
 
<ref name="credits EU WMM">{{cite video game |title=LEGO Rock Raiders |developer=[[Data Design Interactive]] |publisher=[[LEGO Media International]] |date=November 1999 |platform=PlayStation |version=PAL|scene=Credits |language=English |quote=Worldwide Managing Director: Mark Livingstone}}</ref>
 
<ref name="credits NA GW7">{{cite video game |title=LEGO Rock Raiders |developer=[[Data Design Interactive]] |publisher=[[LEGO Media International]] |date=August 15, 2000 |platform=PlayStation |version=NTSC-U/C |scene=Credits |language=English |quote=LEVEL DESIGN – Gameworld Seven Ltd – [email protected]}}</ref>
 
<!-- docs -->
 
<ref name="WC memo">{{cite web |last=Schwelling |first=Amy |date=17 May 1999 |title=LEGO Rock Raiders "Behind the Scenes..." for the LEGO World Club Magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/DDI-RockRaiders-RaidersWorldClub/mode/2up?view=theater |publisher=[[LEGO Media]] |type=memo |access-date=1 September 2023}}</ref>
}}
}}


== External Links ==
== External Links ==
* [[Wikipedia:Lego Rock Raiders (video game)|''Lego Rock Raiders'']] at [[Wikipedia:Wikipedia|Wikipedia]]
* [[Wikipedia:Lego Rock Raiders (video game)|''Lego Rock Raiders'']] at [[Wikipedia:Wikipedia|Wikipedia]]
* [https://www.mobygames.com/game/2993/lego-rock-raiders ''LEGO Rock Raiders'' for Windows] at [[Wikipedia:MobyGames|MobyGames]]
* [https://www.mobygames.com/game/191389/lego-rock-raiders/ ''LEGO Rock Raiders'' (1999 on PlayStation)] at [[Wikipedia:MobyGames|MobyGames]]
** [https://www.mobygames.com/game/195892/lego-rock-raiders/ ''LEGO Rock Raiders'' (2000 on PlayStation)] at MobyGames
 
{{LEGO Media International}}
{{LEGO video games}}


[[Category:LEGO video games|Rock Raiders (PlayStation video game)]]
[[Category:1999 video games]]
[[Category:LEGO Rock Raiders]]
[[Category:Action video games]]
[[Category:Data Design Interactive games]]
[[Category:LEGO Media International games|Rock Raiders (PlayStation)]]
[[Category:LEGO Rock Raiders|Rock Raiders (PlayStation)]]
[[Category:LEGO video games|Rock Raiders (PlayStation)]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:PlayStation (console) games]]
[[Category:Strategy video games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United Kingdom]]

Latest revision as of 21:16, 17 October 2024

LEGO Rock Raiders
European front cover
Developer(s)
Publisher(s)LEGO Media International
Producer(s)
  • Stewart Green (executive)
  • Tomas Gillo (senior)
  • David Upchurch
Programmer(s)
  • Tony Stoddart
  • Steve Deacon
Artist(s)
  • Rob Dorney
  • Dave Garbett
Platform(s)PlayStation
Release
Genre(s)Action, strategy
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

LEGO Rock Raiders is a 1999 action and strategy game developed by Data Design Interactive and published by LEGO Media International for PlayStation. The game is based on and was developed alongside the LEGO theme of the same name. Like the Windows version of LEGO Rock Raiders, it features a team of space explorers mining for energy crystals on a hostile alien planet. Rather than managing a team of Rock Raiders, however, the player directly controls one character in each level, traversing challenges using their chosen character's skills and any vehicles they find.

Initially conceived as a strategy game akin to its Windows counterpart, development on the PlayStation version of Rock Raiders started over in early 1999 at the behest of LEGO Media International. Developers were given only six months to complete the new version of the game, which eventually became an action game similar to Blast Corps. It released in Europe in December 1999, shortly after the Windows version did; however, the game was initially rejected by Sony's North American branch. The North American version went through a further period of development, receiving many adjustments and a new set of levels by GameWorld 7, before eventually releasing in August 2000. Though the game was reworked due to concerns that strategy games would not be successful on PlayStation, it ended up receiving mixed reviews.

Gameplay

How does this screenshot look?

Write about Mark's incredible gameplay here![3]

Characters

Write the differences between the characters

Vehicles

(images are temporary until I can try scanning my manual)

Header text Header text

Chrome Crusher		 The Chrome Crusher is a large mining vehicle with both a drill and a laser. It can drill through all rock types quickly. If the player has Laser Beam PowerCells, its laser can destroy walls and Rock Monsters in a single shot. If driven by Axle, this vehicle will travel faster. The Tunnel Transport can carry this vehicle.

Hover Scout		 The Hover Scout is a small hovering vehicle that can travel over land quickly, though it is hard to control.

Large Mobile Laser Cutter		 The Small Mobile Laser Cutter is a large, slow-moving mining vehicle with a laser. If the player has Laser Beam PowerCells, its laser can destroy walls and Rock Monsters in a single shot. If driven by Axle, this vehicle will travel faster.

Loader Dozer		 The Loader Dozer has a large front-mounted bucket that can be used to clear away spider webs. If driven into Dirt or Loose Rock walls fast enough, it will smash through them instantly. It is also immune to damage from geysers and lava plumes. If driven by Axle, this vehicle will travel faster.

Rapid Rider		 The Rapid Rider is a water-bound vehicle that can swiftly traverse underground lakes and rivers. If sailed by Bandit, this vehicle will travel faster.

Small Digger		 The Small Digger is a small drilling vehicle. It can drill through Dirt and Loose Rock faster than a Rock Raider; it cannot drill through Hard Rock. If driven by Axle, this vehicle will travel faster. The Tunnel Transport can carry this vehicle.

Small Mobile Laser Cutter		 The Small Mobile Laser Cutter is a small mining vehicle with a laser. If the player has Laser Beam PowerCells, its laser can destroy walls and Rock Monsters in a single shot. If driven by Axle, this vehicle will travel faster.

Tunnel Scout		 The Tunnel Scout is a small flying vehicle that can travel over land, water, or lava. It flies high enough that creatures cannot attack it, though it can still take damage from geysers and lava plumes. If piloted by Jet, this vehicle will travel faster.

Tunnel Transport		 The Tunnel Transport is a large flying vehicle that can pick up certain other units. It can fly over any surface type and even travel over rock walls if it is not carrying anything. It is only able to land on landing pads, including those at Teleport Stations. It flies high enough that creatures cannot attack it, though it can still take damage from geysers and lava plumes, and carried units can be damaged by creatures or by being slammed into walls. It can pick up Rock Raiders, the Small Digger, the Chrome Crusher, and the scoop. While in the air, pressing X over any of these units will pick it up; the latter three can be dropped by pressing X again. Scoops can be dropped into water to fill them, then water-filled scoops can be dropped by lava to turn it into ground. If piloted by Jet, this vehicle will travel faster.

Alien lifeforms

Maybe also hazards in general

Header text Header text
Spider I hate you
Scorpion One is annoying, one is deadly
Slimy Slug Battering ram
Rock Monster Comes in three tasty flavours!
Rock Whale big boy

Other stuff like geysers and webs.

Missions

In total, the two versions of the game have fifty unique missions between them, and sixty-three total missions, listed below:

Europe (PAL) North America (NTSC-U/C)
Level One-player Two-player One-player Two-player
1
2
–
3
–
4
–
–
–

Development

Further information: LEGO Rock Raiders (video game) § Development

Like its Windows counterpart, the PlayStation version of LEGO Rock Raiders was developed by the Halesowen-based video game developer Data Design Interactive. Work on it began in July 1998, following the Windows version's development that started in October 1997.[4]: 2 

...my dreams of Nintendo-like quality were sort of shattered when the MD, who was, well... My personal opinion was that he knew nothing about game development. I had to explain to him the difference between a 3D character and a sprite once. You know when you think, "I have to explain this?"

David Upchurch[5]

The PlayStation version of LEGO Rock Raiders was initially intended to be a real-time strategy like the Windows version. In February 1999, however, LEGO Media's worldwide managing director Mark Livingstone decided that real-time strategy games did not work on the PlayStation, following the commercial failure of a Command & Conquer title on the system.[5][6] Despite having only six months before the game was due to be submitted to Sony Computer Entertainment, the developers were ordered to rework it into an action game.[7] Tomas Gillo, the project's senior producer,[8] insisted he did not have time to rework the PlayStation game while finishing work on the Windows version, so David Upchurch was made the PlayStation version's producer in March 1999.[7] Upchurch had previously worked for LEGO Media as a producer for LEGO Chess and early versions of what would eventually become LEGO Island 2,[9][10] and had visited Data Design to playtest the Windows version of Rock Raiders several times.[11]: 10 

The game's development shifted to focus on controlling vehicles

After many strategy-focused elements were removed from the PlayStation game, the developers were left with a 3D engine that could render deformable terrain, some LEGO vehicle models, and small minifigure sprites. Upchurch enjoyed controlling the vehicles and drilling through walls, and suggested making the game play like a hybrid between Gauntlet and Blast Corps. The player would be given missions they could complete either on-foot or using a variety vehicles, each with different attributes, and could collect LEGO bricks to construct new vehicles.[7]

...every night I'd retire to my hotel room, exhausted, thinking to myself "That was a good day, we made good progress... but the game’s still going to crap." All in all, it was a depressing and demoralising experience that soured my attitude towards working at LEGO Media.

David Upchurch[7]

As the game's submission date approached, Upchurch spent nearly two months living in Birmingham while he worked on it with Data Design Interactive, designing levels and playtesting it. After finishing work on LEGO Rock Raiders in August 1999, Upchurch left LEGO Media, going on to launch the magazine PlayStation World for Computec Media in 2000.[7][12] Upchurch later wrote about his experience on his website, where he described his assignment as being handed "the poison chalice" and cited his negative experience producing Rock Raiders as a major reason for leaving LEGO Media. He also hypothesised that Livingstone's desire to drastically change the game was due to poor sales of Command & Conquer on PlayStation.[7]

Although Sony Computer Entertainment Europe signed off on LEGO Rock Raiders, Sony Computer Entertainment America rejected it, stating that further fixes were required before it could be released.[13][note 1] The North American version received a further three or four months of development; LEGO Media and Data Design took this opportunity to further adjust the game's gameplay and levels. GameWorld 7 was hired to create an entirely new set of levels to replace Data Design's.[13][14]

Release

LEGO Rock Raiders for PlayStation was released in Europe on 10 December 1999.[2]

LEGO Media announced that LEGO Rock Raiders for PlayStation had shipped in North America on August 15, 2000. Its suggested retail price was initially US$19.95. LEGO Media's global director Mark Livingstone stated enthusiasm for the game's success, citing the reception that LEGO Racers received on PlayStation.[15] Rock Raiders was officially available at retail two days later on August 17.[1]

Reception

LEGO Rock Raiders received mixed reviews on PlayStation according to the review aggregation website GameRankings.[16]

Notes

  1. ↑ Upchurch stated in the source that SCEA accepted it and SCEE rejected it, leading to the European version being delayed. However, the latest dates on each version's files (1 September 1999 for the European version, 12 February 2000 for the North American version) indicate that he mixed them up, and the American version was delayed. The August 2000 release date in North America further supports this.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Zdyrko, Dave (August 4, 2000). "New screens of Lego Media's venture into strategic mining action -- mining has never been this fun!". IGN PSX. Snowball.com. Archived from the original on August 15, 2000.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Lego Rock Raiders for PlayStation". Chipsworld. Archived from the original on 26 April 2001. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
  3. ↑ Fielder, Lauren (April 28, 1999). "Lego Rock Raiders Preview [last updated March 21, 2000]". videogames.com. ZDNet. Archived from the original on 16 August 2000. Retrieved 3 June 2024. Proper date sourced from GameSpot mirror.
  4. ↑ Schwelling, Amy (17 May 1999). "LEGO Rock Raiders "Behind the Scenes..." for the LEGO World Club Magazine" (memo). LEGO Media. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Monaghan, Paul (21 January 2019). "Episode 83: Dave Upchurch Interview". Maximum Power Up (Podcast). Libsyn. Event occurs at 2:23:36–2:35:00. Archived from the original on 31 May 2024. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  6. ↑ Data Design Interactive (November 1999). LEGO Rock Raiders (PlayStation) (PAL ed.). LEGO Media International. Scene: Credits. Worldwide Managing Director: Mark Livingstone
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 Upchurch, David (2012). "LEGO Rock Raiders (PS1)". DUpchurch.com. Archived from the original on 18 January 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  8. ↑ Data Design Interactive (November 1999). LEGO Rock Raiders (PlayStation) (PAL ed.). LEGO Media International. Scene: Credits. Senior Producer: Tomas Gillo — Producer: David Upchurch
  9. ↑ Upchurch, David (2012). "LEGO Chess (PC)". DUpchurch.com. Archived from the original on 21 August 2018.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  10. ↑ Upchurch, David (2012). "LEGO Island 2 (Various)". DUpchurch.com. Archived from the original on 21 August 2018.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  11. ↑ Crecente, Brian; Vincent, Ethan (14 July 2021). "Episode 28 – The Fans, Devs, and Remake of RTS Classic LEGO Rock Raiders" (PDF). Bits N' Bricks (Podcast). Participants: Simon Eriksson, Ferdinand Köstler, Alan Sokol, and Karl White. The LEGO Group. Archived (PDF) from the original on 19 January 2023. Retrieved 30 May 2024. Audio version via YouTube.
  12. ↑ Upchurch, David (2012). "PSW: Playstation World". DUpchurch.com. Archived from the original on 21 August 2018.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 jamesster (17 February 2013). "I had an email conversation with Dave back in December, he's a really nice guy and had lots of cool stuff to share". Rock Raiders United (comment on forum topic "LEGO Interactive producer located"). Archived from the original on 7 October 2015.
  14. ↑ Data Design Interactive (August 15, 2000). LEGO Rock Raiders (PlayStation) (NTSC-U/C ed.). LEGO Media International. Scene: Credits. LEVEL DESIGN – Gameworld Seven Ltd – [email protected]
  15. ↑ Gamespot Staff (August 15, 2000). "Lego Rock Riders Ship". GameSpot. CNET Networks, Inc. Archived from the original on 4 October 2003. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 "LEGO Rock Raiders for PlayStation". GameRankings. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 1 May 2019. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
  17. ↑ Green, Earl (August 2000). "LEGO Rock Raiders (PS) - Review". All Game Guide. AEC One Stop Group, Inc. Archived from the original on 17 November 2014. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  18. ↑ Ashe, Suzanne (August 30, 2000). "LEGO Rock Raiders (PS)". The Electric Playground. Elecplay.com Productions, Inc. Archived from the original on 14 November 2003.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  19. ↑ Satterfield, Shane (August 24, 2000). "Lego Rock Raiders Review for PlayStation". GameSpot. CNET Networks, Inc. Archived from the original on 26 June 2003. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  20. ↑ Cleveland, Adam (August 16, 2000). "Who knew playing with Lego's on your PlayStation could be fun? We sure were surprised". IGN PSX. Snowball.com. Archived from the original on 15 December 2000. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  21. ↑ Soropos, George (January 2000). "Lego Rockraiders". Official Australian PlayStation Magazine. No. 30. Sydney: APC Publishing. p. 72.
  22. ↑ Steinman, Gary (October 2000). "Reviews: Lego Rock Raiders". Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine. No. 37. Oak Brook: Ziff Davis Media. p. 133.
Cite error: <ref> tag with name "manual E" defined in <references> is not used in prior text.

External Links

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