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Hi guys, welcome to my website ! I will be experimenting with something new for today?s article. I hope you will find it interesting and worth your precious time.
Video Gaming is a very popular past time the world over. A large majority of today?s urban youth play video games of all types and kinds, such as StarCraft, Call of Duty and Mario, just to name a few. All video games share a common primary purpose, that is to entertain the users, among other secondary objectives. The demand for video games grew sharply since its inception in the mid- 20th century, and is accepted as a social norm in most developed countries today.
Malaysia is home to many millions of gamers. However, Malaysia as a country is not nearly as well represented on the international stage. Malaysia is simply not viewed as a major player in the video game industry. The local video game industry is almost non- existent due to the lack of foreign investment, local video game producers and skilled labour. To make matters worse, Malaysia?s video game market is also plagued by piracy, further reducing the chances of any possible foreign investment from companies wishing to set up shop here.
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However, in recent years the Malaysian presence on the international gaming scene has grown significantly. Various efforts from producers and gamers alike have raised awareness of the Malaysian potential in the gaming industry. Furthermore, Malaysia?s presence in video games has raised international awareness of the country too. This has indirectly contributed to the tourism industry in Malaysia.
For today, we shall be discussing Malaysia in Video Games. This article will discuss the various milestones and achievements of Malaysia in the video game industry. Enjoy !
Burnout Dominator ? Two levels featuring Kuala Lumpur
Developer : EA UK?
Publisher : Electronic Arts?
Platforms : PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable
Released : 2007
Genre : Racing
Reception : 8.0/10 from IGN, 7.7/10 from GameTrailers, 76/100 from Metacritic
Malaysia has a major presence in Burnout Dominator. Two levels from this game are supposedly based off Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. To those of you who do not know, the Burnout series features real- world locations from North America, Europe and the Far East. However, the producers do not take a straightforward approach to the locations. The levels are deliberately altered to enrich the Burnout experience. Likewise, the producers of Burnout Dominator did not simply refer to the two Malaysian levels as ? Kuala Lumpur ?, but rather ? Spiritual City ? instead. They didn?t just stop at the name though, there is a building called the ? Spiritual Towers ? which closely resembles the Petronas Twin Towers as well. Plus, KL Sentral has been renamed ST Sentral, Petaling Street has become Chinatown, and so on.
Burnout Dominator, Sultan Abdul Samad Building, Malaysia
However, not everything here is vague and so- so; if one is really observant, it is possible to locate many Malaysian flags all over the 2 levels. Actual signboards from Kuala Lumpur are present too, how cool is that ? Furthermore, a handful of traffic cars share a resemblance to Malaysia?s real- world counterparts, such as the Perodua MyVi and Perodua Kenari. Other look- alikes include the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, the KL Tower, the Merdeka Parade, Bukit Bintang and the Federal Territory- Selangor gateway. You can see them quite clearly in the photos provided here.
Burnout Dominator, Federal Territory- Selangor Gateway, Malaysia
However, not all of ? Spiritual City ? resembles Kuala Lumpur. There are tuk- tuks and Thai letters in the levels, both not found in real- world K.L. These were carried over from 2004?s Burnout 3, which featured levels in Thailand and Hong Kong. The taxis and buses don?t match either. Both levels are portrayed as ? distinctively Oriental ? for the international gaming audience. The game itself received great ratings overall. Having played it myself, I can safely say that Burnout Dominator didn?t triumph 2005?s Burnout Revenge or 2004?s Burnout 3. However, don?t get me wrong, Burnout Dominator is not a bad game, it?s still great fun. I just feel as though it could have been much, much better had the developers paid more attention and resources to it. Despite its shortcomings, any Malaysian who has been to or lives in Kuala Lumpur will instantly recognize the 2 levels from Burnout Dominator. This is the closest Kuala Lumpur has gone so far to being featured in a video game. Malaysians should be proud.
Burnout Dominator, Signboard, Malaysia
Burnout Dominator, Spiritual City, Malaysia
Burnout Dominator, Spiritual City, Malaysia
DiRT 2 ? Several levels featuring Malaysia
Publishers : Codemasters?
Platforms : Nintendo DS, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Wii, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X
Released : 2009
Genre : Racing
Reception : 9/10 from IGN UK, 9/10 from GameSpot, 9.0/10 from GameTrailers, 89/100 from Metacritic (PC), 87/100 from Metacritic (PS3 & 360)
Colin McRae : DiRT 2 has Malaysia written all over it. It?is the highly anticipated sequel to 2007?s Colin McRae : DiRT. The Colin McRae series is all about rally racing the world over. DiRT 2 features locales such as Morocco, China, Croatia and surprisingly, Malaysia as well.?Unlike Burnout Dominator, several levels in the game are based on?real- world?Malaysia, or to be more specific, the jungles of Rawang, Selangor. No Petronas Twin Towers or K.L. here folks, just good ?ol Malaysian jungle. Having played DiRT 2 myself, I am quite simply impressed at the efforts of the producers, in the sense that they?ve managed to capture the essence of Malaysia so accurately. The palm trees, mud, weather, they?ve even got the kampungs right ! Unlike Burnout Dominator, Malaysia is presented as ? tropical eye- candy ? to the international gaming audience.
DiRT 2, Subaru Impreza at Ladang Sprint, Malaysia
The secret ? DiRT 2 was partly made in Malaysia ! Codemasters Studios Sdn. Bhd., located in Kuala Lumpur and founded in 2006 contributed to the development of DiRT 2. How cool is that ??Codemasters Studios Sdn. Bhd. is the result of a partnership between Codemasters U.K. and Malaysia?s Vision New Media Sdn. Bhd.. The Malaysian branch is small, at only 100 or so staff members and is a predominantly 3D Modelling and art studio. According to Izmal, a Malaysian programmer from Codemasters Studios Sdn. Bhd., roughly half of the level environments in DiRT 2 were designed in Codemasters Studios Sdn. Bhd.. Too good to be true ? You can see the names of the Malaysians who helped make the game a success here. Codemasters Studios Sdn. Bhd. also contributed a little to the development of other Codemasters games such as GRID, DiRT 3, Bodycount, F1 2010, F1 2011 and Operation Flashpoint.
I cannot determine the exact number of DiRT 2 levels featured in Malaysia because one is able to play reverse, forward, long and short versions of each track. Furthermore, there are 5 modes of play; the traditional point- to- point Rally, the fast- paced ? Trailblazer ?, circuit- based Rallycross, ?? Land Rush ? and ? Raid ?. Each mode offers different cars and courses. Thus, many, many stage combinations are possible in DiRT 2.
DiRT 2, Welcome to the jungle (Malaysia)
DiRT 2 is a massive hit. The game has a Metacritic average of 89 for Microsoft Windows and 87 for both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. However, the PlayStation Portable and Wii versions, developed by Sumo Digital scored low marks on the charts. Personally, I?d give DiRT 2 a well- deserved 8.5/10, if not more for creativity and efficient use of technology. Having been released on next- gen platforms, DiRT 2 sports some of the best graphics, sound and gameplay around. The game also features voice- acting from popular rally drivers such as?Ken Block, Travis Pastrana, Tanner Foust, Dave Mirra and?Mohammed ben Sulayem.
DiRT 2, Subaru Impreza & Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X at Ladang Sprint, Malaysia
DiRT 2 is proof that Malaysia has what it takes to become an international player in the gaming industry. Think about it, people from all over the world are playing popular games made in our own backyard. Of course, we would not have made it this far without the support of Codemasters from the United Kingdom. They?ve helped seed the next- generation video game industry in Malaysia, and we must be very thankful for their efforts. Not to forget, our local boys deserve credit as well for stepping up to the challenge and pioneering our next- generation video game industry.
WARNING : The (awesome) music in this video contains mild profanity. Viewer discretion is advised. I do not own this video.
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Hitman 2 : Silent Assassin ? Three levels featured in Malaysia
WARNING : The video game has been given a MATURE (M) rating by the ESRB. Reader discretion is advised.
Developer : IO Interactive?
Publisher : Eidos Interactive?
Platforms : Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube
Released : 2002
Genre : Stealth, Third- Person Shooter, First- Person Shooter
Reception :?8.6/10?from GameSpot, 8.7/10 from IGN, 87/100 from Metacritic (PC), 85/100 from Metacritic (PS2)
Malaysia stars in Hitman 2 : Silent Assassin. Hitman is all about creativity in the execution of missions. Players can either go in guns blazing, or take the longer way around by solving various puzzles instead.?3 highly- detailed missions out of 21 in the game are based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Unlike the two racing games above, Hitman is, depending on the player?s preference, a stealth based third- person or first- person shooter. All 3 levels are centred around the assassination of a plot character called Charlie Sidjan?in the Petronas Twin Towers. Agent 47, that is, the playable character in the game enters what appears to be the ground level of the KLCC in?? Basement Killing ?, the first of the three Malaysian levels. However, once the objectives are completed, Agent 47 discovers that the man he had assassinated was Charlie?s twin brother. In the second mission ? The Graveyard Shift ?, Agent 47 plants a hacking device somewhere in the Petronas Twin Towers to gain entry into Charlie?s real residence. The player will get the opportunity to cross the sky bridge from one tower to the other here. Later in the following mission, ? The Jacuzzi Job ?, Agent 47 locates and assassinates the real Charlie Sidjan, thus, completing his objective.
Hitman 2 Silent Assassin, Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Unfortunately, Hitman 2 doesn?t capture the essence of Malaysia in an accurate fashion. Much of the content has been stylized for dramatic purposes. The guards in the Malaysian levels speak Malay, but the average Malaysian would find Hitman 2?s presentation of the Malay language humorous; the accent and slang don?t really match- up with normal Malay speech. Manglish is also spoken in Hitman 2 by certain characters. All in all, Hitman 2 is still a brilliant game, thanks to excellent gameplay and graphics, which had set the standards in 2002. I haven?t personally played this game though, so I can?t comment much further.
WARNING : The video contains mild violence. Viewer discretion is advised. I do not own this video.
Formula 1 Video Games ? Sepang International Circuit
Many Formula 1 video games feature the Sepang International Circuit. The world famous circuit first made its first appearance in the 1999 Formula 1 season. Here is the full list of confirmed titles featuring the Sepang International Circuit;
NOTE : All Formula 1 games belong to the racing genre. There may be more Formula 1 games which feature the SIC than the the titles listed below.
Formula One 99
Developer : Studio 33?
Publishers : Psygnosis?
Platforms : PlayStation, PC
Released : 1999
Reception : 8.5/10 from IGN
This is the first Formula 1 based- video game to feature the Sepang International Circuit.
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F1 Racing Championship
Developer : Ubisoft Shanghai?
Publishers : Video System?
Platforms : Dreamcast, Game Boy Color, Nintendo 64, PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PC
Released : 2000, 2001
Reception : 7.5/10 from IGN (PlayStation)
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Developer : Ubisoft?
Publisher : Ubisoft?
Platforms : GameCube, PlayStation 2, PC
Released : 2002
Reception : ? Mostly favourable ?
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Developers : Studio 33?
Publishers : Sony Computer Entertainment, Midway Games?
Platforms : PlayStation, Game Boy Color
Released : 2000
Reception : 6.9/10 from GameSpot (PlayStation), 8.4/10 from GameSpot (PC)
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Developer : MicroProse?
Publisher : Infogrames?
Platform : Windows PC
Released : 2002
Reception : 8.0/10 from GameSpot
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Developers : Studio 33?
Publishers : Sony Computer Entertainment, 989 Sports?
Platforms : PlayStation, PlayStation 2
Released : 2001
Reception : 7.0/10 from IGN, 7.2/10 from GameSpot
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Developer : Studio 33?
Publisher : Sony Computer Entertainment Europe
Platform : PlayStation
Released : 2002
Reception : ? Mostly favourable ?
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Developer : Sony Studio Liverpool?
Publisher : Sony Computer Entertainment Europe
Platform : PlayStation 2
Released : 2002
Reception : 8.4/10 from GameSpot
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Developer : Melbourne House?
Publisher : Atari?
Platform : PlayStation 2
Released : 2003
Reception : 9.0/10 from IGN, 7.9/10 from GameSpot, 76/100 from Metacritic
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Formula One 2003
Developer : Sony Studio Liverpool?
Publisher : Sony Computer Entertainment Europe
Platform : PlayStation 2
Released : 2003
Reception : 8/10 from Eurogamer
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Formula One 04
Developer : Sony Studio Liverpool?
Publisher : Sony Computer Entertainment Europe
Platform : PlayStation 2
Released : 2004
Reception : ? Mostly favourable ?
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Formula One 05
Developer : Sony Studio Liverpool?
Publisher : Sony Computer Entertainment Europe
Platform : PlayStation 2
Released : 2005
Reception : 7/10 from Eurogamer
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F1 Grand Prix
Developer : Traveller?s Tales?
Publisher : Sony Computer Entertainment Europe
Platform : PlayStation Portable
Released : 2005
Reception : 6/10 from Eurogamer
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Formula One 06
Developer : Sony Studio Liverpool?
Publisher : Sony Computer Entertainment Europe
Platforms : PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable
Released : 2006
Reception : 7/10 from Eurogamer
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Formula One Championship Edition
Developer : SCE Studio Liverpool?
Publisher : Sony Computer Entertainment Europe
Platform : PlayStation 3
Released : 2007
Reception : 7.2/10 from IGN, 6.0/10 from Eurogamer, 7.2/10 from GameSpot, 7.3/10 from GameTrailers, 74/100 from Metacritic
This is the first Formula One game to grace a 7th generation video game console.
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F1 2009
Developer : Sumo Digital?
Publisher : Codemasters?
Platforms : Wii, PlayStation Portable, iPhone
Released : 2009
Reception : 8/10 from Eurogamer (Wii), 6.0/10 from GameSpot (Wii), 7.7/10 from IGN (PSP), 69/100 from Metacritic
Codemasters took over the license to develop F1 games from Sony in 2009. This is the first F1 game to grace non- Sony platforms in almost 10 years.
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F1 2010
Developer : Codemasters Birmingham?
Publisher : Codemasters?
Platforms : Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Released : 2010
Reception : 8/10 from Eurogamer, 8.5/10 from IGN, 8/10 from Official Xbox Magazine (UK), 9/10 from Official PlayStation Magazine (UK), 84/100 from Metacritic (PC, PS3, 360)
F1 2010 was a massive success story. This is a game F1 fans will be talking about for a long, long time.
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F1 2011
Developers : Codemasters Birmingham?
Publisher : Codemasters?
Platforms : Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation Vita, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Released : 2011, 2012
Reception : 8/10 from Eurogamer, 8.5/10 from IGN, 8/10 from GameSpot,?84/100 from Metacritic (360), 82/100 from Metacritic (PS3), 83/100 from Metacritic (PC), 59/100 from Metacritic (3DS), ?68/100 from Metacritic (PS Vita)
F1 2011 is very similar to F1 2010, with several changes and improvements here and there. Most noticeably, this is the first Formula 1 game to grace 8th generation consoles, the PlayStation Vita and Nintendo 3DS. However, the producer behind the PS Vita and 3DS versions of F1 2011 was Sumo Digital, not Codemasters Birmingham, the folks behind the PS3, 360 and PC versions. Both 3DS and PS Vita versions got mixed reviews. The PS3, 360 and PC versions got almost identical reviews to that of F1 2010.
F1 2011 in game screenshot
NOTE : I do not own this video.
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MotoGP Video Games ? Sepang International Circuit and Johor Circuit
As in Formula 1, Malaysia also plays host to the MotoGP series. Many MotoGP games featured the Sepang International Circuit. One game also featured the now retired Johor Circuit, in southern Malaysia. Here is a full list of confirmed titles featuring Malaysian circuits ;
NOTE : All MotoGP games belong to the?racing?genre. There may be more MotoGP games which feature the SIC than the titles listed below.
Developer :?MicroProse?
Publisher :?Melbourne House?
Platform :?PC
Released : 1999
Reception :?? Mostly favourable ?
This game featured the (now retired) Johor Circuit. GP500 remains a popular game today among MotoGP enthusiasts.
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Developer : Namco?
Publisher : Namco?
Platform :?PlayStation 2
Released : 2000
Reception : 8.0/10 from GameSpot, 77/100 from Metacritic
This version of the MotoGP game is produced under license by Namco for the PlayStation 2, and is not related to the THQ produced version of MotoGP for the Xbox and PC.
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MotoGP (Xbox- PC)
Developer : Climax Brighton?
Publisher : THQ?
Platforms : Xbox, PC
Released : 2002
Reception :?8.5/10?from GameSpot, 84/100 from Metacritic
This version of the MotoGP game is produced under license by THQ for the Xbox and PC, and is not related to the Namco produced version of MotoGP for the PlayStation 2.
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MotoGP 2 (PS2)
Developer : Namco?
Publisher : Namco?
Platform :?PlayStation 2
Released : 2002
Reception :?8.0/10?from GameSpot, 78/100 from Metacritic
This version of the MotoGP 2 game is produced under license by Namco for the PlayStation 2, and is not related to the THQ produced version of MotoGP 2 for the Xbox and PC.
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MotoGP 2 (Xbox- PC)
Developer : Climax Brighton?
Publisher : THQ?
Platforms : Xbox, PC
Released : 2003
Reception :?8.9/10?from GameSpot,?87/100?from Metacritic
This version of the MotoGP 2 game is produced under license by THQ for the Xbox and PC, and is not related to the Namco produced version of MotoGP 2 for the PlayStation 2.
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MotoGP 3 (PS2)
Developer : Namco?
Publisher : Namco?
Platform :?PlayStation 2
Released : 2003
Reception :?8.5/10?from IGN, 80/100 from Metacritic
This version of the MotoGP 3 game is produced under license by Namco for the PlayStation 2, and is not related to the THQ produced version of MotoGP 3 for the Xbox and PC.
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MotoGP 3 : Ultimate Racing Technology (Xbox- PC)
Developer : Climax Racing?
Publisher : THQ?
Platforms : Xbox, PC, Mobile Phone
Released : 2005
Reception :?8.9/10?from GameSpot,?85/100?from Metacritic
This version of the MotoGP 3 game is produced under license by THQ for the Xbox and PC, and is not related to the Namco produced version of MotoGP 3 for the PlayStation 2.
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MotoGP 4
Developer : Namco?
Publisher : Namco?
Platform :?PlayStation 2
Released : 2006
Reception :?7.0/10?from IGN, 7.6/10 from GameSpot, 71/100?from Metacritic
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MotoGP 06
Developer : Climax Racing?
Publisher : THQ?
Platform : Xbox 360
Released : 2006
Reception : 8.4/10 from IGN,?8.2/10?from GameSpot,?80/100?from Metacritic
This is the first MotoGP video game for a next generation video game console.
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MotoGP (PSP)
Developer : Namco Bandai?
Publisher : Namco Bandai?
Platform :?PlayStation Portable
Released : 2006
Reception :?3.5/5 from CNET, 69/100?from Metacritic
This is the last MotoGP game Namco produced. The PlayStation exclusive license was later sold to Capcom in 2007.
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MotoGP 07 (360- PC)
Developer : Climax Racing?
Publisher : THQ?
Platforms : Xbox 360, PC
Released : 2007
Reception :?7.7/10?from IGN,?7.5/10?from GameSpot,?78/100?from Metacritic
This version of the MotoGP 07 game is produced under license by THQ for the Xbox 360 and PC, and is not related to the Capcom produced version of MotoGP 07 for the PlayStation 2.
This is also the last of the THQ produced MotoGP games. The developer, Climax Racing was bought over by Disney Interactive Studios. Climax Racing was renamed Black Rock Studio, and later produced Pure and Split Second : Velocity. However, Black Rock Studio closed down in 2011, despite the success of their two games.
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MotoGP 07 (PS2)
Developer : Milestone?
Publisher : Capcom?
Platform :?PlayStation 2
Released : 2007
Reception : 6.5/10 from GameSpot, 62/100?from Metacritic
This is the first MotoGP game in the series to be published by Capcom and developed by Milestone. All following future titles are to be launched by Capcom as well until the license expires in 2012.
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MotoGP 08
Developer : Milestone?
Publisher : Capcom?
Platforms :?PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, PlayStation 2, PC
Released : 2008
Reception : 68/100?from Metacritic (360), 65/100 from Metacritic (PS3, PC), 44/100 from Metacritic (Wii)
This is the first MotoGP game for the PlayStation 3 and Wii consoles.
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MotoGP 09/10
Developer : Monumental Games?
Publisher : Capcom?
Platforms :?PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Released : 2010
Reception : 7.0/10 from GameSpot, 6.7/100 from IGN, 70/100 from Metacritic (PS3), 69/100 from Metacritic (360)
This is the first MotoGP game to be developed by Monumental Games.
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Developer : Monumental Games?
Publisher : Capcom?
Platforms :?PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Released : 2011
Reception : 6.0/10 from GameSpot, 8/10 from Eurogamer, 68/100 from Metacritic (PS3), 72/100 from Metacritic (360)
Monumental Games shut down in February 2012. The future of the MotoGP series is uncertain at the moment.
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SOCOM 4 : U.S. Navy SEALs ? Possibly based on Malaysia
WARNING : The video game has been given a MATURE (M) rating by the ESRB. Reader discretion is advised.
Developer : Zipper Interactive?
Publisher : Sony Computer Entertainment
Platform : PlayStation 3
Released : 2011
Genre : Third- Person Shooter
Reception : 7.5/10 from GameSpot, 7.0/10 from IGN, 6/10 from Eurogamer, 67/100 from Metacritic
Malaysia becomes a battleground in SOCOM 4 : U.S. Navy SEALs. This PlayStation exclusive game is the latest in the long- running SOCOM series. The series is best- known for being a third- person shooter which places significant emphasis on military battle tactics. In SOCOM 4, players assume the roles of NATO soldier Cullen Gray in, you guessed it, Malaysia. Officially, the producers have not disclosed the exact location and simply just refer to it as ? Southeast Asia ?. However, most gamers and Malaysians alike will agree that the game in set in Malaysia. From what I?m aware of, locations include a war- torn Kuala Lumpur look- alike and dense tropical jungles. The bad guys in the game are called Naga. Interestingly, Naga translates into dragon in Malay. The Naga rebels have rallied against the country?s government by means of force and terrorism. Anyway, I don?t wanna spoil too much of the story, for those of you who intend to play this game on the PlayStation 3.
SOCOM 4 gameplay
Perhaps the most striking detail in SOCOM 4 is the inclusion of Malaysian look- alike taxis in the city- environments. Some of you may have already noticed them in the photo above. These taxis look very similar to the old Proton Saga taxis in use all over Malaysia today. However, the colours don?t match; most Malaysian taxis are red and white but the SOCOM 4 taxis are yellow. Furthermore, there is a building in the game which somewhat resembles the Petronas Twin Towers. That?s not all;?The Naga rebels speak Malay too. Unlike Hitman 2, the Malay voice- over is much more accurate and believable. Unfortunately, I have not played SOCOM 4 yet and as such, I cannot point out more details and points of interest in the game. All of these statements were drawn based on my observation of SOCOM 4 videos and in- game photos.
Proton Saga look- alike in SOCOM 4 video game
Sadly, SOCOM 4 doesn?t capture the soul of Malaysia accurately. Like Burnout Dominator, SOCOM 4 presents Malaysia as ? distinctively Oriental ? instead for the international audience. It is possible to find Chinese text in the levels, such as on the lanes of roads and signboards. This is not accurate of Malaysia because most of the road signboards are romanized.?Plus, the jungle- environments look distinctively Malaysian as well, but could also be mistaken for other jungles in South East Asia.
SOCOM 4 website background photo, with Malaysian signboards
SOCOM 4 was moderately successful, scoring a 67% average on Metacritic, much less than its predecessors. Many SOCOM fans were disappointed with the game. However, if you?ve ever wondered what Malaysia would look like if civil war broke out, SOCOM 4 is your best bet. Of course, it?s only a video game, and despite the obvious references, I?m sure the developers had no such intention of smearing the good name of Malaysia in the eyes of the world. A video game is just a video game, creative art and entertainment for the masses.
WARNING : The video contains extreme violence. Viewer discretion is advised. I do not own this video.
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2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Video Game ? Playable Malaysian national football team (Harimau Malaya)
Developers : EA Canada?
Publisher : EA Sports?
Platforms : PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, PlayStation Portable, iOS
Released : 2010
Genre : Sports
Reception : 8.3/10 from IGN (360), 8.5/10 from GameSpot (360, PS3), 83/100 from Metacritic (360), 69/100 from Metacritic (PSP), 70/100 from Metacritic (Wii)
Harimau Malaya, the Malaysian national football team is playable in 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa ( video game ). Although Malaysia did not qualify for the real 2010 World Cup, gamers are given the opportunity to lead Harimau Malaya to a decisive victory in the game instead. This is as close as it gets to the real thing. The virtual Harimau Malaya resembles its real- life counterpart both in external appearance and player skill. The PS3 and 360 versions got high ratings, but the other platforms did not fair as well.
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Just Cause 2 ? Possibly based on Malaysia
WARNING : The video game has been given a MATURE (M) rating by the ESRB. Reader discretion is advised.
Developer : Avalanche Studios?
Publisher : Eidos Interactive?
Platforms : PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows
Released : 2010
Genre : Third- person shooter, Action adventure
Reception :?8.8/10?from IGN,?8.0/10?from GameSpot,?84/100?from Metacritic (PC),?83/100?from Metacritic (PS3),?81/100?from Metacritic (360)
Malaysia becomes a playground in Just Cause 2. This game is the second in the well- received Just Cause series. The series is best known for being a third- person action shooter of epic proportions (For example; You fight enemies on flying missiles? like literally, on flying missiles !). The game takes place on the fictional island of Panau, supposedly located in the Malay Archipelago of South East Asia. Locations are extremely diverse considering that Panau is only an island; they range from deserts to snow capped mountains. Players are in control of Rico Rodriguez, who is tasked with the removal of Panau?s oppressive anti- US government and the assassination of a rouge agent. Players are allied with 3 factions in the game, the Roaches, Reapers and Ular Boys. Interestingly, Ular means snake in Malay and Indonesian. Just Cause 2 also involves real- world countries such as the U.S., Russia, China and Japan. Anyway, I don?t wanna spoil the whole plot for those of you who would like to give Just Cause 2 a try.
Panau, Just Cause 2. Note the names of the locations.
A lot of Malay words are found in Just Cause 2. For example, in the aerial map of Panau above, we can observe the Ramai Rakyat Islands, which literally translates into Many People Islands in Malay. Selatan Archipelago translates into Southern Archipelago, whereas Lautan Lama Desert literally translates into Old Sea Desert. Of course, many of these words could also be Indonesian, or Sanskrit or other Asian languages, we do not know for sure.?The NPCs in Just Cause 2 speak Malay and Malaysian- English too. Again, attribution to other languages are also possible, such as Singaporean- English and Indonesian. Some characters in the game have Malay (or Indonesian ?) names, such as Razak Razman. They even look distinctively Malaysian/ Indonesian.
Panau Falls Casino, Just Cause 2. Petronas Twin Towers look alike ?
Just Cause 2 makes many references to real- world Malaysia, such as in- game voice over language, names of locations, names of characters and so on. However, on a whole, Just Cause 2 probably intended to parody the entire South East Asia for the international audience. In some sense, the position of Just Cause 2 is very similar to that of SOCOM 4 : U.S. Navy SEALs. One could confuse Just Cause 2 for being set in other South East Asian countries, such as Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand. Likewise, it would not be fair to claim that Just Cause 2 is solely set in Malaysia.
Just Cause 2 wallpaper
Just Cause 2 was met with critical reception both in sales and reviews. The game has an average Metacritic score of 84/100, 83/100 and 81/100 for the PC, PS3 and 360 respectively, much higher than that of its predecessor. Just Cause 2 is the game for you if you?ve always wanted to go on an action- packed adventure set in familiar ground. Like SOCOM 4, I?m sure the developers probably had no such intention of smearing the good name of Malaysia and other South East Asian countries in the eyes of the world.
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TOCA Race Driver ? Features the Proton Satria GTi
Developer : Codemasters ?
Publisher : Codemasters?
Platforms : PlayStation 2, Xbox, Microsoft Windows
Released : 2002
Genre : Racing
Reception :?? Mostly favourable ?
TOCA Race Driver is the only known legitimate video game to feature a Malaysian made car. The car in question is the legendary Proton Satria GTi. In TOCA Race Driver, players get to race the Satria GTi against other cars from the likes of Subaru, Mitsubishi and many more.
The graphics may not be much compared to today?s standards, after all it is 10 years old now. Still, it?s nice to see that the developer, none other than Codemasters themselves, acknowledge the potential of the Satria GTi.
To those of you who would like to try TOCA Race Driver, click here to download the demo from a trusted source.
Proton Satria GTi in TOCA Race Driver video game
Proton Satria GTi in TOCA Race Driver video game
NOTE : I do not own this video.
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Conclusion
As a predominantly unknown and new country, the inclusion of anything related to Malaysia in video games is extremely rare. Hence, whenever a game like DiRT 2 or Just Cause 2 comes along, you can be sure that they provoke excitement, curiosity and pride in Malaysian gamers and non- gamers alike.
While it is great that Malaysia has a significant presence in the video game industry today, it doesn?t exactly prove anything since the majority of these games are not Malaysian made. Thus, the only good thing Malaysia gets in return is an increase in awareness among gamers. In other words, it is merely a social significance. However, as in the case of Codemasters Studios Sdn. Bhd., it has escalated to the point of economic significance. By creating successful video games locally and selling them overseas, wealth from foreign markets pours into the Malaysian economy, boosting the Gross Domestic Product and general wealth of Malaysia and her citizens. Furthermore, Malaysia has gained international recognition for successful video games produced on our soil. These range from awards, such as from the BAFTA of United Kingdom ( DiRT 2 is one such partly- made in Malaysia game to receive a BAFTA award ) to the general respect of gamers from around the world.
Codemasters Studios Sdn. Bhd. is the only major video game producer in Malaysia with international recognition. Unfortunately, most Malaysians buy pirated games instead of originals. This could spell the end of Codemasters Studios Sdn. Bhd. and our video game industry altogether. Malaysians should show their support by buying original goods from Codemasters, for a start.?It would be a shame to see Codemasters? efforts go to waste because of piracy. Think about it.
That is all for today?s article. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed composing it. Do you know more games which feature Malaysia ? Have any suggestions to improve this article ? Feel free to leave a comment below !
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Credits
- All video games, producers, developers and associated companies featured in this article
- Various websites for the data and information
- Google, YouTube, Wikipedia and Wikia
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Source: http://a4rzero.wordpress.com/2012/03/09/mygame/
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