Difference between revisions of "Prime / Microcosm"

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{{sub-stub}}
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:''This article only covers [[Prime]]. For information relating to the latter game, see [[Microcosm]].''
 
{{Bob
 
{{Bob
−
| bobscreen=
+
| bobscreen=UltraversePrime MCD US Title.png
 +
| bobscreen2=Microcosm title.png
 +
| tab1=Prime
 +
| tab2=Microcosm
 
| publisher=[[Sony Imagesoft]]
 
| publisher=[[Sony Imagesoft]]
−
| developer=Ultraverse Prime: [[Malibu Interactive]]; Microcosm: [[Psygnosis]]
+
| developer={{company|[[Malibu Interactive]]|region=''Prime''}}, {{company|[[Psygnosis]]|region=''Microcosm''}}
 +
| licensor=[[Malibu Comics]]
 
| system=[[Sega Mega-CD]]
 
| system=[[Sega Mega-CD]]
−
| romsize=
 
 
| sounddriver=
 
| sounddriver=
 
| peripherals=
 
| peripherals=
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| genre=Compilation
 
| genre=Compilation
 
| releases={{releasesMCD
 
| releases={{releasesMCD
−
| mcd_date_us=1994
+
| mcd_date_us=1994-12
 
| mcd_code_us=T-93325
 
| mcd_code_us=T-93325
 +
| mcd_rating_us=t
 
}}
 
}}
−
| esrb=t
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| properties={{Properties|MCD|2discs}}
−
| vrc=ga
 
 
}}
 
}}
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'''''Ultraverse Prime / Microcosm''''', for lack of a better name, is a compilation for the [[Sega Mega-CD]] released exclusively in North America. It contains ''Ultraverse Prime'' and ''[[Microcosm]]'' on separate discs. ''Ultraverse Prime'' was not released separately, although judging from advertisements, it appears it was planned to be.
+
'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is a [[Sega Mega-CD]] compilation featuring [[Malibu Interactive]]'s ''Prime'' and [[Psygnosis]]' ''Microcosm'' on two separate discs, published exclusively in the United States by [[Sony Imagesoft]] in December 1994. This article only covers ''Prime''; for information relating to the latter game, see ''[[Microcosm]]''.
  
−
'''''Ultraverse Prime''''' is a side-scrolling beat-'em-up developed by [[Malibu Interactive]]. You play as one of several superheroes.
+
'''''Prime''''' is a side-scrolling beat-'em-up developed by Malibu Interactive. Based upon [[wikipedia:Prime (comics)|the Malibu Comics superhero of the same name]], it was developed by [[Malibu Interactive]] and sold under their [[wikipedia:Ultraverse|Ultraverse]] brand. Originally intended for a individual release on both the [[Prime (Mega Drive)|Mega Drive]]{{magref|sfus|1994-07|18}} and Mega-CD{{magref|egm|61|159}}, it was ultimately only included in this compilation.
 +
 
 +
==Story==
 +
===''Prime''===
 +
Prime is the superhero form of Kevin Green, a fifteen-year-old boy. His parents had trouble conceiving a child and turned to a government program for assistance. The government put his mother through experiments related to his research to create a super soldier. This gave Kevin the power to transform into the physical form of a super-powered adult but with his adolescent mind unchanged.
 +
 
 +
Kevin's teenage crush, Kelly Cantrell, has gone missing, so he sets out to find her.
 +
 
 +
===''Microcosm''===
 +
{{mainArticle|Microcosm#Story}}
 +
 
 +
==Gameplay==
 +
===''Prime''===
 +
{{ScreenThumb|Ultraverse Prime, Cutscene.png|width=200|Cutscene}}
 +
The game is a single-player beat-'em-up. Prime moves with {{left}} and {{right}} and jumps with {{B}}. He moves backwards and forwards in the plane with {{up}} and {{down}}. He punches with {{A}} and kicks with {{C}}. Each attack combos into a stronger attack when pressed repeatedly. He can attack while jumping. He can grab opponents by holding {{A}} when near them and then pummel them while holding them or throw them. He can grab two enemies at once and bash their heads together. By finding Stars, Prime can use his Big Burst ability with {{A}}+{{B}}+{{C}}, where he flies into the air and explodes with energy. This damages all enemies on screen and also stuns enemies as well as Prime for a short time.
 +
 
 +
There are two flying segments. In these segments, Prime flies forward automatically. He can be moved in any direction with the D-Pad, punches with {{A}}, and kicks with {{C}}.
 +
 
 +
Prime's life is indicated by a health bar at the top of the screen. When he loses all of his health, he loses a life. An extra life can be obtained by collecting all of the "EXTRA BONUS" letters throughout the game. If the player runs out of lives, the game ends. Opponents occasionally drop healing items when they are defeated.
 +
 
 +
====Items====
 +
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=50|
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Little Heart
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Ultraverse Prime, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=0 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Restores a small amount of health.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Big Heart
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Ultraverse Prime, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=16 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Restores a large amount of health.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Star
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Ultraverse Prime, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=32 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Gives Prime another use of his Big Burst ability.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Letters
 +
| sprite=
 +
| desc=Collect letters throughout the stages to spell "EXTRA BONUS" to gain an extra life.
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
====Acts====
 +
Each Act contains three Scenes, the last of which contains a boss encounter.
 +
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=320|
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Act 1
 +
| screenshot=Ultraverse Prime, Stage 1-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Ultraverse Prime, Stage 1-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Ultraverse Prime, Stage 1-3.png
 +
| screenshot4=Ultraverse Prime, Stage 1-3 Boss.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Act 2
 +
| screenshot=Ultraverse Prime, Stage 2-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Ultraverse Prime, Stage 2-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Ultraverse Prime, Stage 2-3.png
 +
| screenshot4=Ultraverse Prime, Stage 2-3 Boss.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Act 3
 +
| screenshot=Ultraverse Prime, Stage 3-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Ultraverse Prime, Stage 3-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Ultraverse Prime, Stage 3-3 Boss.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Act 4
 +
| screenshot=Ultraverse Prime, Stage 4-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Ultraverse Prime, Stage 4-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Ultraverse Prime, Stage 4-3 Boss.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Act 5
 +
| screenshot=Ultraverse Prime, Stage 5-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Ultraverse Prime, Stage 5-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Ultraverse Prime, Stage 5-3 Boss 1.png
 +
| screenshot4=Ultraverse Prime, Stage 5-3 Boss 2.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
====Comic viewer====
 +
{{ScreenThumb|Ultraverse Prime, Comic Viewer.png|width=200|Comic viewer}}
 +
The game includes several issues of the comic book as a bonus. {{A}} zooms out, {{B}} zooms in, and {{C}} turns to the next page. {{Start}} selects a comic or exits.
 +
 
 +
{{multicol|
 +
*''Prime'' #1
 +
*''Prime'' #2
 +
*''Prime'' #3
 +
*''Prime'' #4
 +
*''Prime'' #5
 +
*''Prime'' #6
 +
*''Prime'' #7
 +
*''Break Thru'' #1
 +
*''Break Thru'' #2
 +
*''Prime'' #8
 +
*''Mantra'' #7
 +
*''Prime'' #9
 +
*''Prime'' #10
 +
*''Prime'' #11
 +
*''Prime'' #12
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===''Microcosm''===
 +
{{mainArticle|Microcosm#Gameplay}}
 +
 
 +
==History==
 +
''Prime'' was originally developed as [[Prime (Mega Drive)|a Mega Drive game]]{{magref|sfus|1994-07|18}}, scheduled to be published by [[Sony Imagesoft]]{{magref|egm|61|159}} around late 1994. However, its cartridge release was cancelled for unknown reasons, with the game soon moving to the [[Mega-CD]].{{magref|egm|61|159}} While originally intended to be released as an individual disc, this was also cancelled, with ''Prime'' only ever appearing in this two-disc compilation.
 +
 
 +
Another version of the game was in development for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]], but also went unreleased.{{ref|1=https://snescentral.com/article.php?id=0927}}
 +
 
 +
===Legacy===
 +
Due to the relative unfamiliarity of [[wikipedia:Prime (comics)|the titular Malibu Comics superhero]] and the company's [[wikipedia:Ultraverse|Ultraverse]] brand, as well as the obscurity of the game itself, the character's [[Mega-CD]] outing is commonly known under the name '''''Ultraverse Prime'''''.
 +
 
 +
==Production credits==
 +
===''Prime''===
 +
{{multicol|
 +
{{creditstable|
 +
{{creditsheader|[[Malibu Interactive]]}}
 +
*'''Programming:''' Allan Shortt
 +
*'''Background Art:''' Simon Butler, Robert Hemphill, Terry Lloyd
 +
*'''Animations:''' Jon Eggelton, Neal Sutton, Simon Butler
 +
*'''Title Art:''' Jon Eggelton, Bill Harbison
 +
*'''Music/SFX:''' [[Tim Follin]], Geoff Follin
 +
*'''Comic Programming:''' David Pridmore
 +
*'''Comic Conversion:''' Helen Jones
 +
*'''Video Processing:''' Tom Higgins
 +
*'''Testing/QA:''' Mick Thompson, Tony McColgan
 +
*'''Management:''' Ian McGee, Steve Wahid
 +
*'''Based on a design by:''' James Higgins, Gerry Jones, Len Strezewski
 +
{{creditsheader|Malibu Comics}}
 +
*'''Prime Creators:''' Gerry Jones, Len Strezewski
 +
{{creditsheader|[[Sony Imagesoft]]}}
 +
*'''Executive Producer:''' Rich Robinson
 +
*'''Producer:''' Nathan Rose
 +
*'''Assistant Producers:''' Mark Smith, CJ Connoy
 +
*'''Testers:''' Jose Cruz, Andre Leighton, Bruce Cochrane, Tobin Russell, Seth Luisi, Andrew Stein, Kurt Schwengal, Jody Kelsey, CJ Connoy
 +
| source=In-game credits
 +
| pdf=Ultraverse Prime MCD credits.pdf
 +
| console=MCD
 +
}}
 +
}}
  
 
==Magazine articles==
 
==Magazine articles==
Line 25: Line 180:
  
 
==Physical scans==
 
==Physical scans==
 +
{{ratings|MCD}}
 
{{Scanbox
 
{{Scanbox
 
| console=Mega-CD
 
| console=Mega-CD
Line 31: Line 187:
 
| back=UltraverseMicrocosm MCD US Box Back.jpg
 
| back=UltraverseMicrocosm MCD US Box Back.jpg
 
| item1=UltraversePrime MCD US Disc.jpg
 
| item1=UltraversePrime MCD US Disc.jpg
−
| item1name=''Ultraverse Prime'' disc
+
| item1name=''Prime'' disc
 
| item2=Microcosm MCD US Disc.jpg
 
| item2=Microcosm MCD US Disc.jpg
 
| item2name=''Microcosm'' disc
 
| item2name=''Microcosm'' disc
 
| manual=Ultraverse mcd us manual.pdf
 
| manual=Ultraverse mcd us manual.pdf
 +
}}
 +
 +
==Technical information==
 +
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Technical information}}
 +
===ROM dump status===
 +
{{romtable|
 +
{{rom|MCD|size=468,948,816|date=1993-12|source=CD-ROM (US)|comments=T-93325 (Microcosm)|quality=good}}
 +
{{rom|MCD|size=418,082,112|date=1994-12|source=CD-ROM (US)|comments=T-93325 (Prime)|quality=}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
 +
 +
{{UltraversePrimeMicrocosmOmni}}
 +
{{MalibuComics}}

Latest revision as of 23:46, 13 October 2024

This article only covers Prime. For information relating to the latter game, see Microcosm.

n/a

  • Prime
  • Microcosm

UltraversePrime MCD US Title.png

Microcosm title.png

Prime / Microcosm
System(s): Sega Mega-CD
Publisher: Sony Imagesoft
Developer:
Licensor: Malibu Comics
Genre: Compilation

















Number of players: 1
Release Date RRP Code
Sega Mega-CD
US 		T-93325
ESRB: Teen

Prime / Microcosm is a Sega Mega-CD compilation featuring Malibu Interactive's Prime and Psygnosis' Microcosm on two separate discs, published exclusively in the United States by Sony Imagesoft in December 1994. This article only covers Prime; for information relating to the latter game, see Microcosm.

Prime is a side-scrolling beat-'em-up developed by Malibu Interactive. Based upon the Malibu Comics superhero of the same name, it was developed by Malibu Interactive and sold under their Ultraverse brand. Originally intended for a individual release on both the Mega Drive[1] and Mega-CD[2], it was ultimately only included in this compilation.

Story

Prime

Prime is the superhero form of Kevin Green, a fifteen-year-old boy. His parents had trouble conceiving a child and turned to a government program for assistance. The government put his mother through experiments related to his research to create a super soldier. This gave Kevin the power to transform into the physical form of a super-powered adult but with his adolescent mind unchanged.

Kevin's teenage crush, Kelly Cantrell, has gone missing, so he sets out to find her.

Microcosm

Main article: Microcosm#Story.

Gameplay

Prime

Ultraverse Prime, Cutscene.png

Cutscene

The game is a single-player beat-'em-up. Prime moves with Left and Right and jumps with B. He moves backwards and forwards in the plane with Up and Down. He punches with A and kicks with C. Each attack combos into a stronger attack when pressed repeatedly. He can attack while jumping. He can grab opponents by holding A when near them and then pummel them while holding them or throw them. He can grab two enemies at once and bash their heads together. By finding Stars, Prime can use his Big Burst ability with A+B+C, where he flies into the air and explodes with energy. This damages all enemies on screen and also stuns enemies as well as Prime for a short time.

There are two flying segments. In these segments, Prime flies forward automatically. He can be moved in any direction with the D-Pad, punches with A, and kicks with C.

Prime's life is indicated by a health bar at the top of the screen. When he loses all of his health, he loses a life. An extra life can be obtained by collecting all of the "EXTRA BONUS" letters throughout the game. If the player runs out of lives, the game ends. Opponents occasionally drop healing items when they are defeated.

Items

Ultraverse Prime, Items.png
 Little Heart
Restores a small amount of health.
Ultraverse Prime, Items.png
 Big Heart
Restores a large amount of health.
Ultraverse Prime, Items.png
 Star
Gives Prime another use of his Big Burst ability.
Letters
Collect letters throughout the stages to spell "EXTRA BONUS" to gain an extra life.

Acts

Each Act contains three Scenes, the last of which contains a boss encounter.

Ultraverse Prime, Stage 1-1.png

Ultraverse Prime, Stage 1-2.png

Ultraverse Prime, Stage 1-3.png

Ultraverse Prime, Stage 1-3 Boss.png

  • Ultraverse Prime, Stage 1-1.png

  • Ultraverse Prime, Stage 1-2.png

  • Ultraverse Prime, Stage 1-3.png

  • Ultraverse Prime, Stage 1-3 Boss.png

Act 1

Ultraverse Prime, Stage 2-1.png

Ultraverse Prime, Stage 2-2.png

Ultraverse Prime, Stage 2-3.png

Ultraverse Prime, Stage 2-3 Boss.png

  • Ultraverse Prime, Stage 2-1.png

  • Ultraverse Prime, Stage 2-2.png

  • Ultraverse Prime, Stage 2-3.png

  • Ultraverse Prime, Stage 2-3 Boss.png

Act 2

Ultraverse Prime, Stage 3-1.png

Ultraverse Prime, Stage 3-2.png

Ultraverse Prime, Stage 3-3 Boss.png

  • Ultraverse Prime, Stage 3-1.png

  • Ultraverse Prime, Stage 3-2.png

  • Ultraverse Prime, Stage 3-3 Boss.png

Act 3

Ultraverse Prime, Stage 4-1.png

Ultraverse Prime, Stage 4-2.png

Ultraverse Prime, Stage 4-3 Boss.png

  • Ultraverse Prime, Stage 4-1.png

  • Ultraverse Prime, Stage 4-2.png

  • Ultraverse Prime, Stage 4-3 Boss.png

Act 4

Ultraverse Prime, Stage 5-1.png

Ultraverse Prime, Stage 5-2.png

Ultraverse Prime, Stage 5-3 Boss 1.png

Ultraverse Prime, Stage 5-3 Boss 2.png

  • Ultraverse Prime, Stage 5-1.png

  • Ultraverse Prime, Stage 5-2.png

  • Ultraverse Prime, Stage 5-3 Boss 1.png

  • Ultraverse Prime, Stage 5-3 Boss 2.png

Act 5

Comic viewer

Ultraverse Prime, Comic Viewer.png

Comic viewer

The game includes several issues of the comic book as a bonus. A zooms out, B zooms in, and C turns to the next page.  START  selects a comic or exits.

  • Prime #1
  • Prime #2
  • Prime #3
  • Prime #4
  • Prime #5
  • Prime #6
  • Prime #7
  • Break Thru #1
  • Break Thru #2
  • Prime #8
  • Mantra #7
  • Prime #9
  • Prime #10
  • Prime #11
  • Prime #12

Microcosm

Main article: Microcosm#Gameplay.

History

Prime was originally developed as a Mega Drive game[1], scheduled to be published by Sony Imagesoft[2] around late 1994. However, its cartridge release was cancelled for unknown reasons, with the game soon moving to the Mega-CD.[2] While originally intended to be released as an individual disc, this was also cancelled, with Prime only ever appearing in this two-disc compilation.

Another version of the game was in development for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, but also went unreleased.[3]

Legacy

Due to the relative unfamiliarity of the titular Malibu Comics superhero and the company's Ultraverse brand, as well as the obscurity of the game itself, the character's Mega-CD outing is commonly known under the name Ultraverse Prime.

Production credits

Prime

  • Programming: Allan Shortt
  • Background Art: Simon Butler, Robert Hemphill, Terry Lloyd
  • Animations: Jon Eggelton, Neal Sutton, Simon Butler
  • Title Art: Jon Eggelton, Bill Harbison
  • Music/SFX: Tim Follin, Geoff Follin
  • Comic Programming: David Pridmore
  • Comic Conversion: Helen Jones
  • Video Processing: Tom Higgins
  • Testing/QA: Mick Thompson, Tony McColgan
  • Management: Ian McGee, Steve Wahid
  • Based on a design by: James Higgins, Gerry Jones, Len Strezewski
Malibu Comics
  • Prime Creators: Gerry Jones, Len Strezewski
  • Executive Producer: Rich Robinson
  • Producer: Nathan Rose
  • Assistant Producers: Mark Smith, CJ Connoy
  • Testers: Jose Cruz, Andre Leighton, Bruce Cochrane, Tobin Russell, Seth Luisi, Andrew Stein, Kurt Schwengal, Jody Kelsey, CJ Connoy
Source:
In-game credits
Ultraverse Prime MCD credits.pdf
[4]

Magazine articles

Main article: Prime / Microcosm/Magazine articles.

Physical scans

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
GamePro (US) NTSC-U
38
[5]
Game Informer (US) NTSC-U
72
[6]
Sega Mega-CD
 55
Based on
2 reviews

Prime / Microcosm

Mega-CD, US
UltraverseMicrocosm MCD US Box Back.jpgUltraverseMicrocosm MCD US Box Front.jpg
Cover
Ultraverse mcd us manual.pdf
Manual
UltraversePrime MCD US Disc.jpg
Prime disc
Microcosm MCD US Disc.jpg
Microcosm disc

Technical information

Main article: Prime / Microcosm/Technical information.

ROM dump status

System Hash Size Build Date Source Comments
Sega Mega-CD
✔
CRC32
MD5
SHA-1
468,948,816 1993-12 CD-ROM (US) T-93325 (Microcosm)
Sega Mega-CD
 ?
CRC32
MD5
SHA-1
418,082,112 1994-12 CD-ROM (US) T-93325 (Prime)

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sega Force, "Summer 1994" (US; 1994-xx-xx), page 18
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Electronic Gaming Monthly, "August 1994" (US; 1994-xx-xx), page 159
  3. ↑ https://snescentral.com/article.php?id=0927
  4. ↑ File:Ultraverse Prime MCD credits.pdf
  5. ↑ GamePro, "April 1995" (US; 1995-xx-xx), page 53
  6. ↑ Game Informer, "March 1995" (US; 1995-0x-xx), page 42


Prime / Microcosm

UltraversePrime MCD US Title.png

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Malibu Comics games for Sega systems
Sega Mega Drive
 Ex-Mutants (1992) | Dinosaurs for Hire (1993) | Firearm (unreleased) | Prime (unreleased)
Sega Mega-CD
 Prime (1994) | The Strangers (unreleased)
Sega Saturn
 The Incredible Hulk: The Pantheon Saga (1997)
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