Difference between revisions of "Matrix Runner"

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{{UnreleasedBob
 
{{UnreleasedBob
 
| bobscreen=
 
| bobscreen=
| publisher=
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| publisher=[[Sega of America]]
| developer=[[ZCT Systems Group]]
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| developer=[[ZCT Systems Group]]{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210425055005/https://www.unseen64.net/2010/10/23/matrix-runner-sega-vr-genesis-cancelled/#comment-145702}}{{ref|https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-easter-43304111/details/experience/}}
 
| system=[[Sega Mega Drive]]
 
| system=[[Sega Mega Drive]]
 
| sounddriver=
 
| sounddriver=
| peripherals=[[Sega VR]]
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| peripherals=[[Sega VR]]{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210425055005/https://www.unseen64.net/2010/10/23/matrix-runner-sega-vr-genesis-cancelled/#comment-145702}}{{ref|https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-easter-43304111/details/experience/}}
 
| players=1{{fileref|1993 Sega Catalog.pdf|page=73}}
 
| players=1{{fileref|1993 Sega Catalog.pdf|page=73}}
 
| genre=Adventure
 
| genre=Adventure
 
| status=Unreleased
 
| status=Unreleased
}}'''''Matrix Runner''''' is an unreleased [[Sega Mega Drive]] first-person adventure game for use with the [[Sega VR]] headset, developed by [[ZCT Systems Group]] and scheduled to be published by [[Sega]].
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}}'''''Matrix Runner''''' is an unreleased [[Sega Mega Drive]] first-person adventure game for use with the [[Sega VR]] headset, developed by [[ZCT Systems Group]] and scheduled to be published by [[Sega of America]].{{ref|https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-easter-43304111/details/experience/}} With the game approaching two-thirds completion, Sega pulled the plug on both the game and the VR headset, resulting in the title becoming one of the least-documented Sega VR games known.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210425055005/https://www.unseen64.net/2010/10/23/matrix-runner-sega-vr-genesis-cancelled/#comment-145702}}
  
 
==Plot==
 
==Plot==
The August/September 1993 issue of ''[[Sega Visions]]'' magazine described ''Matrix Runner'' as allowing users to "play [as] an elite superhacker in this unique cyberspace voyage.  You have to explore the dark, winding databanks of the Matrix to solve the mysterious disappearance of your colleagues, knowing that you might be the next victim.  In your travels, you will collide with strange semi-humans and vulture-like beings."{{magref|sv|14|95}}
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{{quote|Play an elite superhacker who enters the dark, winding data-banks of the Matrix to solve his colleagues' mysterious murders, knowing he may be the next victim! It's a dazzling, hypnotic materialization of cyberspace, where you collide with strange semi-humans and vulture-like manifestations. Break through the ICE for weapons and clues!|''1993 [[Sega of America]] trade catalog''|ref={{fileref|1993 Sega Catalog.pdf|page=73}}}}
 
 
 
==History==
 
==History==
 
===Development===
 
===Development===
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<br>
 
<br>
When Sega cancelled the [[Sega VR|VR headset]], we were required by contract to destroy all code, video, test data, etc., and we did. However, I’ve since seen video of the Mateix [sic] Runner game on a few websites, but haven’t been able to locate them as of yet. The video shows the matrix with opponents, but under joystick control. As I recall, the headset was producing pitch, roll and yaw information at around .25 hertz which was much to slow for an action game of this nature. That, I believe, is why Sega cancelled the program as the headset was not only far more expensive than the console, it was also far too slow in transmitting pitch, roll and yaw that was necessary for a game of this nature.|ref={{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210425055005/https://www.unseen64.net/2010/10/23/matrix-runner-sega-vr-genesis-cancelled/#comment-145702}}|''[[ZCT Systems Group]] Owner Greg Zumwalt''}}
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When Sega cancelled the [[Sega VR|VR headset]], we were required by contract to destroy all code, video, test data, etc., and we did. However, I’ve since seen video of the Mateix [sic] Runner game on a few websites, but haven’t been able to locate them as of yet. The video shows the matrix with opponents, but under joystick control. As I recall, the headset was producing pitch, roll and yaw information at around .25 hertz which was much to slow for an action game of this nature. That, I believe, is why Sega cancelled the program as the headset was not only far more expensive than the console, it was also far too slow in transmitting pitch, roll and yaw that was necessary for a game of this nature.|ref={{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210425055005/https://www.unseen64.net/2010/10/23/matrix-runner-sega-vr-genesis-cancelled/#comment-145702}}|''[[ZCT Systems Group]] owner [[Greg Zumwalt]]''}}
 
===Prerelease===
 
===Prerelease===
 
Announced alongside the [[Sega VR]] at [[Summer CES 1993]], ''{{PAGENAME}}'' is [[wikipedia:Cyberpunk|cyberpunk]] adventure game with polygonal 3D graphics, where the player must solve a murder mystery by entering a cyberspace called the Matrix (predating the popular film ''[[wikipedia:The Matrix|The Matrix]]''). It was reportedly inspired by [[wikipedia:Hideo Kojima|Hideo Kojima]]'s ''[[Snatcher]]''.{{ref|[https://web.archive.org/web/20100913062005/www.revrob.com/sci-a-tech-topmenu-52/43-sega-vr-console-to-obscurity-and-beyond Sega VR Console –To Obscurity and Beyond]}}
 
Announced alongside the [[Sega VR]] at [[Summer CES 1993]], ''{{PAGENAME}}'' is [[wikipedia:Cyberpunk|cyberpunk]] adventure game with polygonal 3D graphics, where the player must solve a murder mystery by entering a cyberspace called the Matrix (predating the popular film ''[[wikipedia:The Matrix|The Matrix]]''). It was reportedly inspired by [[wikipedia:Hideo Kojima|Hideo Kojima]]'s ''[[Snatcher]]''.{{ref|[https://web.archive.org/web/20100913062005/www.revrob.com/sci-a-tech-topmenu-52/43-sega-vr-console-to-obscurity-and-beyond Sega VR Console –To Obscurity and Beyond]}}
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==Production credits==
 +
{{creditstable|
 +
*'''Programmers:''' [[Greg Zumwalt]]{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210425055005/https://www.unseen64.net/2010/10/23/matrix-runner-sega-vr-genesis-cancelled/#comment-145702}}, Mark Easter{{ref|https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-easter-43304111/details/experience/}}
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| console=MD
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| source=Uncredited
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}}
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==Magazine articles==
 +
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Magazine articles}}
  
 
==Promotional material==
 
==Promotional material==
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<references/>
 
<references/>
  
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{{MatrixRunnerOmni}}
 
{{SegaVR}}
 
{{SegaVR}}
 
 
[[Category:Sega VR]]
 
[[Category:Sega VR]]
 
[[Category:Virtual reality games]]
 
[[Category:Virtual reality games]]

Latest revision as of 16:37, 1 January 2025

Notavailable.svg
Matrix Runner
System(s): Sega Mega Drive
Publisher: Sega of America
Developer: ZCT Systems Group[1][2]
Genre: Adventure
Number of players: 1[3]
Status of prototype(s): Unreleased
Peripheral(s): Sega VR[1][2]

Matrix Runner is an unreleased Sega Mega Drive first-person adventure game for use with the Sega VR headset, developed by ZCT Systems Group and scheduled to be published by Sega of America.[2] With the game approaching two-thirds completion, Sega pulled the plug on both the game and the VR headset, resulting in the title becoming one of the least-documented Sega VR games known.[1]

Plot

Play an elite superhacker who enters the dark, winding data-banks of the Matrix to solve his colleagues' mysterious murders, knowing he may be the next victim! It's a dazzling, hypnotic materialization of cyberspace, where you collide with strange semi-humans and vulture-like manifestations. Break through the ICE for weapons and clues!

1993 Sega of America trade catalog[3]


History

Development

Matrix Runner was developed as a demonstration of the Sega VR’s innovative virtual reality display. ZCT Systems Group began development on the game sometime in 1992, producing an early version of the game that demonstrated animated enemies of various shapes and power. This prototype was the basis for footage appearing in Sega of America promotional videos.[4]

Development continued and the game reached about two-thirds completion before the Sega VR project was cancelled. ZCT Systems Group was required by contract to destroy all code, video, test data, etc., and they did.[5]


Former owner of ZCT Systems Group, Inc., if you look closely at the cubes, you’ll notice Sega reversed the image as ZCT appears on the surface of the cubes. We engineered and wrote the code for this demonstration.


We had demonstrated the matrix with animated opponents of various shapes and powers. Sega video taped this version and distributed a shortened version of it news outlets. We were beginning the game AI when Sega cancelled the program, so we were about 2/3 finished. There was no relation to Free Runner.


When Sega cancelled the VR headset, we were required by contract to destroy all code, video, test data, etc., and we did. However, I’ve since seen video of the Mateix [sic] Runner game on a few websites, but haven’t been able to locate them as of yet. The video shows the matrix with opponents, but under joystick control. As I recall, the headset was producing pitch, roll and yaw information at around .25 hertz which was much to slow for an action game of this nature. That, I believe, is why Sega cancelled the program as the headset was not only far more expensive than the console, it was also far too slow in transmitting pitch, roll and yaw that was necessary for a game of this nature.

ZCT Systems Group owner Greg Zumwalt[1]


Prerelease

Announced alongside the Sega VR at Summer CES 1993, Matrix Runner is cyberpunk adventure game with polygonal 3D graphics, where the player must solve a murder mystery by entering a cyberspace called the Matrix (predating the popular film The Matrix). It was reportedly inspired by Hideo Kojima's Snatcher.[6]

Production credits

Source:
Uncredited

Magazine articles

Main article: Matrix Runner/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

1993 Sega Catalog.pdf

PDF
US trade catalogue
1993 Sega Catalog.pdf

Screenshots

Videos

References


Matrix Runner

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