Difference between revisions of "Herzog Zwei"

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| bobscreen=HerzogZwei Title.png
 
| bobscreen=HerzogZwei Title.png
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| publisher=[[Technosoft]]
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| bobscreen2=HerzogZwei JP Title.png
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| tab1=NTSC-U/PAL
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| tab2=NTSC-J
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| publisher={{company|[[Sega]]|region=US, Europe}}, {{company|[[Technosoft]]|region=Japan}}
 
| developer=[[Technosoft]]
 
| developer=[[Technosoft]]
 
| system=[[Sega Mega Drive]]
 
| system=[[Sega Mega Drive]]
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| romsize=512kB
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| sounddriver=T.S vx.xx (Technosoft)
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| sounddriver=
 
 
| peripherals=
 
| peripherals=
 
| players=1-2
 
| players=1-2
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| genre=Simulation
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| genre=Simulation{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200702232146/https://sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software_l.html}}
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| releases={{releases
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| releases={{releasesMD
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| md_date_us=1990
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| md_date_jp=1989-12-15{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200702232146/https://sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software_l.html}}
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| md_code_jp=T-18023
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| md_rrp_jp=6,800e{{magref|bemega|1990-02|115}}
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| md_date_us=1990-04{{ref|https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video/c/YIpIXMAWK_k/m/YnrN1lCdJLoJv}}
 
| md_code_us=1400
 
| md_code_us=1400
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| md_rrp_us=44.95{{magref|vgce|16|38}}
 
| md_date_eu=1990
 
| md_date_eu=1990
 
| md_code_eu=1400
 
| md_code_eu=1400
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| md_rrp_uk=34.99 {{fileref|Raze UK 05.pdf|page=59}}
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| md_date_uk=1990-12{{fileref|LiverpoolEcho UK 1990-12-31 18.jpg}}
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| md_date_jp=1989-12-15
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| md_code_uk=1400
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| md_code_jp=T-18023
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| md_rrp_uk=34.99{{magref|raze|5|59}}{{magref|segapower|20|27}}
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| md_rrp_jp=6,800
 
 
| md_date_ca=199x
 
| md_date_ca=199x
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| md_date_au=199x
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}}
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| savetype={{SaveType
 +
|MD|password
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
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'''''Herzog Zwei''''' (ヘルツォーク・ツヴァイ) is a video game developed by [[Technosoft]], released exclusively for the [[Sega Mega Drive]] in 1989, and a sequel to ''Herzog'', which was released only in Japan for the MSX and PC-8801 in 1988. It was published in Japan by Technosoft in 1989 and in North America and Europe by [[Sega]] in 1990.
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'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' (ヘルツォーク・ツヴァイ) is a strategy video game developed by [[Technosoft]], released exclusively for the [[Sega Mega Drive]] in 1989, and a sequel to ''[[nec:Herzog|Herzog]]'', which was only released for Japanese home computers in 1988. It was published in Japan by Technosoft in 1989 and in North America and Europe by [[Sega]] in 1990.
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''Herzog Zwei'' is often credited for creating the foundations of the RTS (real-time strategy) and MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) genres as we know them today. It was also a precursor to the hero shooter genre, as it was the first game to combine shooter and MOBA elements.
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In 2013, a spiritual sequel called ''AirMech Delta'' was published by Ubisoft.
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==Gameplay==
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In ''Herzog Zwei'', the player controls a unit which can freely transform from a plane to a robot, and must create and transport units to capture structures and destroy enemy bases. It combines concepts from the ''Thunder Force'' series (as it stood in 1989) with a strategic element which plays out in real time, as opposed to the more traditional turn-based strategy games which derive from games such as chess.
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Along with a single-player mode, it features a split-screen two-player mode where both players are in action simultaneously. There are no pauses while decisions are taken, forcing players to think quickly while on the move. Though the player only controls one unit, a transforming mech, the manner of control foreshadowed the point-and-click mechanic of later games. It introduced much of the genre conventions, including unit construction and resource management, with the control and destruction of bases being an important aspect of the game, as were the economic/production aspects of those bases.
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The instruction manual explains the player's role: As the high commander, you're in charge of mobilizing and controlling all troops. You must occupy the neutral bases and gain control of the enemy's advance bases. You decide what weapons to deploy and where to place your forces. You must also protect your occupied territory from enemy attacks. Your final objective --- and the final battle --- is destroying the enemy's base camp.
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===Mechanics===
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The mechanics make it a game with a slower feel than most modern RTS games, making for more thoughtful play. The player's view of screen is always centered on the player's transformer. The player can pilot the transformer to any location on the map, while shooting at enemy units, airlifting friendly ground vehicles, or placing purchase orders for more vehicles. If the transformer is destroyed in battle (or runs out of fuel), a new transformer respawns over the player's primary base. Unlimited respawn allows the transformer to engage in suicide tactics, as it is essentially a disposable asset.
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Although the vehicle purchasing-menu can be activated from anywhere on the battlefield, only one vehicle may be purchased at a time. The completed order must picked-up from a friendly base (by the player's transformer), before the next purchase can be made. The game has a hard upper-limit of 100 active units (50 per player.) But when a game-session exceeds active seventy units, the console slows down, making play difficult.
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Game requires the transformer-vehicle to airlift vehicles for close-inspection and mission-reassignment. Later RTS games use the virtual-console style of interface, allowing direct control of any player-owned vehicle.
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To complete the game in single-player mode, the player must defeat the computer on each level four times, each time representing an increasing level of difficulty. When the game is completed, the ending offered differs depending on whether the player played as the first player (red), or the second player (blue). Two-player mode divides the screen into two playfields. Each player can see the opponent's actions, eliminating any element of surprise.
  
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''Herzog Zwei'' is often credited for creating the foundations of the real time strategy genre. The player controls a unit which can freely transform from a plane to a robot, and must create and transport units to capture structures and destroy enemy bases.
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===Levels===
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A key aspect of the game play is how the player interacts with the environments of the different levels. Each of the eight levels takes place in a different location that requires a different strategy for attacking the other side.
  
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==Overview==
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Some levels have a large, physical barrier in the middle of the level that prevents a user from launching a direct ground attack at the main base in a timely fashion. For example, the jungle stage Waldung has a large swamp in the middle of the board that slows troops movement and eats up energy.
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<!-- Part of this can be become "Gameplay", I guess? -->
 
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''Herzog Zwei'' combined the gameplay of Technosoft's ''Thunder Force'' series with a fairly easy-to-grasp level of strategy gameplay. It differed significantly from both turn-based strategy and real-time tactics, and is the earliest example of a modern real-time strategy game.{{ref|http://www.1up.com/features/essential-50-herzog-zwei}} Along with a single-player mode, it featured a split-screen two-player mode where both players are in action simultaneously and there are no pauses while decisions are taken, forcing players to think quickly while on the move. Though the player only controls one unit, a transforming mech, the manner of control foreshadowed the point-and-click mechanic of later games. It introduced much of the genre conventions, including unit construction and resource management, with the control and destruction of bases being an important aspect of the game, as were the economic/production aspects of those bases.{{ref|http://www.1up.com/features/essential-50-herzog-zwei}}
 
  
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Other levels, such as the volcano stage Vulkan are covered in lava rivers that will destroy any unit that comes in contact with it. This makes it difficult to launch ground assaults against the main bases as well as the mini-bases as the individual units' artificial intelligence is quite limited.
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Upon release, the game received little mainstream recognition, and its novel approach to strategy gameplay polarized critics who were uncertain about what to make of it. It was generally well received by Japanese{{ref|1=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=2579}} and European critics. Reactions from North American critics, however, were generally negative, with ''[[wikipedia:Electronic Gaming Monthly|Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' criticizing it for being too complex, judging it as a flawed shooter rather than a novel strategy game, and giving it some of its lowest review scores for a Mega Drive game.
 
  
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<!-- Part of this can possibly be merged into the introduction -->
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Only three of the levels, Strand, Eisfrei, and Oase, have bodies of water that allow boats to be launched against the enemy. The Abgrund level features a river but the player is not allowed to purchase boat units.
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''{{PAGENAME}}'' has been considered one of the best two-player Mega Drive games and listed among the best games of all time, by ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'', [[wikipedia:IGN|IGN]] and ''[[wikipedia:Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]''.{{ref|http://kisrael.com/vgames/powerlist/egm100.html}}{{ref|http://top100.ign.com/2005/091-100.html}}{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20071123002558/http://classicgaming.gamespy.com/View.php?view=GameMuseum.Detail&id=242}} It has been credited with laying the foundations for the real-time strategy (RTS) genre, predating and influencing the genre-popularizing ''[[Dune II]]''.{{ref|http://www.above-the-garage.com/blog/1998/8/18/the-origin-of-realtime-strategy-games-on-the-pc}}{{ref|1=http://web.archive.org/web/20130212081135/http://www.edge-online.com/features/the-making-of-dune-ii/}}
 
  
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It is also retrospectively considered a precursor to the multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) genre, which uses a similar formula of each player controlling a single command unit in one of two opposing sides on a battlefield.{{ref|http://www.destructoid.com/review-airmech-242461.phtml}}{{ref|http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/moba-the-story-so-far/0133335}}{{ref|http://www.gamesradar.com/ask-gr-anything-whats-moba/}} ''Herzog Zwei'' has been listed as one of the most important games ever made by [[wikipedia:1UP.com|1UP]], while [[wikipedia:GameSpy|GameSpy]] listed it as one of the most underrated games of all time.{{ref|http://www.1up.com/features/essential-50-herzog-zwei}}{{ref|1=http://web.archive.org/web/20120123091639/http://archive.gamespy.com/articles/september03/25underrated/index19.shtml}}
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On all levels with the exception of Abgrund, the both sides start off with a certain number of mini-bases already claimed. In Abgrund, all bases are neutral, including those directly near the main base.
  
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==Production Credits==
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===Units===
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{{multicol|
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{{InfoTable|imagewidths=100|
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:'''Main Program''': Takashi Iwanaga
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{{InfoRow
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:'''Weapon Program''': Haruhiko Ohtsuka
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| title=Commander
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:'''Map Design''': Osamu Tsujikawa
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| screenshot=Notavailable.svg
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:'''Character Design''': Izumi Fukuda
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| desc=The unit player controls, Commander is a transformable mecha which can transform into a Jet Fighter/Transport. It can pick up friendly units and deploy them into battle. When necessary, player can overwrite the command of the picked-up unit instantly. (Cost of the command will be deducted from the player's account.) In mecha mode (English manual calls it "Infantry Soldier") Commander can fire on ground units and burn very low amount of fuel but he will move much slower. In Jet Fighter mode, Commander can only engage to other enemy Commander in jet mode. Commander will burn more fuel in Jet mode, especially carrying other units. Commander's weapons can never damage enemy base and it needs to return to nearby outpost or main base to refuel and reload its ammo. Unlike original Herzog, player has unlimited number of Commander units as when destroyed, Commander will simply reappear in a few seconds in main base. (Respawn time depends on distance from the point Commander destroyed.) If the Commander is destroyed while carrying a unit, that unit will be destroyed as well.
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:'''Demo Program''': Izumi Fukuda
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}}
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:'''Music Compose''': Naosuke Arai, Tomomi Ohtani
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{{InfoRow
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:'''Sound Effect''': Naosuke Arai, Tomomi Ohtani
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| title=Infantry
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:'''Manual Writer''':Fumio Sugano
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| screenshot=Notavailable.svg
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:'''Herzog''': T. O.
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| desc=Infantry is the slowest and weakest unit but it is nevertheless essential as it is the only unit can capture outposts. Usually an infantry unit appears whenever a unit is destroyed. Cheapest unit in the game.
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:'''Special Thanks''': Marie Hughes, Kamometei
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}}
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:'''Copyright''': Tecno Soft
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{{InfoRow
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| title=FWA
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| screenshot=Notavailable.svg
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| desc= A combat bike with limited firepower and durability. It is the fastest unit in the game and has a very long patrol range.
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}}
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{{InfoRow
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| title=AMR-51D
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| screenshot=Notavailable.svg
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| desc=An infantry fighting vehicle with medium armor and firepower. Second fastest unit in the game.
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}}
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{{InfoRow
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| title=Supply
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| screenshot=Notavailable.svg
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| desc=A supply vehicle which can reload the ammunition of units in the battleground. It is completely defenceless.
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}}
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{{InfoRow
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| title=TAX-52
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| screenshot=Notavailable.svg
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| desc=Main Battle Tank. It has strongest armor and third highest firepower in the game. It is nevertheless quite fast for its' size.
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}}
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{{InfoRow
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| title=ST-57U
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| screenshot=Notavailable.svg
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| desc=Patrol Boat. Slow but has a very long range and can attack many targets, including enemy bases from afar. Can only be deployed in "Strand", "Eisfrei" and "Oase" levels.
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}}
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{{InfoRow
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| title=SAM-42
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| screenshot=Notavailable.svg
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| desc=Self-propelled anti-aircraft weapon. Although it is an air-defence vehicle, it can attack enemy Commanders even when they are on the ground as well, but cannot engage any other unit. Since Commander is the only unit that can fly, SAM can only be used as a defence measure against them. Slow but has a strong armor and highest firepower.
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}}
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{{InfoRow
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| title=GMR-34A
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| screenshot=Notavailable.svg
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| desc=Static defence Fortification. This stationary double-barrelled turret can fire at enemy units with cannons and can fire missiles to enemy Commander units. (Similar to SAMs) Has very high firepower and armor but also the most expensive unit in the game.
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}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
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==Reception==
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===Commands===
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Upon release, ''Herzog Zwei'' was not very commercially successful and received little mainstream recognition, due to its lack of marketing, relatively early release on the Mega Drive platform,{{ref|http://www.1up.com/features/essential-50-herzog-zwei}} and non-arcade genre on what was considered an arcade-oriented game console.
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Units need to be created with their commands, which will cost additional resources. Commands can be changed anytime by picking up the unit and entering the production screen.
  
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It is often found on several "best of" lists of video games, owing to its precedence in the real-time strategy genre, as well to the increasing understanding of finer points of its mechanics. {{ref|http://www.1up.com/features/essential-50-herzog-zwei}}{{ref|http://top100.ign.com/2005/091-100.html}}
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*'''BDF-1SD:''' Hold Position.
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*'''AF-001A:''' Patrol
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*'''AT-101:''' Engage the enemy then occupy the outpost.
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*'''DF-F02A:''' Stand guard, engage (when enemy discovered) then return. (when enemy destroyed)
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*'''AT-101H:''' Occupy the Outpost, engaging the enemies is secondary priority.
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*'''BA-001C:''' Attack the enemy main base. (most expensive command)
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*'''PW-SS10:''' Resupply and repair units in the field. (Supply vehicle only)
  
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==Legacy==
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==History==
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The U.S. game release packaging art was executed by veteran San Francisco game box illustrator Marc Ericksen, who had previously done the art for ''[[Thunder Force II]]'', and was invited back by Sega for this image, as it was considered a 'sister' game to ''TFII''.{{ref|http://www.mobygames.com/developer/sheet/view/developerId,25}}{{ref|http://www.mobygames.com/game/herzog-zwei}} A sequel was planned for Sega's [[Sega 32X|32X]] platform, but with the subsequent failure of that console, so, too, died the plans for a third ''Herzog'' title. With Technosoft closing its doors in [[2001 in gaming|2001]] and the status of the intellectual property being unknown, the future of the series is likely sealed.
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===Development===
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The Western packaging art was created by veteran San Francisco game box illustrator [[Marc Ericksen]], who had previously created the art for ''[[Thunder Force II]]''.
  
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''Herzog Zwei'' went on to influence future RTS games, particularly ''[[Dune II]]'' (1992), [http://planetcnc.gamespy.com/View.php?view=Articles.Detail&id=524]{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20120402052714/http://www.nowgamer.com/print/feature/184}} the producers of which acknowledged ''Herzog Zwei'' as an influence,{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20030504034920/http://www.above-the-garage.com/rblts/vie16b.htm}}{{ref|http://www.edge-online.com/features/the-making-of-dune-ii/}} as well as ''[[wikipedia:Warcraft|Warcraft]]'' (1994), ''[[Command & Conquer]]'' (1995), ''[[wikipedia:Starcraft|Starcraft]]'' (1998), ''[[wikipedia:The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring|War of the Rings]]'' (2003), [https://web.archive.org/web/20040913063641/http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3134179] and ''[[wikipedia:Brütal Legend|Brütal Legend]]'' (2009).{{ref|http://www.doublefine.com/news/comments/battle_time/}} ''Future Cop: LAPD'' (1998) featured a Precinct Assault mode that was similar to ''Herzog Zwei''.{{ref|http://ign.com/articles/1998/12/15/future-cop-lapd}}{{ref|http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/future-cop-lapd}} ''[[wikipedia:Total Annihilation|Total Annihilation]]'' (1997) and its spiritual successor ''[[wikipedia:Supreme Commander (video game)|Supreme Commander]]'' inherited the concept of a large robotic command vehicle which is used to construct and command an army. However, ''Total Annihilation'' and ''Supreme Commander'' are controlled in similar fashion to traditional real-time strategy games; unlike in ''Herzog Zwei'', the command vehicle in those games is mainly nothing more than a particularly powerful and versatile unit.
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===Legacy===
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''Herzog Zwei'' went on to influence future RTS games, particularly 1992's ''[[Dune II]]''{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20030504034920/http://www.above-the-garage.com/rblts/vie16b.htm}}.
  
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Scott Sharkey of [[wikipedia:1UP.com|1UP]] states that, besides the original ''Herzog'', the 1988 game ''[[wikipedia:Modem Wars|Modem Wars]]'' was possibly "[t]he closest predecessor" to ''Herzog Zwei'', but that it "was fairly primitive and abstract by comparison," that earlier such games lacked the ability to construct units or manage resources which made them "much more tactical than strategic," and that the slower processors and modems made the ticks "so long that the games were practically turn based". [https://web.archive.org/web/20040913063641/http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3134179]
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With Technosoft closing its doors in 2001, the status of the intellectual property was left unknown for several years until it was announced that [[Sega]] would acquire some of Technosoft's IPs in September 2016, including ''Herzog Zwei''{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20160919135238/https://segabits.com/blog/2016/09/17/sega-announces-acquisition-of-technosofts-ips/}}. Since the acquisitions, the game has been re-released as ''[[Sega Ages Herzog Zwei]]'' in 2020 and included in Western models of the [[Mega Drive Mini 2]] in 2022.
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==Production credits==
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{{multicol|
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{{creditstable|
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*'''Main Program:''' Takashi Iwanaga
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*'''Weapon Program:''' Haruhiko Ohtsuka
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*'''Map Design:''' Osamu Tsujikawa
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*'''Character Design:''' Izumi Fukuda
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*'''Demo Program:''' Izumi Fukuda
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*'''Music Compose:''' Naosuke Arai, Tomomi Ohtani
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*'''Sound Effect:''' Naosuke Arai, Tomomi Ohtani
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*'''Manual Writer:''' Fumio Sugano
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*'''Herzog:''' T. O.
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*'''Special Thanks:''' Marie Hughes, Kamometei
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*'''Copyright:''' [[Tecno Soft]]
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| source=In-game credits
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| pdf=Herzog Zwei MD credits.pdf
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| console=MD
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}}
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}}
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{{hr}}
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{{creditstable|
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*'''Cover artist (US/EU):''' [[Marc Ericksen]]
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| console=MD
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| source=Uncredited
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}}
  
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The roots of the popular [[wikia:w:c:gaming:Multiplayer online battle arena|multiplayer online battle arena]] (MOBA) genre, also known as the action RTS genre, has been traced back to ''Herzog Zwei'', which used a similar formula, where each player controls a single command unit in one of two opposing sides on a battlefield.{{ref|http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/moba-the-story-so-far/0133335}}{{ref|http://www.gamesradar.com/ask-gr-anything-whats-moba/}} [[wikipedia:Destructoid|Destructoid]] cited ''Herzog Zwei'' as "one of the world's first MOBAs."{{ref|http://www.destructoid.com/review-airmech-242461.phtml}} In 2008, ''GameAxis Unwired'' considered ''[[wikipedia:Defense of the Ancients|DotA]]'' to then be the closest modern equivalent to ''Herzog Zwei'', but noted that, while ''DotA'' gives the player control over a fully customizable command unit with [[wikia:w:c:gaming:Role-playing game|RPG]] elements, it severely limits or removes the player's ability to produce and command other friendly units, whereas ''Herzog Zwei'' has a fully customizable command unit with RPG elements that the player has full control over, while commanding an army to go into battle with rather than mindless drones that respawn at set intervals. [http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=vuoDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA52]
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==Digital manuals==
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<gallery>
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HerzogZwei MD US MDMini2 manual.pdf|Mega Drive Mini 2 US manual
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HerzogZwei MD EU MDMini2 manual.pdf|Mega Drive Mini 2 EU manual
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</gallery>
  
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In 2004, a [[wikipedia:Mod (video gaming)|mod]] was created for ''[[wikipedia:Unreal Tournament 2004|Unreal Tournament 2004]]'' attempting to recreate ''Herzog Zwei''. [https://web.archive.org/web/20040913063641/http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3134179] In 2008, ''[[wikipedia:Guilty Gear 2: Overture|Guilty Gear 2: Overture]]'' used strategy gameplay similar to ''Herzog Zwei''.{{ref|http://insomnia.ac/reviews/xbox360/guiltygear2overture/}}{{ref|http://diehardgamefan.com/2008/10/21/review-guilty-gear-2-overture-360/}} On November 8, 2012, Carbon Games released ''[[wikipedia:AirMech|AirMech]]'', a MOBA game that is considered a more direct, spiritual successor of ''Herzog Zwei''. It features modernized graphics and added gameplay mechanics, such as online multiplayer. The game has been released under a [[wikia:w:c:gaming:Free-to-play|free-to-play]] model, and is available from [https://www.carbongames.com/download.html Carbon Games], [http://store.steampowered.com/app/206500/ Steam], and the [https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/hdahlabpinmfcemhcbcfoijcpoalfgdn Google Chrome Web Store].
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==Magazine articles==
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{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Magazine articles}}
  
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==Physical Scans==
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==Promotional material==
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{{ratings
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{{gallery
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| icon=MD
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|{{galleryPrintAd
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| allgame=85
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|mms|11|50-51
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| allgame_source=''[https://web.archive.org/web/20141210173142/www.allgame.com/game.php?id=1604&tab=review AllGame]''
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}}
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| asm=80
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|{{galleryPrintAd|bemega|1989-11|115}}
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| asm_source={{num|4/90|page=78}}
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|{{galleryPrintAd|bemega|1990-02|115}}
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| cgtc=76
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|{{galleryPrintAd|mdfan|2|67}}
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| cgtc_source={{num|4|page=31|pdf=CGtC UK 04.pdf}}
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|{{galleryPrintAd|bemega|1990-09|138-139}}
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| cvg=82
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|{{galleryPrintAd|bemega|1990-11|139}}
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| cvg_source={{num|101|page=103|pdf=CVG UK 101.pdf}}
 
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| egm=43
 
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| egm_source={{num|15|page=85|pdf=EGM US 015.pdf}}
 
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| egmbuyersguide=43
 
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| egmbuyersguide_source={{num|1993|page=46|pdf=EGM US BuyersGuide 1993.pdf}}
 
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| famitsu=73
 
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| famitsu_source=''[http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=2579 Famitsu]''
 
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| gamesmachineuk=75
 
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| gamesmachineuk_source={{num|28|page=50|pdf=TGM UK 28.pdf}}
 
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| gamespot=88
 
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| gamespot_source=''[http://www.gamespot.com/herzog-zwei/reviews/ GameSpot]''
 
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| insomnia=100
 
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| insomnia_source=''[http://insomnia.ac/reviews/megadrive/herzogzwei/ Insomnia]''
 
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| joystick=78
 
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| joystick_source={{num|10|page=102|pdf=Joystick FR 010.pdf}}
 
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| mdag=85
 
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| mdag_source={{num|5|page=63}}
 
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| mega=74
 
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| mega_source={{num|9|page=20}}
 
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| megatech=76
 
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| megatech_source={{num|1|page=78|pdf=MegaTech UK 01.pdf}}
 
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| playtime=85
 
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| playtime_source={{num|6/91|page=116/117|pdf=PlayTime DE 1991-06.pdf|pdfpage=116}}
 
−
| pp=80
 
−
| pp_source={{num|4/90|page=121|pdf=PowerPlay DE 025.pdf}}
 
−
| raze=80
 
−
| raze_source={{num|5|page=58/59|pdf=Raze UK 05.pdf|pdfpage=58}}
 
−
| sega16=100
 
−
| sega16_source=''[http://www.sega-16.com/2005/07/herzog-zwei/ 2005-07-05]''
 
−
| segapower=78
 
−
| segapower_source={{num|20|page=}}
 
−
| segapower_1=80
 
−
| segapower_source_1={{num|23|page=53}}
 
−
| segapro=80
 
−
| segapro_source={{num|3|page=61|pdf=SegaPro UK 03.pdf}}
 
−
| segapro_1=76
 
−
| segapro_source_1={{num|18|page=66}}
 
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 +
==Artwork==
 +
<gallery>
 +
HerzogZwei MD US coverart original.png
 +
HerzogZwei MD Art Cover.jpg
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
==Physical scans==
 +
{{ratings|MD}}
 
{{Scanbox
 
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Mega Drive
 +
| region=JP
 +
| cover=HerzogZwei MD JP Box.jpg
 +
| cart=HerzogZwei MD JP Cart.jpg
 +
| carttop=HerzogZwei MD JP CartTop.jpg
 +
| manual=Herzogzwei md jp manual.pdf
 +
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| region=US
 
| region=US
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| cover=HerzogZwei MD EU Box.jpg
 
| cover=HerzogZwei MD EU Box.jpg
 
| cart=HerzogZwei MD EU Cart.jpg
 
| cart=HerzogZwei MD EU Cart.jpg
 +
| manual=Herzog Zwei MD EU Manual.jpg
 +
| item1=HerzogZwei MD EU pcb.jpg
 +
| item1name=PCB
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| console=Mega Drive
−
| region=JP
+
| region=AU
−
| cover=HerzogZwei MD JP Box.jpg
+
| cover=
−
| cart=HerzogZwei MD JP Cart.jpg
+
| cart=
−
| carttop=HerzogZwei MD JP CartTop.jpg
+
| manual=
−
| manual=Herzogzwei md jp manual.pdf
 
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| region=CA
 
| region=CA
−
| cover=
+
| cover=HerzogZwei MD CA Box.jpg
 
| cart=
 
| cart=
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 +
==Technical information==
 +
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Technical information}}
 +
 +
==References==
 +
<references/>
 +
 +
{{HerzogZweiOmni}}
 +
[[Category:Mega Drive Mini 2 games]]

Latest revision as of 23:24, 23 May 2024

n/a

  • NTSC-U/PAL
  • NTSC-J

HerzogZwei Title.png

HerzogZwei JP Title.png

Herzog Zwei
System(s): Sega Mega Drive
Publisher: Sega (US, Europe), Technosoft (Japan)
Developer:
Sound driver: T.S vx.xx (Technosoft)
Genre: Simulation[1]

















Number of players: 1-2
Release Date RRP Code
Sega Mega Drive
JP 		¥6,800 (7,004)6,800e[2] T-18023
Sega Mega Drive
US 		$44.9544.95[4] 1400
Sega Mega Drive
EU 		1400
Sega Mega Drive
UK 		£34.9934.99[6][7] 1400
Sega Mega Drive
AU
Sega Mega Drive
CA

Herzog Zwei (ヘルツォーク・ツヴァイ) is a strategy video game developed by Technosoft, released exclusively for the Sega Mega Drive in 1989, and a sequel to Herzog, which was only released for Japanese home computers in 1988. It was published in Japan by Technosoft in 1989 and in North America and Europe by Sega in 1990.

Herzog Zwei is often credited for creating the foundations of the RTS (real-time strategy) and MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) genres as we know them today. It was also a precursor to the hero shooter genre, as it was the first game to combine shooter and MOBA elements.

In 2013, a spiritual sequel called AirMech Delta was published by Ubisoft.

Gameplay

In Herzog Zwei, the player controls a unit which can freely transform from a plane to a robot, and must create and transport units to capture structures and destroy enemy bases. It combines concepts from the Thunder Force series (as it stood in 1989) with a strategic element which plays out in real time, as opposed to the more traditional turn-based strategy games which derive from games such as chess.

Along with a single-player mode, it features a split-screen two-player mode where both players are in action simultaneously. There are no pauses while decisions are taken, forcing players to think quickly while on the move. Though the player only controls one unit, a transforming mech, the manner of control foreshadowed the point-and-click mechanic of later games. It introduced much of the genre conventions, including unit construction and resource management, with the control and destruction of bases being an important aspect of the game, as were the economic/production aspects of those bases.

The instruction manual explains the player's role: As the high commander, you're in charge of mobilizing and controlling all troops. You must occupy the neutral bases and gain control of the enemy's advance bases. You decide what weapons to deploy and where to place your forces. You must also protect your occupied territory from enemy attacks. Your final objective --- and the final battle --- is destroying the enemy's base camp.

Mechanics

The mechanics make it a game with a slower feel than most modern RTS games, making for more thoughtful play. The player's view of screen is always centered on the player's transformer. The player can pilot the transformer to any location on the map, while shooting at enemy units, airlifting friendly ground vehicles, or placing purchase orders for more vehicles. If the transformer is destroyed in battle (or runs out of fuel), a new transformer respawns over the player's primary base. Unlimited respawn allows the transformer to engage in suicide tactics, as it is essentially a disposable asset.

Although the vehicle purchasing-menu can be activated from anywhere on the battlefield, only one vehicle may be purchased at a time. The completed order must picked-up from a friendly base (by the player's transformer), before the next purchase can be made. The game has a hard upper-limit of 100 active units (50 per player.) But when a game-session exceeds active seventy units, the console slows down, making play difficult.

Game requires the transformer-vehicle to airlift vehicles for close-inspection and mission-reassignment. Later RTS games use the virtual-console style of interface, allowing direct control of any player-owned vehicle.

To complete the game in single-player mode, the player must defeat the computer on each level four times, each time representing an increasing level of difficulty. When the game is completed, the ending offered differs depending on whether the player played as the first player (red), or the second player (blue). Two-player mode divides the screen into two playfields. Each player can see the opponent's actions, eliminating any element of surprise.

Levels

A key aspect of the game play is how the player interacts with the environments of the different levels. Each of the eight levels takes place in a different location that requires a different strategy for attacking the other side.

Some levels have a large, physical barrier in the middle of the level that prevents a user from launching a direct ground attack at the main base in a timely fashion. For example, the jungle stage Waldung has a large swamp in the middle of the board that slows troops movement and eats up energy.

Other levels, such as the volcano stage Vulkan are covered in lava rivers that will destroy any unit that comes in contact with it. This makes it difficult to launch ground assaults against the main bases as well as the mini-bases as the individual units' artificial intelligence is quite limited.

Only three of the levels, Strand, Eisfrei, and Oase, have bodies of water that allow boats to be launched against the enemy. The Abgrund level features a river but the player is not allowed to purchase boat units.

On all levels with the exception of Abgrund, the both sides start off with a certain number of mini-bases already claimed. In Abgrund, all bases are neutral, including those directly near the main base.

Units

Notavailable.svg

Commander
The unit player controls, Commander is a transformable mecha which can transform into a Jet Fighter/Transport. It can pick up friendly units and deploy them into battle. When necessary, player can overwrite the command of the picked-up unit instantly. (Cost of the command will be deducted from the player's account.) In mecha mode (English manual calls it "Infantry Soldier") Commander can fire on ground units and burn very low amount of fuel but he will move much slower. In Jet Fighter mode, Commander can only engage to other enemy Commander in jet mode. Commander will burn more fuel in Jet mode, especially carrying other units. Commander's weapons can never damage enemy base and it needs to return to nearby outpost or main base to refuel and reload its ammo. Unlike original Herzog, player has unlimited number of Commander units as when destroyed, Commander will simply reappear in a few seconds in main base. (Respawn time depends on distance from the point Commander destroyed.) If the Commander is destroyed while carrying a unit, that unit will be destroyed as well.

Notavailable.svg

Infantry
Infantry is the slowest and weakest unit but it is nevertheless essential as it is the only unit can capture outposts. Usually an infantry unit appears whenever a unit is destroyed. Cheapest unit in the game.

Notavailable.svg

FWA
A combat bike with limited firepower and durability. It is the fastest unit in the game and has a very long patrol range.

Notavailable.svg

AMR-51D
An infantry fighting vehicle with medium armor and firepower. Second fastest unit in the game.

Notavailable.svg

Supply
A supply vehicle which can reload the ammunition of units in the battleground. It is completely defenceless.

Notavailable.svg

TAX-52
Main Battle Tank. It has strongest armor and third highest firepower in the game. It is nevertheless quite fast for its' size.

Notavailable.svg

ST-57U
Patrol Boat. Slow but has a very long range and can attack many targets, including enemy bases from afar. Can only be deployed in "Strand", "Eisfrei" and "Oase" levels.

Notavailable.svg

SAM-42
Self-propelled anti-aircraft weapon. Although it is an air-defence vehicle, it can attack enemy Commanders even when they are on the ground as well, but cannot engage any other unit. Since Commander is the only unit that can fly, SAM can only be used as a defence measure against them. Slow but has a strong armor and highest firepower.

Notavailable.svg

GMR-34A
Static defence Fortification. This stationary double-barrelled turret can fire at enemy units with cannons and can fire missiles to enemy Commander units. (Similar to SAMs) Has very high firepower and armor but also the most expensive unit in the game.

Commands

Units need to be created with their commands, which will cost additional resources. Commands can be changed anytime by picking up the unit and entering the production screen.

  • BDF-1SD: Hold Position.
  • AF-001A: Patrol
  • AT-101: Engage the enemy then occupy the outpost.
  • DF-F02A: Stand guard, engage (when enemy discovered) then return. (when enemy destroyed)
  • AT-101H: Occupy the Outpost, engaging the enemies is secondary priority.
  • BA-001C: Attack the enemy main base. (most expensive command)
  • PW-SS10: Resupply and repair units in the field. (Supply vehicle only)

History

Development

The Western packaging art was created by veteran San Francisco game box illustrator Marc Ericksen, who had previously created the art for Thunder Force II.

Legacy

Herzog Zwei went on to influence future RTS games, particularly 1992's Dune II[8].

With Technosoft closing its doors in 2001, the status of the intellectual property was left unknown for several years until it was announced that Sega would acquire some of Technosoft's IPs in September 2016, including Herzog Zwei[9]. Since the acquisitions, the game has been re-released as Sega Ages Herzog Zwei in 2020 and included in Western models of the Mega Drive Mini 2 in 2022.

Production credits

  • Main Program: Takashi Iwanaga
  • Weapon Program: Haruhiko Ohtsuka
  • Map Design: Osamu Tsujikawa
  • Character Design: Izumi Fukuda
  • Demo Program: Izumi Fukuda
  • Music Compose: Naosuke Arai, Tomomi Ohtani
  • Sound Effect: Naosuke Arai, Tomomi Ohtani
  • Manual Writer: Fumio Sugano
  • Herzog: T. O.
  • Special Thanks: Marie Hughes, Kamometei
  • Copyright: Tecno Soft
Source:
In-game credits
Herzog Zwei MD credits.pdf
[10]
Source:
Uncredited


Digital manuals

  • Mega Drive Mini 2 US manual

  • Mega Drive Mini 2 EU manual

Magazine articles

Main article: Herzog Zwei/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Mean Machines Sega (UK) #11: "September 1993" (1993-07-30)
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Beep! MegaDrive (JP) #1989-11: "November 1989" (1989-XX-XX)
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Beep! MegaDrive (JP) #1990-02: "February 1990" (1990-01-08)
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Mega Drive Fan (JP) #2: "November 1989" (1989-10-07)
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Beep! MegaDrive (JP) #1990-09: "September 1990" (1990-08-XX)
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Beep! MegaDrive (JP) #1990-11: "November 1990" (1990-10-XX)
Logo-pdf.svg

Artwork

  • HerzogZwei MD US coverart original.png
  • HerzogZwei MD Art Cover.jpg

Physical scans

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
1700 igr dlya Sega (RU)
40
[11]
Aktueller Software Markt (DE)
80
[12]
Beep! MegaDrive (JP) NTSC-J
78
[13]
Complete Guide to Consoles (UK)
76
[14]
Console XS (UK) PAL
76
[15]
Cool Gamer (RU)
40
[16]
Computer & Video Games (UK)
82
[17]
Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) NTSC-U
43
[18]
Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 1 (RU)
40
[19]
Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 3 (RU)
40
[20]
Famitsu (JP) NTSC-J
73
[21]
The Games Machine (UK)
75
[22]
Game Informer (US) NTSC-U
97
[23]
Igry Sega Luchshiye iz luchshikh. Vypusk 2 (RU)
50
[24]
Joystick (FR)
78
[25]
Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming (UK)
85
[26]
Mega Drive Fan (JP) NTSC-J
75
[27]
Mega (UK) PAL
74
[28]
Mega (UK)
74
[29]
MegaTech (UK)
76
[30]
Mean Machines Sega (UK)
76
[31]
Play Time (DE)
78
[32]
Power Play (DE)
58
[33]
Raze (UK) PAL
80
[34]
Sega Power (UK)
78
[35]
Sega Power (UK) PAL
75
[36]
Sega Pro (UK)
80
[37]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
76
[38]
Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) NTSC-J
75
[39]
Tricks 16 bit (RU)
66
[40]
User (GR) NTSC-J
90
[41]
Sega Mega Drive
 70
Based on
31 reviews

Herzog Zwei

Mega Drive, JP
HerzogZwei MD JP Box.jpg
Cover
HerzogZwei MD JP CartTop.jpg
HerzogZwei MD JP Cart.jpg
Cart
Herzogzwei md jp manual.pdf
Manual
Mega Drive, US
HerzogZwei MD US Box.jpg
Cover
HerzogZwei MD US Cart.jpg
Cart
Herzogzwei md us manual.pdf
Manual
Mega Drive, EU
HerzogZwei MD EU Box.jpg
Cover
HerzogZwei MD EU Cart.jpg
Cart
Herzog Zwei MD EU Manual.jpg
Manual
HerzogZwei MD EU pcb.jpg
PCB
Mega Drive, AU

Mega Drive, CA
HerzogZwei MD CA Box.jpg
Cover

Technical information

Main article: Herzog Zwei/Technical information.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 https://sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software_l.html (Wayback Machine: 2020-07-02 23:21)
  2. ↑ Beep! MegaDrive, "February 1990" (JP; 1990-01-08), page 115
  3. ↑ https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video/c/YIpIXMAWK_k/m/YnrN1lCdJLoJv
  4. ↑ VideoGames & Computer Entertainment, "May 1990" (US; 1990-0x-xx), page 38
  5. ↑ File:LiverpoolEcho UK 1990-12-31 18.jpg
  6. ↑ Raze, "March 1991" (UK; 1991-01-31), page 59
  7. ↑ Sega Power, "July 1991" (UK; 1991-06-06), page 27
  8. ↑ http://www.above-the-garage.com/rblts/vie16b.htm (Wayback Machine: 2003-05-04 03:49)
  9. ↑ https://segabits.com/blog/2016/09/17/sega-announces-acquisition-of-technosofts-ips/ (Wayback Machine: 2016-09-19 13:52)
  10. ↑ File:Herzog Zwei MD credits.pdf
  11. ↑ 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 95
  12. ↑ Aktueller Software Markt, "Avril 1990" (DE; 1990-03-30), page 78
  13. ↑ Beep! MegaDrive, "February 1990" (JP; 1990-01-08), page 69
  14. ↑ Complete Guide to Consoles, "Volume IV" (UK; 1990-11-xx), page 31
  15. ↑ Console XS, "June/July 1992" (UK; 1992-04-23), page 130
  16. ↑ Cool Gamer, "9" (RU; 2002-10-13), page 102
  17. ↑ Computer & Video Games, "April 1990" (UK; 1990-03-16), page 103
  18. ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "May 1990" (US; 1990-xx-xx), page 20
  19. ↑ Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 1, "" (RU; 1999-xx-xx), page 321
  20. ↑ Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 3, "" (RU; 2000-xx-xx), page 107
  21. ↑ Famitsu, "" (JP; 1989-xx-xx), page 1
  22. ↑ The Games Machine, "March 1990" (UK; 1990-02-08), page 50
  23. ↑ Game Informer, "May 1999" (US; 1999-0x-xx), page 72
  24. ↑ Igry Sega Luchshiye iz luchshikh. Vypusk 2, "" (RU; 2001-08-27), page 207
  25. ↑ Joystick, "Novembre 1990" (FR; 1990-1x-xx), page 102
  26. ↑ Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming, "January 1993" (UK; 199x-xx-xx), page 63
  27. ↑ Mega Drive Fan, "May 1990" (JP; 1990-04-07), page 89
  28. ↑ Mega, "June 1993" (UK; 1993-05-20), page 20
  29. ↑ Mega, "August 1994" (UK; 1994-07-21), page 79
  30. ↑ MegaTech, "Xmas 1991" (UK; 1991-12-06), page 78
  31. ↑ Mean Machines Sega, "October 1992" (UK; 1992-09-xx), page 139
  32. ↑ Play Time, "6/91" (DE; 1991-05-10), page 116
  33. ↑ Power Play, "4/90" (DE; 1990-03-16), page 123
  34. ↑ Raze, "March 1991" (UK; 1991-01-31), page 58
  35. ↑ Sega Power, "July 1991" (UK; 1991-06-06), page 26
  36. ↑ Sega Power, "October 1991" (UK; 1991-09-05), page 53
  37. ↑ Sega Pro, "Christmas 1991" (UK; 1991-12-12), page 61
  38. ↑ Sega Pro, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 66
  39. ↑ Sega Saturn Magazine, "September 1995" (JP; 1995-08-08), page 85
  40. ↑ Tricks 16 bit, "Tricks Sega Gold 800 igr" (RU; 1998-03-20), page 16
  41. ↑ User, "Noémvrios 1990" (GR; 1990-1x-xx), page 63


Herzog Zwei

HerzogZwei Title.png

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Music: Technosoft Music Collection: Herzog & Herzog Zwei (2020)

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