View source for Unbound Saga

{{Short description|2009 video game}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Unbound Saga
| image = UnboundSaga originalBoxArt.png
| alt = Cover art
| developer = Vogster Entertainment
| publisher = Vogster Entertainment
| series =
| released = '''PSP'''{{Video game release|NA|July 16, 2009}}'''Xbox 360'''{{Video game release|NA|December 1, 2010}}
| genre = [[Beat 'em up]] 
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|Multiplayer]]
| platforms = [[PlayStation Portable]], [[Xbox 360]]
}}

'''''Unbound Saga''''' is a [[2.5D]] [[side-scrolling]] [[beat 'em up]] [[video game]] developed and published by Vogster Entertainment and also a [[One-shot (comics)|one-shot]] comic book published by [[Dark Horse Comics]]. It was released July 16, 2009 for the [[PlayStation Portable]] via the [[PlayStation Network]], and on December 1, 2010, for the [[Xbox 360]] via [[Xbox Live Arcade]].

''Unbound Saga'' is the story of Rick Ajax, a comic book character who is aware he is in a comic.  Ajax and fellow comic character Lori Machete seek to confront the artist who created them and be freed from constantly fighting.

The game received moderate reviews from critics, with the PlayStation Portable version averaging 52.60% at [[GameRankings]] and 56/100 at [[Metacritic]]. Reviewers felt that the game's art direction was well done, with several reviewers praising the comic-esque cutscenes, as well as the voice acting. Some reviewers felt that the combat lacked polish, and that the combat and upgrade system lacked depth. Others lauded the simplicity of combat, likening it to classic beat 'em up titles.

==Gameplay==
[[Image:UnboundSaga screenshot.png|thumb|left|''Unbound Saga'' takes place inside a comic book and follows Rick Ajax, a character aware he is in a comic, and bent on confronting his maker.]]
''Unbound Saga'' is a [[2.5D]] [[side-scrolling]] [[beat 'em up]] game.<ref name="gamespot nycc09">{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_c0bh62rxA |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=2010-12-09 |date=2009-02-10 |title=GameSpot @ Comic-Con NY 09: Unbound Saga |first=Ricardo |last=Torres |archive-date=2017-12-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171214202755/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_c0bh62rxA&gl=US&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref>  The game is played as though the character is reading a comic book.  In individual comic panels the player character fights off his enemies using a combination of three attacks, which can be chained together in [[Combo (video gaming)|combos]].  When a character is defeated the hand of The Maker appears and draws additional enemies.<ref name="joystiq nycc09">{{Cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/07/nycc-09-hands-on-with-unbound-saga/ |publisher=[[Joystiq]] |access-date=2010-12-12 |title=NYCC 09: Hands-on with Unbound Saga |first=Andrew |last=Yoon |date=2009-02-07 |archive-date=2012-10-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018191235/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/07/nycc-09-hands-on-with-unbound-saga/ |url-status=live }}</ref>  In order to complete a panel, the player must defeat all the enemies The Maker draws.  As a panel is completed, the character jumps to the next one, similar to ''[[Comix Zone]]''.  The environment locales vary and include areas such as sewers, city slums, jungles and tundra.<ref name="gametrailers interview">{{Cite web |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/video/ny-comic-con-unbound-saga/45457 |publisher=[[GameTrailers]] |access-date=2010-12-12 |title=NY Comic-Con 09: Producer Interview |date=2009-02-11 |archive-date=2009-08-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090803183438/http://www.gametrailers.com/video/ny-comic-con-unbound-saga/45457 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Each of the game's two playable characters has a unique animation set and fighting style.<ref name="gamespot nycc09" />  Rick uses a fighting style similar to wrestling and can also pick up and throw enemies.  Lori's moveset is more reminiscent of kung fu, and she has the ability to use smoke pellets to sneak up on enemies.<ref name="gametrailers interview" />  Characters moves and abilities can be upgraded to earn and upgrade more powerful attacks.<ref name="gametrailers interview" />  Two players can team up to complete the game on the Xbox 360, each taking a respective character.<ref name="xbla announce">{{Cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/unbound-saga-will-beat-em-up-on-xbla/ |title=Unbound Saga will beat 'em up on XBLA |date=2010-04-23 |access-date=2010-12-12 |publisher=Joystiq |first=Richard |last=Mitchell |archive-date=2012-10-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018191214/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/unbound-saga-will-beat-em-up-on-xbla/ |url-status=live }}</ref>  Objects can also be picked up and thrown.  These objects decay into smaller objects after each use.<ref name="gamesradar preview">{{Cite web |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/psp/unbound-saga/preview/unbound-saga/a-20090409131936379060/g-2009020913951908067 |title=Unbound Saga - Dealing death on the paneled page |publisher=[[GamesRadar]] |access-date=2010-12-12 |date=2009-04-09 |first=Matt |last=Cabral |archive-date=2011-06-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615235924/http://www.gamesradar.com/psp/unbound-saga/preview/unbound-saga/a-20090409131936379060/g-2009020913951908067 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Plot==
The game follows Rick Ajax, a bartending comic book character aware of the fact that he is in a comic.  He knows of his creator, whom he refers to as The Maker.  A second character, Lori Machete, is also available for play.  Together they journey through the fictional city of Toxopolis to confront The Maker.<ref name="the game">{{cite video game | title=Unbound Saga | developer=Vogster Entertainment |publisher=Vogster Entertainment |date=2009-07-16}}</ref>

==Development and promotion==
''Unbound Saga'' was first announced by Vogster Entertainment for the [[PlayStation Portable]] at [[New York Comic Con]] 2009.<ref name="gamespot nycc09" />  It was released July 16, 2009.  On April 23, 2010, Vogster announced that the game was being ported to the [[Xbox 360]].<ref name="xbla announce" />  The port was announced to have [[Cooperative video game|cooperative gameplay]], a feature absent from the PSP version.<ref name="xbla announce" />  It was subsequently released on [[Xbox Live Arcade]] on December 1, 2010.<ref name="release xbla">{{Cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/01/xbla-in-brief-unbound-saga-crazy-taxi/ |title=XBLA in Brief: Unbound Saga, Crazy Taxi |date=2010-12-01 |access-date=2010-12-12 |publisher=Joystiq |first=Richard |last=Mitchell |archive-date=2010-12-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101206030113/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/01/xbla-in-brief-unbound-saga-crazy-taxi/? |url-status=live }}</ref>  In an interview with Mike Kennedy from Vogster Entertainment Kennedy stated the game was influenced by ''[[Final Fight]]'' and ''[[Streets of Rage]]''.<ref name="gamespot nycc09" />

The art for the in-game cutscenes was done by Cliff Richards.<ref name="gamespot nycc09" />  A [[One-shot (comics)|one-shot]] comic book was also created and published by [[Dark Horse Comics]] in conjunction with the game.  Richards also created all of the art for the comic book.<ref name="gamespot nycc09" />  Mike Kennedy stated in an interview at [[St. Louis]] [[San Diego Comic-Con International|Comic-Con]] 2009 that the game and the comic had always been developed as one, rather than one being an adaptation of the other.<ref name="superfunpatrol">{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rvcf86EGeZo |title=Interview with Mike Kennedy, Senior Producer of Unbound Saga. St. Louis Project Comicon 2009 |date=2009-06-14 |publisher=Super Fun Patrol via [[YouTube]] |access-date=2010-12-12 |archive-date=2016-07-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160722064554/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rvcf86EGeZo |url-status=live }}</ref>  The comic was launched on July 1, 2009.<ref name="comic">{{Cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5305825/this-week-in-video-game-comics/ |title=This Week In Video Game Comics |first=Steven |last=Tolito |date=2009-07-01 |access-date=2010-12-12 |publisher=[[Kotaku]] |archive-date=2012-10-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016060050/http://kotaku.com/5305825/this-week-in-video-game-comics/ |url-status=live }}</ref>  Limited edition figurines were also created to promote the game and comic book launch.<ref name="figures">{{Cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5316328/unbound-sagas-lori-and-rick-in-the-plastic-flesh/ |title=Unbound Saga's Lori and Rick In The Plastic Flesh |date=2009-07-16 |first=Brian |last=Crecente |access-date=2010-12-12 |publisher=Kotaku |archive-date=2012-10-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016060232/http://kotaku.com/5316328/unbound-sagas-lori-and-rick-in-the-plastic-flesh/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| title = Unbound Saga
<!--AGGREGATE SCORES-->
| GR = 52.60% (PSP)<ref name="gr psp" /><br />55.86% (X360)<ref name="gr 360" />
| MC = 56/100 (PSP)<ref name="mc psp" /><br />52/100 (X360)<ref name="mc 360" />
<!--REVIEWS-->
| Destruct = 7.5/10<ref name="destructoid review" />
| GSpot = 4/10<ref name="gamespot review" />
| IGN = 5.8/10<ref name="ign review" />
| OPM = 3.5/5<ref>"PlayStation: The Official Magazine" (Oct. 2009)</ref>
}}

''Unbound Saga'' received mixed reviews from critics.  The game holds a score of 52.60% for the PSP at [[GameRankings]] and 56/100 for the PSP at [[Metacritic]].<ref name="gr psp">{{Cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/psp/957979-unbound-saga/index.html |title=Unbound Saga for PSP |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |access-date=2011-02-11 |archive-date=2011-04-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110405063850/http://www.gamerankings.com/psp/957979-unbound-saga/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="mc psp">{{Cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/unbound-saga/critic-reviews/?platform=psp |title=Unbound Saga for PSP Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More at Metacritic |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=2011-02-11 |archive-date=2010-12-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101215174859/http://www.metacritic.com/game/psp/unbound-saga |url-status=live }}</ref> GameRankings and Metacritic report similar numbers for the Xbox 360 version of the game, with aggregate scores of 55.86% and 52/100, respectively.<ref name="gr 360">{{Cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/psp/957979-unbound-saga/index.html |title=Unbound Saga for Xbox 360 |publisher=GameRankings |access-date=2011-02-11 |archive-date=2011-04-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110405063850/http://www.gamerankings.com/psp/957979-unbound-saga/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="mc 360">{{Cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/unbound-saga/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=Unbound Saga for Xbox 360 Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More at Metacritic |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=2011-02-11 |archive-date=2011-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110302134436/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/unbound-saga/critic-reviews |url-status=live }}</ref>  Scores across both versions of the game ranged from a 30% approval rating from Kristan Reed of [[Eurogamer]] to a 75% approval rating from Jim Sterling and Nick Chester of [[Destructoid]].<ref name="destructoid review">{{Cite web |url=http://www.destructoid.com/review-unbound-saga-140977.phtml |title=Review: Unbound Saga |date=2009-07-16 |author=Jim Sterling and Nick Chester |publisher=[[Destructoid]] |access-date=2010-12-09 |archive-date=2010-12-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101207013412/http://www.destructoid.com/review-unbound-saga-140977.phtml |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="eurogamer review">{{Cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2010-12-03-download-games-roundup-review?page=3 |title=Download Games Roundup |date=2010-12-03 |first=Kristan |last=Reed |publisher=[[Eurogamer]] |access-date=2011-02-11 |archive-date=2010-12-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101206075808/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2010-12-03-download-games-roundup-review?page=3 |url-status=live }}</ref>  The Xbox 360 version moved over 3,900 units during the month of its release.<ref name="gamerbytes 2010 sales">{{Cite web |url=http://www.gamerbytes.com/2011/01/indepth_xbox_live_arcade_sales_18.php#more |title=XBLA: In-Depth: Xbox Live Arcade Sales Analysis For All Of 2010 |first=Ryan |last=Langley |publisher=Gamerbytes |date=2011-01-28 |access-date=2011-01-31 |archive-date=2011-02-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110201164901/http://www.gamerbytes.com/2011/01/indepth_xbox_live_arcade_sales_18.php#more |url-status=dead }}</ref> It moved approximately 28,000 units as of the end of 2011.<ref name="sales 11 360">{{Cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/39713/Xbox_Live_Arcde_by_the_numbers__the_2011_year_in_review.php |publisher=[[Gamasutra]] |access-date=2012-01-23 |first=Ryan |last=Langley |title=Xbox Live Arcade by the numbers - the 2011 year in review |date=2012-01-20 |archive-date=2020-10-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009055822/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/39713/Xbox_Live_Arcde_by_the_numbers__the_2011_year_in_review.php |url-status=live }}</ref>

Reviewers had mixed views on ''Unbound Saga''{{'}}s gameplay.  The reviewer from Spazio Games, an Italian gaming site, compared the game to ''[[Double Dragon]]'' and ''[[Final Fight]]''.<ref name="spaziogames review">{{Cite web |url=http://www.spaziogames.it/recensioni_videogiochi/console_playstation_psp/9416/unbound-saga.aspx |title=Unbound Saga |date=2010-12-01 |publisher=Spazio Games |language=it |access-date=2010-12-12 |author=DottorKillex |archive-date=2016-03-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303202557/http://www.spaziogames.it/recensioni_videogiochi/console_playstation_psp/9416/unbound-saga.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref>  The reviewer felt that the game felt rushed, and this affected gameplay.  Carolyn Petit of [[GameSpot]] was more critical of the game, calling it "dull" and "mindless.<ref name="gamespot review">{{Cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/psp/action/unboundsaga/review.html |title=Unbound Saga Review |date=2009-07-23 |first=Carolyn |last=Petit |access-date=2010-12-09 |publisher=GameSpot |archive-date=2009-07-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090728200100/http://www.gamespot.com/psp/action/unboundsaga/review.html |url-status=live }}</ref>  [[IGN]]'s Greg Miller noted the inclusion of combos and upgradeable character statistics, but felt that they "never really amplify the fun in alternating between punch and kick."<ref name="ign review">{{Cite web |url=http://psp.ign.com/articles/100/1005100p1.html |title=Unbound Saga Review |publisher=[[IGN]] |access-date=2010-12-09 |date=2009-07-17 |first=Greg |last=Miller |archive-date=2010-06-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100603081111/http://psp.ign.com/articles/100/1005100p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref>  Destructoid's Jim Sterling noted "While there are more complex combos to unlock during the course of the game, the meat and potatoes of ''Unbound Saga'' is the endless hammering buttons to punch, kick and throw enemies around each level."<ref name="destructoid review" />  Co-reviewer Nick Chester called it "classic beat-’em-up game".<ref name="destructoid review" />  Although giving the simple gameplay high marks, Chester felt that the PSP version of the game should have received cooperative play.<ref name="destructoid review" /> Mike Jackson of [[GamesRadar]] appreciated the addition of cooperative gameplay on the Xbox 360 version, but wished players could join or leave [[on the fly]].<ref name="gamesradar review">{{Cite web |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/xbox360/unbound-saga/review/unbound-saga-review/a-2010121017545885046/g-2010121016575437049 |first=Mike |last=Jackson |access-date=2010-12-12 |date=2010-12-10 |publisher=[[GamesRadar]] |title=Unbound Saga |archive-date=2010-12-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101226075938/http://www.gamesradar.com/xbox360/unbound-saga/review/unbound-saga-review/a-2010121017545885046/g-2010121016575437049 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Critics were universal in praising the comic book art and voice acting present in the game's cutscenes. The reviewer from Spazio Games felt the cutscenes were well crafted and professionally done.<ref name="spaziogames review" />  GameSpot's Carolyn Petit stated that the "cutscenes are the game's high point and feature gorgeous comic-book artwork", and added "the voice actors do a fine job".<ref name="gamespot review" />  Destructoid's Jim Sterling called the visuals "gritty comic book feel that doesn't look obtusely cel-shaded" and added "the voice talent is damn good as well".<ref name="destructoid review" />  Nick Chester agreed with his co-reviewer and added "without a doubt, the game’s animated comics-brought-to-life cut-scenes are absolutely marvelous."<ref name="destructoid review" />  GamesRadar's Mike Jackson enjoyed the character's [[One-line joke|one-liners]].  He stated it was "pretty amusing with a tinge of adult humor."<ref name="gamesradar review" /> He also felt that the plot was well written, that the characters were instantly likable, and that the game had a "great comic book style."<ref name="gamesradar review" />  Brian Rowe of GameZone was surprisingly pleased with the game 's soundtrack, and called it "unusually cool."<ref name="gamezone review">{{Cite web |url=http://xbox.gamezone.com/reviews/item/unbound_saga/ |title=Unbound Saga |first=Brian |last=Rowe |date=2010-12-16 |access-date=2010-12-16 |publisher=GameZone |archive-date=2011-09-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110923042954/http://xbox.gamezone.com/reviews/item/unbound_saga |url-status=dead }}</ref> {{Clear}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Portal|Video games}}
*{{Official website|http://www.unboundsaga.com/}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Unbound Saga}}
[[Category:2009 comics debuts]]
[[Category:2009 video games]]
[[Category:Beat 'em ups]]
[[Category:Comics adapted into video games]]
[[Category:Cooperative video games]]
[[Category:Dark Horse Comics one-shots]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer online games]]
[[Category:PlayStation Network games]]
[[Category:PlayStation Portable games]]
[[Category:Self-reflexive video games]]
[[Category:Video games based on Dark Horse Comics]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]
[[Category:Video games featuring female protagonists]]
[[Category:Video games with cel-shaded animation]]
[[Category:Vogster Entertainment games]]
[[Category:Xbox 360 games]]
[[Category:Xbox 360 Live Arcade games]]