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{{featured article}} {{Infobox VG| title = Voyage: Inspired by Jules Verne |image = voyage.jpg |developer = [[Kheops Studio]]<ref name=kheops>{{cite web|url=http://www.kheopsstudio.fr/site/games.php?lang=2&op=show&id=5/|title=Voyage: Inspired by Jules Verne (2005)|accessdate=2007-05-29 |format= |work=kheopsstudio.fr|year= 2006 }}</ref> |publisher = [[The Adventure Company]]<ref name=adventurecompany>{{cite web|url=http://www.adventurecompanygames.com/tac/voyage/|title=Inspired by Jules Verne... Voyage|accessdate=2007-05-29 |format= |work=adventurecompanygames.com|year= 2006 |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070531215352/http://www.adventurecompanygames.com/tac/voyage/ |archivedate=2007-05-31}}</ref> |designer = Alexis Lang |engine = |released = <small><sup>'''[[North America|NA]]'''</sup></small> 16 August 2005<ref name=releasedate>{{cite web|url=http://au.gamespot.com/pc/adventure/journeytothecenterofthemoon/news.html?sid=6131201&mode=recent|title=Voyage journeys into stores|accessdate=2007-05-29 |format= |work=[[GameSpot]]|year= 2006 }}</ref><br /><small><sup>'''UK'''</sup></small> 3 March 2006<ref name=tothegame>{{cite web|url=http://www.tothegame.com/pc-4362-jules-verne-journey-to-the-moon-for-pc.html|title=Journey to the Moon gameinfo|accessdate=2008-03-14 |work=[[ToTheGame]]}}</ref> |genre = [[Adventure game]] |modes = [[Single player]] |ratings = [[Entertainment Software Rating Board|ESRB]]: Teen (13+)<ref name=releasedate/> |platforms = [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] |media = [[CD-ROM|CD]] (2) |requirements = '''Windows:''' * 800 [[Hertz|MHz]] [[Intel Corporation|Intel]] [[Pentium III]] or [[Advanced Micro Devices|AMD]] Equivalent [[Central processing unit|CPU]] * 64 [[megabyte|MB]] [[Random access memory|RAM]] * 16x [[Optical disc|CD/DVD-ROM]] drive * 1.3 [[gigabyte|GB]] [[Hard disk drive|hard disk]] space * 64 MB [[DirectX]] 9 compatible [[Video card|graphics card]] * DirectX 9 compatible [[sound card]] * [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] |input = Mouse, [[Computer keyboard|Keyboard]] }} [[Image:jumping game.jpg|thumb|right|Ardan jumps across the surface of the moon in a minor minigame.]] '''''Voyage: Inspired by Jules Verne''''' (known as '''''Journey to the Moon''''' in the United Kingdom)<ref name=tothegame/> is a [[point-and-click adventure game]] with pre-rendered graphics,<ref name=2404site/> developed by [[Kheops Studio]] and published by [[The Adventure Company]] for the [[Personal computer|PC]] in 2005.<ref name=kheops/><ref name=adventurecompany/> The game's story focuses on a French adventurer's journey to the moon in the 19th century,<ref name=mainsite>{{cite web|url=http://www.journey-to-the-moon.com/uk/index.htm|title=Journey to the Moon |accessdate=2007-05-29 |work=journey-to-the-moon.com|year= 2006|archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20070602060902/http://www.journey-to-the-moon.com/uk/index.htm |archivedate = June 2, 2007|deadurl=yes}}</ref> and the ancient lunar civilization he finds there.<ref name=2404site/> ''Voyage'' is loosely based on the novels ''[[From the Earth to the Moon]]'' and ''[[Around the Moon]]'' by [[science fiction|science-fiction]] author [[Jules Verne]],<ref name=mainsite/> and the novel ''[[The First Men in the Moon]]'' by science-fiction author [[H.G. Wells]].<ref name=gamersinfopreview>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamersinfo.net/index.php?art/id:667|title=Interview - Voyage: Inspired by Jules Verne|accessdate=2007-05-29 |format= |work=gamersinfo.net|year= 2006}}</ref> Reactions to the game were generally mixed.<ref name=metacritic/> In particular, some reviewers praised it for immersing the player in the look and feel of the 19th century;<ref name=gamespot/> others have criticized it for featuring out-of-date graphics and dull textures.<ref name=gamezone/> While staying true to most adventure game conventions, ''Voyage'' has unique features for its genre.<ref name=gamespot/> These include two dexterity minigames that take advantage of the lack of gravity in the game's lunar setting, and an "Intelligence Management System", in which a score is assigned to the player for every puzzle the player solves, and for certain actions.<ref name=gamespot/><ref name=gamezoneoffsite/> The Adventure Company introduced this feature to motivate players to replay the game to increase their cumulative score.<ref name=adventurecompany/> == Gameplay == The main focus of ''Voyage'' is on puzzle-solving.<ref name=2404site>{{cite web|url=http://www.2404.org/reviews/30/VOYAGE:-Inspired-by-Jules-Verne-Review|title=Voyage: Inspired by Jules Verne Review |accessdate=2007-05-31 |format= |work=2404.org|year= 2006}}</ref> The player can move by clicking, and can swivel the camera 360 degrees.<ref name=g4tv>{{cite web|url=http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/features/53082/Voyage_Inspired_by_Jules_Verne_Review.html|title=From Your PC to the Moon|accessdate=2007-05-31 |work=[[G4 (TV channel)|G4]]|year= 2006 |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070510140916/http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/features/53082/Voyage_Inspired_by_Jules_Verne_Review.html |archivedate=2007-05-10}}</ref> There are several types of puzzle in ''Voyage'' including those involving native plant life on the moon, mechanical puzzles, two randomized sound puzzles, and mathematical puzzles.<ref name=adventuregamers>{{cite web|url=http://www.adventuregamers.com/article/id,559|title=Voyage – A History of the Selenites |accessdate=2007-05-30 |format= |work=www.adventuregamers.com |year= 2005}}</ref><ref name=gameover/> Many require the player to decipher and use the native language of the moon.<ref name=jolt/> ''Voyage'' features two unique dexterity [[minigame]]s. Using a low-gravity setting, the first minigame requires the player to collect floating bubbles in a can,<ref name=adventuregamers/> and the second requires the player to execute large jumps across the surface of the moon.<ref name=gamespot/> These two minigames form only a minor part of the game.<ref name=gamespot/> The game also has several timed sequences requiring the player to complete puzzles under a time limit.<ref name=gameover/> The consequence of failing a puzzle of this sort is death, but ''Voyage'' is quite forgiving in this regard and the player is returned to the point in time directly before they were killed.<ref name=gameover/> Timed sequences are not the only place the player can be killed; death can be a result of an incorrect action, but the player will still be returned to the point before this occurred.<ref name=gameover/> A critical aspect of gameplay in ''Voyage'' is the inventory system, which allows the player to pick up and keep dozens of items.<ref name=jolt>{{cite web|url=http://www.jolt.co.uk/index.php?articleid=5079|title=Review: Journey to the Moon|accessdate=2007-05-31 |format= |work=jolt.co.uk|year= 2006}}</ref> However, the maximum quantity of a certain item that the player may keep in the inventory at any one time is three.<ref name=icgames>{{cite web|url=http://www.ic-games.co.uk/index.php?location=1&&articleid=3449|title=Jules Verne: Journey to the Moon |accessdate=2007-05-31 |format= |work=ic-games.co.uk|year= 2006|archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20071006090758/http://www.ic-games.co.uk/index.php?location=1&&articleid=3449 |archivedate = October 6, 2007|deadurl=yes}}</ref> One of the main uses of the inventory is to combine items together to make new items.<ref name=2404site/> This process of breaking and reforming items in the inventory comprises a large portion of the game's puzzles.<ref name=2404site/> The inventory can also be used to create meals which the player can consume, and this ability plays a major role in several puzzles in ''Voyage''.<ref name=icgames/> The inventory can be used to create hybrid lunar plants, which play a critical role in the earlier puzzles of the game.<ref name=icgames/> === Intelligence Management System === The "Intelligence Management System" featured in ''Voyage'' is a score assigned to the player by the inhabitants of the moon.<ref name=gamezoneoffsite>{{cite web|url=http://pc.gamezone.com/gamesell/p26719.htm|title=Voyage: Inspired by Jules Verne|accessdate=2007-05-31 |work=gamezone.com|year= 2006}}</ref> For each puzzle the player solves, and for certain actions, the score is increased and the inhabitants of the moon treat the player with more respect.<ref name=gamezoneoffsite/> During an interview with ''GamersInfo'', Benoît Hozjan, Managing Director and co-founder of Kheops Studio, described the system, saying:<ref name=gamersinfopreview/> {{cquote|For ''Voyage'', you have the universe famous 'lunar IQ'. For instance, during a quiz, players who answer randomly should have fewer points, the players will be not restricted but it will take much more time to progress... The player will have different ways to enter a new room. Sometimes the clues are very subtle but almost each time there are 2 or 3 clues to solve a challenge and a higher IQ may help you!}} In the same interview, Alexis Lang, the Lead Game Designer at Kheops, commented that: "[A] low score does not mean that you are stupid in any way, it just means that some pompous and bombastic lunar people think that your character is dumb!"<ref name=gamersinfopreview/> This reflects the fact that the "Intelligence Management System" is designed primarily to earn the respect of the moon's inhabitants. However, Hozjan also said that he hopes "players will try to increase their score and certainly share their experience through forums."<ref name=gamersinfopreview/> The Adventure Company has marketed the system as bringing a degree of replay value to ''Voyage'', as players can replay the game to achieve a higher score.<ref name=adventurecompany/> == Synopsis == === Setting === [[Image:selenite.jpg|thumb|right|The Selenites are an ancient alien intelligence whose civilization is hidden on the moon.]] ''Voyage'' is set in the year 1851. President Barbicane of the 'Gun Club' decides to build an enormous cannon in [[Baltimore, Maryland|Baltimore]] to shoot a [[shell (projectile)|shell]], capable of supporting human life, towards the moon in the hopes of a successful landing.<ref name=mainsite/> ''Voyage''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s protagonist, Michel Ardan, volunteers to travel in the aluminium shell.<ref name=mainsite/> After the game's brief introduction in the shell, Ardan lands on the moon and discovers the intelligent creatures and lush plant life living there.<ref name=gamersinfo>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamersinfo.net/index.php?art/id:675|title=Voyage: Inspired by Jules Verne|accessdate=2007-05-31 |format= |work=gamersinfo.net|year= 2006}}</ref> The main accessible areas in the game are the moon's surface, and the underground Selenite civilization. The 'Selenites' are the subterranean inhabitants of the moon, and are a highly intelligent society maintained by hierarchy and secret.<ref name=mainsite/> They possess blue skin, large black eyes and transparent cerebral lobes on the sides of their heads, and look nothing like stereotypical aliens.<ref name=gamespot>{{cite web |url=http://au.gamespot.com/pc/adventure/journeytothecenterofthemoon/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=tabs&tag=tabs;reviews |title=Voyage: Inspired by Jules Verne |accessdate=2007-05-31 |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |year= 2006}}</ref> They are divided into [[caste]]s. The Selenites live in a large complex under the surface of the moon, which they rarely venture from, with the exception of the 'exiles'. The Selenites "banish the dregs of their society, the criminals and psychotics,"<ref name=adventuregamers/> to the surface of the moon. There are three Selenite exiles, which live on the surface and sleep in their isolated underground stables at night. Each exile has two different plants on either shoulder with which they share a special bond.<ref name=adventuregamers/> === Characters === The [[player character]] is Michel Ardan, an eccentric and intrepid French scientist who is enthusiastic, daring and cheerful.<ref name=mainsite/> The other characters on the shell include President Barbicane, the President of the Gun Club, and Captain Nicholl, an engineer, both of whom accompany Ardan on his trip. Neither is seen alive during the game.<ref name=mainsite/> The character Diana is mentioned, but little about her is revealed other than her 'Lunatic' ancestors who made contact with the Selenites, and her attempts to seduce Barbicane and Nicholl.<ref name=mainsite/> Apart from these human characters, there are also several Selenite characters such as the Supreme Moon Ruler, the High Dignitary, Scurvy, Scruple, and the exiles.<ref name=mainsite/> [[Image:voyage - ardan.jpg|thumb|right|Ardan prepares to leave the shell once it has landed on the moon.]] === Plot === <!-- <ref name=adventuregamers>{{cite web|url=http://www.adventuregamers.com/article/id,559|title=Voyage – A History of the Selenites |accessdate=2007-05-30 |format= |work=www.adventuregamers.com |date= 2005}}</ref>--> ''Voyage'' begins as Ardan awakes in the shell and discovers his two dead companions: Barbicane and Nicholl.<ref name=walkthrough>{{cite web|url=http://www.gameboomers.com/wtcheats/pcVv/Voyage.htm|title=Voyage Walkthrough|accessdate=2007-05-30 |work=gameboomers.com |year= 2005}}</ref> He finds a note written by Barbicane, explaining that he and Nicholl had sacrificed themselves for Ardan, as there was insufficient oxygen to support three men.<ref name=walkthrough/> Ardan also finds a note that Barbicane had concealed in his hat from Diana, and a love letter from Diana to Nicholl.<ref name=walkthrough/> Once Ardan successfully lands on the moon, he must solve a series of puzzles on the surface in order to gain access the hidden civilization below.<ref name=walkthrough/> There he encounters the Selenite civilization.<ref name=walkthrough/> Then Ardan focusses on finding a way to leave the moon and report his findings to Earth.<ref name=walkthrough/> During his adventure, Ardan acquires a 'Belbaab Conch' [[Animal shell|shell]], which allows him to talk to the rooster, who tells him what happened to Barbicane and Nicholl.<ref name=walkthrough/> After acquiring what he needs, Ardan travels back to Earth in the shell.<ref name=walkthrough/> He lands in the ocean and manages to swim to a nearby island, where he meets [[Captain Nemo]].<ref name=walkthrough/> == Development == ''Journey to the Center of the Moon'' was announced for the PC at [[E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo)|E3]] 2005.<ref name=voyageannounced>{{cite web|url=http://au.gamespot.com/pc/adventure/journeytothecenterofthemoon/news.html?sid=6124955&mode=recent|title=Journey to the Center of the Moon E3 2005 Preshow Report|accessdate=2007-05-30 |format= |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |year= 2005}}</ref> The Adventure Company collaborated with developers Kheops Studios for the release.<ref name=kheops/><ref name=adventurecompany/> Benoît Hozjan, the co-founder of Kheops Studio, became Managing Director of the game, while Alexis Lang became the Lead Game Designer.<ref name=gamersinfopreview/> ''Journey to the Center of the Moon'' was later renamed ''Voyage: Inspired by Jules Verne''.<ref name=voyagerenamed>{{cite web|url=http://au.gamespot.com/pc/adventure/journeytothecenterofthemoon/news.html?sid=6128729&mode=recent|title=TAC takes a Voyage from the Moon|accessdate=2007-05-30 |format= |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |year= 2005}}</ref> Benoît Hozjan explained the change, saying that ''Journey to the Center of the Moon'' "seems to be confusing and some people thought that it could be the sequel to ''Journey to the Center of the Earth''," another Verne-inspired PC game, "so marketing decided to change it."<ref name=gamersinfopreview/> The name was changed on July 7, 2005, a few months after the game's announcement.<ref name=voyagerenamed/> Benoît Hozjan explained Kheops Studio's choice of Jules Verne's work as a basis for ''Voyage'', saying that: "Jules Verne's novels provide the two core elements of adventure games: dreams and challenges. Characters are ordinary men engaged in concrete challenges that are [a] great inspiration for puzzles."<ref name=gamersinfopreview/> He further went on to say that the game is influenced by Verne's ''From the Earth to the Moon'', which documents the lead up to the lunar trip, but draws more heavily from the sequel ''Around the Moon'', which recounts the actual voyage.<ref name=gamersinfopreview/> The main difference, Hozjan said, was that in the novel the protagonists fail to reach the moon, whereas in ''Voyage'' the trip is a success.<ref name=gamersinfopreview/> Additionally, Alexis Lang attributed the inspiration for the Selenites to H.G. Wells' ''The First Men in the Moon'', explaining that: "[Wells] pictured a very ancient Selenite civilisation horrified at human roughness. Wells was more misanthropist than Verne. To balance this fact, we've added a touch of irony in our story and chosen a very optimistic and joyful main character."<ref name=gamersinfopreview/> The Adventure Company announced the release of the ''Voyage'' demo on August 3, 2005.<ref name=voyagedemo>{{cite web|url=http://au.gamespot.com/pc/adventure/journeytothecenterofthemoon/news.html?sid=6130239&mode=recent|title=Voyage demo now available on DLX|accessdate=2007-05-30 |format= |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |year= 2005}}</ref> The demo included the game's introduction in the shell. ''Voyage'', originally slated for a September 27 release,<ref name=voyagerenamed/> was shipped to stores ahead of schedule on August 16, 2005.<ref name=releasedate/> The game retailed for [[United States dollar|US$]]19.99.<ref name=releasedate/> == Reception == <div style="font-size: 90%;float:right;border-left:1em solid white"> {| class="wikitable" |+'''Review scores''' !Publication !Score (/100) |- |<center>''2404'' |<center>86 |- |<center>''Just Adventure'' |<center>83 |- |<center>''Quandary'' |<center>80 |- |<center>''Adventure Gamers'' |<center>80 |- |<center>''Game Chronicles'' |<center>79 |- |<center>''Jolt Online Gaming UK'' |<center>76 |- |<center>''BonusStage'' |<center>75 |- |<center>''GameOver Online'' |<center>73 |- |<center>''Gamezone'' |<center>68 |- |<center>''[[G4 (TV channel)|G4]]'' |<center>60 |- |<center>''ICGames'' |<center>60 |- |<center>''[[GameSpot]]'' |<center>60 |} </div> In general, ''Voyage'' received mixed reviews upon its release.<ref name=metacritic>{{cite web| url= http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/journeytothecenterofthemoon | title=Voyage: Inspired by Jules Verne|accessdate=2007-05-29 |format= |work=[[Metacritic]]|year= 2006 }}</ref> According to ''[[Metacritic]]'', reviewers have given ''Voyage'' scores between 60% and 86%.<ref name=metacritic/> One of the more positively received aspects of the game was its ability to recreate the mood of 19th century science-fiction, with ''[[GameSpot]]'' writing that the game "nicely re-creates the whimsical mood of 19th-century sci-fi [and] a sense of wonder fills every pixel of the graphic design."<ref name=gamespot/> In contrast, ''Game Over Online Magazine'' said that once the player leaves the capsule and arrives on the moon, instead of viewing colorful and wondrous sights, the game turns into a drab and unlikely bore.<ref name=gameover>{{cite web|url=http://www.game-over.net/reviews.php?id=1025|title=GameOver Game Reviews: Voyage|accessdate=2007-05-29 |format= |work=game-over.net|year= 2006 }}</ref> The puzzle aspect of ''Voyage'' met with mixed responses. On the other hand, ''[[GameSpot]]'' accused the puzzle aspects of ''Voyage'' of "reduc[ing] Jules Verne's tale of a visit to the moon in 1865 to a series of clumsily arranged logic puzzles geared to try the patience of adventure-game veterans."<ref name=gamespot/> The puzzles in the game are often extremely difficult, with ''Just Adventure'' attributing the unexpected difficulty in the game to the fact that there are often several different ways to achieve the same goals,<ref name=justadventure>{{cite web|url=http://www.justadventure.com/reviews/Voyage/Voyage.shtm|title=Voyage|accessdate=2007-05-29 |work=justadventure.com|year= 2006 }}</ref> thanks to the game's "Intelligence Management System".<ref name=gamersinfopreview/> The game's inventory system received praise from ''Gamersinfo'' as being very well done.<ref name=gamersinfo/> In terms of graphics, ''Voyage'' was poorly received, with the graphics being described by ''Gamezone'' as containing some vibrant colors, but lacking the lush, spectacular view that has been seen in countless other adventure games.<ref name=gamezone>{{cite web|url=http://pc.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r26719.htm|title=Voyage: Inspired by Jules Verne|accessdate=2007-05-29 |work=gamezone.com|year= 2006 }}</ref> ''Voyage'' has also been criticized for its lack of story and over-reliance on back story. The game's music was generally appreciated, with ''Jolt'' describing the music has having a nice retro-futuristic feel which sets the mood perfectly.<ref name=jolt/> ''[[G4 (TV channel)|G4]]'' commented on the game's voice acting as overly dramatic but appropriate,<ref name=g4tv/> but criticized many of the sound effects as being cheesy.<ref name=g4tv/> ''[[GameSpot]]'' described Ardan's dialogue as somewhat lame,<ref name=gamespot/> and also criticized the game's sound effects.<ref name=gamespot/> ''[[Metacritic]]'' averaged out the scores of several internet reviews of ''Voyage'' to reach a rating of 71%, the closest to an 'overall' rating of the game.<ref name=metacritic/> X-Play gave it a 3/5. == References == {{reflist|2}} == External links == * [http://www.journey-to-the-moon.com/ ''Voyage: Inspired by Jules Verne'' official website] * {{cite web |url=http://www.adventurecompanygames.com/tac/voyage/ |title=''Inspired by Jules Verne... Voyage'' |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070531215352/http://www.adventurecompanygames.com/tac/voyage/ |archivedate=2007-05-31}} at [[The Adventure Company]] (archive) * [http://www.kheopsstudio.fr/site/games.php?lang=2&op=show&id=5/ ''Voyage: Inspired by Jules Verne''] at [[Kheops Studio]] {{DEFAULTSORT:Voyage: Inspired By Jules Verne}} [[Category:2005 video games]] [[Category:Adventure games]] [[Category:Moon in fiction]] [[Category:Video games based on books]] [[Category:Video games developed in France]] [[Category:Windows games]] [[Category:First-person adventures]] [[Category:Works inspired by Jules Verne]] [[Category:Works inspired by H. G. Wells]] [[Category:Steampunk video games]] [[fr:Voyage au cœur de la Lune]] [[nl:Voyage: Inspired by Jules Verne]]
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