Maabus
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| Maabus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer | Microforum International |
| Publisher | Monolith |
| Platforms | MS-DOS, Windows 3.1x |
| Release | 1995 |
| Genre | Action-adventure |
| Mode | Single-player |
Maabus is an action-adventure game developed by Canadian studio Microforum International and published by Monolith Productions in 1994.
Maabus is a science‑fiction adventure set on a lush, mysterious island and features hostile creatures that appear along the player's path. Exploration is presented through navigable video, creating the sensation of moving through a three‑dimensional environment rather than viewing static scenes. These components are blended to form an interactive adventure that draws on environmental exploration, sudden encounters with enemies, and movement through video-based spaces.[1]
Development
Maabus was developed by Microforum International. Since its 1987 founding the Canadian studio had primarily manufactured and duplicated compact discs. The decision was made to transition into game production in 1992.[2][3] Maabus was produced by the company's vice president Claudio Baiocchi, who also served as one of the story writers.[4] Freelance writer Robin Rowland said that Microforum approached him about penning the game's scenario in the winter of 1993.[5] Baiocchi described it as a "classic good-versus-evil plot." Development allegedly took 25,000 man-hours by 15 senior staff members.[4] Its trailer, set to the song Think About the Way by Ice MC, claimed that the game required 9,800 hours of 3D animation rendering; 5,320 hours of programming; 3,000 hours of drawing; 1,000 hours of sound effects recording; 710 hours of music selections; 400 hours of video and audio recording; and 2,000 hours of testing.[6] Microforum promoted Maabus at COMDEX in late 1994.[7] Coming on three discs, the game utilized the Multimedia PC configuration. Microforum planned to release a full-screen MPEG version.[4]