POPULOUS THE BEGINNING

Internal documentation

Notes

I was producer on Populous The Beginning (originally called Populous 3 or Populous: The Third Coming) and it was my first title at Bullfrog.

Packaging

European US

(US version had a 3D (boss?) effect to give packaging depth)

Screenshots

Websites

Populous: the Beginning – official site

Populous: New Worlds – fansite with 3^rd party levels

Blue Shaman’s Command Post – fansite

Spong

Moby Games – Populous: The Beginning

Moby Games – Undiscovered Worlds

Game rankings

CDPlayers Populous site

Open Directory – Populous

Team Adept Clan site

Populous Revolution

FAQS

GameFAQs

Press

Previews (web & magazine)

Edge 55

NextGeneration

IGN

Gamepost

PC Format 4 page preview Oct-98 "PC Format were summoned to Bullfrog's Guildford-based office to worship at the feet of what many believe could be the game of the year."

Daily Telegraph 1/2 page preview Oct-98 "It's the first fully 3D god game, and it doesn't half look sumptuous. It manages to be one of those games that is greater than the sum of its parts."

PC Guru 3 page preview Nov-98

Micro Mania (Spain) 3 page preview Nov-98

PC Mania (Spain), 1 page preview Nov-98

Focus Mag Jan-99 "The key to its success is in the collection and effective use of powerful magical forces, from fire blast and lightening bolt weapons through to volcano and tornado spells, its also the factor that will keep you coming back for more."

Interviews and Making Ofs

PC Format 87: Making Of

French interview with me

Here

Reviews (web & magazine)

PC Zone 70 92% "Pop happens to have the best interface, the best engine and most finely-balanced gameplay, and the most original and distinctive underlying concept."

The Times 9/10 "The battles may be fierce, but Pop is a strangley relaxing and ultimately, compelling experience. Pop is an addictive game, buy it at your own risk."

The Sunday Times Nov 11 98

Edge 66

PC Format 93% "Now there is Pop TB, and it is, quite frankly, stunning. At last, a god game that could truly rule the world."

PC Gamer 64

Internet review

Hotgames 5/5

Games Domain

Game Revolution

IGN 8.6/10

Gamespot 7.5/10

MPOG 4/5

Gamepost 93%

Happy Puppy 9/10

Game Revolution B+

Level 9/10

Gambler 88%

Newsweek USA "Best of all the slick 3D graphics let you view the carnage at group level of pull back to outer space for a gods-eye view. Hallelujah!"

Ultimate PC (UK) 88% "How do you follow one of the great all-time hall of famers? BF's third Pop game is a dazzling marriage of uniquie graphics and perfect strategic gameplay which only goes to further their reputation as one of the few truly and consistently innovative development houses in the games industry today."

Adverts

“The Story of Bullfrog’s Populous the Beginning” infomercial aired on Sunday 15^th November (before Hollyoaks), followed by a competition feature the following weekend on the 22^nd.

Promotional items

Cap

Mobile

Populous Globe

(video)

T-Shirt

Shamen model: I think EA Poland hired this model to represent the shamen in their territory!

Watch

Other

Edge 56 Gallery

Edge Key Games of 1997

PC Format 89 coverdisk

PC Format 95 Reader Awards – Best Strategy Game

Strategy Guide

Team photo

I have a VHS copy of Populous footage – but need to transfer it to MPG

Ultimate PC Strategies Dec-98 10 page strategy guide. PC Zone published a 9page strategy guide across it's Jan and Feb 99 issues. The Jan 99 issue of Computer Tips & Tricks printed a 4 page game guide.

Shaman appeared in a calendar in the Dec-98 issue of The Video Game Magazine.

June '97 Edge had a 16 page supplement covering Bullfrog and concentrating on "Populous The Third Coming"

Nominations & Awards

Nominated for “Best Programming” by Develop Magazine

Nominated by CGW for “Strategy game of the year”

Awarded the 1999 Milia D’Or for strategy game of the year

Awarded “Realtime Strategy Game of the Year” by ElectricGames in their “1998 Games of the Year”

Awarded a “flamie” award of “Game of the Year” by Hotgames

Awarded PC Fan’s 1998 Editors Choice Award for “Best Simulation Title”

Awarded 2^nd place in the category “Game of Year awards for Strategy” category by MPOG

Awarded 5th best game of 1998 by Ultimate PC - UK "The playability and game design is top-notch but probably the most impressive thing is the control interface. A more than worthy addition to a legendary dynasty."

If you know of any links or stuff on the web that I’ve missed then please drop me an e-mail!

Last updated: 3 October 2004

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