Draft:Lycanroc Midnight Form (2005 video game)

Lycanroc Midnight Form is a 2005 third-person shooter and platform game published by SEGA, Wolf Entertainment, and Lycanroc Enterprises. It was released on November 19, 2005, for the GameCube, PlayStation 2, and Xbox gaming consoles. The game is similar to Shadow the Hedgehog, but with some alterations. Unlike the original version of that game, Lycanroc Midnight Form received an E10+ rating from the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), signifying it was suitable for players aged 10 and above, with warnings for fantasy action violence and mild language.

Lycanroc Midnight Form was developed using the RenderWare game engine, which was widely used in the early 2000s for various video game titles. RenderWare provided a flexible toolset for developers to create 3D environments, animation, and physics simulations, making it a popular choice for game developers at the time. The use of RenderWare enabled Lycanroc Enterprises, Wolf Entertainment, and SEGA to efficiently create a large and complex game world for Lycanroc Midnight Form, while also providing a visually appealing and engaging gaming experience for players.

Gameplay
Lycanroc Midnight Form combines elements of third-person shooting and platforming gameplay in a 3D environment. Players control Lycanroc Midnight Form and navigate through various levels, encountering enemies and obstacles along the way. The game incorporates both shooting mechanics and platforming elements, allowing players to utilize a variety of weapons to defeat enemies, while also exploring the game's environments and solving puzzles. The gameplay aims to offer a dynamic and engaging experience, with a focus on action, exploration, and combat.

Development
During the development of Lycanroc Midnight Form, the game underwent several changes. One significant shift was the inclusion of CGI cutscenes produced by Blur Studios, which had previously worked on the Shadow the Hedgehog video game. The opening, in-game clips, and ending all featured CGI sequences, adding a cinematic touch to the game's presentation. Lycanroc Midnight Form's theme song was "I Am... All of Me," performed by Crush 40, and the game featured multiple endings, each with its own distinct song. In Lycanroc Midnight Form, the song "Emergency" by Paramore was featured as one of the game's endings. The song was originally 4 minutes long, but was edited down to 3 minutes and 29 seconds for inclusion in the game. This marked the first instance of a Paramore song being included in a game's soundtrack in this manner. The inclusion of "Emergency" added a touch of modern pop-rock music to Lycanroc Midnight Form's soundtrack.

Music
Lycanroc Midnight Form features a diverse soundtrack, including songs such as "All Hail Shadow" by Magna-Fi, "The Chosen One" by A2, and "Waking Up" by Juilen-K. The game's soundtrack was released on February 10, 2006, showcasing a wide range of musical styles and influences. It initially included songs like "Who I Am" by Magna-Fi, "Broken" and "All of Me" by Sins Of A Divine Mother, but these were later removed and classified as lost tracks. Additionally, the song "Almost Dead" by Powerman 5000 was. "Never Turn Back" by Crush 40 is featured as one of the game's endings in Lycanroc Midnight Form. The song serves as an emotional and powerful conclusion to the game's storyline, providing players with a sense of closure and accomplishment. Crush 40's signature sound and soaring vocals help to create an impactful ending sequence.

In 2005, a demo of the song "Stuck On You" by Alain was reportedly recorded and intended to be included in Lycanroc Midnight Form's soundtrack, though it was ultimately not released as part of the game's official soundtrack. This may have occurred for various reasons, such as changes in the game's direction or musical vision. Since the song was never officially included in Lycanroc Midnight Form, it remains unreleased and was likely considered a lost track.

Reception
Lycanroc Midnight Form received mixed reviews upon its release. Some critics praised the game's blending of platforming and shooting mechanics, visually stunning CGI cutscenes, and the memorable soundtrack. However, others criticized the game's repetitive missions and the lack of innovative elements compared to its predecessor. Overall, the game was seen as a solid entry in the Lycanroc series but not a groundbreaking title.