Topware Interactive

Background

Topware Interactive was a game developer division of German Topware CD-Service AG, founded in 1995. In April 2001, the parent company went bankrupt and was bought out by Zuxxez Entertainment along with the development team, which soon was divided into Reality Pump and Toontraxx. Zuxxez decided to relaunch Topware brand in the US in 2005.

1st Logo (early/mid 1990s-1997)

Visuals: On a black background, there's the Bank Gothic text "Topware" in shining red, zooming in. The stacked word "PRESENTS" inserted between two lines appears below, and the logo shines before fading out.

Technique: CGI.

Audio: The opening theme of the game.

Availability: Was spotted in the Australian release of Earth 2140.

2nd Logo (1997)

Visuals: On a black background, "TOPWARE" is written in a custom red 3D font. The line, which is a part of "T" is enlarged above the logo.

Technique: A still 3D-rendered graphic.

Audio: None.

Availability: Was used in Earth 2140.

3rd Logo (1997-2001)

Visuals: On a space background, the text "INTERACTIVE" is written by a laser. Then, a cosmic explosion occurs from behind, bringing forth the same "TOPWARE" text from the last logo, but twisted. "TOPWARE" straightens and zooms towards a comfortable distance. An electrical spark runs across the company name afterwards.

Variants:

• A still version exists.
• In Two Worlds, the logo was rendered with an extremely ugly 3D-button effect.

Technique: CGI.

Audio: An outer space-type theme with exploding noise and electric-type sound.

Availability: It was seen on Emergency: Fighters for Life, Earth 2150, RoboRumble and other games.