Gray Matter: Difference between revisions

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''Not to be confused with [[Gray Matter Studios]] or [[LTI Gray Matter]].''
{{PageCredits|compiled=RSX-798}}
{{PageCredits|compiled=RSX-798}}

===Background===
===Background===
'''Gray Matter''' was founded in 1985 by Chris Gray as '''Chris Gray Enterprises''' after its success of ''Boulder Dash''. The first game the company developed was ''Whirlinurd'', but the first international success for the company was ''Infiltrator''. After the success, the company set up its subsidiary in 1988 as '''Gray Matter'''. Following on from the Amiga and Atari ST success, it went on to produce games for the NES, SNES, 3DO, Sega Saturn, Game Gear and PlayStation, becoming one of the biggest developers. The problems with the Canadian government over labor issues brought Gray Matter to bankruptcy in 1996/1997. The company has no relation to [[Gray Matter Studios]] and [[LTI Gray Matter]].
'''Gray Matter''' was a Canadian video game developer based in Oakville, Ontario. It was founded in 1985 by ex-[[Mindscape]] employee Chris '''Gray''' as "Chris Gray Enterprises" after his success with ''Boulder Dash''. The first game the company developed was ''Whirlinurd'', but its first international success was ''Infiltrator'' in 1986.

In 1988, Gray set up "Gray Matter" as a subsidiary of his company. Following on from the Amiga and Atari ST, Gray Matter went on to produce games for the NES, SNES, 3DO, Sega Saturn, Game Gear and PlayStation, becoming one of the biggest developers in Canada with 75 employees at its peak in 1995. However, problems with the Canadian government over labour law issues brought the studio to bankruptcy in 1997.

===1st Logo (1988)===
===1st Logo (1988)===
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
<gallery mode=packed heights=200>
GrayMatterRoadRaider.png
GrayMatterRoadRaider.png|''Road Raider'' (Amiga)
GrayMatterTechnocop.png
GrayMatterTechnocop.png|''Technocop'' (C64)
</gallery>
</gallery>

'''Logo:''' On a {{color|#808080|gray}} background, we see a {{color|pink|pink}} gradient curvy ribbon. On the right side is the text "'''GRAY MATTER'''" in an ITC Avant Garde font surrounded by a beveled rectangle with the word "PRESENTS" below.
'''Logo:''' On a {{color|gray}} background, we see a {{color|pink}} gradient curvy ribbon. On the right side is the text "'''GRAY MATTER'''" in an ITC Avant Garde font surrounded by a beveled rectangle with the word "PRESENTS" below.


'''Variant:''' On the loading screen on the European C64 tape version of ''Technocop'', the text is above the ribbon, the background is white, the text is centered and there is no "PRESENTS" below.
'''Variant:''' On the loading screen on the European C64 tape version of ''Technocop'', the text is above the ribbon, the background is white, the text is centered and there is no "PRESENTS" below.
Line 18: Line 24:


'''Editor's Note:''' None.
'''Editor's Note:''' None.

===2nd Logo (1989-1990)===
===2nd Logo (1989-1990)===
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
<gallery mode=packed heights=200>
GrayMatterFiendishFreddy.png
GrayMatterFiendishFreddy.png|''Fiendish Freddy's Big Top O'Fun'' (Amiga)
GrayMatterUltimateRide.png
GrayMatterUltimateRide.png|''The Ultimate Ride''
</gallery>
</gallery>
⚫
'''Logo:''' On a {{color|#808080|gray}} marble background, we see the same ribbon logo from the last logo, only it was in {{color|purple|purple}}, and gradient shadings are replaced by circles (matching the print logo), and the text is in white. Also "PRESENTS" is absent.


⚫
'''Logo:''' On a {{color|gray}} marble background, we see the same ribbon logo from the previous logo, only it is in {{color|purple}}, and the gradient shadings are replaced by circles (matching the print logo), and the text is in white. Also, "PRESENTS" is absent.
⚫
'''Variant:''' On the Amiga version of ''Fiendish Freddy's Big Top O'Fun'', the logo is surrounded by spotlights. The logo then disappears, and then reappears, only it has two {{color|purple|purple}} lines above it on a black background.

⚫
'''Variant:''' On the Amiga version of ''Fiendish Freddy's Big Top O'Fun'', the logo is surrounded by spotlights. The logo then disappears, and then reappears, only it has two {{color|purple}} lines above it on a black background.


'''FX/SFX:''' None.
'''FX/SFX:''' None.
Line 34: Line 42:


'''Editor's Note:''' None.
'''Editor's Note:''' None.

===3rd Logo (1993-1995)===
===3rd Logo (February 18, 1993-June 1995)===
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
<gallery mode=packed heights=200>
GrayMatterCrashDummies.png
GrayMatterCrashDummies.png|''The Incredible Crash Dummies'' (SNES)
GrayMatterVeediots.png
GrayMatterVeediots.png|''The Ren & Stimpy Show: Veediots!'' (SNES)
GrayMatterBOB.png
GrayMatterBOB.png|''B.O.B.'' (SNES)
GrayMatterWaynesWorldSNES.png
GrayMatterWaynesWorldSNES.png|''Wayne's World'' (SNES)
GrayMatterWaynesWorldGenesis.png
GrayMatterWaynesWorldGenesis.png|''Wayne's World'' (Sega Genesis)
GrayMatterSuperRBI.png
GrayMatterSuperRBI.png|''Super R.B.I. Baseball''
</gallery>
</gallery>

'''Logo:''' On a black background, we see a {{color|red|red}} masked helmet with streaks behind it on the right, which represented the hair. On the bottom right is the text "GRAY MATTER" in a plain font.
'''Logo:''' On a black background, we see a {{color|red}} masked helmet with streaks behind it on the right, which represents the hair. On the bottom right is the text "GRAY MATTER" in a plain font.


'''Variants:'''
'''Variants:'''
*On the SNES version of ''The Ren & Stimpy Show: Veediots!'', we see Ren and Stimpy banging their butts together, like the [[THQ]] logo that preceded the game. Also, the logo is shifted to the bottom.
*On the SNES version of ''The Ren & Stimpy Show: Veediots!'', we see Ren and Stimpy banging their butts together, like the [[THQ]] logo that precedes the game. Also, the logo is shifted to the bottom.
*On the SNES version of ''B.O.B.'', the logo is beveled, and it takes place on a space background with moving planets.
*On the SNES version of ''B.O.B.'', the logo is beveled, and takes place on a space background with moving planets.
*On the SNES and Genesis versions of ''Wayne's World'', the logo is on a marble background, and the credits are shown behind the logo. The logo is tinted {{color|blue|blue}} on the SNES version, and the logo is tinted {{color|green|green}} on the Genesis version.
*On the SNES and Genesis versions of ''Wayne's World'', the logo is on a marble background, and the credits are shown behind the logo. The logo is tinted {{color|blue}} on the SNES version, and the logo is tinted {{color|green}} on the Genesis version.
*On ''Super R.B.I. Baseball'', the logo is 3D on a white background. Credits appear on the bottom right.
*On ''Super R.B.I. Baseball'', the logo is 3D on a white background. Credits appear on the bottom right.


Line 58: Line 68:


'''Editor's Note:''' None.
'''Editor's Note:''' None.

===4th Logo (1995)===
===4th Logo (1995)===
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
<gallery mode=packed heights=200>
GrayMatterNHLAllStar95GG.png
GrayMatterNHLAllStar95GG.png|''NHL All-Star Hockey'' (Game Gear)
GrayMatterNHLAllStar95SS.png
GrayMatterNHLAllStar95SS.png|''NHL All-Star Hockey'' (Sega Saturn)
GrayMatterPhoenix3A.png
GrayMatterPhoenix3A.png|''Phoenix 3'' (opening)
</gallery>
</gallery>

'''Logo:''' On a {{color|#4176af|blue}} marble background, we pan up to reveal it was a black square, which moves to the center. Behind the square was the word "GRAY" in a condensed font. A {{color|yellow|yellow}} light flashes from behind the word, and then the logo zooms out and moves around and the other letter "MATTER" in a condensed font wipes in and stands next to the rectangle. The logo then flashes.
'''Logo:''' On a {{color|#4176af|blue}} marble background, we pan up to reveal a black square, which moves to the center. Behind the square is the word "GRAY" in a condensed font. A {{color|yellow}} light flashes from behind the word, and then the logo zooms out and moves around and the other word "MATTER" in a condensed font wipes in and stands next to the rectangle. The logo then flashes.


'''Variants:'''
'''Variants:'''
*On the intro of ''Phoenix 3'' for 3DO, the logo is in widescreen.
*On the intro of ''Phoenix 3'' for 3DO, the logo is in widescreen.
*On ''NHL All-Star Hockey'' for Game Gear, the logo is in print form on a black background, with a white logo, and the word "DEVELOPED BY" is shown above the logo.
*On ''NHL All-Star Hockey'' for Game Gear, the logo is in its print form on a black background, with a white logo, and the word "DEVELOPED BY" is shown above the logo.


'''FX/SFX:''' The moving of the rectangle, the letters wiping and the logo flashing.
'''FX/SFX:''' The moving of the rectangle, the letters wiping and the logo flashing.
Line 77: Line 89:


'''Editor's Note:''' None.
'''Editor's Note:''' None.

===5th Logo (1995)===
===5th Logo (1995)===
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
<gallery mode=packed heights=200>
GrayMatterFoesofAli.png
GrayMatterFoesofAli.png|''Foes of Ali''
GrayMatterPhoenix3B.png
GrayMatterPhoenix3B.png|''Phoenix 3'' (screensaver)
</gallery>
</gallery>

'''Logo:''' On a black background, we see {{color|#00bcfa|light blue}} crystalized pieces while circular pieces move around, and some pieces reveal the crystalized blue letter "{{color|#00bcfa|'''G'''}}" with some moving circles zooming out over a space background and a blue lightning picture standing on the right of the letter. A light then flashes, and then the logo turns metallic with an exclamation point shown on the left of the letter. The word "'''GRAY MATTER'''" wipes below the logo.
'''Logo:''' On a black background, we see {{color|#00bcfa|light blue}} crystalized pieces while circular pieces move around, and some pieces reveal the crystalized blue letter "{{color|#00bcfa|'''G'''}}" with some moving circles zooming out over a space background and a {{color|blue}} lightning picture standing on the right of the letter. A light then flashes, and then the logo turns metallic with an exclamation point shown on the left of the letter. The word "'''GRAY MATTER'''" wipes below the logo.


'''Variant:''' A still version, where the logo is shown on a space background, and the words are shown in spaced out letters, is used on 3DO screensaver files.
'''Variant:''' A still version, where the logo is shown on a space background, and the words are shown in spaced out letters, is used on 3DO screensaver files.
Line 93: Line 107:


'''Editor's Note:''' None.
'''Editor's Note:''' None.

===6th Logo (1996)===
===6th Logo (1996)===
⚫
<gallery mode=packed heights=200>
[[File:GrayMatterNBAAction.png|250px|center]]
GrayMatterNBAAction.png
⚫
'''Logo:''' On a black background, we see the text "Gr{{color|#00bcfa|@}}y" in a grungy typewriter font, with the outlined word "<span style="font-size: 14px; color: black; -webkit-text-stroke: 0.7px black; -webkit-text-fill-color: white;>'''Matter'''</span>" is shown on the right of the word, and the tiny word "Inc" is shown on the right side. Below it was the word "{{color|#00bcfa|entertainment software}}" in a typewriter font.
</gallery>

⚫
'''Logo:''' On a black background, we see the text "Gr{{color|#00bcfa|@}}y" in a grungy typewriter font, with the outlined word "<span style="font-size: 14px; color: black; -webkit-text-stroke: 0.7px black; -webkit-text-fill-color: white;>'''Matter'''</span>" shown on the right, and the tiny word "Inc" shown on the right side. Below it is the text "{{color|#00bcfa|entertainment software}}" in a typewriter font.


'''FX/SFX:''' None.
'''FX/SFX:''' None.
Line 104: Line 122:


'''Editor's Note:''' None.
'''Editor's Note:''' None.

===7th Logo (1996-1997)===
===7th Logo (November 21, 1996-August 1997)===
⚫
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
<gallery mode=packed heights=200>
GrayMatterCrowCityofAngelsPS1.png
GrayMatterCrowCityofAngelsPS1.png|''The Crow: City of Angels'' (PlayStation)
GrayMatterCrowCityofAngelsSS.png
GrayMatterCrowCityofAngelsSS.png|''The Crow: City of Angels'' (Sega Saturn)
GrayMatterCrowCityofAngelsPC.png
GrayMatterCrowCityofAngelsPC.png|''The Crow: City of Angels'' (PC)
GrayMatterPerfectWeaponPS1.png
GrayMatterPerfectWeaponPS1.png|''Perfect Weapon'' (PlayStation)
</gallery>
</gallery>
{{YouTube|id=j9xAixLOsKc}}
⚫
'''Logo:''' On a {{color|orange|orange}} background, we see a black figure who was walking and skip hopping, with shadows. Then when the figure bounces, a black rectangle appears, making it an exclamation point. The figure continues to look around, while the figure bounces, and the animation freezes. The logo zooms out, and the black arched words "'''GRAY MATTER'''" fades in on the left and right sides of the figure.

⚫
'''Logo:''' On an {{color|orange}} background, we see a black figure walking and skip hopping towards the viewer, with shadows around him. Then the figure bounces and a black rectangle appears over his head, making it an exclamation point. The figure continues to look around, then does a double backflip, and as he lands, the animation freezes. The logo zooms out, and the black arched words "'''GRAY MATTER'''" fade in on the left and right sides of the figure.


'''Variants:'''
'''Variants:'''
*A print version of the logo exists, where the logo is in white on a black background.
*On the PlayStation version of ''Perfect Weapon'', a print version of the logo is seen, where the logo is in white on a black background.
*On the PC version of ''The Crow: City of Angels'', the print version of the logo featured orange sides on the figure.
*On the PC version of ''The Crow: City of Angels'', the print version of the logo features {{color|orange}} sides on the figure.
*On the Saturn version of ''The Crow: City of Angels'', the logo is still, with the figure gaining white outline, and the shadow is absent.
*On the Saturn version of ''The Crow: City of Angels'', the logo is still, with the figure gaining a white outline, and the shadow is absent.


'''FX/SFX:''' The figure walking and bouncing, the text zooming out.
'''FX/SFX:''' The figure walking and bouncing, the text zooming out.
Line 122: Line 143:
'''Music/Sounds:''' Various cartoon sound effects, followed by a guitar note when the logo zooms out.
'''Music/Sounds:''' Various cartoon sound effects, followed by a guitar note when the logo zooms out.


'''Availability:''' The standard version is seen on the PlayStation version of ''The Crow: City of Angels'' and the PC version of ''Perfect Weapon''. The still version is seen on the PlayStation version of ''Perfect Weapon'', and on the aforementioned games above.
'''Availability:''' The standard version is seen on the PlayStation version of ''The Crow: City of Angels'' and the PC version of ''Perfect Weapon''. The still versions are seen on the PlayStation version of ''Perfect Weapon'' and the PC and Sega Saturn versions of ''The Crow: City of Angels''.


'''Editor's Note:''' None.
'''Editor's Note:''' None.

[[Category:Canadian video game logos]]
[[Category:Canadian video game logos]]
[[Category:Canadian logos]]
[[Category:Canadian logos]]

Revision as of 20:56, 8 September 2022

Not to be confused with Gray Matter Studios or LTI Gray Matter.

Credits
Compiled by
RSX-798


Background

Gray Matter was a Canadian video game developer based in Oakville, Ontario. It was founded in 1985 by ex-Mindscape employee Chris Gray as "Chris Gray Enterprises" after his success with Boulder Dash. The first game the company developed was Whirlinurd, but its first international success was Infiltrator in 1986.

In 1988, Gray set up "Gray Matter" as a subsidiary of his company. Following on from the Amiga and Atari ST, Gray Matter went on to produce games for the NES, SNES, 3DO, Sega Saturn, Game Gear and PlayStation, becoming one of the biggest developers in Canada with 75 employees at its peak in 1995. However, problems with the Canadian government over labour law issues brought the studio to bankruptcy in 1997.

1st Logo (1988)

  • Road Raider (Amiga)

    Road Raider (Amiga)

  • Technocop (C64)

    Technocop (C64)

Logo: On a gray background, we see a pink gradient curvy ribbon. On the right side is the text "GRAY MATTER" in an ITC Avant Garde font surrounded by a beveled rectangle with the word "PRESENTS" below.

Variant: On the loading screen on the European C64 tape version of Technocop, the text is above the ribbon, the background is white, the text is centered and there is no "PRESENTS" below.

FX/SFX: None.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: Seen on the Amiga version of Road Raider and the loading screen of the European C64 tape version of Technocop.

Editor's Note: None.

2nd Logo (1989-1990)

  • Fiendish Freddy's Big Top O'Fun (Amiga)

    Fiendish Freddy's Big Top O'Fun (Amiga)

  • The Ultimate Ride

    The Ultimate Ride

Logo: On a gray marble background, we see the same ribbon logo from the previous logo, only it is in purple, and the gradient shadings are replaced by circles (matching the print logo), and the text is in white. Also, "PRESENTS" is absent.

Variant: On the Amiga version of Fiendish Freddy's Big Top O'Fun, the logo is surrounded by spotlights. The logo then disappears, and then reappears, only it has two purple lines above it on a black background.

FX/SFX: None.

Music/Sounds: None or the opening theme of the game.

Availability: Seen on The Ultimate Ride and Fiendish Freddy's Big Top O'Fun. Despite the print logo appearing on the NES cover of Dirty Harry, it does not appear on the game itself, it just went to the title screen.

Editor's Note: None.

3rd Logo (February 18, 1993-June 1995)

  • The Incredible Crash Dummies (SNES)

    The Incredible Crash Dummies (SNES)

  • The Ren & Stimpy Show: Veediots! (SNES)

    The Ren & Stimpy Show: Veediots! (SNES)

  • B.O.B. (SNES)

    B.O.B. (SNES)

  • Wayne's World (SNES)

    Wayne's World (SNES)

  • Wayne's World (Sega Genesis)

    Wayne's World (Sega Genesis)

  • Super R.B.I. Baseball

    Super R.B.I. Baseball

Logo: On a black background, we see a red masked helmet with streaks behind it on the right, which represents the hair. On the bottom right is the text "GRAY MATTER" in a plain font.

Variants:

  • On the SNES version of The Ren & Stimpy Show: Veediots!, we see Ren and Stimpy banging their butts together, like the THQ logo that precedes the game. Also, the logo is shifted to the bottom.
  • On the SNES version of B.O.B., the logo is beveled, and takes place on a space background with moving planets.
  • On the SNES and Genesis versions of Wayne's World, the logo is on a marble background, and the credits are shown behind the logo. The logo is tinted blue on the SNES version, and the logo is tinted green on the Genesis version.
  • On Super R.B.I. Baseball, the logo is 3D on a white background. Credits appear on the bottom right.

FX/SFX: None.

Music/Sounds: The opening theme of the game.

Availability: Seen on the SNES and Genesis versions of The Incredible Crash Dummies, as well as on the aforementioned games mentioned above.

Editor's Note: None.

4th Logo (1995)

  • NHL All-Star Hockey (Game Gear)

    NHL All-Star Hockey (Game Gear)

  • NHL All-Star Hockey (Sega Saturn)

    NHL All-Star Hockey (Sega Saturn)

  • Phoenix 3 (opening)

    Phoenix 3 (opening)

Logo: On a blue marble background, we pan up to reveal a black square, which moves to the center. Behind the square is the word "GRAY" in a condensed font. A yellow light flashes from behind the word, and then the logo zooms out and moves around and the other word "MATTER" in a condensed font wipes in and stands next to the rectangle. The logo then flashes.

Variants:

  • On the intro of Phoenix 3 for 3DO, the logo is in widescreen.
  • On NHL All-Star Hockey for Game Gear, the logo is in its print form on a black background, with a white logo, and the word "DEVELOPED BY" is shown above the logo.

FX/SFX: The moving of the rectangle, the letters wiping and the logo flashing.

Music/Sounds: An ascending synth drone, with some whooshes, and ends in a synth note.

Availability: Seen on NHL All-Star Hockey for Game Gear and Sega Saturn, and the opening cutscene of Phoenix 3 for 3DO.

Editor's Note: None.

5th Logo (1995)

  • Foes of Ali

    Foes of Ali

  • Phoenix 3 (screensaver)

    Phoenix 3 (screensaver)

Logo: On a black background, we see light blue crystalized pieces while circular pieces move around, and some pieces reveal the crystalized blue letter "G" with some moving circles zooming out over a space background and a blue lightning picture standing on the right of the letter. A light then flashes, and then the logo turns metallic with an exclamation point shown on the left of the letter. The word "GRAY MATTER" wipes below the logo.

Variant: A still version, where the logo is shown on a space background, and the words are shown in spaced out letters, is used on 3DO screensaver files.

FX/SFX: The crystal pieces of the logo moving, the logo flashing.

Music/Sounds: Hollow synth notes similar to the previous logo, with bells, and some whooshes at the end.

Availability: Seen on Foes of Ali for 3DO. The variant is shown on screensaver files of Foes of Ali and Phoenix 3 for 3DO (the game itself used the last logo).

Editor's Note: None.

6th Logo (1996)

Logo: On a black background, we see the text "Gr@y" in a grungy typewriter font, with the outlined word "Matter" shown on the right, and the tiny word "Inc" shown on the right side. Below it is the text "entertainment software" in a typewriter font.

FX/SFX: None.

Music/Sounds: A horn sound that continues into the NBA logo.

Availability: Seen on NBA Action for Sega Saturn.

Editor's Note: None.

7th Logo (November 21, 1996-August 1997)

  • The Crow: City of Angels (PlayStation)

    The Crow: City of Angels (PlayStation)

  • The Crow: City of Angels (Sega Saturn)

    The Crow: City of Angels (Sega Saturn)

  • The Crow: City of Angels (PC)

    The Crow: City of Angels (PC)

  • Perfect Weapon (PlayStation)

    Perfect Weapon (PlayStation)


Logo: On an orange background, we see a black figure walking and skip hopping towards the viewer, with shadows around him. Then the figure bounces and a black rectangle appears over his head, making it an exclamation point. The figure continues to look around, then does a double backflip, and as he lands, the animation freezes. The logo zooms out, and the black arched words "GRAY MATTER" fade in on the left and right sides of the figure.

Variants:

  • On the PlayStation version of Perfect Weapon, a print version of the logo is seen, where the logo is in white on a black background.
  • On the PC version of The Crow: City of Angels, the print version of the logo features orange sides on the figure.
  • On the Saturn version of The Crow: City of Angels, the logo is still, with the figure gaining a white outline, and the shadow is absent.

FX/SFX: The figure walking and bouncing, the text zooming out.

Music/Sounds: Various cartoon sound effects, followed by a guitar note when the logo zooms out.

Availability: The standard version is seen on the PlayStation version of The Crow: City of Angels and the PC version of Perfect Weapon. The still versions are seen on the PlayStation version of Perfect Weapon and the PC and Sega Saturn versions of The Crow: City of Angels.

Editor's Note: None.

Retrieved from "https://www.avid.wiki/Gray_Matter?oldid=246477"
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