Hydrophobia -XBLA Game- 1200 MS Points Out Now!

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Hydrophobia -XBLA Game- 1200 MS Points Out Now! What are your thoughts on the game? I tried the demo and liked it so far, hoping to get it soon. -Edit- 800 Microsoft Points now!
Game Description:

Powered by the revolutionary HydroEngine™ – the world’s first true fluid dynamics engine for games – Hydrophobia™ is an experience unlike anything you have played before. This jaw dropping technology models flowing water which behaves completely realistically, resulting in the most dynamic and dramatic gameplay you’ve ever seen. Engage in mind blowing “flow combat” where emergent gameplay results in a never-the-same-twice experience. Unleash floating oil fires, electricity and the power of the water itself to wipe out your enemy as you discover the terrifying truth of the Malthusian agenda; Save the World, Kill Yourself.

Link: http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/Product/Hydrophobia/66acd000-77fe-1000-9115-d802584109ef

Hydrophobia Pure - Updates:

Graphics
Improved Graphics
Character dynamic self-shadowing
Enhanced lighting
Improved textures
Better water spray effects
Improved water reflection and refraction
Enhanced electricity effects
Environmental geometry tweaks
Additional video texture work

Physics
Physics Enhancements
Increased number of dynamic objects
More realistic character water resistance
Explosive forces re-balanced

Controls, Cameras, Animation
Overhauled Camera System
Camera positioned closer to character
Improved tracking of the action
Enhanced collision detection
Better FOV for framing the action
Improved Movement and Animations
More fluid and precise character control
Improved character animations add realism
Enhanced animation transitions make the character more weighty

Platforming and Climbing
All New Climbing System
Continuous hand-over-hand climbing system added
All new, more realistic animations
More fluid climbing controls and movement
Automatic ledge grab functionality
Improved swing mechanic
Improved jump-from-balance mechanic

Control Layout
Switch to a more traditional control layout
A to jump
LT to aim
RB to detonate enhanced Gel and Energy Rounds

Dialogue and Cutscenes
Dialogue Re-edit
Dialogue has been pruned
Irritating or extraneous lines cut
Cutscenes Re-edit
Cutscenes reviewed and edited
Overly long cutscenes shortened

Collectables
Collectables Interface Improved
Emails and E-Books no longer interrupt gameplay when collected
Collectables re-positioned throughout levels
Points awarded for collectables tweaked

New Waypoint System
Waypoints for every objective and sub objective
Choose permanent on-screen waypoints or new MAVI only mode
Waypoints added for Ciphers and Frequency Keys with colour coding
Corpses with Frequency Keys glow orange for easy identification

Map
Improved controls and button layout
Default view of Kate's position
Toggle Kate's position / objective location manually
Easier to navigate

Prompts
Prompts re-worked for better clarity
Prompt triggering reviewed and improved

Tutorials
Video tutorials cut back
Improved in game tutorials
New tutorial puzzles

Wading Improved
Enhanced physical character feedback from water forces
Improved transitions between wade states

Swimming Enhanced
Improved swimming controls, more finely balanced
180 degree swim turn removed
Improved camera behaviour when swimming
Underwater combat system streamlined

Puzzle Improvements
Improved feedback for Cipher and Frequency Keys
Ciphers re-positioned for greater accessibility
New mission orders related to Ciphers add to the backstory
Existing puzzles refined where possible
New electric puzzle elements added

Damage System Improved
Kate no longer unfairly damaged/killed by unseen elements
Fire/electrical damage reduced
Combat damage re-balanced

Overhauled Damage Feedback
Monochrome health feedback system implemented
Enhanced directional damage indication
Heartbeat force feedback and SFX added
Audio ducking system improves health feedback

All New Oxygen Feedback System
Oxygen bar added
Heartbeat force feedback and SFX added
Phobia effect for oxygen feedback enhanced
Phobia audio hallucinations added
FOV pulse added for drowning feedback
Phobia warping effect removed from non-submerged sections

Combat and Cover Systems
Overhauled Combat System
Automatic weapon holster/unholster system
Seamless integration of combat / non-combat systems
Improved aim reticule
Aim remapped to LT
Destructible objects highlighted more clearly
Destructible objects easier to hit
A greater supply of ammo throughout the levels
AI improved and enemies rebalanced
More enemies and more engaging combat design

Weapons Improved
Sonic Rounds overheat removed
Sonic Rounds charge time halved
Sonic Rounds do more damage to NPCs and are lethal
Multiple Gel and Energy Rounds can be deployed simultaneously
Deployed Gel/Energy rounds can be detonated as a group

All New Cover System
Smoother transitions in and out of cover
Easier and more intuitive to get in and out of cover
Toggle cover whether armed or unarmed
All new animations make cover system more realistic

Checkpoints and Reloading
Checkpoint positions reviewed and improved
More checkpoints
Automated and faster reload after death

Levels and Game Balance
Design Improvements
Vent behaviour improved
General level design tweaks
AI numbers and positioning improved
Ammo amount and placement improved
Collectable placement improved
Gameplay balance improved throughout


Value
Price dropped to just 800 Microsoft points
Trial extended to allow players to sample more of the game for free
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I was really impressed with the graphics in Hydrophobia, but the gameplay didn't entice me. The characters were underrepresented; the game gave you no reason to care for them. I enjoyed the exploration and figuring out where to go while environmental hazards obstructed you, but it just wasn't an experience that left me feeling like I needed to buy the game.

If it was 400 points, sure. But 1200? I'd rather get Deathspank or Limbo.
 
I finally got around to playing the demo today. I wasn't super impressed with it either. I've got plenty of other stuff to play to pay $15 for this game. Like doing the 40 waves in survival mode in Plants vs Zombies.
 
Nobody say anything bad about the game in this thread or else the developers might accuse you of "not playing the game correctly" and hassle you for days on end :lol:
 
[quote name='animalspinners']Nobody say anything bad about the game in this thread or else the developers might accuse you of "not playing the game correctly" and hassle you for days on end :lol:[/QUOTE]

I heard one of the devs got into an e-tussle with one of the guys at destructoid.
 
the company has made at least 1 other game for xbl arcade (can't recall it right now though lol) and yeah I agree, $15 is too much for a single episode game. Heard there are 1-2 more games to follow this so it's like a game broken down into sequels but $15 for a single player game is alot to me. Limbo is way overrated in my opinion as it's a black and white game that can be completed in 3-5 hours. If the game were about $8 or less then i'd buy it, which is why i'm just waiting for a deal on here via 360 code trading thread instead. I have a backlog like some of you and I am just going to get monday night combat and probably deathspank tov for the promotion instead.
 
[quote name='Gamehead']I heard one of the devs got into an e-tussle with one of the guys at destructoid.[/QUOTE]

Sadly, they weren't the first... they also got into it with EDGE magazine.

Anyone who is scoring the game low the developers are claiming these reviewers "aren't playing the game correctly" and their game was "in development for years and is certainly not a 3 out of 10."

I'm not a fan of reviews or reviewers but I also don't feel developers should be trying to strongarm them into positive reviews. If the criticism is unfair, word of mouth will correct it, and if it's just, work harder on your next game.
 
[quote name='animalspinners']Sadly, they weren't the first... they also got into it with EDGE magazine.

Anyone who is scoring the game low the developers are claiming these reviewers "aren't playing the game correctly" and their game was "in development for years and is certainly not a 3 out of 10."

I'm not a fan of reviews or reviewers but I also don't feel developers should be trying to strongarm them into positive reviews. If the criticism is unfair, word of mouth will correct it, and if it's just, work harder on your next game.[/QUOTE]

Agreed and also, make the demo a bit more playable as in length of time. I played through it in about 10 minutes or so. I mean, blacklight tango down gave you 1 hour to try out the online multiplayer which helped me decide whether to purchase it or not and I did. Also, on the xbl marketplace people can rate the game so either way there is no escaping reviews/ratings but yeah, some companies don't get cut any slack but if they had lowered the price to $10 or less I think it would be sell more and be better perceived. $15 for a single player game nowadays kinda seems steep to me and not worth it when you factor in there isn't much replay value and such.
 
I read that the water control mechanic isn't even used in the story mode, but only in the challenge mode that you unlock once you beat the game. That makes no sense with the way they hyped up that mechanic.
 
[quote name='guyver2077']i liked the demo.. wish it were 800.. might pick it up this month though for the 2400 point xbox promotion[/QUOTE]

same here and the part that someone stated above about the challenge mode, I think they should have left that unlocked from the start as a bonus or something of that sort.
 
One of the complaints from Edge in their 3/10 review is that the game never really makes your goals clear, and that is certainly the case. I am never really sure where I should go, and what I should do when I get there. The map just isn't very helpful. Of course, it's also pretty repetitive, so I can always assume I need to find a cipher to open an encrypted door.

I am almost to Act 3, but it's really getting hard to keep going.
 
I bought it right after trying the demo and finished it by the next day. Took about 5 hours. It was a little high for what you get. It is very repetitive, but I liked it. I found the map to be helpful in 2D mode. I died a lot, but it was still fun. I felt cheated with the ending though.

So, fun game though repetitive.
Not worth 1200 points.
 
I got the game yesterday on here through a trade and so far, I am enjoying it. Kinda like shadow complex in a sense to me and I'm already starting act 2. I don't mind that it's only a couple of hours long and am waiting to complete the game to get the challenge room. About $10 is the right price, but overall it's worth the purchase and is fun for me.
 
This game just got a huge update to fix a lot of complaints. Most notably they've improved graphics, overhauled the controls and camera system, made navigation easier, and dropped the price to $10.

Changelog
Hydrophobia Pure - Updates:

Graphics

  • Improved Graphics
  • Character dynamic self-shadowing
  • Enhanced lighting
  • Improved textures
  • Better water spray effects
  • Improved water reflection and refraction
  • Enhanced electricity effects
  • Environmental geometry tweaks
  • Additional video texture work

Physics

  • Physics Enhancements
  • Increased number of dynamic objects
  • More realistic character water resistance
  • Explosive forces re-balanced

Controls, Cameras, Animation

  • Overhauled Camera System
  • Camera positioned closer to character
  • Improved tracking of the action
  • Enhanced collision detection
  • Better FOV for framing the action
  • Improved Movement and Animations
  • More fluid and precise character control
  • Improved character animations add realism
  • Enhanced animation transitions make the character more weighty

Platforming and Climbing

  • All New Climbing System
  • Continuous hand-over-hand climbing system added
  • All new, more realistic animations
  • More fluid climbing controls and movement
  • Automatic ledge grab functionality
  • Improved swing mechanic
  • Improved jump-from-balance mechanic

Control Layout

  • Switch to a more traditional control layout
  • A to jump
  • LT to aim
  • RB to detonate enhanced Gel and Energy Rounds

Dialogue and Cutscenes

  • Dialogue Re-edit
  • Dialogue has been pruned
  • Irritating or extraneous lines cut
  • Cutscenes Re-edit
  • Cutscenes reviewed and edited
  • Overly long cutscenes shortened

Collectables

  • Collectables Interface Improved
  • Emails and E-Books no longer interrupt gameplay when collected
  • Collectables re-positioned throughout levels
  • Points awarded for collectables tweaked

New Waypoint System

  • Waypoints for every objective and sub objective
  • Choose permanent on-screen waypoints or new MAVI only mode
  • Waypoints added for Ciphers and Frequency Keys with colour coding
  • Corpses with Frequency Keys glow orange for easy identification

Map

  • Improved controls and button layout
  • Default view of Kate's position
  • Toggle Kate's position / objective location manually
  • Easier to navigate

Prompts

  • Prompts re-worked for better clarity
  • Prompt triggering reviewed and improved

Tutorials

  • Video tutorials cut back
  • Improved in game tutorials
  • New tutorial puzzles

Wading Improved

  • Enhanced physical character feedback from water forces
  • Improved transitions between wade states

Swimming Enhanced

  • Improved swimming controls, more finely balanced
  • 180 degree swim turn removed
  • Improved camera behaviour when swimming
  • Underwater combat system streamlined

Puzzle Improvements

  • Improved feedback for Cipher and Frequency Keys
  • Ciphers re-positioned for greater accessibility
  • New mission orders related to Ciphers add to the backstory
  • Existing puzzles refined where possible
  • New electric puzzle elements added

Damage System Improved

  • Kate no longer unfairly damaged/killed by unseen elements
  • Fire/electrical damage reduced
  • Combat damage re-balanced

Overhauled Damage Feedback

  • Monochrome health feedback system implemented
  • Enhanced directional damage indication
  • Heartbeat force feedback and SFX added
  • Audio ducking system improves health feedback

All New Oxygen Feedback System

  • Oxygen bar added
  • Heartbeat force feedback and SFX added
  • Phobia effect for oxygen feedback enhanced
  • Phobia audio hallucinations added
  • FOV pulse added for drowning feedback
  • Phobia warping effect removed from non-submerged sections

Combat and Cover Systems

  • Overhauled Combat System
  • Automatic weapon holster/unholster system
  • Seamless integration of combat / non-combat systems
  • Improved aim reticule
  • Aim remapped to LT
  • Destructible objects highlighted more clearly
  • Destructible objects easier to hit
  • A greater supply of ammo throughout the levels
  • AI improved and enemies rebalanced
  • More enemies and more engaging combat design

Weapons Improved

  • Sonic Rounds overheat removed
  • Sonic Rounds charge time halved
  • Sonic Rounds do more damage to NPCs and are lethal
  • Multiple Gel and Energy Rounds can be deployed simultaneously
  • Deployed Gel/Energy rounds can be detonated as a group

All New Cover System

  • Smoother transitions in and out of cover
  • Easier and more intuitive to get in and out of cover
  • Toggle cover whether armed or unarmed
  • All new animations make cover system more realistic

Checkpoints and Reloading

  • Checkpoint positions reviewed and improved
  • More checkpoints
  • Automated and faster reload after death

Levels and Game Balance

  • Design Improvements
  • Vent behaviour improved
  • General level design tweaks
  • AI numbers and positioning improved
  • Ammo amount and placement improved
  • Collectable placement improved
  • Gameplay balance improved throughout


Value

  • Price dropped to just 800 Microsoft points
  • Trial extended to allow players to sample more of the game for free

Anyone play since the update? Is it a noticeably better game, or does it need more to be worth the money?
 
[quote name='louiedog']Anyone play since the update? Is it a noticeably better game, or does it need more to be worth the money?[/QUOTE]That's info I'd like to hear about as well.
 
is the update actually out.. also cant believe this thread is so freakin small

i liked the demo and story since it came out but wanted to wait for a sale.. already see it at 800pts

edit- suppose i could redownload demo but ill prob just buy it if the update is out
 
I replayed the demo last night.

The update is definitely out as the demo was longer than the original demo. That was one of the changes in the update.

I guess it was a better game. I really don't remember what it was like playing the demo when the game released. I just remembered I wasn't super impressed and didn't feel like paying $15 for it. For $10, I may end up buying the game now.
 
Now that the game is on sale for 400 points this week, I imagine a lot of people, like myself, have gone ahead and purchased the game. I always kind of liked the demo. It's a different sort of game than I normally play, so I suppose that's a little enticing.

I've been playing through the game this morning. I tried to spend more time looking at every object, document, journal entry, and medal I find/achieve. It fleshes out the story, although it certainly takes you from the heart-pounding moment to sit back and leisurely read through your database.

One thing I really, really don't like is that sometimes if you don't respond fast enough or know just what the game wants you to do, negative outcomes occur that you have no way of redoing. Video games are about empowering a player, not making them feel inadequate. It's one thing for a NPC character to die and be allowed/forced to try again to save them. It's completely different for the game to go ahead and let them die and allow you no chance to save them again, while ALSO making you feel guilty for not responding fast enough.

Still, the experience is absolutely worth 400 points. For an XBLA game, it's pretty darn slick.

(The first time I tried the demo, I found the emaciated collar bone of the main character pretty distracting, but I guess I'm over it now.)
 
I've tried playing this demo twice and I only got through it one time. Its definitely a different kind of game and I'm not saying it seems bad, it just doesnt seem to have anything to drag me into the gameplay. The water physics are great, but thats really the only groundbreaking thing I can say about the game. Like it was said before, this week the game is on sale for only 400 points (66% off) which is not a bad price at all. I want to buy it but I just cant get sucked in enough to spend the money. Is there something I'm missing with this game?
 
yes, it gets better. it's 1 of those games that the demo do it no justice. I bought it @ launch and with the continued support, updates/patches and all i'd say 400 ms points is a bargain. I really like the gameplay because it's different, yet so easy to play. I notice people complaining about the controls, get over it. I've been on xbl since launch and have played tons of games and the controls aren't difficult or anything. You know what game took me awhile to adjust and get the hang of? Resident Evil 5. I hated the controls @ first but learned to deal with it and have had fun playing that now. For the price, you can't go wrong. Easy avatar awards, achievements aren't too difficult either for the most part, it's got a challenge room type after u complete the game so it does have some replay value as well. Think there's even gamerpics unlocked as well..
 
Bought the game and am enjoying it so far. Hit a point in the second level where you have to get around a bunch of electrical wires in the water, keep dying.
 
Tried out the demo and had my fill by the end of it. It doesn't look good at all and the voice acting is terrible and plentiful, so those are reason enough to skip it.
 
[quote name='Hell Monkey']Will sale still be on Friday? (gots to get paid!)[/QUOTE]

XBLA deals of the week last from Monday until Sunday, so yes.
 
I'm with Frisky here. A very underwhelming demo to say the least. I think I'll keep my points thanks. Not sure what the hang up is about the control scheme. I thought it was one of the demo's few redeeming qualities. They felt a bit floaty at times but otherwise solid.
 
[quote name='Conboy']Bought the game and am enjoying it so far. Hit a point in the second level where you have to get around a bunch of electrical wires in the water, keep dying.[/QUOTE]

I died a billion times there, until I finally realized you could shoot the wires.
 
Brabbed it at 5 bucks and feel it's a decent game. Died a few times before I realized oh I have to wall climb around the flame haha. About 2 hours into the game and I'm at the 3rd Act. Yeah glad I paid 5 bucks if it's going to be that short. Like the water dynamics and it feels like a basic Metroid clone.
 
I finished it last night....or should I say, I played until the insanely abrupt ending. It wasn't even a cliff-hanger, it was a sudden stop mid sente....

Overall, the idea was good, but the execution was flawed. Barely worth the $5.
 
I completely agree barely worth the $5, controls are still incredibly sloppy, it has been a long time since the controls of a game kept leading to character deaths. Awful ending, literally it does end mid-sentence. First half of the game was pretty good, I wonder if they had tightened controls, focused on stealth and dropped the gunplay if the game wouldn't have been significantly better. I am surprised at how few underwater sections there were, they could have amped up the tension with more nealry drowning sections. All in all, barely worth the $5, definitely not worth the 3 hours of my time to play it.
 
Hydrophobia wins the award for the most friggin abrupt ending of any game ever. I thought maybe there would be something more after the credits. No.

Seriously. That wasn't an ending. That was just cheap.
 
I had fun playing the game, people expect alot for a little. sure it's an xbla title, but you can't expect a tom clancy's splinter cell gametype to it since it isn't a full budget game. even with the developers doing updates, acknowledging the mistakes and all people still bash them. for $5 it's a bargain and something different. I'd rather play this than some of the other xbla games I have because they're similar to each other and this isn't. Yes, they game ends abruptly but it's something that we've discussed so can't really act surprised and I think they did that on purpose to leave an opening for a sequel.
 
[quote name='intoxicated662']I had fun playing the game, people expect alot for a little. sure it's an xbla title, but you can't expect a tom clancy's splinter cell gametype to it since it isn't a full budget game. even with the developers doing updates, acknowledging the mistakes and all people still bash them. for $5 it's a bargain and something different. I'd rather play this than some of the other xbla games I have because they're similar to each other and this isn't. Yes, they game ends abruptly but it's something that we've discussed so can't really act surprised and I think they did that on purpose to leave an opening for a sequel.[/QUOTE]

I agree that you should have appropriately leveled expectations for a $5 XBLA game, but remember, this was originally $15. I also agree that the developer should get insane amounts of credit for following up to improve their product.

But, I can't sit here and say it was a good game regardless of qualifiers like "it's a $5 XBLA game". It was just a poorly executed game in just about all aspects: controls, graphics, script, story, pacing, etc. And the voice actor for Scoot....ugh, shoot me now. And that ending....Horrid! I can stomach a cliff hanger, but this game nearly literally stops on a dime without apology, epilogue, teaser....nuthin! Unacceptable.

I'm a huge XBLA guy and I've stood up for some real clunky games. But, this one should be avoided.
 
[quote name='intoxicated662']Yes, they game ends abruptly but it's something that we've discussed so can't really act surprised and I think they did that on purpose to leave an opening for a sequel.[/QUOTE]

Even knowing that the ending was abrupt, I was still surprised. The way in which the game ends felt like something was missing. It just felt like a poor editing choice/script decision.

[quote name='chubbyninja1319']But, I can't sit here and say it was a good game regardless of qualifiers like "it's a $5 XBLA game". It was just a poorly executed game in just about all aspects: controls, graphics, script, story, pacing, etc. And the voice actor for Scoot....ugh, shoot me now. And that ending....Horrid! I can stomach a cliff hanger, but this game nearly literally stops on a dime without apology, epilogue, teaser....nuthin! Unacceptable.[/QUOTE]

I'm with you. Regardless of it being on sale now for 400 points, as a 1200 point game, it really isn't worth it. Missions are repetitive and dull, the storyline is vague, objectives become meaningless through the lack of plot clarity, the voice choice for Scoot is borderline comical in a game which doesn't endear itself to humor, and the ending is as abrupt as a bullet to the head.

I honestly can't recommend it to anyone.
 
I agree they could of gone another way with the ending, but there's a sequel and at least we know they're going to support it. I've spent more time playing Hydrophobia than lots of other xbla games I have and i've got over 210. For $5, can't go wrong. Graphics? They were fine with me, you can't expect Uncharted 2 graphics really for an xbla game, the controls they fixed and all the other stuff. People just expect alot for a little and then again, they can't cater and make everything to 1 user specific's like so they just try their best to make them in general for various people. I still don't regret the purchase and it's cool that there are gamerpics, avatar awards and the Challenge room thingy as a bonus. I'm all for helping developers like these and those who make Monday Night Combat rather than big companies who put out a game and just expect to sale it because of it's name with no support, updates or anything.
 
I didn't expect Hydrophobia to be Uncharted, but I did expect to want to keep playing after the demo ended to be worth the $5 when it was on sale. I had enough of it once the demo ended, so there was no reason to spend the money on it.
 
[quote name='FriskyTanuki']I didn't expect Hydrophobia to be Uncharted, but I did expect to want to keep playing after the demo ended to be worth the $5 when it was on sale. I had enough of it once the demo ended, so there was no reason to spend the money on it.[/QUOTE]

um it's called a Demo for a reason. the game ends on a cliffhanger so there is a sequel coming up (hopefully at least) and you had enough once the demo ended, what's your point? you didn't buy the game, you didn't get the full experience. if that were the case, i'd say the same for about over half the xbla games out there. I tried the demo, didn't like it so didn't buy it. For $5 it's better than alot of crap that's come out in the past few months I say but to each their own. do you expect them to make the game for 200 ms points? it was a game built from the ground up, not like it was an easy port of pac-man or sonic. geesh
 
The game ends as abruptly as most demo's do. The "full experience" doesn't do anything to make a case for the game.

I don't know why I am so vehemently opposing this game. I normally don't get this heated, but this game really annoyed me and I had relatively high hopes for it. I wanted to like it.
 
lol, it ends like that to make way for a sequel. I haven't seen too many games end like that. Also, if they put a true ending then I think it would be alot harder to come up with a continuation on the sequel. They did this as they see to make a few more games after the 1st. I still don't mind paying what I did for it and got more time and gameplay out of it than most other games I played. It's actually 1 of the few single player games I did continue to play. Also, you get gamerpics, avatar awards, achievements, it has some replay value and all so for $5 in my opinion it's a decent purchase. People spend $5 on other games that are ports or just not even creative, get no support/updates/patches and such but to each their own. The demo didn't do anything for me and I didn't like it, but I got a deal on the game and after playing it through I liked it :)
 
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