Hydrophobia: Prophecy

 PC
User Score
5.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 153 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 153
  2. Mixed: 66 out of 153
  3. Negative: 47 out of 153

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  1. Sir_Kiko
    May 11, 2011
    10
    Ignore the haters. This game is worth a try and I'm sure most of you won't be disappointed. If you don't waste your time trying to compare the water with other games you will be amazed about the possibilities. Overall the game is great. Good graphics, the plot makes sense, and the way the game combines exploration, puzzles and combats. When I pre-ordered this game I was hoping for a goodIgnore the haters. This game is worth a try and I'm sure most of you won't be disappointed. If you don't waste your time trying to compare the water with other games you will be amazed about the possibilities. Overall the game is great. Good graphics, the plot makes sense, and the way the game combines exploration, puzzles and combats. When I pre-ordered this game I was hoping for a good time and I'm not disappointed.

    The water is amazing. It's physical effects, the way it may help you (or not) solving puzzles or fighting enemies... simply amazing.

    As cons, there are two they should fix:

    The bloom effect is exaggerated. It's a cool effect depending on the situation, but it's too much in this game.

    The camera when you have to swim through a flooded corridor is horrible. Specially if there are many objects floating around. It's very frustrating and annoying sometimes, but fortunately not enough to kill the fun.    … Expand
  2. MysteryG
    May 15, 2011
    10
    This game is an absolute gem! Paid 12$ on Steam and got a game worth far more. The water physics are an absolute blast, and the combat is very satisfying, even if it isn't quite up to Gears and Uncharted. The pace of the game is good too, every time I started to wonder if I have to do that same task again, the game throws a curve ball and introduces a new element. I also love that when theThis game is an absolute gem! Paid 12$ on Steam and got a game worth far more. The water physics are an absolute blast, and the combat is very satisfying, even if it isn't quite up to Gears and Uncharted. The pace of the game is good too, every time I started to wonder if I have to do that same task again, the game throws a curve ball and introduces a new element. I also love that when the game starts it gives you the option of having objectives marked on your natural HUD, or your mini computer(MAVI). I love exploring, but I can check the MAVI and see where exactly I'm supposed to be going too; great for that immersed feeling! The bottom line is that I had FUN playing this. I didn't feel like it was too easy or difficult on normal. It reminded me what playing a video game is all about. My only other note is that if you're expecting this to match and beat a full major game like Uncharted, it won't. It's a very fun game, but it is not perfect, and it's silly to expect it to be. So grab 12$ and enjoy! It's more than worth it.… Expand
  3. Antimateria
    May 12, 2011
    10
    8/10 is my real verdict (metacritic would not let me put score, some gibberish about floating point unless I chose that)

    I had never heard of the game, so I was just jumping in fast.. In my watery grave. It was so different that it will propably be in my memories for a while. I liked that you don't just go from battle to battle from the start. I'd like to call it an adventure rather than    8/10 is my real verdict (metacritic would not let me put score, some gibberish about floating point unless I chose that)

    I had never heard of the game, so I was just jumping in fast.. In my watery grave. It was so different that it will propably be in my memories for a while. I liked that you don't just go from battle to battle from the start. I'd like to call it an adventure rather than action. Maybe I even call it an experience. I liked the exploring, the good looks and even the action. Cover-system was greatly done. There were some complications now and then when shooting behind the crate or whatever.. There were nice moves and I thought that it compares well to mass effect 2 cover-system. It felt sometimes even better. Controls were good. I played on PC, but I used xbox-controller. Rumble was not done good. If I get a load of water suddenly in my face from a hull breach.. I want to feel it. =) Story was a bit hazy. "I'm waking up and now the ship is falling apart. " I would have also liked to see more floating corpses. Enemies were decent bunch of masked bastards but they should have reacted better to my bullets. "come on, how can you be still alive, I just shot a full machinegun clip in you" So my weapon of choice was the common pistol and heatshot. And gel-rounds were useful. Final boss was a chore and I felt the game just ended. Well, I liked the music in the credits. All in all it was fun, different game. Some shortcomings but I was suprised that it really made such an impression. Job well done.
    And like the game says countless times: "Save the world, kill yourself" =)    … Expand
  4. Soulgraph
    May 25, 2011
    10
    Awesome, I could hardly ask for more especially considering the price. I hope to see Dark Energy go on to make even more quality titles & thus far since they've made great effort to support this title post-release, I'm feeling pretty good about the little I spent on it.
  5. M3rr1ck
    May 30, 2011
    10
    As Sir_Kiko said it, "Ignore the haters". That said, I can understand why some people hate this game. For starters, even though I'm fairly certain this game is classified as an adventure game, it's really a "puzzle game with guns". I know, most games that would be classified as that are c*** - but that's because they are imbalanced. Hydrophobia is NOT imbalanced at all. It has the rightAs Sir_Kiko said it, "Ignore the haters". That said, I can understand why some people hate this game. For starters, even though I'm fairly certain this game is classified as an adventure game, it's really a "puzzle game with guns". I know, most games that would be classified as that are c*** - but that's because they are imbalanced. Hydrophobia is NOT imbalanced at all. It has the right blend of puzzles and shooting.

    That said, if you dislike puzzle games, (or happen to be impatient, or bad at creative thinking) your going to hate half of Hydrophobia, and therefore you'll find no fun in the guns and hate the whole thing. So long as you are 1) at least a bit patient, 2) at least a bit creative and 3) don't mind getting the c*** scared out of you occasionally, you'll probably love this game.

    Sadly, this game has absolutely no replay value, since you'll already know all the solutions to the puzzles. There's still "Challenge Mode", though.    … Expand
  6. Chrisiebaby
    Oct 27, 2011
    10
    Brill. Another smash from Dark Energy - knocks Bio Shock into space>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
  7. ccrogers15
    Dec 5, 2011
    10
    AWESOME GAME! This is a TRUE tomb raider competitor. Its got a great story, good action, realistic water effects! AND A GREAT PRICE! This game should come to Disk in north america instead of digital. It will sell. DO NOT LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE WHO RATED IT BAD! THERE LARA CROFT FAN BOYS, OR THE GAME IS TOO HARD FOR THEM. It is very cool and im enjoying it. The only thing that needs fixed: ITAWESOME GAME! This is a TRUE tomb raider competitor. Its got a great story, good action, realistic water effects! AND A GREAT PRICE! This game should come to Disk in north america instead of digital. It will sell. DO NOT LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE WHO RATED IT BAD! THERE LARA CROFT FAN BOYS, OR THE GAME IS TOO HARD FOR THEM. It is very cool and im enjoying it. The only thing that needs fixed: IT NEEDS A SEQUEL! HAHAHA! Thanks Dark energy for making it. Cant wait to buy Number 2. One more thing, alot of people are rating it bad for 1 reason: ITS NOT ON XBOX 360. Sorry xbox fanboys...… Expand
  8. BinarySplit
    Jun 4, 2011
    9
    A surprisingly good Adventure/Third-Person-Shooter game. The story and setting are really original and interesting, the graphics are good, the gameplay is good, the level design is pretty decent. This is the least frustrating and most rewarding game I've played in the last 4 months. At $12 on steam, this is a really safe buy.
  9. HarryWebbinger
    Apr 8, 2014
    9
    Good game. Best graphics and physics ! Interesting puzzles, fluently gameplay. I like this game very ! (over 40 characters left to get it uploeded.)
  10. Cauchy
    May 10, 2011
    9
    As well as the technical achievements in this game, like the amazing flowing water which has to be seen to be believed, it's a great game to play. The camera and controls feel good, the story is deep and involving, and the combat is great fun - using the environment against your enemies (blowing up gas lines and fuel barrels, shooting down electric cables, blowing out doors with waterAs well as the technical achievements in this game, like the amazing flowing water which has to be seen to be believed, it's a great game to play. The camera and controls feel good, the story is deep and involving, and the combat is great fun - using the environment against your enemies (blowing up gas lines and fuel barrels, shooting down electric cables, blowing out doors with water behind etc) is very satisfying. Great value for less than a tenner.… Expand
  11. DrBeauregard
    Jul 2, 2011
    9
    I do not understand why so many people have rated this game badly.
    I picked it up for around $3-5 on Steam, and I'm pretty pleased with the 4 hours ish of gameplay.
    It was fun, and great for the price.
  12. beanbaby
    Oct 27, 2011
    9
    I love this game, it is a bargain, so much going on, action, good plot and characters and the water is terrific, it is really worth going for at this price, I am no game expert but is about time people stop ripping this up and gave it your best shot, true you have to work to get the water functions but it is a challenge that I have really enjoyed, go for it you lot it is a no brainer!!!
  13. ps69448
    Oct 31, 2011
    9
    I am not normally an adventure gamer (platformers are normally my scene) but i gave Hydrophobia a try and the game sucked me in. The atmosphere was amazing I really felt like I was on a sinking ship. I found the combat a little hard at first but I soon got into it. The thing I liked was the immersive (sorry!) feel. i thought the story was excellent really different. I can honestly say II am not normally an adventure gamer (platformers are normally my scene) but i gave Hydrophobia a try and the game sucked me in. The atmosphere was amazing I really felt like I was on a sinking ship. I found the combat a little hard at first but I soon got into it. The thing I liked was the immersive (sorry!) feel. i thought the story was excellent really different. I can honestly say I was disappointed when I finished the game - it took me around 10 hours to complete and for the price I cant grumble at that… Expand
  14. MAD623
    Apr 18, 2013
    9
    Mind blowing gameplay. This is a fantastic game and you should get it now. You're in for a lot of "whoa!" moments! There are plenty cool mechanics in the first half an hour and I strongly believe it's impossible to play Hydrophobia and not be pleasantly surprised.
  15. Paul_cz
    May 21, 2011
    8
    Great game for its price. It has incredible production values for indie game, interesting story premise, very fun gameplay - the water steals the show! Water has never been as interesting and dynamic as it is in this game. Absolutely recommended, for this price you will have great fun. Plus developers are continually improving the game to be flawless, basing their patches on communityGreat game for its price. It has incredible production values for indie game, interesting story premise, very fun gameplay - the water steals the show! Water has never been as interesting and dynamic as it is in this game. Absolutely recommended, for this price you will have great fun. Plus developers are continually improving the game to be flawless, basing their patches on community feedback. Seriously, get it.… Expand
  16. Kenjiro
    Jun 24, 2011
    8
    In few words, very good game. Graphics is very good, game has the best water effects i've ever seen, play is smooth and storyline is just nice, maybe the last minutes when you get 'nano-powers' are short and lacks punch. Despite some minor camera bugs and low AI of opponents, game is very enjoyable and better than most today games. This game is surely worth it's price.
  17. eyEZix
    Feb 29, 2012
    8
    This is a cool little game with big bang for your buck,. 4.99 to be exact.. While its nothing special it has a unique charm and really is fun. Its comparable to James Bond Blood Stone mixed with Tomb Raider but way shorter. I will definitely play through this again.
  18. marchingsteve
    Oct 28, 2011
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. played this on my flat mates pc,was great!the water effects were stunning. Dont think i've evet seen water as good,it sweps stuff arind and you can really feel the flow,sometimes you feel as though you're fighting agaibst the current,but i loved that! the water powers and the end boss were cool,just hope that if they make another hydrophobia thete are more water powers,you also get the water powers late on but i think it was how the story fits it in maybe?

    i hear that this is coming out on psn sometime soon,wil prob buy it to play it again.    … Expand
  19. Captain_Chaos
    Jun 22, 2016
    8
    The biggest thing I can say about Hydrophobia is that it's damn short. At under three hours, it's one of the shortest commercial releases I know of. It's a third-person shooter with a bit of Uncharted-style climbing, a hacking minigame, and a surprise gameplay twist near the end I won't spoil here, simply because it comes literally out of nowhere. I bought the game about three years agoThe biggest thing I can say about Hydrophobia is that it's damn short. At under three hours, it's one of the shortest commercial releases I know of. It's a third-person shooter with a bit of Uncharted-style climbing, a hacking minigame, and a surprise gameplay twist near the end I won't spoil here, simply because it comes literally out of nowhere. I bought the game about three years ago and never touched it before today, but it proved a satisfying diversion. Hydrophobia is most notable for its water physics- player character Kate Wilson, a systems engineer, is aboard a massive oceangoing vessel in the midst of a terrorist attack, and nearly every area is at least partially flooded. This can be used to the player's advantage, triggering bulkhead breaches to toss enemies about in addition to the more genre-standard exploding barrels and exposed electrical currents. The swimming controls are competent and you have a generous oxygen meter, although the camera can be disorienting. Uniquely, you can grab objects such as crates while underwater and use them as portable cover. You have only one gun, a pistol, but it can be used with five different ammunition types, including remote-trigger grenades. Hydrophobia succeeds better as an entire game about water levels then most games do in a single segment, and on that merit alone I can recommend it. It seems this title was the first episode of a series, but the developer has since closed without further episodes being made and this title ends on an extremely abrupt cliffhanger. If that doesn't bother you however, Hydrophobia will make for an enjoyable afternoon.… Expand
  20. JonesR
    Dec 1, 2011
    7
    My expectations weren't very high for this one, but it turned out to be surprisingly good--a decent bargain priced FPS. It is a respectable title in the shooter genre.
  21. metacriticFAN
    Feb 3, 2012
    7
    Hydrophobia: Prophecy (PC Steam) 7 /10 Released 2011.05 (DarkEnergyLimited / Microsoft) Played 2012.01
    Genre: First person shooter, third person perspective
    Ratings Overall Rating: 7 -- Mercifully short Controls: 7 Graphics: 9 Story: 3 Audio: 3 DRM: Steam [Game summary] Play the role of a security officer on a luxury liner / city at sea at the initiation of a terrorist attack.... The    Hydrophobia: Prophecy (PC Steam) 7 /10 Released 2011.05 (DarkEnergyLimited / Microsoft) Played 2012.01
    Genre: First person shooter, third person perspective

    Ratings
    Overall Rating: 7 -- Mercifully short
    Controls: 7
    Graphics: 9
    Story: 3
    Audio: 3
    DRM: Steam

    [Game summary]
    Play the role of a security officer on a luxury liner / city at sea at the initiation of a terrorist attack.... The boat is sinking - taking on water (nudge nudge wink wink) - and you run around meeting all the challenges to enable your escape.... The terrorist plot is â    … Expand
  22. Jinx
    May 11, 2011
    7
    Despite the criticism I have seen, it's not a bad little game, especially for the price. It's nothing too special... pretty linear, some platforming and cover-based shooting elements, and very pretty fire and water effects. Developers are active on the Steam forum and patching and tweaking based on player feedback, which is always good, although it's not buggy or anything at all. I'd sayDespite the criticism I have seen, it's not a bad little game, especially for the price. It's nothing too special... pretty linear, some platforming and cover-based shooting elements, and very pretty fire and water effects. Developers are active on the Steam forum and patching and tweaking based on player feedback, which is always good, although it's not buggy or anything at all. I'd say give it a go if it looks interesting to you. Hopefully they will have a PC demo soon. And I'd recommend a 360 controller for it, it just fits the game better.… Expand
  23. CastleFox
    Jun 30, 2011
    7
    Against the negative reviews on this game I purchased it from Steam and played it and found it was actually a fun and enjoyable game. Not at all like many of the poor reviews.
    The controls were NOT hard like some said, very basic for this type of game. If you have played Tomb Raider you will be at home with Hydrophobia. In fact the controls in the water add to a truly hydrophobic feeling.    Against the negative reviews on this game I purchased it from Steam and played it and found it was actually a fun and enjoyable game. Not at all like many of the poor reviews.
    The controls were NOT hard like some said, very basic for this type of game. If you have played Tomb Raider you will be at home with Hydrophobia. In fact the controls in the water add to a truly hydrophobic feeling. The water and fire was awesome on my GTX560 and very smooth. It's a fun little game for the money. I personally own over 120 games and this is a decent game and not even close to being a bad game. The only things I would change. 1.Light Bloom is a bit too much. 2. There is some sort of fog or haze with the graphics and not clear. 3. Too many cut scenes for my personal gaming taste.

    I can't complain for the $3 dollars I paid, but it's worth $10 easy. Just sit back and enjoy it for what it is. I gave it a 7 out of 10.    … Expand
  24. 4minutesleft
    Jul 5, 2011
    7
    I purchased this game on Steam when it was on sale for roughly four dollars and I have to say, it was four dollars well spent. The game design, plot and the protagonist are all very likeable. The whole idea of water being a focal point of the game is enthralling, as we live in a day and age where water is commonly discussed and how to prolong the water supplies we have. These elements ofI purchased this game on Steam when it was on sale for roughly four dollars and I have to say, it was four dollars well spent. The game design, plot and the protagonist are all very likeable. The whole idea of water being a focal point of the game is enthralling, as we live in a day and age where water is commonly discussed and how to prolong the water supplies we have. These elements of the game drew me in before I actually even bought the game and were the most appealing parts of the game for me.

    The actual game itself, while short was very fun and challenging. The fact that the game has a variation of difficulties inside the stock-standard easy, medium and hard made the game accessible for casual (like myself) to extreme gamers. The main thing that let me down was the actual combat of the game. I don't know whether it was my doing but I found it hard to aim, the gun seemed hard to use with constant ammo changes for a variety of situations and new fighting system in the final act of the game seemed buggy. The final boss fight was a real letdown for me and the ending just ... wasn't really an ending.

    I don't play a lot of FPS but this game has defiantly rekindled my interest in the whole platform.    … Expand
  25. AlienSpaceBats
    Apr 27, 2012
    7
    I caught this for a steal (£1) on a Steam sale, and I'm dead impressed. As 90% of games these days are run and shoot affairs, the different approach to gameplay feels innovative. Special mention of course to the visuals, the elements (fire, water) effects really are amazing and there's lots of great ideas floating (ha!) around that make the game well worth checking out.
  26. TRSniper4
    Mar 9, 2012
    7
    I great game, if you can get it for $2.50 on Steam. It has the best water physics I have ever seen, and there are several other unique features, such as:

    -The MAVI, and hand-help computer of sorts that has a translucent screen. Through this screen you can see hidden messages on the walls, hack control panels, and access the facility security cameras. -The ability to manipulate water    I great game, if you can get it for $2.50 on Steam. It has the best water physics I have ever seen, and there are several other unique features, such as:

    -The MAVI, and hand-help computer of sorts that has a translucent screen. Through this screen you can see hidden messages on the walls, hack control panels, and access the facility security cameras.

    -The ability to manipulate water with your mind and use it as a weapon. It looks somewhat similar to water bending from Avatar: The Last Airbender.

    -Your gun has a stun mode that can be used to knock out your enemies, or to kill them with repeated blows. This is useful, since it has infinite ammo, unlike the other weapons in the game.

    -"Gel" rounds that you can fire at a wall, and when they stick, you can detonate them when you like.

    The gameplay feels like a mix between Mass Effect, where you can take cover and shoot at your enemies, and a classic 3D platformer, where you can jump, climb, etc. There's also a bit of puzzle solving as well. To add to it, collectible items and readable documents are scattered about, and completionist gamers will love searching for them. Cons to this game include:

    -The voice acting ranges from good, to so- so, to laughable.
    -It's short (but at least it's not expensive).
    -The water abilities are not presented to you early enough in the game for you to have time to enjoy them.
    -The plot can be hard to follow at times (though still rather enjoyable)

    I HIGHLY recommend this game if you can get it on sale at Steam. It was worth every penny for me.    … Expand
  27. mceiras
    Jan 1, 2012
    7
    It is a fun and potentially immersive, beautiful graphics especially the effects of water and waves. It has gameplay issues and camera, but nothing that interferes too much. But what this game is most important is innovation in a lot of things, something rare these days.
  28. russ-angel
    Sep 5, 2012
    7
    This is actually a decent little title,and for £1 of Steam in the Daily Deal what a bargain.Once you have a few minutes getting the feel for the controls it playes well,and graphically its great,dont what anyone has been complaining about.I would have paid more for it.
  29. Nat3ski
    Dec 7, 2012
    7
    An interesting game, one i rather enjoyed. First and foremost, the water effects are EPIC! This is perhaps the games best aspect.The Hydro-manipulation powers turn up a little late in the game but are still fun to play with and bring a refreshing new way of taking out enemies The rest of the game is fairly average, a few jumping puzzles, some baddies to dispatch. A solid cover systemAn interesting game, one i rather enjoyed. First and foremost, the water effects are EPIC! This is perhaps the games best aspect.The Hydro-manipulation powers turn up a little late in the game but are still fun to play with and bring a refreshing new way of taking out enemies The rest of the game is fairly average, a few jumping puzzles, some baddies to dispatch. A solid cover system allowing you to round corners, switch sides at doorways and to hang on to floating debris and use it as cover too.

    The different types of ammo were interesting until you realise that your unlimited stun rounds are all you need for the majority of the game

    All told this is a solid all round game, with nothing particularly special (except the water which is awesome) Definitely worth a go!    … Expand
  30. will824
    Dec 26, 2016
    7
    Hydrophobia is a short but enjoyable game, with nice graphics and effects.

    Although the game is relatively short and the storyline is not too complex, it deserves a 7/10 IMHO.

    I would definitely recommend it.
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Awards & Rankings

80
#80 Most Discussed PC Game of 2011

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
63

Mixed or average reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 18
  3. Negative: 2 out of 18
  1. 3DJuegos
    Oct 27, 2011
    78
    Quotation forthcoming.
    Read full review
  2. SpazioGames
    Oct 27, 2011
    70
    Quotation forthcoming.
    Read full review
  3. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Jul 30, 2011
    60
    Third time's the Charm – first time it was XBLA Hydrophobia, then the game was released again as Pure and now we've got Prophecy. Enough tries we say. [July 2011]
See all critic reviews »