Hydrophobia

 Xbox 360
User Score
7.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 79 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 47 out of 79
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 79
  3. Negative: 15 out of 79

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  1. neomoonsevin
    Sep 10, 2023
    4
    Garbage very short game with a ending that will never be finished ever I was very disappointed when I got to the end of this very short very garbage
  2. mrsalty101
    Mar 19, 2023
    1
    Good water physics. Still one of the worst games I've ever played. I got it free with gold but I want my time back.

    Story: terrorists are attacking the ship you're cyber security for or something. computer guy on the radio is your buddy and chief of security is a dick. That's it. Ending: nothing. 3 hour prologue is over, you want some back story or a conclusion ask us for a sequel...    Good water physics. Still one of the worst games I've ever played. I got it free with gold but I want my time back.

    Story: terrorists are attacking the ship you're cyber security for or something. computer guy on the radio is your buddy and chief of security is a dick. That's it.

    Ending: nothing. 3 hour prologue is over, you want some back story or a conclusion ask us for a sequel... never happening.

    Gameplay loop: Horrible shooting section, boring climbing section, worst hacking minigame ever, backtrack to take a picture of a secret code, now backtrack to door you can now open. repeat a dozen times. roll credits    … Expand
  3. CloudStrife05
    Aug 19, 2021
    7
    Decent game. I got it on sale for the right price of $5 years ago. Was able to enjoy it.
  4. Nobilis1984
    May 26, 2019
    4
    Beautiful water effects. At least at that time.
    But otherwise this is not a good game. I only paid €3 but I am disappointed anyway.
    The player finds his way through the lack of clarity and the opponents are too strong. You have only shock ammunition.
  5. hobinrood
    Jul 25, 2012
    7
    Great game, especially since it's quite cheap on the Xbox Game Marketplace, you definatly get your monies worth out of this game! The only problems I would have with the game is the lack of actual hydrophobia (I know it sounds silly, but the main character is quite fearless of water..) and some glitchy things, but they're very little. You can either just power through this game, or take itGreat game, especially since it's quite cheap on the Xbox Game Marketplace, you definatly get your monies worth out of this game! The only problems I would have with the game is the lack of actual hydrophobia (I know it sounds silly, but the main character is quite fearless of water..) and some glitchy things, but they're very little. You can either just power through this game, or take it slow and get all the documents and items, which I did to get the achievements, which is a good 200G to get if you like you're gamerscore! I think this game is worth the buy for what it's priced and you could get a good few days of playing out of this, it has some replay value, but defiantly worth the buy! Great game, glad I got it! 7/10 Would recommend!… Expand
  6. ccrogers15
    Dec 5, 2011
    10
    MAKE HYRDROPHOBIA 2! THIS GAME IS SUPER! And its a true tomb raider competitor. It gets better by the minute with true suspense. Very good price as well.
  7. amynew8
    Jan 11, 2011
    9
    I have followed Hydrophobia since the article in Edge magazine ages ago.
    I didn't play the trial version after reading the Edge review. However after the recent press on what the devs have done with the patch I gave it a try. My first impressions were the trail was amazing. If the original version was anything like this I would have downloaded this one. The game was great - incredible    I have followed Hydrophobia since the article in Edge magazine ages ago.
    I didn't play the trial version after reading the Edge review. However after the recent press on what the devs have done with the patch I gave it a try. My first impressions were the trail was amazing. If the original version was anything like this I would have downloaded this one. The game was great - incredible value for 800 points. Btw I do think a lot of XBLA games are too expensive & I don't download too many.
    In many reviews the combat system came in for quite a bit of criticism but for me I loved this aspect. It was the water though that most impressed. The ending yeah, bit sudden but not as crap as the ending to Assassins Creed 2. Hydrophobia is great value for money. I can't recommend it enough.    … Expand
  8. ChickGamer
    Jan 2, 2011
    9
    I first played this at Gamescom and really like it, the concept, the mechanics, everything!
    Now with the updated many things have been ironed out for a smoother experience, so we get a great game, an awesome support from developers and a price that's really low for all the game offers!

    I really hope to see a new chapter in the not too distant future!
  9. catman3
    Jan 1, 2011
    10
    I just downloaded Hydrophobia after reading all the Press on the Pure patch. I thought I would give it a go. To this point Hydrophobia had kind of passed me by. I wrote off the original game after reading some of the bad press and didn't download the trial. But hey, devs that go to this much trouble deserve some recognition. I am not in a position to rate the improvements in the patchI just downloaded Hydrophobia after reading all the Press on the Pure patch. I thought I would give it a go. To this point Hydrophobia had kind of passed me by. I wrote off the original game after reading some of the bad press and didn't download the trial. But hey, devs that go to this much trouble deserve some recognition. I am not in a position to rate the improvements in the patch (against the old version). What I can say is I played a polished adventure (more adventure than first person shooter) & I have not enjoyed a game as much as this since Uncharted 2 on PS3. Sure Scoot was irritating (in fact the voice acting is bloody awful) and the ending was a bit sudden. But this was a game that had me on the edge of my seat for - what; around 5 hours - I can't wait for the next installment. The water effects were outstanding. The graphics were superb. I had no problems with controls, cameras or combat. For 800 points this is a steal!… Expand
  10. GAMES2011
    Dec 31, 2010
    10
    I think the bad reviews are un-just for 800points its good - update has made a masive difference, i wasn't that keen first time round. It was good but not brilliant, the changes made fix those little niggles and make it fun! Awesome game im giving 10 based on the patch.
  11. gamermonkey
    Dec 31, 2010
    10
    I refrained from buying this game when it first came out due to mixed reviews, but then the Devs made this almighty update now named Hydrophobia Pure, so I decided to give it a go, 800 points I paid for a wicked game, an XBLA game that could quite easily survive on the shelves in store. The game play is good, easy to control, didn't get lost once thanks to the objective marker, all in allI refrained from buying this game when it first came out due to mixed reviews, but then the Devs made this almighty update now named Hydrophobia Pure, so I decided to give it a go, 800 points I paid for a wicked game, an XBLA game that could quite easily survive on the shelves in store. The game play is good, easy to control, didn't get lost once thanks to the objective marker, all in all a great game and all the previous comments that put me off before seem to have been fixed. I was immersed in gameplay for hours. For the price its a bargain. And For anyone to go to such effort in a free update then im behind it 100%! If only other Devs would follow suit hey!… Expand
  12. VanGooder
    Dec 31, 2010
    10
    The first version was amazing and so is the Pure version. Totally love this game. The script and gameplay is pure genius. Movie worthy i reckon. Sign Jolie up to play as Kate!
  13. BioEve
    Dec 27, 2010
    9
    I already liked the game, it's originality and many features but with this update it gets even better. I do really appreciate a developer spending so much time to improve and fine-tune their game following the suggestions of the users.
    It's a very good and solid game and the price is really low for what you get, definitely not to be missed!
  14. AforAlex
    Dec 21, 2010
    8
    Found the game really frustrating the first time around, the demo was just too awkward to play so didn't buy it first time around, but did play it over at a mates place. However as the water element of the game was so cool I thought I would give it another go for myself. I found the demo quite a bit more fun, and with the price drop also I would have to say that bang for buck was spot on.Found the game really frustrating the first time around, the demo was just too awkward to play so didn't buy it first time around, but did play it over at a mates place. However as the water element of the game was so cool I thought I would give it another go for myself. I found the demo quite a bit more fun, and with the price drop also I would have to say that bang for buck was spot on. I forgot about the last time I played it and imagined this was my first, and for the money it seems a little harsh to criticise too much. Ok perhaps a little bit of criticism needed as the story is still the same which means that its too short and seems to just cut out at the end, just when it starts to get good. But at least I enjoyed playing it right up to the end this time. I am actual looking forwards to the sequels .... lets hope that they can get it right first time round next time… Expand
  15. Canadark
    Dec 21, 2010
    9
    Liked this game before, love it now. The water and the action is so original, you can have loads of fun playing around with the different ways of taking down enemies. Loses a point for polish in terms of voice acting and presentation, but for a small arcade game it's the gameplay that counts and that aspect rocks!
  16. Blewburypie
    Dec 21, 2010
    10
    I thought this game was okay the first time around, if a little frustrating. However after playing the "Pure" update today I have to say the game is now awesome. What a brilliant update, the game plays so much more smoothly and all the brilliant and unique gameplay which was under the surface before is now bursting through. Brilliant arcade game, very unique experience!
  17. alexk316
    Dec 20, 2010
    9
    Perhaps a bit unpolished in its release state, but for such a small studio and at such a small asking price, I struggled to find complaint. Just finished the game, but can't wait to see what the patch brings
  18. giradelli1
    Dec 19, 2010
    9
    This game was recommended to me by a friend and I wasn't expecting anything special as it is just an XBLA title but I couldn't have been more wrong. Hydrophobia really has set a new standard for XBLA games - the water is a thing of beauty that has to be seen to be seen to be believed. It swells and sloshes around like a malevolent but mercurial entity, helping or hindering your progressThis game was recommended to me by a friend and I wasn't expecting anything special as it is just an XBLA title but I couldn't have been more wrong. Hydrophobia really has set a new standard for XBLA games - the water is a thing of beauty that has to be seen to be seen to be believed. It swells and sloshes around like a malevolent but mercurial entity, helping or hindering your progress at a stroke, producing an unpredictable but entirely enjoyable game-playing experience. Yes it has a few rough edges ( what game doesn't ) but it's well worth the admission price for the water alone.… Expand
  19. bubblebobble
    Dec 16, 2010
    10
    Really enjoyed playing hydrophobia, I find the bad reviews to be a little unfair to be honest. The water really is the highlight of the game, looks fantastic. The production values are very high for an XBLA title, a lot of gameplay for not a lot of cash.
  20. geometer
    Dec 16, 2010
    9
    Great game, awesome quality for XLBA. Water physics stunning, a great technical achievement. A few niggles with controls and cameras but nothing that really gets in the way of the experience,.
  21. Garf
    Dec 16, 2010
    9
    The water physics are amazing - surely a first on any console! I love the location work, and the environmental kills are superb once you realise what you can do with them. I'd shoot the faux Scottish bloke though!
  22. Swedanasay
    Dec 15, 2010
    9
    I loved playing this game, especially replaying different sections to attempt alternative methods and strategies of taking down the enemies. The water physics alone make this worthy of a purchase, but there is great fun to be had with the combat!
  23. GiTSMunkey
    Dec 15, 2010
    8
    played Hydrophobia through twice, and i don't normally do that. I just wanted to see the water over and over, kept showing friends the water i thought it was that good. Was a little sceptical about the hype surrounding the water stuff but playing it, i just can't believe i am playing an xbla game, no other game i have played has water like this. There were alot of times where i wanted toplayed Hydrophobia through twice, and i don't normally do that. I just wanted to see the water over and over, kept showing friends the water i thought it was that good. Was a little sceptical about the hype surrounding the water stuff but playing it, i just can't believe i am playing an xbla game, no other game i have played has water like this. There were alot of times where i wanted to bite through my controller, but the checkpoints were pretty good so it wasn't so bad, but sometimes i would die and not really know why, parts of the game are very hectic with water sloshin around and stuff blowing up etc. But this was great when it was working in my favour. Hydrophobia most of all for me showed alot of courage, and i can't wait to see what they achieve with the next episode, its got a lot of potential. I would have liked more puzzley elements and maybe some bigger areas to explore, loved the swimming sections, some bits where i was crapping myself thinking i'm gna drown, and i actually held my own breath...

    Don't know when the next episode is out but i'll def be picking it up to see what else they have done with it.    … Expand
  24. Buttonpop
    Dec 14, 2010
    10
    I love this game!! The physics of the water make it so original, making every tiny movement seem that little more unique and it's so beautiful! Also, the use of water as a partial weapon make confrontations with the terrorists a lot more exciting than the generic cover and shoot!! A definite recommended game!
  25. studonaplug
    Dec 14, 2010
    10
    Still cant believe that water so dynamic is possible on XBLA its an absolute first. It did take a while to get use to the controls, particularly the climbing and getting into cover without the gun I died quite a few times, but overall really enjoyed the combat especially the underwater sections.
  26. Startel
    Oct 6, 2010
    9
    For an XBLA title Hydrophobia really does raise the bar. Although the game is fairly short, around 6 hours, it offers an experience akin to a full release game. It's very rare a game can do something that makes you want to show your friends and family - but the first time you see the water in action is one of those moments. The water physics is closest thing to real water ever seen in aFor an XBLA title Hydrophobia really does raise the bar. Although the game is fairly short, around 6 hours, it offers an experience akin to a full release game. It's very rare a game can do something that makes you want to show your friends and family - but the first time you see the water in action is one of those moments. The water physics is closest thing to real water ever seen in a game - and a generational leap over what has been seen before. The water is also graphically well realised and, in general, the visuals are of a very good standard. The gameplay might present more of an issue for some players - it's clear that its not a traditional 3rd person shooter - the protaganist, Kate Wilson, is not presented as a do-it-all hero who is trying to take on the enemy in a full on fire fight. Rather, she is using her knowledge of the environment to defeat the Malthusians, the eco-terrorist enemy that are trying to destroy the ship. The way Kate does this is with environmental attacks - using exploding barrels, shorting electrical substations to turn the water into a electrical death trap and breaching high-pressure gas lines to set fire to the terrorists. The most satisfying is using the force of water to drown your enemies. Opening doors and smashing windows can cause the flow of water to change dramatically and sweep your foes away. If you like games that lead you by the hand from action to action then Hydrophobia might be a little frustrating. It does some times require the player to explore more than many may be used to.

    There are some niggles - controls are sometimes not as good as they could be. The lack of a HUD for health and oxygen levels can also be frustrating. The audio is forgettable too.

    I have given is such a high mark because the water is truly amazing and the game is trying something new. Its very much worth playing the trial which will give you the chance to experience the whole of act1 - which in some ways is a pity, as acts 2 and 3 are much stronger.

    If you are tech junky when it comes to games then it is a must see.    … Expand
  27. hreb5
    Oct 6, 2010
    9
    This is the first time in a computer game where the water is not just a pretty effect, I didn't think it was actually possible, its stunning. I cant imagine how difficult it is to deal with the sheer force of the water that the player is subjected to, this is some impressive tech. Clearly without the water the game has some flaws, but the water is the game and was so drawn in by the waterThis is the first time in a computer game where the water is not just a pretty effect, I didn't think it was actually possible, its stunning. I cant imagine how difficult it is to deal with the sheer force of the water that the player is subjected to, this is some impressive tech. Clearly without the water the game has some flaws, but the water is the game and was so drawn in by the water physics that the other issues didn't spoil my experience. I suggest for the next outing they deal with general feedback to the player and controls.… Expand
  28. StratRat1956
    Oct 4, 2010
    8
    Hydrophobia is a new $15 third person shooter / parkour game built on a revolutionary new water physics engine. The dynamic water physics implemented in Hydrophobia is unlike anything I have seen in any other game involving interaction with water. From the way that the buoyancy changes with water level, to the realistic flow as a large volume of water is transferred from one space toHydrophobia is a new $15 third person shooter / parkour game built on a revolutionary new water physics engine. The dynamic water physics implemented in Hydrophobia is unlike anything I have seen in any other game involving interaction with water. From the way that the buoyancy changes with water level, to the realistic flow as a large volume of water is transferred from one space to another, to the impact it has on the character and other flotsam and jetsam caught up in it to the puzzles that must be solved in order to complete the game, Hydrophobia is a fresh new entry where games so often seem to blur into one another.

    In Hydrophobia, you play the protagonist, Kate Wilson, who is the chief security officer on a city-sized cruise ship christened "Queen of the World". The setting is in an overpopulated world in which this ship is an escape for those fortunate or rich enough to acquire accommodations on the huge vessel. However the ship has been taken over by a terrorist sect who believes the only way toward saving the world is through depopulation - "Save the world, kill yourself" is a common phrase seen in graffiti that the group has written on walls throughout the mega-cruiser. A massive waterborne craft wit compromised is the perfect environment to display the capabilities of such a dynamic new engine. As far as the gameplay is concerned, it is decent. There are some camera issues, especially in those challenges where you need to find an exit before the room completely floods. There is a greater sense of urgency to the parkour because you will drown if you don't find that air pocket on the way to your next destination. Fortunately, Kate has some high tech device that provide a 3D map showing paths to objectives, air pockets, and which hatches are open and which ones are locked. I found the map a bit difficult to manipulate in order to obtain the optimal view.

    The combat system requires you to think; your only weapon is a pistol that you must charge up before it shoots compressed air which takes about 5 or 6 shots to kill someone. You need to find other means to take out your opponent, such as an exploding barrel among the flotsam, a leaking gas receiver, a live electrical cable to knock into the water, or a glass door to blow open letting a flood of water in to drown your adversary. There are challenges and awards / achievements for taking down foes using various and combined methods. There are more potent rounds available for the pistol but they are rare and usually linked to a very specific puzzle or means of escape.

    The voice acting is passable. The invisible and omnipotent helpmeet with who you are always in communication has a somewhat fake Scottish brogue. The protagonist is supposed to be American, but often British dialect of the voice actor sneaks in. The setting and story are good and well executed. I haven't finished Hydrophobia yet. I needed something to play until Fable III comes out later this month and this has proved to be a very enjoyable diversion and, at $15 US, this game is a great value. I am looking forward to the future of this franchise.    … Expand
  29. NepotisticSham
    Oct 4, 2010
    0
    Where do I begin? Let me start by saying that in my 25 plus years of gaming experience, I struggle to remember playing a game that has so woefully fallen short of its hype and promise. When announced several years ago, we were assured some kind of gameplay revolution, with the much touted HydroEngine promising to take the genre into new, unexplored, exciting territory. Interest wasWhere do I begin? Let me start by saying that in my 25 plus years of gaming experience, I struggle to remember playing a game that has so woefully fallen short of its hype and promise. When announced several years ago, we were assured some kind of gameplay revolution, with the much touted HydroEngine promising to take the genre into new, unexplored, exciting territory. Interest was heightened further when it was revealed that the game would not be a boxed retail release, but rather distributed as downloadable content via Xbox Live Arcade. This, it was heralded, is the future. This will redefine peoples expectations of downloadable gaming. Well it certainly managed that. In ways more terrible than it was possible to imagine. A jewel in XBLA's crown to stand shoulder proudly along side Lara Croft and Shadow Complex. But for all the bluff and bluster, what we ended up with was a creaking, archaic throwback to a previous generation of gaming. Right from the off, it's evident that we're looking at a game that appears to have started its life a long, long time ago. After the uninspired opening nightmare sequence (that has been done better a 100 times before), we are introduced to the protagonists apartment. A bland environment, offering what is presumably meant to be a spectacular view of the city ship. But it isn't. It's as dull as it is lifeless, and it looks dated. So we are then thrust into the story via some very hackneyed dialogue and amateur looking cut scenes, with scant regard to plot, scene, or character development. And disaster happens. In a lift. You canâ… Expand
  30. rory1978
    Oct 4, 2010
    0
    *Game opens, presented with Ps2 grade visuals. The Bedroom setting, was uninteresting, nothing could be interacted with, objects to pick up were unclear. *Interesting populated areas where trains come and go and characters were walking around are simply hinted at in FMV sequences, and the FMV looked more fun than the games interaction. Showing Kate running up walls to access hatches and*Game opens, presented with Ps2 grade visuals. The Bedroom setting, was uninteresting, nothing could be interacted with, objects to pick up were unclear. *Interesting populated areas where trains come and go and characters were walking around are simply hinted at in FMV sequences, and the FMV looked more fun than the games interaction. Showing Kate running up walls to access hatches and luxurious crowd scenes, none of which could be sustained 'in-game'. *Despite setting the scene albeit vaguely, and showing us a Wireframe model of the size of the Queen Of The Pond (whatever). The disastrous FMV and amateur story telling shows us a Bomb on a lift that detonates.. and the next thing the entire Boat is blown up. What could have been a major action set piece or even a little bit MORE FMV that could perhaps push to be exciting was lost. Instead, we have.. bomb on a lift. *The FMV direction what very much dominates the game is very poor, poor voice acting, poor animation, poor character models. The â… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

45
#45 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2010

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 58 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 58
  2. Mixed: 32 out of 58
  3. Negative: 16 out of 58
  1. GamerNode
    Apr 27, 2011
    40
    It's exciting to see a downloadable game with this much ambition, but if the kitchen sink approach can't do justice to the faucet and the bowl simultaneously, then omit both.
    Read full review
  2. Xbox World Australia
    Mar 29, 2011
    68
    Hydrophobia Pure is a decent enough game for a downloadable title, but as mentioned feels more like a tech demo for water physics than a fully thought out game. You can see what the developers were aiming for, but it misses the mark in many places.
    Read full review
  3. Gaming Nexus
    Feb 16, 2011
    67
    Considering the cost of the game on XBLA, you can certainly do worse when choosing a title to tide you over for a good survival-action game.
    Read full review
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