Hydrophobia

The game features two ideologically opposing green factions. The first group consists of anthropocentric progressives working with the NanoCell corporation. Their solution to overpopulation is to use advanced eco-technologies to make the planet capable of sustaining all humans. In other words, they're not really "green" at all-they're not trying to save the planet, just the Homo sapiens species. The player takes on the role of a technical worker for this corporation.

The second faction is the neo-Malthusians, who believe the only way to save the planet is by wiping out Homo sapiens, which they see as a deadly burden on the ecosystem. The game's ecological themes are a rare sight in third-person action-adventures, so I was excited about that, but the potential was underused. The neo-Malthusians were portrayed in a very one-dimensional way-just as ruthless terrorists. There was no way to talk to them, no moral choices, and certainly no option to pick a side. I really missed these interactive RPG elements.

The biggest fail? The stupid respawn system for even dumber enemies. Picture this: I'm swimming through a fully flooded corridor, rushing so I don't drown, and suddenly I come across a Malthusian guy in a balaclava, just chilling against the wall-apparently, he has gills or something. I shoot at him, he shoots at me, but I don't have time to kill him because I'd drown, so I just swim past. And as I do, I hear him mutter behind me, "False alarm," before casually diving away without an oxygen mask.

On the bright side, the environments aren't too repetitive, and each level has its own unique atmosphere. It's fun for a few hours, but I'm definitely not playing it a third time.

That redeeming quality is the under water visuals. Given that the game was developed by Dark Energy Digital, who only developed this title, I really think they did a great job at creating a creepy and interesting environment. This is the only positive I see in this game as the story becomes dull after awhile due to the characters who tell it. They are just so generic and I didn't feel connected to them in the least bit. I felt connected to her for the fact that she had to get over her fear but after awhile I just lost interest in this title. The combat is also a struggle as the shooting is not always on point. I can't recommend this title as it has one of the most boring stories I have ever played.