Dark Energy Digital has announced Hydrophobia Prophecy, which they’re referring to as the “ultimate version” of Hydrophobia and Hydrophobia Pure – “It’s Hydrophobia 1.5, really,” managing director Deborah Jones told Eurogamer. They’ve opted not to just port the game, instead creating something new. “The game includes new levels – around 70 per cent of the game is new – and existing levels have been reworked,” Eurogamer reported.
That’s not all Dark Energy Digital said. This “comprehensive reinvention” will include “upgraded graphics, brand new gameplay mechanics, exclusive new levels, a reworked back story, a dramatic new ending, recast voice acting and much, much more.” Much of this is thanks in part to the Hydrophobia Listening Post, in which the voices of the gamers were heard and their opinions and suggestions were taken directly to heart. This means great news for PlayStation Network and Steam gamers, who will be reaping the benefits of all of these changes.
Another new feature is Darknet, which is an in-game feedback system that will allow players to be heard immediately right as they are in the action. Creative Directory Pete Jones said, “In the modern, interconnected world we think there should be better lines of communication between players and developer, which is exactly what Darknet delivers. Gamers have shown us how much they appreciated being involved in the development process and we have responded.”
So does this mean they’re dropping the episodic concept of their original scope? We contacted Senior Creative Designer Rob Hewson, who said they haven’t abandoned the idea of episodes, but instead fleshed out the story here, since the original ending didn’t feel complete. “The new ending resolved the first episode properly and fully (you even get to use Hydro Kinetic ‘water powers’ in the main campaing now), but the wider story arc is still there for future episodes,” Hewson said. “Let me put it another way… you now get to destroy the Death Star but you still don’t know who your father is!”
There you have it! Hydrophobia Prophecy will be out on May 9th for Steam, and should launch shortly after for the PSN, according to Eurogamer. The PSN version will also have Move support, which has a lot of potential. As for whether or not the game will come to XBLA, Pete Jones said it’s up to Microsoft, but that they intend for XBLA players to be able to play it. The full list of new features can be seen after the jump.
Enhanced Graphics Engine
- Enhanced environmental lighting throughout the game
- High resolution textures
- Updated video texture work
- Hugely improved particle systems throughout the game
- Depth of field effects implemented
- MLAA anti-aliasing
- Improved lighting and shadowing solutions
HydroEngine Enhancements
- Enhanced character DripMapping technology
- Improved reflection and refraction mapping
- Enhancement underwater visual effects
- Underwater depth of field effect
- Enhanced particle system and improved performance
- New high resolution RippleMap simulation responds to characters and objects
Improved Movement and Animations
- Jump distance more accurate relative to movement speed
- Added stationary jump
- Speed of movement through vents increased and animations improved
- Speed of movement with MAVI increased
- Various animations refined to provide better feedback
Character and dialogue
- Scoot character remodelled and reworked
- Scoot character recast, now played by Oliver Vaquer (GTA: Liberty City Stories, The Warriors, Law & Order)
- Characterisation improved with remastered voice acting and additional scenes
- Mila characters role has been enhanced with compelling new scenes
- New Morton character fleshes out the backstory
Narrative and Backstory
- Dramatic new plot points shed light on the back story and the Prophecy of Malthus
- New in game video communications enhance the narrative without disrupting gameplay
- Compelling new cutscenes and dramatic twists
- New mechanics designed around the deeper narrative
- Hydro Kinetic ‘water powers’ powers brought into the main story
- Dramatic new ending completes the story arc
Wading and Swimming
- Reworked Kate’s bracing animation and responsiveness
- Eliminated undesirable situations where the character was swept out of player control
- Increased speed of recovery after being wiped out by water
- Removed invasive reactionary animations after being wiped out by water
Art Direction
- Improved environmental lighting
- Re-designed locations add variety and drama
- Spectacular new environments introduced
- Reworked environmental assets
Music and SFX
- New and improved music tracks
- Re-mastered audio and improved sound design
- New SFX added to various feedback systems
Puzzle Improvements and Additions
- Improved lock-on effect for electric cable puzzles
- Added mini-puzzles to existing areas
- Exclusive new environments introduce new physics based puzzles
- Ability to manipulate floating objects to solve bouyancy based puzzles
- New narrative based challenges
Enhanced Combat System
- Individual bone based enemy lock on feature (depending on difficult setting)
- Improved aim assist functionality
- Dynamic aim reticule adapts to different ammo types and combat behaviour
- Destructable object system reworked for greater feedback and effectiveness
- Ammo distribution refinements
- Greater variety of ammo earlier in the game
- AI enhancements and performance improvements
- Instant ammo collection features eliminates unneccessary button presses
- Rebalanced Sonic Rounds for more effective combat
- Reload times reduced for better combat flow
Cover System Enhancements
- Blind fire functionality added
- Turn corners while in cover and engage in flanking maneuvours
- Cover animation improvements
- More responsive and smooth cover transitions
All new Floating Cover system
- Grab bouyant object to use as dynamic cover in water
- Use floating cover on the surface or during underwater combat
New Climbing Combat system
- Ability to shoot and engage in combat while climbing or hanging
Level and Gameplay Design Improvements
- Enhanced and redesigned levels
- Exclusive new levels to explore throughout the game
- All new mechanics, puzzles and combat added
- Dramatic new end sequence using Hydro Kinetic abilities
- Decrypting doors sequence shortened
- Tutorial added for hack mini game
- Improved feedback, waypoint design and tutorials
- Better checkpoint design
- Improved difficulty setting design
- Rationalised waypoint system choice allows players to set their preference for how much hand holding they want independently of difficulty setting
Darknet
- Bring up Dev Feedback from the pause menu at any time to comment on your experience
- Your feedback is uploaded to Dark Energy augmented with contextual information about the gamestate
- Dark Energy will continue to act upon gathered data from the playing community
Menus reworked
- Front end menus re-designed
- In game menus re-designed
Value
- Pre-purchase on Steam for just $10.19 / £7.64 (including 15% pre-purchase discount)
- New locations, mechanics and narrative elements massively extend the lifespan of the main game
