Hydrophobia Dev Admits It Got 'Too Close' To Project, Outlines Fixes

Developer Dark Energy Digital admits the team got "a little bit close" to its XBLA title Hydrophobia, but hopes a forthcoming title update will fix mistakes and address the title's muted critical reception. Speaking to Eurogamer, the game's creative director Deborah Jones said: "In some areas we got a little bit close. We mapped the controls to buttons that are not normal button layouts. The map of the buttons was quite complicated for some people, particularly when you have to swim as well. We've addressed those areas." Additionally, Jones explained that poor signposting in the game was a recurring criticism in many negative reviews. "I can see how these things can be frustrating," she said. Following the game's release, Dark Energy Digital were publicly critical of some reviewers, Jones even going so far as to claim that Edge magazine, which awarded the release a 3/10, "clearly haven’t played the game.”, eliciting an official rebuttal to the claim from the magazine's publisher, Future. Now, however, the developer seems more philosophical about criticisms. Jones said of the negative reviews: "Obviously you're disappointed. You can't help but be disappointed. But when you look at it and people have a valid point then you can't possibly be angry about someone's opinion." Following the release Dark Energy Digital has sought to take on board criticisms, and has since been working on a substantial title update, scheduled to go live this week. Dubbed Hydrophobia: Pure, the update offers an overhauled camera system, all new cover mechanic and a redesigned control scheme amongst other tweaks. The cost of the game has also been lowered to 800 MSP from its launch price of 1,200 MSP.