Tips & Tricks - Hydrophobia

We tried Hydrophobia at PAX Prime 2010 and fell in love with its blend of Uncharted 2 action, Shadow Complex exploration and unpredictable water physics [Audio Interview].

But the Xbox Live Arcade demo doesn't get very deep into the game's many levels: We didn't play any of the shooting parts or get to mess with the game's iPad-like tech gizmo, the MAVI device.

Here are some things we figured out the hard way, so you won't have to:

• You can open doors remotely using the MAVI. That means doors on the other side of windows or viewed via a security camera feed are all fair game.
• When you see a timer early in the game, you don't have to beat it to continue the game - but it will unlock an achievement if you succeed. Backtrack as quick as you can to see if you can get it!
• Once you get the MAVI, you'll start hunting down frequency keys and ciphers to decrypt the doors that lead to the next area. Once you have the key for the area, switch on your MAVI and look for hidden yellow arrows that point to where you'll find the cipher.
• Use the map to help determine where to go next and, more importantly, how to get there. Use the 3D view to figure out which paths and doors are open to you and how deep to dive to get where you need to go without drowning. There are also air pockets marked in some locations; use these to catch your breath! Rooms or halls that have hidden decryption ciphers are marked in purple once you have the key for that area.
• If a body glows green, it has something for you to loot off of it: a decryption key, possibly, or at least some ammo.
• When using a weapon, zoom by pressing in the right thumbstick. If you're behind cover, you'll be exposed while zoomed - so take your shot, and then click the thumbstick again to duck behind the wall or object you're hiding against if there's still anyone left. Also, some people are friendly. If your crosshair pointer turns green (instead of the usual red), don't shoot!
• Watch your back. There are often multiple ways to get around an area, and your enemies will quickly flank you once they're aware of your presence.
• Don't be afraid to detonate electrical or explosive charges under water. Just keep your distance and you'll be fine. These charges have 10-second timers or they can be detonated manually by tapping the right trigger a second time.
• If you're not sure where to go next, whip out your weapon and look for objects in the room that turn red when your crosshair is on top of them. You have unlimited sonic ammo, so charge it up and blast the thing to see whether it helps you out.