By Nathan Grayson on January 22nd, 2013 at 9:00 am.
Aquatically themed platforming adventures have always been something of a dicey proposition. They seem simple enough on paper, but – as with massive floods or large gatherings of otherwise docile cats – adding thousands of gallons of water tends to change the equation a bit. I mean, let’s face it: underwater levels are generally the worst, and Ecco The Dolphin’s not anywhere near as good as you remember. So then, it’s a happy surprise to hear that, while short, PSN import Derrick The Deathfin‘s delightfully bitey ride is sweet while it lasts.
Unlike most sharks, Derrick is named Derrick. Also, he’s made of paper. Which may sound counter-productive to general sharkitude, but I suppose there’s something to be said for laying claim to the title “world’s first underwater papercraft videogame.” Here’s the basic rundown:
“It’s a fast-paced arcade action title set in a unique aquatic world made entirely out of paper & card. In the game Derrick rampages around the globe munching on paper creatures and destroying everything he sees under the guise of avenging the death of his parents.”
Based on the trailer, it looks unexpectedly Sonic-esque, but like the 2D blue blur of yore – not the 3D blue infernal disappointment trainwreck engine of today. Unfortunately, word out of console land is that it only clocks in at a few hours, so it’s up to you to decide if a rather shallow content pool justifies the $7.99 price tag. If so, you can do your fishy business hereabouts. And if not, well, at least enjoy this video of a man in a scuba suit explaining how one goes about making a papercraft videogame. It’s probably among the more enlightening and applicable things you’ll watch today.
22/01/2013 at 09:05 rustybroomhandle says:
I am assuming all you fine people have played Aquaria? If not, wassssrongwityoo?
22/01/2013 at 09:13 Ross Angus says:
Oh, you do carp on.
22/01/2013 at 09:17 rustybroomhandle says:
You picking a fight? I’m not a manowar. (face)
22/01/2013 at 11:21 Ross Angus says:
No, I just meant you hammer(head) your point home.
22/01/2013 at 11:01 Gap Gen says:
Great white to start a pun thread.
22/01/2013 at 12:39 BarneyL says:
Was that pun an accident or did you write it on porpoise just for the hallibut?
22/01/2013 at 09:49 Zanchito says:
Very good counterpoint, Aquaria was a totally sweet game!
22/01/2013 at 09:44 Hmm-Hmm. says:
That must have taken quite some work to make. Looks lovely though. Kind of reminds me of Sketchfighter, an arcady game with graphics like pen drawings on mathpaper.
22/01/2013 at 10:09 Jae Armstrong says:
Lies! Ecco was great, and remains great.
22/01/2013 at 10:21 RobF says:
Derrick is ace. Really glad to see it hit the PC.
22/01/2013 at 14:42 Lev Astov says:
You had me at “shark.”
22/01/2013 at 19:24 banski83 says:
James Pond!
I miss my amiga.