Review by Sinbomb

Though the original XBOX was marketed towards hardcore gamers, Microsoft is attempting to wrangle in a broader demographic this time around. Feeding Frenzy is a manifestation of that vision, an aquatically-themed Arcade title that provides younger or inexperienced players with a non-threatening introduction into the larger world of interactive digital entertainment.

Gameplay
If the sight of fish swimming about an aquarium arouses an instinctual urge to dunk your hand in and catch one, Feeding Frenzy will be your slice of cake. Players take on the roles of a variety of finned protagonists, starting out as a diminuitive angel fish but eventually graduating to an obese orca, and are charged with the simple task of devouring smaller fish while eluding larger ones. Consumption of enough guppies grants an increase in size, turning the tables on the Darwinian status quo in a most satisfying fashion. Occasionally, barracudas or sharks also looking for a meal will drift ponderously across the screen, chomping any hapless critters in their direct path.

This formula works adequately enough for the first few levels, but tragically the designers fail to mix in any additional gameplay elements that challenge those with more experience. Oysters containing enticing pearls, a vaccuum ability that sucks in multiple fish, and a combo "Frenzy" meter all have the effect of increasing score potential rather than raising the difficulty. As a result, Feeding Frenzy is a title that children under ten years of age will find delightful, but that fails to retain the interest of someone with even a moderate amount of skill. At a rather steep price of 800 marketplace points, purchase of the game should be a very deliberate decision.

Graphics
Vivid marine environments and colorful creatures make graphics the highlight of Feeding Frenzy. Best of all, the developers had enough sense not to resort to needless violence in displaying one fish eating another. No blood or floating body parts are to be found, and the actual feasting is censored by a large cartoonish message reading "GULP!" or "CHOMP!". Concerned parents and pacifists should have no qualms scooping this one up and sharing it with friends, family, or kids.

Sound
Pretty run of the mill sound effects can be found here, yet they are executed well and lend an air of believability to complement the watery theme. An overexuberant announcer is one minor quibble, but eventually his outbursts begin to blend into the background and are easily tuned out.

Multiplayer
Online leaderboards are the closest thing to interpersonal competition offered in Feeding Frenzy. It would have been nice to see a co-op mode that parents and their kids could enjoy together, but at ten dollars this isnt exactly a whale of a release.

Achievements
There are twelve straightforward achievements to be unlocked, only one of which requires you to stray from the basic untimed story mode. Most are awarded for reaching story checkpoints, with the rest designed to test the user's ability to endure boredom and impatience. Seeing as how Feeding Frenzy is so basic to begin with, not much could have been altered here, but that won't stop people driven to max out their gamerscore from feeling the numbing tedium of it all.

Lasting Appeal
Most players will have no trouble finishing Feeding Frenzy on their very first time through. The time attack mode makes a valiant attempt at spicing things up, but ultimately fails to hook the restless player. Again, it comes back to this being a game geared towards the younger generations, who might find lots to love in the simple, attractive presentation, and easy to master controls. Once beaten however, the only real draw for a second or third time through is to obtain all the achievements.

Final Score

• Lack of violence ensures acceptability for all people
• Simple style counters the intimidating complexity of today's games

• $10 price tag is a little steep for such a basic title
• Most gamers will find themselves bored after a single go

Note: A rating scale of 0 - 10 is used, with 10 being the highest a game can score while 0 is the absolute worst. Each category has a point value associated with it and a final score is displayed at the end of the review. The opinions expressed in this review are not necessarily the opinions held by the owners of www.achieve360points.com.