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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. (more…)