Wetlands (video game)

Hypnotix

Industry	Video game development
Products	Wetlands

Wetlands is a rail shooter video game created by Hypnotix and released by New World Computing in 1995, designed for MS-DOS platforms.

Gameplay

Players navigate through 20 rail shooter stages, where limited horizontal movement allows aiming at adversaries. In level 6, vertical adjustments are introduced while operating a gun turret. Certain stages present branching paths that require players to eliminate a set quota of targets to avoid instant failure. Level 9 transitions into a shoot 'em up format, tasking players with piloting a robotic drone to deactivate the security system of an oxygen facility. The title features numerous cutscenes combining hand-drawn artistry with 3D animation techniques.

Plot

The narrative, elaborated in the game's manual presented as a graphic novel, revolves around Project Othello—an American nuclear experiment conducted in 1995 that drastically altered global climate conditions, causing widespread flooding and forcing humanity to inhabit underwater cities. Phillip Nahj, a scientist held responsible for the catastrophe despite his warnings, was cryogenically sealed within the high-security prison Alpha 16. By the year 2495, the Volarins—radical extremists aiming to establish an interstellar empire—have taken control of multiple federation colonies. The federation enlists mercenary John Cole through General Corbett to capture Nahj alive, with remote assistance from technician Lieutenant Christine Mills.

Cole’s operation starts on Earth at Omicron Station, where he uncovers connections between Nahj’s breakout and a federation operative linked to Project Othello. Investigations at an energy plant and a Volarin-controlled oxygen facility involve combat against mercenaries and Volarin forces. Cole discovers that Project Othello’s records were sealed two decades earlier by Corbett. Data salvaged from Nahj's submerged research vessel reveals his involvement in creating nuclear weapons without radioactive fallout; military coercion led to the failed test and Nahj’s cryogenic imprisonment as a scapegoat.

After being briefly captured by Volarins on Xi Colony, Cole learns of Nahj’s vendetta against the federation. Following his escape, Cole tracks Nahj to a concealed landmass previously believed nonexistent. He dismantles its defenses and pursues Nahj through the submerged ruins of New York City. Cole uncovers Nahj commanding Volarin forces planning a final offensive using a planet-destroying weapon targeting the federation’s homeworld, Lurian.

Cole intercepts and destroys Nahj’s gunship after overcoming Volarin fighters, preventing the annihilation of Lurian. Although General Corbett declares the federation victorious, Cole harbors doubts about Corbett’s true intentions. The game ends with Cole spending time alongside Christine on Lurian as news broadcasts Corbett’s commendation; Cole responds by shooting the television, indicating lingering distrust.

Reception

A critic from Next Generation awarded the title two out of five stars, commenting that rail shooters often lack depth for substantial engagement. Nonetheless, he recognized Wetlands as a superior example within its genre due to its use of traditional cel animation that authentically portrays human motion, plentiful comedic moments, and a more creative storyline compared to contemporary titles like Star Wars: Rebel Assault II: The Hidden Empire. By mid-November 1995, the game had surpassed 95,000 copies sold.

Critiques

• Australian Realms Issue #27

Related topics

• Waterworld