Getting Caught in the Undertow

Published December 7, 2007

Imagine the control point-based gameplay popularized by games like Battlefield 2: Modern Combat™, but then shift the battlefields from ground level to exotic underwater locales, and you'll have some idea of what the Xbox LIVE® Arcade title Undertow is all about.

Spectacular visuals for an Arcade title.

Now add to that foundation four distinct character classes to choose from, and the ability to level up your character mid-battle as well as collect upgrades to increase your damage, bolster your shields, boost your speed, and even add depth charges to your arsenal. Undertow accomplishes all this while also supplying what is arguably Xbox LIVE Arcade's most beautiful visuals.

Undertow has both single-player and multiplayer modes, but whichever mode you play, the basic premise remains the same. Each team is allotted a set number of "tickets." You can reduce the opposing team's tickets by taking out enemies as well as controlling more bases than the opposing team. The goal of course is to eliminate all the enemy team's tickets.

Whether you're a casual gamer with little experience of similar games or a veteran of arcade shooters, here are a few tips to start you swimming along.

Squeeze an opposing team with bases on both sides.

Head for Home Base
The natural chokepoints in multiplayer matches surround the neutral bases. While it's always a good idea to send the bulk of your team to these control points, throw a wrench in your enemy's tactics by sending a small strike team all the way across the map to attack their home base.

If you succeed, spawn points will be established for your team on either side of the enemy. Even if you fail, you'll fluster your opponent and force them to send troops to deal with the threat.

Close to Switch
Stay near the class switching platform when spending time near any base your team controls. This way, when you identify incoming enemies you can switch to your preferred class based on what class-types are attacking.

Stalwart Defense
It would seem that no matter the game, the vast majority of players prefer to go on the offensive rather than hold back and defend bases they've already taken. If you want to win though, you'll need at least a third of your team to play defense almost exclusively. Work out which players will play the role of defenders from the outset, and you'll have gone a long way towards establishing balanced strategy.

Upgraded destroyers are no joke.

Class Discussion
Speaking of balance, a good Undertow team will run the gamut of classes, so make sure you've got (roughly) an equal number of Marines, Dragoons, Corsairs and Destroyers. Make sure the classes are used appropriately for defense and offense. For example, the fleet-flippered Marines aren't exactly built for defense, while the Dragoons will usually get picked apart on offense from long range.

Buddy Up
Undertow is a team game through and through. Even when playing the single-player campaign, it pays to buddy up with a comrade and move forward together, combining your strengths and abilities. When starting a multiplayer game, it's worth your time to pick a dedicated teammate and stick with them throughout the match.

Depth Charge Spotter
Powerful depth charges can clear an enemy offensive in a hurry if properly timed. Have the player with the depth charges swimming in place high above the base while another player plays the role of spotter near the edge of the base. The spotter should call out when to drop the depth charges, creating an unseen and extremely potent defense that should catch the enemy team unaware.

Gorgeous.

Map Discovery
It's worth your time to explore each map's crevices, caves and tunnels to discover each upgrade's location. These items can quickly turn the tide of battle and ignorance of their locations is a sure ticket to an unwanted respawn. Get this out of the way early by setting up a System Link multiplayer game and then simply exploring the map at your leisure. This way, you don't have to upset your teammates during a live match by poking around the map.

Don't Get Greedy
Teams will often attempt to capture every single base on a map, but unless every player on the team is skilled and willing to work in total unison, this tactic will backfire. It's really only necessary to maintain control over the majority of bases. Once you control, say, three out of five bases, stay back on defense and let the enemy's tickets slowly dwindle.

That's just a sample of the strategy you can use in this exciting new game. What are you waiting for? Download the demo from Xbox LIVE Arcade, jump in the water and get caught in the Undertow!

Article by Ryan Treit