'Maneater' Review: A Unique Game That Falls Short in Some Aspects

Sophie Webster, Tech Times 26 May 2021, 09:05 am

"Maneater" has just been released on Nintendo Switch and Steam. It is a unique, short but fun action RPG where players take control of a bloodthirsty shark with an eye on revenge against the human race.

'Maneater' Game Review

The game is about a newborn shark protagonist that developes new abilities as she eats her prey, and uncovers abandoned boxes of genetic material.

The shark's moveset extends through the game to include elemental mutations, and other fantastical perks, according to ShackNews.

The game developer, Blindside Interactive, and the publisher Tripwire Interactive, brought the terror to Nintendo Switch, offering a bit of a downgrade experience that is still faithful to the version of "Maneater" released on console and PC in 2020, as per ScreenRant.

Nothing much has changed about "Maneater" on Nintendo Switch as far as the gameplay goes.

Aside from some patches and bug fixes, this is the same experience that released in 2020 on other consoles.

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While it is a fun game that lets you swim through the different regions of the bayou, and eat through fishes and tourists alike, the missions become repetitive and could get boring fast.

Not only that, but the encounters with bigger enemies can be a test of your patience as you need to combat the enemies by smashing buttons.

So, is "Maneater" worth it on Nintendo Switch? It is difficult to fully recommend is as the port of the game is certainly playable and a fine way to play through the game, and hopefully jump right into the upcoming conspiracy-themed DLC expansion this summer.

However, there are some issues that make this version the last one to choose for anyone who has access to other consoles or a decent PC, Nintendo Insider noted.

The Game's Shortcomings

The most prominent limitation is caused by the fact that the majority of "Maneater" takes place underwater. Blindside Interactive differentiates each region in their game by changing up the composition of the waterways.

The initial beachside area in the tutorial is blue and clear, while the first real playable section takes place in a dirty yellow swamp.

The Nintendo Switch version severely hampers the view distance underwater, applying an underwater PS1-era fog effect that makes it difficult to spot collectibles, and gain a sense of direction.

Another noticeable limitation on "Maneater" Switch version comes in the instance where "Maneater's" evolving apex predator has to traverse land.

While "Maneater" on Switch scales back most of the underwater scenery in the game, the foliage in land sections can transform from models to just textures in certain spots.

The game runs at a reduced frame rate on Nintendo's hardware too, adding to the feeling of playing a PS1 version of a native PS2 game.

"Maneater" is at its best played elsewhere. With a limited view underwater and reduced visual fidelity, the already repetitive game goes from just above mediocre to downright bad in spots, especially when the sacrifices to port it onto Switch affect the player's ability to navigate the world

"Maneater" is available on Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.