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Feeding Frenzy
Screenshot from Feeding Frenzy
Developer	PopCap Games (formerly by Sprout Games)
Publisher	PopCap Games (previously by GameHouse)
Distributor	Various
Designer	James Gwertzman, Del Chafe and Ed Allard
Series	Feeding Frenzy
Version	5.7.18.1
Released	February 11, 2004
Genre
Mode(s)	Single Player
Ratings	ESRB: Everyone (E)
Platform(s)	Windows, Macintosh, Game Boy Advance
Media	CD, Online Download, PDA, Smartphone
System requirements	OS: Win 98/ME/2000/XP/Vista. Memory: 128 MB RAM. DirectX: 7.0. Processor: Pentium II, 350MHz or faster.
Input methods	Keyboard, Mouse

Feeding Frenzy is an arcade-style aquatic game written by Sprout Games, and published by PopCap Games. With an initial debut in 2004, it saw re-release on the Xbox Live Arcade service, with versions for both the original Xbox and the Xbox 360. The Xbox 360 version, released March 15, 2006, was the 17th most popular Xbox Live Arcade title for 2006.^[1]

In February 2006, the sequel to this game, Feeding Frenzy 2 was released. The sequel adds new underwater environments, new aquatic creatures, and new power-ups. Additionally, several levels are split between above and below water environments, providing the ability to jump out of the water for brief periods of time.

In Feeding Frenzy, players control a hungry marine predator intent on munching as many other fish as possible. During the course of the game's 40 levels, the player takes on the role of different aquatic species (ending with an orca during the last few levels), each trying to move up the food chain. As smaller fish are eaten, the player's own fish grows in size and becomes capable of eating somewhat larger fish. By the end of each level, the fish is sufficiently large that it can eat almost anything on-screen. Players must be vigilant for hazards which include depth charges, larger predators, and jellyfish.

If the player eats a sufficiently large number of fish in a short period of time, a score-enhancing Feeding Frenzy is initiated. If the player continues to rapidly consume other fish, a further Double Frenzy can be achieved. These both end when a short period of time without further rapid consumption elapses.

The full game includes both a normal mode and a "time attack" mode.

Most of the marine animals which the player controls have additional special abilities. These include a maneuver which allows for a quick burst of speed, as well as an ability which allows large schools of fish to be sucked in at once.

In addition to pearls and other items which can be consumed for bonus points, the game also includes several power-ups which can be eaten in order to gain an instantaneous or short-term effect. These include:

• 1UP: Provides an extra life when consumed.
• Frenzy: Causes the game to pause for a moment as the player automatically eats every on-screen fish which he or she can safely eat.
• Shield: Allows the player to survive a single incident which would usually result in death, instead consuming the shield.
• Speed: Confers an increase in speed for a period of time, although this can potentially be dangerous, as it's much easier to accidentally swim into predators.
• Stun: Stuns all other on-screen life-forms for a limited period of time.

The free ActiveX version of Feeding Frenzy can be played online at websites such as the MSN Gaming Zone, but has only a limited number of levels. The Windows version, Feeding Frenzy Deluxe, is available for download as a trial, with the full version available for a fee. Additionally, Xbox and Xbox 360 versions exist. The original Xbox version is available via an Xbox Live Arcade disc from Microsoft, or from Official Xbox Magazine discs. The Xbox 360 version can be downloaded from the Xbox Live Marketplace, either as a free demo, or as a full version for a cost of 800 Microsoft Points.

A review by IGN criticized the title's simple mechanics and overall lack of depth, resulting in a score of 6.6 out of 10 for the Xbox 360 version. The review suggested that additional online elements could have helped with the title's otherwise limited lasting appeal.^[2] The TeamXbox review also commented negatively about the game's difficulty and replayability, suggesting that it may be better suited towards children. Nonetheless, despite being somewhat shallow, TeamXbox concluded that the game was still accessible and fun, awarding the Xbox 360 version a 7 out of 10.^[3]

• PopCap Games
• Feeding Frenzy Homepage
• Feeding Frenzy at Xbox.com