Swimsanity! splashed onto the Xbox One in August 2020, bringing with it a promise of frenetic underwater action, multiplayer mayhem, and a quirky aquatic twist on the twin-stick shooter genre. Developed by the small indie team at Decoy Games, this title aims to carve out a niche in a crowded market of party shooters by plunging players into the depths as Mooba, a colorful diver armed with a blaster and a knack for survival. With both co-op and competitive modes supporting up to four players online or locally, plus cross-play across platforms, it’s got the makings of a solid group gaming experience. But does it swim with the big fish or sink under its own ambitions? Let’s dive in.
When Swimsanity! hits its stride, it’s a blast—especially with friends. The game shines brightest in its multiplayer modes, whether you’re teaming up in Adventure or Survival to fend off waves of hostile sea creatures or duking it out in Versus matches like Deathmatch or the inventive Orb Rush. There’s a chaotic, almost retro charm to the action, reminiscent of classic couch co-op titles, but with a modern polish thanks to smooth performance and vibrant visuals. The underwater setting isn’t just a gimmick—it adds a fluid dynamic to movement and combat, with Moobas zipping around via teleport dashes and unleashing screen-clearing special moves called “Unleashes” that feel satisfyingly over-the-top.
The variety of modes keeps things fresh, at least for a while. Adventure mode pits you against giant bosses like whales and eels, while Survival tests your endurance against relentless enemy swarms. Competitive options like Last Mooba Standing deliver that sweet, frantic energy perfect for trash-talking sessions. Power-ups—rapid-fire guns, bombs, shields—pepper the levels, ensuring you’re never short on tools to wreak havoc. And with over 150 challenges tied to Gold Orbs that unlock new characters and abilities, there’s a decent incentive to keep coming back, especially if you’re a completionist.
Playing with a full squad, either locally or online, transforms Swimsanity! into a raucous good time. Coordinating with teammates to pull off combo attacks or racing to snag orbs in Versus feels rewarding when it clicks. The cross-play feature is a nice touch, too, letting you rope in pals on Switch, PS4, or PC without a hitch—assuming you can find them.
Here’s where the tide turns: Swimsanity! is a tough sell if you’re swimming solo. The single-player experience is punishing, with a steep difficulty curve that feels more brutal than fun. Adventure mode, in particular, lacks bot support, meaning you’re on your own against overwhelming odds—no backup, no mercy. It’s clear the game was designed with multiplayer in mind, but the lack of a forgiving solo option feels like a missed opportunity, especially for players who can’t always rally a crew.
Even in multiplayer, the shine wears off faster than you’d hope. The core gameplay loop—shoot, dodge, grab power-ups—starts to feel repetitive after a few hours, and the lack of meaningful progression beyond cosmetic unlocks dampens the long-term appeal. The visuals, while colorful and functional, lean a bit too hard into a simplistic, almost Flash-game aesthetic that doesn’t leave a lasting impression. The soundtrack, though energetic, doesn’t stand out either, fading into the background rather than elevating the experience.
Online matchmaking is another sore spot. Nearly five years after launch, the player base seems to have dried up, making it a chore to find random matches. Unless you’ve got a dedicated group, you’re stuck with local play or bots in some modes, which isn’t quite the same. Technical hiccups, like occasional party disconnections or setup hassles noted in early reviews, seem less prevalent now thanks to patches, but the sparse community still stings.
Swimsanity! on Xbox One is a mixed bag—a buoyant multiplayer romp that’s weighed down by a lackluster solo mode and limited staying power. At its best, it’s a goofy, high-energy shooter that thrives on the chaos of four-player shenanigans, delivering laughs and thrills in equal measure. At its worst, it’s a lonely, repetitive slog that struggles to justify its $14.99 price tag in 2025, especially with so many other multiplayer contenders vying for your attention.
If you’ve got a reliable crew and a craving for something a little offbeat, Swimsanity! is worth a dip—maybe during a sale. Just don’t expect it to hold your interest for long, and definitely don’t go it alone unless you’re ready to be fish food. For a game about insanity, it’s oddly tame without the right company.
Score: 7/10
Pros: Fun multiplayer modes, smooth performance, quirky underwater vibe
Cons: Brutal solo play, repetitive gameplay, thin online community
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