Gimmicks

### **Overview**

There are a lot of different gimmicks in Overboard. Learning how each different element in a level can help or hinder you is crucial to progression.

### **Ports**

These are critical for game progression and serve as checkpoints. Usually, a port is guarded by turrets, ships and sometimes some airborne enemies. An uncaptured port is represented by a purple and yellow flag on the jetty. To capture a port, you must first destroy the turrets. You don't have to destroy the ships or airborne enemies but it is advisable to do so. After everything is destroy, sail to the jetty. The purple and yellow flag will be replaced by a Jolly Roger flag. Ports will sometimes give you supplies such as health crates and ammo crates. It is sometimes mandatory to capture a port because they open certain gates to allow you to progress through the level or to access big rewards. If you die at any point in a level, you will be returned to the last port you captured.

### **Gates**

These gates are found in all the regions and are sometimes crucial to progress. While some open up immediately as you approach them, others require something in the level to be done in order to continue. This could be collecting a bottle, claiming a port, or even having to destroy certain enemies. If you can't figure out how to open a gate, try destroying everything in the area.

### **Static Balloons**

This is a rarer gimmick. You need to steer beneath them and activate them by firing a rocket at them. A deactivated balloon is represented by a red question mark. If this turns into a green skull and crossbones, it will open a nearby gate to allow progress. This state is permanent. However, should you reveal a clock, the gate the balloon opens will only be passable for a limited time. If time runs out, the gate will close and you will need to reactivate the balloon again.

### **Switches and Buoys**

When you shoot at one of these, they either open a nearby gate, cause something in the level to change or make something appear. Red switches are deactivated, when shot at, they turn green meaning they have activated whatever it is that they trigger. Buoys work in a similar way but when it comes to certain events, they only happen for a certain amount of time. For example, if you hit a buoy that opens a gate, that gate will only stay open for a limited time before closing again; this means you will have to shoot it again. Shooting these is always needed to progress through the game.

### **Tunnels and Breakable Walls**

Always be on the look out for secret areas in the game, they often have big rewards in them such as extra lives, treasure chest, health and ammo. Some tunnels are already visible. Some on the other hand have to be broken into. Look carefully at level terrain and look for patches on a wall that appear cracked and more rocky than the surrounding pattern. Then simply use your cannon or broadside to blow a hole in the wall. To go through a tunnel just sail into them and you will automatically be taken through the wall. There are also certain barriers in levels that are cracked and can also be shot using the cannon weapons. Though these are never crucial for level progression and are just there as an optional extra.

### **Waterfalls**

These are incredibly handy. When your ship catches fire, steer into a waterfall and this will extinguish the flames immediately. Occasionally, waterfalls can hide secrets behind them. You sail towards them, just as you would a tunnel and you will be automatically be transported to the other side. It is worth steering into every waterfall you see just in case one might lead to a secret.

### **Geysers**

These are water jets generated by underwater volcanoes. Sail into one of these and it will propel you into the air. These are often used to jump over barriers and obstacles. Always advisable to take a running start towards these as this will allow for more airtime. Geysers vary in size, the bigger the geyser, the more time you get in the air. Be very careful not to land on obstacles or barriers as this will destroy your health. If you ship catches fire, running into a geyser instantly extinguishes the flames. Much the same way waterfalls do.

### **Helping Hand**

These little green hands bob on the water and are seemingly decoration. But look at them closely. Often they will be telling you the way to go, or to do something to a wall.

### **Bubble Generator & Fan**

Certain areas have barriers you cannot pass and there isn't a flight power up or geyser in sight. These bubbles are the only way to travel. to get in a bubble. Sit over the volcano indicated by a black dot under the water. The bubble will be begin to pop up. You will be placed inside the bubble and the nearby fan should blow you in the direction it's facing. If it doesn't, steer you ship slightly in either direction and that should solve things. Movement in the bubble is slow and restricted and you only stay in the air for a certain amount of time before the bubble pops and you're sent back down to Earth. As always, be careful of any dry land obstacles when you leave the bubble. You can also shoot the bubble to make it pop.

### **Pipes**

These are great fun. Easily spotted because the entrances are bright pink. These work much in a similar way as tunnels. Go into the black entrance and the pipe will automatically transport you to the other end. Some pipes will only travel short distances, others will take a while to get you to your destination and lead you all over the map.

### **End Of Level Portal**

Once you have collected all the green bottles in a level, a red cross will appear on the map which signifies the exit. When you get to that point you will see a purple flashing circle. Sail into this to complete a level and go onto the next one.