Aquarist review - My Deep Dive Into the Chill Depths of Aquarium Life
"Aquarist" kicks off with you inheriting a fish tank that looks sadder than a fish out of water. But hey, it's not just any fish tank; it's your ticket to becoming the ultimate aquarist. With a bit of cash and a dream, I embarked on my journey from my bedroom to the big leagues, aiming to build the sickest underwater cribs the digital world has ever seen.
Fins, Filters, and Frustration
Designing my first tank was a blast—choosing gravel, filters, heaters, and, of course, the stars of the show: the fish. The game lays out its mechanics like breadcrumbs, making sure you're not overwhelmed. But let's be real, trying to balance the pH levels and make sure the temperature's just right made me feel more like a chemist than a chill gamer at times. And don’t get me started on making sure the fish were happy. Turns out, digital fish can be as high maintenance as a diva on a bad day.
Navigating Through Seaweed... I Mean, Menus
Okay, let’s talk controls and menus. Imagine trying to grab a fish that’s more slippery than an eel covered in Vaseline. That’s what navigating some of the menus felt like. And selecting the right option? It's like playing "Where's Waldo?" but Waldo is a single pixel on your screen. Despite these hiccups, the satisfaction of setting up a thriving tank full of colorful swimmers made it worth the struggle.
The Jazz-infused Soundtrack: A Smooth Sea or Just Sax?
Music-wise, "Aquarist" throws a curveball with its jazz soundtrack. At first, it's like, “Cool, jazz and fish, why not?” But hours in, the sax starts feeling like that one friend who won't stop talking when you're trying to focus. Relaxing, yes, but could've done with some variety. Maybe throw in some whale sounds or ocean vibes to mix it up a bit?
From Bedroom to Business: The Aquarist Empire
The journey from sprucing up my bedroom tank to running my own aquarium shop was like watching a fish grow fins... or something like that. Setting up shop in the basement and tackling customers' wild requests felt like the game really started. Each new tank setup was a puzzle, balancing aesthetics with the aquatic needs of my finned friends. And let’s just say, making bank by selling fishy friends felt oddly satisfying.
Design Mode: Where Dreams (and Fish) Swim Free
Design mode is where "Aquarist" truly shines. No budget constraints, just you and your imagination running wild in the deep blue sea. Want a tank full of sharks with laser beams? Go for it. Neon disco for your neon tetras? Hell yes. It’s like playing god, if god was really into aquariums.
Realistic Mode: Because Sometimes Fish Die
Turning off realistic mode means no dead fish, no overthinking tank conditions—just pure, unadulterated fishy fun. It's the digital equivalent of putting training wheels on your bike, except the bike is an aquarium, and the road is... you get the picture.
Aquarist: The Verdict
Look, "Aquarist" won’t be for everyone. If you're into fast-paced action, look elsewhere. But if the idea of creating underwater masterpieces while juggling the needs of virtual marine life tickles your fancy, you're in for a treat. Sure, the controls can be as wonky as a fish trying to walk on land, and the soundtrack might have you feeling like you’re stuck in an elevator underwater, but the core of "Aquarist" is solid gold(fish).
Score: 7.8 out of 10.
It's chill, it's creative, and it’s got more depth than you'd expect. Plus, it’s the closest I’ll ever get to owning a shark without having to worry about it eating me. So, slap on your virtual wetsuit and dive into "Aquarist." Just maybe keep a real drink handy for when the digital ones get too salty.
We at NLM received a key for this game for free, this however didn’t impact our review in any way.