Aquarist is a simulation title developed by FreeMind Games and published by Ultimate Games. It is a game that tests your business mindset and your creative side. The game allows you to run a virtual fish shop where you can make money and create stunning exhibitions. You can buy new fish, exotic plants, a store, or develop skills. Refurbishing and processing aquarium components will save you a lot of time and money and it’s good for the environment. The game has creative elements, some business management, and plenty of soothing fish to admire. The exhibitions can be arranged however you wish. Whether you opt for fresh or saltwater fish is entirely up to you. Moreover, you can focus on a minimalist tank or you can load it with plants, rocks, or other random items. Whatever you decide, it’s bound to impress the crowd.
Aquarist tells a familiar tale. The sim genre rarely steps away from its familiar tropes. Unsurprisingly, Aquarist falls right into this trap as well. Now this isn’t an issue, as the gameplay is reassuringly recognisable. Furthermore, much of the action plays out like House Flipper or Castle Renovator. However, the key moments are more cumbersome to execute and this may cause frustration.
You play the part of a young fish enthusiast. His family is equally obsessed but his dad lacks the skill or know-how to keep the fish alive. Accordingly, you will help your friends and family before turning your attention to your shop. At this point, you are focused on making money and creating stunning exhibitions. Therefore, it is a game that tests your business mindset and your creative side.
Once you get into the swing of things, the sim genre is pretty repetitive. Sadly, as much as I enjoyed the causal gameplay, there wasn’t enough depth. Aquarist effectively asks you to shock shelves and complete basic contracts. Alongside this, you must clean aquariums, stock them with fish, and sell them to eagerly awaiting punters. Alongside this, you can breed the fish to make extra cash. Furthermore, you must keep them happy by tweaking their environment. Subsequently, you’ll feed them, adjust the water temperature, alter the plants and decorations, and stock the correct number of creatures.
Exhibitions are where Aquarist shines brightest. The interesting locations allowed me to set up some incredibly beautiful tanks. Furthermore, it removed the time-related stress that underpins the business elements. Each of the exhibitions can be arranged however you wish. Whether you opt for fresh or saltwater fish is entirely up to you. Moreover, you can focus on a minimalist tank or you can load it with plants, rocks or other random items.
Aquarist looks like its peers in terms of graphics but it’s not perfect in terms of controls which are frustrating in places and navigating menus is more tricky than it should be .
In conclusion , Aquarist is an enjoyable game that offers plenty of creative freedom for players who want to run their own virtual fish shop . It’s not perfect but it’s worth checking out if you’re looking for something different .
