Aquarist

Aquarist is an educational simulation game that allows players to create and manage their own virtual aquariums. With a first-person perspective and direct control interface, players can customize their aquatic environments, care for various fish species, and learn about ecology and nature through the gameplay. Released in 2022 for Windows and later expanded to multiple platforms including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series, the game offers a managerial experience focused on fish care and breeding. While praised for its educational content and the immersive experience of building dream aquariums, the game has faced criticism on console platforms for optimization issues, bugs, and control schemes designed primarily for PC mouse and keyboard input.

Aquarist: Review

Introduction

Aquarist is a virtual pet and career simulation game that invites players to build, manage, and maintain aquariums, evolving from a small home setup to a thriving commercial enterprise. Developed by FreeMind and published by PlayWay, the game blends educational elements with managerial simulation, offering a unique blend of relaxation and challenge. However, its journey from PC to consoles has been marred by technical issues, raising questions about its execution and legacy. This review will delve into the game’s development history, narrative depth, gameplay mechanics, and its reception, ultimately assessing its place in the simulation genre.

Development History & Context

Aquarist was released on March 8, 2022, initially for Windows, with subsequent ports to Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 4. Developed by FreeMind, a studio known for simulation games, Aquarist was published by PlayWay, a company with a track record of releasing niche simulators. The game’s development coincided with a surge in popularity for simulation games, particularly those focusing on management and pet care.

The technological constraints of the era, particularly the limitations of the Nintendo Switch, posed significant challenges. The game’s transition from PC to consoles highlighted the difficulties in adapting a mouse-and-keyboard-driven experience to controller inputs. The Switch version, in particular, suffered from poor optimization, clunky controls, and graphical issues, leading to a mixed reception.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Aquarist presents a straightforward narrative: players start as a young aspiring aquarist who receives their first aquarium as a birthday gift. The game’s story mode guides players through various locations, from their bedroom to a basement shop and eventually to an oceanarium. The plot is minimal, serving as an excuse to introduce gameplay mechanics rather than a compelling story.

The game’s themes revolve around responsibility, ecology, and entrepreneurship. Players must balance the needs of their fish with the demands of running a business, creating a sense of accomplishment as they progress. The educational aspect is notable, as the game teaches players about different fish species, their habitats, and care requirements. However, the lack of a strong narrative or character development limits the game’s emotional impact.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Aquarist offers two primary modes: Story Mode and Designer Mode. Story Mode follows a linear progression, tasking players with completing various aquarium setups and managing a shop. Designer Mode, on the other hand, provides a sandbox experience where players can freely design and customize aquariums without constraints.

The core gameplay loop involves building and maintaining aquariums, ensuring the well-being of the fish, and managing a shop. Players must consider factors such as water temperature, pH levels, and fish compatibility to create a thriving ecosystem. The game’s educational elements are well-integrated, providing detailed information about each fish species and their requirements.

However, the gameplay is hampered by several issues. The controls, particularly on consoles, are clunky and unintuitive. The cursor is often too small and slow, making precise actions difficult. The inventory system is cumbersome, and items frequently spawn randomly around the player, leading to frustration. Additionally, the game lacks a pause function, making it difficult to take breaks during lengthy tasks.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Aquarist features a visually appealing art style, with detailed aquariums and a variety of fish species. The game’s environments are well-designed, ranging from cozy bedrooms to bustling shops. However, the graphical performance on consoles, particularly the Switch, is subpar. The draw distance is low, and textures pop in and out, detracting from the immersive experience.

The sound design is equally mixed. The background music, primarily saxophone-driven, creates a relaxing atmosphere but can become repetitive over time. The sound effects are functional but lack depth, failing to enhance the gameplay experience significantly.

Reception & Legacy

Aquarist received a mixed reception upon release. Critics praised the game’s educational aspects and the satisfaction of building and maintaining aquariums but criticized its technical issues and poor optimization. The Nintendo Switch version, in particular, was heavily criticized for its clunky controls and graphical problems.

The game’s legacy is somewhat overshadowed by its technical shortcomings. While it has a dedicated following among simulation enthusiasts, its reputation has been tarnished by its console ports. The game’s influence on the simulation genre is limited, as it failed to set new standards or innovate significantly.

Conclusion

Aquarist is a game of missed opportunities. Its core concept is engaging, and the educational elements are well-executed. However, its technical issues, particularly on consoles, significantly detract from the experience. The game’s legacy is one of potential unrealized, a simulation that could have been a standout title but was held back by poor optimization and design choices.

In the end, Aquarist serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of porting games across platforms. While it has its moments of charm and satisfaction, its flaws are too significant to overlook. For simulation fans willing to look past its issues, Aquarist offers a unique and relaxing experience. However, for most players, the game’s technical shortcomings make it a difficult recommendation.