Fish’s Trip

Fish’s Trip is a 2017 action game where players control Flop fish on a perilous journey to escape winter by swimming to a warmer island. Using simple one-button controls, players navigate side-scrolling 2D seas, eating cherries to avoid fatigue and collecting rubies to buy maps while dodging underwater dangers.

Fish’s Trip: Review

In the crowded waters of indie gaming, few titles manage to capture the charm and simplicity of a bygone era while still offering something fresh. Fish’s Trip, released in 2017, is one such gem—a deceptively simple aquatic adventure that blends retro aesthetics with modern accessibility. Developed by André Bertaglia under the Gamesforgames label, this spin-off of the Kabitis series casts players as Flop, a plucky fish on a perilous journey to warmer waters. With its one-button control scheme, pixel-art visuals, and cooperative multiplayer, Fish’s Trip is a testament to the enduring appeal of minimalist design. But does this aquatic odyssey hold up under scrutiny, or does it sink beneath the weight of its own simplicity? Let’s dive in.

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Development History & Context

Fishes’s Trip emerged in 2017, a time when indie games were experiencing a renaissance. The rise of platforms like Steam had democratized game development, allowing small studios to reach global audiences. André Bertaglia, a solo developer with a penchant for retro-inspired games, saw an opportunity to create something accessible yet engaging. Drawing from the Kabitis universe, Bertaglia reimagined Flop, a side character, as the protagonist of this aquatic adventure.

The game’s development was shaped by the technological constraints of the era. With a minimum requirement of just 512 MB of RAM and 117 MB of storage, Fish’s Trip was designed to run on virtually any modern PC. This accessibility was a deliberate choice, reflecting Bertaglia’s desire to reach a broad audience. The game’s pixel-art visuals and chiptune-inspired soundtrack were also nods to the 8-bit and 16-bit eras, appealing to nostalgia while keeping production costs low.

The gaming landscape of 2017 was dominated by high-budget AAA titles, but indie games like Celeste and Hollow Knight were proving that smaller, more personal projects could resonate deeply with players. Fish’s Trip positioned itself as a casual, family-friendly alternative—a game that could be enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels.

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Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

At its core, Fish’s Trip is a story of survival and perseverance. The narrative is simple yet effective: winter has arrived in Flop’s homeland, and the only way to escape the cold is to swim to a tropical island. This premise is universal, tapping into the primal fear of freezing and the hope of finding warmth and safety.

The game’s themes are subtly woven into its mechanics. The act of collecting cherries to stave off fatigue mirrors the struggle for sustenance in a harsh environment. Similarly, the rubies used to purchase maps symbolize the importance of knowledge and preparation in overcoming obstacles. These themes are reinforced by the game’s visuals, which depict a vibrant yet dangerous underwater world.

While the narrative is minimal, it serves its purpose. The lack of dialogue or complex character development allows players to project their own emotions onto Flop, making the journey feel personal. This simplicity is both a strength and a limitation—while it makes the game accessible, it also leaves little room for deeper storytelling.

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Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Fishes’s Trip is built around a single, elegant mechanic: one-button control. Players use the spacebar, mouse, or gamepad to make Flop swim upward, navigating through a side-scrolling underwater world. This simplicity is the game’s greatest strength, making it easy to pick up and play for anyone, regardless of gaming experience.

The core gameplay loop is straightforward: swim, collect cherries to maintain energy, gather rubies to buy maps, and avoid hazards like sharks, pufferfish, and other dangers. The maps, which can be purchased with rubies, add a layer of strategy, allowing players to plan their route and avoid unnecessary risks.

The game’s difficulty is well-balanced, with early levels serving as a gentle introduction before ramping up the challenge. The hazards become more frequent and unpredictable, requiring quick reflexes and careful planning. The inclusion of multiplayer mode, which supports up to four players, adds a social dimension to the experience. Cooperative play encourages teamwork, as players must coordinate their movements to avoid hazards and maximize their score.

However, the game’s simplicity can also be a drawback. The lack of variety in gameplay mechanics means that the experience can feel repetitive over time. While the maps provide some replayability, the core loop remains largely unchanged throughout the game.

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World-Building, Art & Sound

Fishes’s Trip excels in its world-building, creating a vibrant underwater ecosystem that feels alive and immersive. The pixel-art visuals are charming and detailed, with each creature and environment rendered in a colorful, retro style. The animation is smooth, and the attention to detail—such as the way Flop’s fins flap as he swims—adds to the game’s charm.

The sound design is equally impressive. The soundtrack, composed of upbeat chiptune tracks, perfectly complements the game’s aesthetic. The sound effects, from the bubbling of water to the ominous growl of a shark, enhance the sense of immersion. Together, the visuals and audio create a cohesive and engaging experience that draws players into Flop’s world.

The game’s setting is both beautiful and dangerous, reflecting the duality of nature. The warm, tropical environments contrast with the cold, harsh winter of Flop’s homeland, reinforcing the narrative’s themes of survival and escape. The hazards, from spiky sea urchins to predatory sharks, add tension and excitement to the gameplay.

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Reception & Legacy

Upon its release, Fish’s Trip received a mixed reception. Critics praised its accessibility, charming visuals, and multiplayer mode, but some found the gameplay repetitive and the lack of depth disappointing. On Steam, the game holds a “Mostly Negative” rating, with a player score of 31/100 based on 13 reviews. However, this low score is partly due to the game’s niche appeal—it’s not designed for hardcore gamers, but rather for casual players and families.

Despite its modest reception, Fish’s Trip has carved out a small but dedicated fanbase. Its affordability (priced at just $0.79) and family-friendly design have made it a popular choice for parents looking for a safe, engaging game for their children. The game’s influence can be seen in other casual indie titles that prioritize accessibility and simplicity over complexity.

In the broader context of gaming history, Fish’s Trip is a reminder of the enduring appeal of minimalist design. It proves that a game doesn’t need cutting-edge graphics or complex mechanics to be enjoyable—sometimes, all it takes is a simple idea executed well.

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Conclusion

Fishes’s Trip is a charming, accessible indie game that succeeds in its goal of providing a fun, family-friendly experience. Its one-button control scheme, retro aesthetics, and cooperative multiplayer make it a standout in the crowded indie market. While its simplicity may not appeal to everyone, it’s a testament to the power of minimalist design.

In the grand tapestry of video game history, Fish’s Trip may not be a landmark title, but it’s a delightful entry that deserves recognition. It’s a game that reminds us of the joy of simplicity, the thrill of survival, and the warmth of a tropical paradise. For those seeking a casual, relaxing experience, Fish’s Trip is well worth the dive.