Megaquarium (2018)

All in all, I’ve had a blast playing Megaquarium and the Freshwater Frenzy DLC. The DLC will be a welcome addition for those who already own the main game, bringing new types of fish for them to keep. For newcomers to the game like myself, you will find a brilliant management simulation game with an interesting subject, just don’t forget to feed the Fish!

Megaquarium is a tycoon/management game for those that like to take things slowly. There’s no running around or avoiding disasters. The most you’ll have to deal with is is some malfunctioning equipment and that’s more of an inconvenience than a stressor. Instead, this is a chill game about a chill topic that lets you get as creative as you can within its constraints and has done some admirably in its journey from PC to PS4. It won’t be for everyone – if you prefer your tycoon games with an element of danger then this one isn’t for you – but if you’re looking to kick back, look at some fish and make sure everything is ticking over while some cool tunes play in the background, this is one to put on your radar.

The game tries to create its own space and it's successful at making something original and with a relaxing environment. The gameplay experience could certainly improve with the use of the Nintendo Switch touch screen and with a more intuitive interface but for an original effort, Megaquarium ticks most of the right boxes.

Megaquarium is a robust management simulation game, and the only one allowing you to build your own aquarium. While PC players have been perfecting their exhibits for quite some time, the transition to consoles has been quite smooth. I thoroughly enjoy how the game operates using a controller, although without going through the tutorial, you may be a bit lost. Many advanced elements slowly creep into the experience, such as ensuring your bigger fish don't eat the smaller ones, properly decorating aquariums to keep skittish fish calm, balancing the amount of a single species to keep them happy.

If you like management and/or simulation games and are fond of fishies, Megaquarium is the game for you! Go wild as you progress from a small-time aquarium builder to Aquaman himself, creating a multitude of massive glass prisons for all your water-based tourist attractions and money-makers. The progression is done really well, unlocking new items and fish to research and obtain as you move through the lengthy campaign – you’ll never feel like you have nothing new to show off or interesting for your paying customers to take advantage of. The stability towards the end of the game is pretty bad, but it never affected my enjoyment as it only became an ‘issue’ in the very final mission of the final level.