by Chris Nycum

Created on: October 29, 2008   Last Updated: January 10, 2011

Every so often a game comes along that has a unique spin and a few nice additional touches that create an enjoyable game experience for the player . Fishco by Fugazo, Inc is definitely one of these.

The Gameplay:

You have just opened a pet store named Fishco that specializes in fish. It is your job now to maintain the tanks and sell the fish. You initially start with one tank and one type of fish. As you go through the 40 levels of play you have many tools at your disposal to accomplish this and gain more types of fish and plants to add to your tank. Mainly you want to sell adult fish which get the best price. Happy fish also sell for much more than unhappy hungry fish. Each level has a time limit and list of tasks such as how many of each fish must be sold and how much money you need to make. So you buy eggs, watch them hatch, feed the fish, keep the tank clean and sell the fish when they mature. Plants make the fish happier which also increases their value. If you finish a level within a certain "Expert" time frame you gain bonus fish to add to your Sandbox (more on this later). In any case you move onto the next level with a slightly increased variety of fish and plants. You eventually gain additional tanks which you have to flip back and forth to keep them stocked with fish and sold off. At this point you also encounter some fish that will eat smaller fish and cannot be in the tank at the same time. I found it all to be somewhat challenging at times to balance against the clock.

There is a tutorial that runs throughout the first few levels that is very helpful. You point and click on everything so the game is very easy to play. Graphically the fish are pleasing to look at and the animation is smooth. The music is a relaxing tinkling of strings which the sound effects do not intrude upon overmuch.

The Extras:

What really sets this game apart is the thoughtful extras. The main one is called the Sandbox. As you play the game and accomplish a level as an Expert you get fish and plants to add to your Sandbox. Basically it is your own fish tank that you populate as you please with the fish and plants you earn. There is also a button to use it as a screen saver if you so desire. I feel this aspect of the game would really appeal to the younger child player. It would create a sense of accomplishment for them that very few games can attest to.

Another nice option is the ability to play in two different difficulty modes, Action and Relaxed, on the fly. Basically there is no time limit in Relaxed mode. You can also switch back and forth between the two without having to restart your game.

The Bottom Line:

Overall this game is pleasing in nearly every aspect. I would heartily recommend it to anyone but especially for a younger player and at $19.95 for the full game it is a bargain. I would rate it a 5 out of 5.

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