by Jeff Parsons

Created on: November 01, 2008   Last Updated: November 14, 2010

When I first started up FishCo, I said WOW, I'm really going to like this. My prediction came true, but, admittedly, my perspective is somewhat biased. I've loved raising tropical fish for over 40 years. To me, this game rules! This might not be your kind of hobby; however, I suggest that you give it a try. FishCo will surprise you!

FishCo is easy to understand, challenging and fun. As the co-owner of a fish store, your mission sounds simple enough: you raise up to 20 varieties of freshwater tropical fish and sell them. The difficulty increases as you progress through 40 levels in the Action Mode. Completing a level earns you a fireworks display, gifts for your trophy tank, and increased options for fish, plants, filters and lighting. Fish icons on the screen header make it easy to keep track of your goals. The game also offers a Relaxed Mode with no time limits and a Sandbox Mode that allows you to customize your tank. FishCo's game play is based upon the successful tycoon theme, so creativity is limited within that scope. I don't care. It's fun!

Your fish grow from an egg to an adult at a vastly accelerated rate. Meanwhile, you feed them regularly, apply doses of medicine, clean the tank and change the water. There are also 12 varieties of plants that can be purchased and placed wherever you'd like within your tanks. The ultimate goal is to keep your fish healthy and happy.

Planning ahead is absolutely vital because the fish will behave realistically in their environment. For example, the game's almanac says that the Cichlid (an aggressive African lake fish) will attack Tetras, Gouramis, Fantails and Rasboras. Yikes, don't mix them together! The almanac's details also help you to make planning decisions. It describes a fish's size, health, required food, egg cost and adult sale price. The planning process really gets fast-paced when you're swapping back and forth between tanks. In the demo, I had two tanks, but in the higher levels, you could use up to five tanks. This would be a serious challenge for any experienced gamer.

You'll often stop and notice the beautiful watercolor shades that highlight, shift and ripple upon swaying plants and swimming fish. The graphics are soft, colorful and engaging. The rest of the store is also dimly reflected on each tank. Very creative! While the graphics are truly captivating, they are competing against the new wave of interactive aquarium screensavers. The next FishCo release should consider upping the graphics detail. A FishCo 2 would then definitely become an instant bestseller.

The pleasant and lively music has a nice Old World style to it. I recognized a harp, an oboe and a guitar. Well done.

FishCo got me interested in trying new ideas for my own aquarium. I think that many people would like this relaxing fish-tycoon variant. Give it a try! I'm seriously considering buying this game. I give it a 4 out of 5.

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