Genre : Video Game
Publisher: Popcap Games
Players: 1
Retail Price: $20
Availability: PC
If only a real aquarium could give the level of excitement that you will receive from playing Insaniquarium. Unfortunately, aliens will probably never invade your real aquarium, nor will you acquire a mermaid to help increase the happiness of your guppies. It’s alright though, because Popcap has brought us this simple yet incredibly addictive puzzle/action game to fill that void.
There is no story mode associated with Insaniquarium, only the need to maintain the fish in your tank while fighting off alien invaders. There are four main levels in the game, with a bonus mode available once you complete the main adventure. If you manage to complete all the levels, you will still have plenty to accomplish as you can play through the time trial and challenge modes.
Graphically the game is colorful and the pets and aliens provide you with an interesting assortment of characters. Tanks vary slightly as you make your way through the different levels, but don’t expect any massive changes. The fish you have at your disposal for adding to your tank also vary depending on the level you are playing, which gives each of the levels its own unique appearance and keeps the gameplay fresh. If you do enjoy the look and feel of the game, you are also provided with a bonus mode that is accessible from the main screen called virtual tank. The virtual tank allows you to purchase fish with the shells you accumulate as you complete the levels and then put them on display in your tank. You can then convert that tank into a screensaver for you PC, which is an nice addition to the game.
The gamplay itself is incredibly simplistic, but it works perfectly to keep you entertained. The only button you really use is the left click button on your mouse, which is responsible for feeding your fish, picking up the currency they drop and firing at any aliens that invade your tank. This works because while your tank is being invaded, your fish are not capable of starving nor do they produce any income until the aliens are eliminated. As the levels increase in difficulty your tank will quickly become full and test your ability to click the mouse to keep everything under control.
The goal of each level is to acquire enough currency to purchase the egg associated with the pet for that level. Once you have purchased the three pieces of the egg, you finish the level and are able to use that pet in subsequent levels. Pets help manage elements of your tank that range from feeding your other fish to fighting off enemies, and are not capable of being killed. You begin most levels with only one fish available to you, your standard guppy. Then as you purchase enough guppies you will open up other options that include bigger fish or a better food supply. You are also given options to increase the efficiency of your gun so that it destroys aliens more quickly.
This game may not be for everyone, but if you are a fan of casual pick up and play games, you should definitely give it a shot. The fast paced and simple gameplay makes for an unbelievably addictive experience. If nothing else, you can always try the demo available on the Popcap website.
