Aquarist

Apr 8, 2024

Yes, it may feel a tad bit slow at times but with a little push, any true appreacter of games, will easily spend hours in this wonderful little game. It is quite evident from the get go that a lot of effort went in. As the game proceeds, this feeling only becomes better and the loop more enticing.

Jun 12, 2023

Once you’ve mastered the fine art of aquarium design, the game evolves into a tycoon sim. Here, the relaxing pacing gives way to a bit more urgency, as you ensure that everything in your garage is ready for sale by the time the crowds trickle in. Fortunately, the easy jazz soundtrack can calm any worked-up nerves. Like Cruise Ship Manager, you’ll notice a fair amount of bugs and oddities, but given the affordable price point, some of the jank is forgivable.

Aug 8, 2023

Sadly, Aquarist is just ‘fine’. I struggled more than I wanted to, it didn’t give me the really chill gaming experience I wanted from it, and I find it really hard to recommend to people when they ask about it. If you’re okay with some less than stellar controls on controller though, it’s lovely to play with the fish tanks and it’s much better since the patch was added. It has the potential to be great, it’s just not quite there yet. I will likely dabble with it a bit here and there as I enjoyed the fish a lot, but can’t see me spending the hours that I do in other simulation style games.

Nov 15, 2022

Summary and quote unavailable.

Nov 14, 2022

Aquarist on the Nintendo Switch is a pleasant and relaxing aquarium simulator with clunky controls, bad visuals, and an overall lack of story context. If you’re in the mood for something like it, I recommend being very cautious or just playing the PC version instead.

May 30, 2023

Summary and quote unavailable.

Oct 31, 2022

Aquarist is a fine addition to the career simulator genre, although there are some optimisation issues on the Switch with some ill-fitted control problems and and fiddly mechanics. Behind these flaws though there is a casual, fun game that has a lot to offer. Aquarist is available on Steam and Nintendo Switch (review platform). Developer: FreeMind Games Publisher: FreeMind Games / PlayWay Disclaimer: In order to complete this review, we were provided with a promotional code from the publisher.

Dec 1, 2022

Overall, Aquarist is a solid business simulation, but the clunky controls ruined the experience. Playing this game on the PC is probably the way to go.

Jun 10, 2023

Summary and quote unavailable.

Jul 5, 2023

Should you be intrigued by the fish-keeping occupation or hobby, then Aquarist is a decent enough sim. There is a weird satisfaction found in collecting and buying different types of fish; trying not to kill them. The story progression, from basically building a small tank in your bedroom to running an aquatic shop, is well delivered too.