Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Fish delivers a refreshingly inventive gameplay loop by combining stealth-based espionage with underwater navigation. You begin each mission in your human agent form, complete with dark glasses and a variety of spy gadgets, before warping into the body of your aquatic alter ego. This dimension-hopping mechanic feels intuitive, allowing you to seamlessly shift perspectives between high-tech infiltration and serene, albeit occasionally treacherous, goldfish living.

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The core of the gameplay revolves around mastering your fish avatar’s unique abilities. As a goldfish, you gain access to bioluminescent camouflage, rapid fin bursts for swift movements, and the power to communicate telepathically with other marine life. These powers are not just for show—they’re essential for sneaking past enemy sensors, sabotaging Seven Deadly Fins strongholds, and solving environmental puzzles that stand between you and the anarchist leaders.

Combat encounters strike a satisfying balance between strategy and action. You’ll dodge electrified nets, outmaneuver predatory sea creatures under enemy control, and dispatch villains using improvised weapons like ink clouds and sonic bubble grenades. The pacing never feels stale, as side objectives and hidden collectibles encourage exploration in both your human and goldfish forms, rewarding you with new gadgets, skill upgrades, and amusing wardrobe accessories for your fish.

Graphics

Fish’s visual presentation is one of its standout features, with a vibrant palette that brings undersea realms to life. The developers have clearly taken care to design distinct biomes—everything from coral-reef hideouts illuminated by glowing plankton to dimly lit, industrial deep-sea bases. Each area feels handcrafted, with attention to detail in textures like barnacle-encrusted walls and the gentle sway of kelp forests.

Character models are equally impressive. As a suave human agent, you sport sleek suits and customized gear that gleam under different lighting conditions. The transition to a goldfish is surprisingly immersive, showcasing realistic iridescent scales, fluid fin motion, and lifelike water distortion effects. Cutscenes blend 3D animation with comic-stylized panels, reinforcing the game’s tongue-in-cheek tone while maintaining visual polish.

Environmental effects play a key role in both immersion and gameplay. Dynamic lighting, volumetric fog, and particle effects—such as bubbles released during a high-speed chase—add depth to every scene. Even minor touches, like the subtle ripple when you breach the water’s surface as a goldfish, serve to constantly engage the senses and remind you of the game’s unique premise.

Story

At its core, Fish presents a playful yet surprisingly suspenseful espionage narrative. You’re a veteran inter-dimensional spy who’s earned the ultimate reward: a literal vacation inside a goldfish tank. It’s a delightful twist on the genre, turning leisurely fish-bowl life into your unwitting retirement plan. Just as you settle into your plastic castle, the Seven Deadly Fins emerge to threaten existence across every dimension that supports aquatic life.

The plot unfolds through a series of cleverly written missions that balance humor with stakes that genuinely feel epic. Briefings are delivered via holographic fishbowl projections, where your fellow agents—ranging from a sardonic pufferfish to a tech-savvy octopus—offer quips and tactical advice. Dialogue is sharp, often breaking the fourth wall in self-aware nods to spy thrillers, yet never undercuts the suspense when you delve into enemy territory.

The pacing of the story keeps you engaged from start to finish. Early levels serve as both tutorials and comedic setups, while later missions ramp up tension as you infiltrate the Fins’ unruly lairs and confront their sinister leaders. Occasional mid-game twists introduce moral choices: save an endangered species, abandon an anchor of intel, or risk your goldfish identity to avert catastrophe. These decisions forge a narrative path that feels uniquely yours.

Overall Experience

Fish offers a one-of-a-kind gameplay package that will appeal to fans of stealth, action, and outlandish premises alike. The core loop—dimension warp, infiltration, sabotage, escape—never grows repetitive thanks to a steady stream of new gadgets, enemy types, and environmental hazards. Even after completing the main storyline, a robust set of side missions and time trials beckon you back to sharpen your fishy finesse.

The audio design complements the visuals with buoyant, synth-laden spy themes that swell during high-tension chases and dial down to soothing ambient tracks when you’re drifting in your tank. Voice acting strikes a perfect balance between dramatic and comedic, ensuring that every line conveys its stakes without sacrificing the game’s playful spirit. Sound effects—like the tinkling of broken glass in a submerged lobby—heighten immersion and reinforce the aquatic setting.

From its charming premise to its polished mechanics, Fish stands out as a memorable entry in the espionage genre. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer seeking novel gameplay twists or a casual player drawn by the quirky concept of becoming a badass goldfish, this title delivers depth, humor, and a fresh perspective on what a spy game can be. Don your dark glasses, prepare to warp, and dive into an inter-dimensional adventure you won’t soon forget.

Retro Replay Score

7.7/10