Aquatic Store Simulator

Midplayz
Nov 25, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Nov 27, 2024

Something’s Fishy…

If you’ve ever dreamed of running your own store where guppies and neon tetras are the stars of the show, Aquatic Store Simulator might just be your jam. This game lets you blend business management with the calming (and sometimes chaotic) world of aquatic life. Think of it as part tycoon game, part aquarium simulator, and all about making your inner aquarist entrepreneur shine. But does it truly make a splash, or does it sink like an overfed goldfish? Let’s dive in.

About This Game

Storyline

There’s no big narrative here—no evil corporation trying to steal your fish or dramatic “save the aquarium!” quests. The game focuses entirely on your journey as a store owner. You start with a modest aquatic shop and work your way up to becoming the go-to hub for fish lovers. You stock tanks with exotic creatures, cater to picky customers, and manage your business by juggling prices, inventory, and aquarium maintenance. It’s less about a story and more about crafting your own aquatic empire.

Gameplay Mechanics

This is where Aquatic Store Simulator shines and stumbles. The gameplay is centered on running an underwater-themed store. You stock shelves with aquatic goodies, maintain aquariums, and set prices to keep both fish and customers happy. The standout feature is the aquarium management aspect—you’re not just throwing fish in tanks; you’re taking care of their well-being, adjusting tank conditions, and even breeding them. It’s a delightful touch that adds depth (pun intended).

However, some of the mechanics could use a little polish. Handling transactions at the till, for example, adds a layer of realism (you physically scan items!), but controls can feel clunky, especially when you’re switching between tasks or struggling to manage customer flow. Pricing items can also be hit or miss. It’s all about finding that sweet spot between fun and functionality, and the game doesn’t always nail it.

Visuals & Audio

The visuals are vibrant and charming. The aquariums are beautifully detailed, and the fish look lively enough to make you forget they’re pixels. The decorations and aquatic items are varied, and setting up tanks can feel genuinely creative. However, with over 500 items to use, the limited space in your store can make things feel cramped.

The audio is serviceable but not particularly memorable. It’s the kind of chill background music you’d expect in a relaxing sim like this. It doesn’t get in the way, but it doesn’t stand out either. Think “waiting room aquarium vibes,” which is probably on theme.

Pros

Unique concept: Combining business management with aquarium care is fresh and engaging.
Aquarium setup: Maintaining tanks and keeping fish healthy is oddly satisfying.
Customization: From fish to decorations, the variety gives you creative freedom.
Realistic touches: Scanning items at the checkout and pricing merchandise add to the immersion.

Cons

Limited longevity: Once you unlock most features, the gameplay becomes repetitive.
Clunky controls: Switching tasks and using tools can feel awkward.
Space constraints: The store feels too small to fully embrace the vast inventory.
Needs more content: The game could use updates with additional fish, aquariums, and customization options.

Conclusion

Aquatic Store Simulator is a charming and enjoyable simulation game that makes running an aquatic store surprisingly addictive. The mix of business management and fish care is a winning formula, especially for fans of tycoon-style games or anyone who loves aquariums. But it’s not perfect—the limited content, repetitive gameplay, and occasional control issues hold it back from being truly great.

If you’re looking for a fun, laid-back experience and don’t mind a few rough edges, it’s worth diving into. However, if you’ve played its apparent predecessor Aquarist, you might feel this one comes up a little short. Here’s hoping the developers add more content and updates to keep the waters fresh.

Rating: 6/10

Aren’t fishes just decorative pets?