Fish! (1988)

by Christopher July 11, 2023

written by Christopher July 11, 2023 7 minutes read

Summary

Release Year: 1988
Genres: Adventure, Puzzle
Platforms: Acorn Archimedes, Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS, ZX Spectrum
Developers: Magnetic Scrolls
Publishers: Rainbird

Fish! (1988): A Fin-tastic Underwater Adventure

Released in 1988 for the Commodore 64, Fish! is a unique and charming action-adventure game that puts you in the fins of a goldfish on a mission to save the world from a group of evil anarchists.

Gameplay

Fish! is played from a top-down perspective, and you control your goldfish with the joystick or keyboard. You can swim around the environment, interact with objects, and attack enemies with your tail fin.

The game is divided into a series of levels, each with its own unique objectives. In some levels, you’ll need to collect items, while in others you’ll need to defeat enemies or solve puzzles.

One of the most unique features of Fish! is the ability to “warp” into the bodies of other living creatures. This allows you to access new areas and solve puzzles that would otherwise be impossible. For example, you can warp into the body of a bird to fly over obstacles, or into the body of a fish to swim through underwater tunnels.

Story

The story of Fish! is simple but effective. You play as a goldfish who is enjoying a well-deserved vacation when the Seven Deadly Fins, a group of evil anarchists, surface and threaten to destroy all life on Earth.

You are drafted to stop the Seven Deadly Fins and save the world. To do this, you must travel to different dimensions and collect the seven pieces of the “Golden Guppy”, a powerful artifact that can defeat the anarchists.

Graphics and Sound

For its time, Fish! had impressive graphics and sound. The game’s environments are colorful and detailed, and the character sprites are well-animated. The music is catchy and upbeat, and it helps to create a sense of adventure and excitement.

Reception

Fish! was a critical and commercial success upon its release. Critics praised the game’s unique gameplay, charming story, and impressive graphics and sound. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies worldwide.

Legacy

Fish! is considered to be one of the best Commodore 64 games of all time. It is a unique and charming game that still holds up today. If you’re a fan of retro gaming or action-adventure games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Fish!.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks to help you on your journey in Fish!:

Use the warp ability to your advantage. Warping into the bodies of other creatures can help you access new areas and solve puzzles.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Fish! is a game that rewards exploration and experimentation.
Take your time and enjoy the journey. Fish! is a relatively short game, so there’s no need to rush. Take your time to explore the different levels and discover all of the game’s secrets.

Conclusion

Fish! is a classic Commodore 64 game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. Its unique gameplay, charming story, and impressive graphics and sound make it a must-play for fans of retro gaming and action-adventure games.

Review Score

7/10

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Christopher

Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.