MEGAQUARIUM Review for PlayStation 4

Friends of fish everywhere, get ready to build your empire. Auroch Digital presents MEGAQUARIUM for PS4, an aquarium simulator with nearly endless possibilities.

I feel compelled to start by saying this game may come across as a somewhat schematic imitation of the tycoon original gangsters like Roller Coaster Tycoon and Zoo Tycoon, but I advise against allowing that to be a deterrent. The deeper you dive into this watery world, the more fun there is to be had.

MEGAQUARIUM has one of the better tutorials I’ve come across—fairly fast paced for the amount of information being expelled. The tutorial does an excellent job introducing you to just about everything; building, expanding, decorating, staffing, and taking care of your animals and guests. This step-by-step introduction is a ten level process, but avoid letting that discourage you, for your campaign quests will ramp up quickly. Whether or not you are an economic simulator aficionado, each of these management-type games operate with a slightly different system—so definitely see it through, you will have a far easier time completing your campaign missions.

Secondary to strategy, one of my favorite things about this genre is all the subsequent acquired knowledge. MEGAQUARIUM is one of the more educational tycoon games, gifting the player with a plethora of aquatic trivia to casually drop at dinner parties. Did you know that the Arabian Bluelined Dottyback will bully weaker fish, potentially to the point of disembowelment? Well, now you do! Preferably share that after everyone has finished their spaghetti…

MEGAQUARIUM possesses some unique specs that earn the player rewards. Ecology points unlock new fish, science points for new equipment, and prestige points—the key to leveling up and unearthing opportunities to grow your aquatic enterprise. Beyond this, the game lacks a certain sparkle of creativity when it comes to new innovation in the tycoon genre. The graphics are basic, reminiscent of the Roller Coaster Tycoon 3 days that are a pull away from pixilated and instead opt for quirky colors and polygonal meshes. Aquarium environments are contrasting and challenges are varied enough, but without the exuberance of many other similar titles.

Now, to address the shallowness (no bad pun intended) this game is getting flak for. This is a game that works best for the causal tycoon player. You are not going to get the same level of expansive exhibits present in Zoo Tycoon or have the opportunity to construct elaborate roller coasters—there are only so many things you can do with a fish tank. Rid yourself of direction and design aquariums entirely on your own in sandbox mode if you want more artistic freedom, but I recommend to at least try both.

Is this a title to rival the best? No. Is it relaxing and fun? Yes. Give it a shot, it’s worth the purchase.

Rating: 7.5/10

Check Out the MEGAQUARIUM Trailer:

MEGAQUARIUM is available for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC via Steam.

For more information, please visit: https://www.aurochdigital.com/megaquarium