Feed and Grow: Fish Review - A Deep Dive into the Ocean
Swim, Hunt, Eat, and Grow - But Does It Deliver?
Early Access Review
last updated Nov 21, 2023
It's a simple concept executed with enough charm to hook players, at least for a while.
Welcome to the Food Chain
In the digital waters of 'Feed and Grow: Fish,' you start as a humble, minuscule fish desperately avoiding becoming another creature’s seafood special. The simplicity and brutality of this underwater survival make it ever so clear: it's eat or be eaten. As players navigate treacherous waters, the game encourages them to feast on smaller fish to grow into a formidable predator. The journey towards aquatic domination is fraught with challenges, and the leveling system is a hook that keeps you coming back for just one more bite. Despite its potentially repetitive nature, the survival gamemode and the sheer joy of eventually becoming the ocean's bully keep the gameplay engaging.
Underwater Concerto
Let's talk sound – 'Feed and Grow: Fish' doesn't just mimic the serene silence of the deep blue. Instead, its audio landscape is a surprisingly active one. The soundtrack weaves a watery tapestry of melodies which, quite frankly, can only be described as bubbly. Meanwhile, the very satisfying chomps, crunches, and gulps serve as a constant reminder of the game's core premise. The game's ability to juxtapose calm aquatic tunes with the sound of the food chain in action creates a unique auditory experience. However, just like the ocean’s tides, there is a lack of variety that occasionally makes the audio feel overly familiar, much like hearing the distant cry of a seagull one too many times.
A Visual Voyage
Visually, 'Feed and Grow: Fish' is no graphical behemoth, but it swims competently in the waters of acceptable game aesthetics. Rich in color and texture, it paints a vibrant landscape of seascapes, coral reefs, and the diverse wildlife that populates them. The graphical fidelity supports immersion, with clear waters that allow you to appreciate the game's environment. Performance-wise, players have found it runs swimmingly on a variety of systems, although it's not immune to the odd white screen of death. It's worth noting, the game isn’t evolving visually, feeling a tad outdated in today's rapidly advancing graphics ocean.
A Sea of Opportunity
It's always refreshing to see indie developers' creations make waves, and 'Feed and Grow: Fish' initially did just that. However, the sediment seems to have settled, and the updates have dried up like a tide pool at low tide. Players have expressed a longing for the developers to cast their nets wider, infusing the game with fresh content. Sadly, the current stagnation leaves gamers wondering if this ship has sailed. Despite this, the small bits of joy like the Pugnos during Christmas, or the community involvement through mods, show there's still life beneath the surface. The game's potential serves as bait for many to keep returning, but the lack of updates looms over like a hungry shark.
Technical Waters
Navigating this game's technical waters can be as rough as a squall at sea. Troublesome journeys with bugs and crashes have been shared by sailors of the gaming seas. Whether it's the infamous white screen crash or compatibility issues with the newer Windows 11, the underwater utopia of 'Feed and Grow: Fish' sometimes feels like it’s submerged a little too deep for its own good. The lack of a launcher for modding leaves players wishing for a life preserver, and keyboard warriors without a sword for combat, since some functionalities seem amiss on the Steam Deck or ROG Ally. If you're considering diving into these waters, be warned—you may need a strong ship to weather these potential issues.
EARLY ACCESS RATING
Developer
Old B1ood
Publisher
Greens s.r.o.
Early Accesss Release Date
January 08, 2016
The Verdict
In the oceanic ecosystem of 'Feed and Grow: Fish,' you can indeed have a whale of a time chasing down prey, rising up the ranks, and asserting your dominance in the aquatic hierarchy. It's a simple concept executed with enough charm to hook players, at least for a while. But like a sunken treasure, it's somewhat lost in the murky depths due to lack of updates and technical issues. For some, it may be a prized catch, but others may throw it back into the sea of Steam's library, hoping the developers will bait their hooks with updates and repairs. From an indie supporter's perspective, if you're willing to sail through sometimes choppy waters, there's fun to be had—but don't expect an endless ocean of content.