Idle Waters
" Relaxing casual fishing simulation with engaging idle mechanics but late-game grind feels repetitive "
Idle Waters Review
Idle Waters is a charming and engaging idle fishing game that stands out by blending traditional idle mechanics with active gameplay elements. Players take on the role of a red panda on a fishing journey, exploring diverse locations from lakes to sky-high spots, each with unique fish and treasures. The game features a rich upgrade system including gear, boat, and luck enhancements, making progression rewarding and strategic. The inclusion of quests to help sea creatures and the aquarium system, where fish drop useful items, adds depth and purpose beyond passive idling.
Players appreciate the cute pixel art, relaxing ambiance, and the presence of a helpful cat companion that brings random treasures. The developer's responsiveness to community feedback and regular quality-of-life improvements enhance the experience. While the game offers around 30-50 hours to complete the main content and much more for completionists chasing all achievements, it remains accessible and enjoyable for both active and passive players. Some minor UI and multi-monitor placement issues exist but do not detract significantly from the overall experience.
Highlights
Players praise Idle Waters for its engaging gameplay mechanics that balance active involvement with idle progression, including quests, upgrades, and unique aquarium item farming. The game’s graphics are charming and cute, with detailed pixel art and customizable UI sizes. The storyline and progression through diverse, beautifully designed locations create a satisfying sense of adventure. The cat companion and ambient sounds contribute to a cozy, relaxing atmosphere. Additionally, the developer's active support and frequent quality-of-life updates are highly valued by the community.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include some minor UI inconveniences, such as the aquarium visuals not scaling well on certain monitors and the difficulty in moving the game window across multiple monitors. Some players find the late-game grind for rare fish and achievements repetitive and less engaging. A few desire more customization options, like fishing character appearances or better fish information tracking. While these issues are noted, the developer is actively addressing feedback and improving the game.
Pros
- • Engaging mix of active play and idle mechanics keeps gameplay fresh and interesting.
- • Charming pixel art and relaxing ambient sounds create a cozy atmosphere.
- • Diverse locations with unique fish and treasures enhance exploration.
- • Robust upgrade system rewards strategic progression and investment.
- • Aquarium system adds depth by producing useful items for quests and crafting.
- • Helpful cat companion provides random treasures and adds charm.
- • Developer is responsive and regularly implements community-requested improvements.
Cons
- • Aquarium visuals do not scale well on vertical monitors.
- • Moving the game between multiple monitors is unintuitive and cumbersome.
- • Late-game grind for rare fish and achievements can feel repetitive.
- • Limited customization options for the fishing character.
- • Fish information and logs can be difficult to navigate.
- • Some players find RNG on item drops frustrating.
- • No animation for the cat companion’s appearance/disappearance.
Rating Criteria
A relaxing idle fishing game that waits for you at the bottom of your screen. CATCH fish, BUY upgrades, COMPLETE your collection, and DISPLAY them in your aquarium.