Fishtank: Reality TV Simulator

Fishtank: Reality TV Simulator is an unconventional indie game inspired by the cult internet reality show Fishtank.live. Players manage a chaotic house full of eccentric NPCs, balancing their needs and moods to generate viewer engagement and progress through elimination rounds. The game features a unique blend of simulation and combat elements, including a secondary Quake-like adventure mode for loot and variety. Its distinctive PS1-era art style and references to classic games add nostalgic charm. However, the game is currently in early access and suffers from numerous bugs, finicky controls, and UI frustrations that impact gameplay fluidity.

Despite these issues, the developer's responsiveness to feedback and ongoing updates provide hope for improvement. The game offers impressive replayability and a rich set of interactions, making it appealing especially to fans of the source material. While it may not yet be polished enough for casual players, it stands as a promising, creative project with a dedicated niche audience.

Highlights

Players praise the faithful recreation of the Fishtank atmosphere and the game's unique concept combining reality TV simulation with chaotic gameplay. The PS1 art style and classic video game references are well received for their nostalgic appeal. The variety of interactions and the addition of an adventure mode add depth and replayability. Developer responsiveness and quick bug fixes encourage optimism for future expansions. Fans appreciate the inclusion of familiar characters and the potential for new content, making it a standout title for the niche community.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the game's current lack of polish, with numerous bugs causing crashes, stuck NPCs, and UI glitches. The control scheme is often described as fiddly and unintuitive, with excessive menus and awkward item interactions. Players report issues with AI behavior and imprecise mouse controls. Some find the gameplay repetitive or boring due to limited content and unrefined mechanics. Audio quality and certain game modes like adventure mode receive mixed feedback. Many suggest waiting for further updates before purchase.