Negative Space Games

Release Date: 12.7.07
Developer: Bit Blot
Genre: Action/Exploration
Prognosis: Strong production values, wonderful visuals, and stunning sound easily overcome the slightly clunky combat to make this a game worth expereinceing.


One of the biggest independent game releases of the last year was a game called Aquaria, winner of the 2007 IGF grand prize.  The developers of Aquaria made a bold choice when they decided to buck the independent game pricing standard of $20.  Instead they are selling the game for $30.  Opinions are split on this move, but one thing is certain—Aquaria has one of the highest barriers for entry when it comes to price.  I’ve been spending a lot of time with the game in preparation for a review, and I thought I’d give you an early take on my thoughts.

Thanks to the smooth controls and wonderfully detailed graphics exploring the world of Aquaria is a lot of fun. 

Let me get one thing out of the way, in my personal opinion Aquaria is worth $30.  This is a game developed for two years, and all that time and effort really shows when you boot the game up.  The production values for this game are staggering compared to most independently developed games.  Visually Aquaria is filled with gorgeous hand-drawn backgrounds and sprites.  The sound is possibly even better than the visuals as the music is absolutely breathtaking to listen to and the voice acting is sincere and clearly impassioned.

In terms of gameplay things are a bit more standard.  The basic formula for the game is similar to Super Metroid and Castelvania: Symphony of the Night.  If you haven’t played either of those seminal games, then let me give you a quick run-down.  Basically you’re plopped down in a massive open environment and asked to explore in order to further the story.  You won’t be able to get everywhere at once though, as obstacles—like water currents, darkness, heat, and doors—will block off routes.  By exploring you’ll locate power-ups and abilities that will allow you to bypass those obstacles.

I should probably have mentioned earlier that Aquaria takes place entirely under water.  Your character controls beautifully, and the movement and look of the environments often evokes shades of the Echo the Dolphin games (a series where you play as a dolphin—in case you couldn’t figure it out from the title).  Thanks to the smooth controls and wonderfully detailed graphics exploring the world of Aquaria is a lot of fun. 

The somewhat clunky and repetitive combat--on the other hand--is much less fun.  Early in the game you’ll gain the ability to shoot energy charges at enemies and fish.  Watch out if you have a weak mouse button, because you’re going to be doing a lot of firing the second you gain this ability and it rarely lets up for the rest of the game.  Turns out the ocean is not only a dangerous place, but a down right deadly place.  Bad guys are everywhere further into the game and your best recourse for taking them out is pounding down on the fire button over and over again.

This is the only blemish in an otherwise wonderful experience and for players who enjoy a good shooter it may even be a bonus.  If you don’t like action packed games though I might have to recommend that you go download Knytt Stories for free if you’re looking for a landmark indie game to play.