Introduction

Welcome to the wild, whimsical world of Clockwork Aquario! After spending a staggering 27 years wobbling around on the shelves of history—like that awkward family heirloom everyone’s too scared to use—this platform game finally made its grand entrance in late 2021. Touted as the last arcade game from the legendary Westone, it seems this title got stuck in a time warp somewhere between vintage charm and modern critique. Sit back, bring your favorite swimming goggles, and let’s dive deep into the clockwork of its characters and their narratives, with a splash of humor and a side of nostalgia.

Gameplay

In Clockwork Aquario, you take control of three delightful characters: Huck Rondo, Elle Moon, and Gush—the robot with more heart than circuit board. Each character brings their own unique flair to the game (sort of like a breakfast buffet where everything’s a bit weird but delicious). You’ll bounce around vibrant levels, tossing enemies like a disgruntled waiter during a food fight. The ingenious pick-up-and-throw mechanic is akin to the classic Treasure games, allowing players to unleash some seriously comical combo chains by smacking foes at each other or just generally causing chaos. Did I mention you can even turn your partner into a lethal weapon? Yeah, that's a friendship test that many wouldn’t pass! The gameplay sets out across five colorful stages—yes, only five—where players will face off against quirky sub-bosses before taking on the ultimate big bad, Dr. Hangyo. Let’s be real, this guy looks like he skipped leg day and spent too many evenings perfecting his evil laugh instead. Players will appreciate the 2-hit points per life system, where losing your first life magically resembles being physically unkempt (just like all-nighters in game marathons). Don't worry as you can pick up health items that may just restore your character’s dignity (aka attire). However, the experience is criticized for its short length, leaving many to wonder what it could have accomplished with just a few extra segments. "If only I could pick up some more levels..." sighs every clocked gamer ever.

Graphics

Clockwork Aquario's graphics are a delightful explosion of pixelated pizzazz! It’s like someone cranked up the vibrancy dial and let 90's nostalgia run wild. The visual style screams early 16-bit glory like a caricature of every mascot you loved (or feared) as a child. The characters and backgrounds are lovingly crafted, giving players that fuzzy, warm feeling of an 8-bit hug! With bright colors that practically sing in harmony with vibrant stage design, whether you’re bouncing through a candy-colored dreamscape or navigating through a raucous underwater ballet, each environment feels alive! Plus, the cute character designs make it hard to resist tossing enemies around. Just keep an eye out for the over-the-top amount of colors—some players noted that it occasionally led to them losing track of their character amidst the chaos, which, let's be honest, doesn’t exactly scream premier game design.

Conclusion

Clockwork Aquario is like that bizarre relative who finally graduated—it may be quirky and a little outdated, but you can’t help but appreciate the effort put into reviving it after almost three decades. While the gameplay and graphics are undeniably charming and fun, the game leaves you rather hungry for more—a little like an appetizer that leaves you wanting the full-course meal. The premise is great, and some design choices are commendable, but with an average of only five levels, it’s a mixed bag of joy and disappointment. As we roll up the scores, a solid 6.5 out of 10 seems fair. Grab a friend or two, hurl some enemies around, and experience this peculiar combination of nostalgia and fresh gameplay. Just don’t forget to keep an eye on the time, because you may wish to clock out earlier than expected. Who knows, history might just have a sequel waiting on the shelf!

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