Arcade classic
We truly are in a great age of video games. A time where games that missed their chance or never made an appearance can finally see the light of day. This rings true in my latest review as I take a look at an arcade game that was supposed to launch during the glory days, but never saw a release…until now. Clockwork Aquario is a colorful platforming romp developed by Westone who went on to create the Wonder Boy/Monster World series. Resurrecting an arcade game from almost 30 years ago is something that is likely only to happen in today’s world where games get second and third chances thanks to the openness of platforms.
The first thing that jumps out is the art style. This game is clearly the work of the same team that crafted the Wonder Boy series. Large sprites with colorful characters just pop off the screen. This iteration features the usual screen filters to make your 4K screen look like those old tube TVs from the past. These types of games just age more gracefully than old polygonal titles and can still feel fresh in the modern age of gaming. It also helps that the original team that created this forgotten arcade title helped with this modern refresh.
MSRP: $19.99
Platforms: PlayStation (reviewed), Switch
Price I’d Pay: $19.99
Clockwork Aquario is a straightforward platformer that is easy to play. The game features three characters that may look different, but play fairly similar. The game play loop revolves around three basic ways to take out foes. Players can jump on their heads Mario style, bop them from underneath, or slap them. Enemies go into a state when hit allowing players to either pop them balloon style, or use them as a platformer. It is a quirky mechanic, but one that works to great effect.
The arcade mode is actually locked from the outset. Instead the game requires players to either take on a shorter two-stage tutorial or choose from three difficulties to finish the game. The difficulties are basically just how many lives I got. Once unlocked the arcade mode offers up all kinds of options including access to the DIP switches to alter the game in several fashions. It is weird to lock anything behind progression in a game so short, but I at least understand the thought process.
Speaking of length I am serious when I say this is a short game. It can be finished in less than 30 minutes once you get it down. This might sound like a bad feature, but it is an arcade game. The idea was to master the sections and push through each one with increasing skill. Raitalaka Games has done a good job of incentivizing replays with unlocking the arcade mode. It also doesn’t hurt that the game just has a solid loop that makes it fun to play multiple times.
Clockwork Aquario is a wonderful example of how awesome of a time in games we are truly in. A forgotten gem that likely would have never seen the light of day makes an appearance some 30 years later. I had a blast with its simple mechanics and gorgeous art style. If you are like me and grew up hanging out in arcades far too much, this one will spark that childhood nostalgia we all strive for as we grow old and jaded. Definitely recommended.
Review copy of game provided by publisher.
