Product Reviews

Only available to buy online, developed on a tiny budget and untouched by a big publisher, Aquaria is one of an exciting new breed of independent games. As broadband access erodes the need to distribute games on discs, small development teams can make a living out of efforts considered too experimental to grace a shelf at Woolworth's.

Aquaria is an unusual prospect. It puts you in the flippers of an elfin underwater creature in search of the rest of her race. At first this involves exploring labyrinthine cave systems to progress to new areas, but on the way you'll encounter troublesome enemies and puzzles. You're unarmed to begin with, but over the

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course of the game you learn spells that transform you into new forms that can shoot energy beams, swim against opposing currents or pass through walls.

It may sound elaborate, but in practice it has a gentle learning curve as you gradually acquire new abilities and then use just a little brainpower to work out which one will resolve the next problem. For all Aquaria's creativity as a PC title, it has similarities to console classics such as Metroid and Ecco the Dolphin. It would be nice if it dished out a few more helpful pointers at times, but in general it's a pleasantly laid-back and forgiving game.

Aquaria's look is very much part of its appeal. The 2D graphics have a refreshing, hand-drawn feel that sets it apart from high-tech deathmatches. It's genuinely beautiful for the most part, although at times we felt as if we were watching a cartoon for pre-teen girls. The airy music and amateur-sounding voice-acting can grate a little, but the imaginative creature designs more than make up for it.

This is an inventive game, but it's relatively slight and perhaps a little overpriced at $30. Still, if you're looking for a change of pace in your gaming, Aquaria is a great alternative to the usual rat-tat-tatting shooters.