Fishbowl

« Where To the Moon spoke to me when I struggled with the looming risk of my father’s death, Fishbowl speaks to me as I struggle to come to terms with it. I’m thoroughly impressed that two first-time designers made such a good game, especially during a pandemic, and I hope to see more in the future. »

« Fishbowl tells a touching, if extremely dour, tale about grief and isolation. While it may be too grim for some to enjoy, the cast of characters and Alo's journey through the pandemic make it worth sticking with. »

« Fishbowl is a heartfelt story about dealing with many different life changes and traumas at once, all while finding a way forward. How we do so depends on choices we make. Not just responses to people around Alo, but how she chooses to live her life and push forward. While some of that routine might feel a little boring, that too feels like a commentary on life and how difficult it might feel to keep moving forward when seeing tangible results takes time. It’s one of those games where you start to really see how important actions are once you’re a few hours into it. »

« Even in our own little fishbowls – whether physical, as in Covid lockdowns, or metaphorical – we must all make the same effort to climb past grief and hopelessness, and work through our own feelings and memories. It’s the only way to be there for our friends and family, and to keep proving our worth – if only to ourselves and nobody else. Raw and realistic, this game is a beautiful tale of overcoming and becoming. »

« Fishbowl‘s complicated pool of grief and authentic, stumbling healing craft a deeply personal experience. So, when I was asked to make a choice about Alo’s future in the end, I was irreparably invested. Consequently, I finished the game feeling a little healed from my own tribulations alongside Alo. »

« Fishbowl will put you through an emotional rollercoaster. It’s a narrative-heavy story dealing with grief, the loss of a loved one, isolation and even depression. Fishbowl features little mini-games for you to play, as you help Alo uncover the boxes filled with memories of her grandma. The art and sound design are fantastic, and there are some moments where the characters touch on topics perceived as taboo. The game presents a lot of unique characters who help Alo grow, and who Alo can help, too. There are issues, like some gameplay elements not being explained well. But, overall, it’s a touching game that will have me thinking about it for years to come. »

« There’s a meaningful, well-written story here, supported by thoughtful design choices. But repetitive minigames and a lack of guidance hold it back. Fishbowl doesn’t try to be broadly appealing, and that’s both its strength and its limitation. »

« A beautiful little slice of life that captured my heart with its quiet charm. I really wasn't expecting the emotional journey this took me on, but Fishbowl grabbed me even in the first few minutes when I was in the rickshaw scene and from that moment, it never let me go. The writing in this game is poetic and introspective, the music is heartfelt and the vibrant art is still cozy and welcoming. People, I can't recommend this game highly enough. My only complaint would be that it's too short, but I think there are multiple endings. I'm about to find out! »