Lightfish developed by Eclipse Games takes an old idea from Qix and revamps it into something much more interesting. It brings the player an interesting experience while they adventure from level to level fencing off several creatures to survive. Only to realize there's more.
What is Lightfish?
In Lighfish you take on the role of a Lightfish and must block at least 75% of the level during evading various monsters in your surroundings. The game makes sure you're consistently watching everything going as one second you may be halfway along a large gap but then a Starfish or Wanderer creature can come out of no where and take your life. While dodging creatures, gathering power ups, and threading across large spaces, time can pass relatively quickly with this time spender. You can finish a level in a few minutes or play the whole game for an hour or two.
Lightfish features 45 levels and 5 worlds for the player to explore.
Tough or easy?
The nice thing about Lightfish is it can be played by a variety of gamers, especially the ones who struggle and the ones who are looking for intense gameplay. In the options they allow you to change between three difficulties, easy, medium, and hard. If you just can't beat that one level or you find the game too easy, then that's where to look. The concept to play the game is relatively simple and easy for anyone to pick up whether a younger or older gamer.
For players who are looking for a bit more past the difficulties and want some competition, check out the Time Trial. Some people out to win everything and love to compete, so why not try and get a ranking on the leaderboards. If this sounds like you, then you'll want to play through the Time Trial mode. It's the same as the rest of the game, but now you're given a certain amount of time to conquer the level. Try to beat the level as fast as you can with as grand of a score as you can to move up the ranks! Maybe Time Trial isn't quite what you're looking for, then take out the time to try and ace every level if you haven't already by getting three stars. If you're playing Lightfish on Steam, than you can also gather every achievement offered.
Functionality
There weren't any bugs or glitches to complain about, although Lightfish still has a few issues holding it back from being a great game. One thing is for sure, don't try to make a thread at a reef touching the wall, otherwise you wont' be able to pass it. Some people have complained that there's no reward to winning or motivation to keep playing. There's no story propelling the player to keep pushing to the end. You'll enjoy the game for a while, but then it gets to the point where certain things seem a bit repetitive. While they add new creatures and obstacles in each level, it's still not quite as unique as hoped. With these things in mind, you probably won't play it to the end, but you might play it here and there. As opposed to feeling engrossed into the game and progress from level to level.
Unfortunately the controls can be unresponsive at times and end up getting you killed. Especially when minor twitches occur that throw you off and tend to prevent you from getting those three stars. When it comes to bugs and glitches this'd be the main issue. If you're playing on an old computer and have issues with lag, in the options you can change the graphics along with your resolution size. Lightfish also allows you to use Xbox's game pad in case you'd prefer to play it differently.
Music
One of the things you'll enjoy most about Lightfish is it's ambient soundtrack while you're adventuring the depths of the ocean. Eclipse Games creates a soothing rhythm to set your mood when drifting from wall to wall. It sets a relaxing setting for you to experience. Even though you can turn down the volume and play your own music, you'll definitely enjoy this the first few times around.
Overall 3/5
In my experience I enjoyed the most of the game, although got kind of bored when it came around to the last world. Eclipse Games took on an old idea, so since it's not an original idea, that holds it back a little bit. I definitely enjoyed the music a lot while playing. As I played I definitely realized better methods of going about each level and capturing more creatures and space at a time. I was disappointed it didn't have any story behind it or something to really grab me and motivate me to beat each level. Overall, it was fun while it held me, but it didn't keep a firm grasp.
You can buy Lightfish on Steam or the XBLA. On Steam it costs $4.99, but is currently 50% off for $2.49 until January 2nd, 2011.
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