Neo Aquarium: The King Of Crustaceans On Steam

NEO AQUARIUM - The King of Crustaceans - [official site] is not a new game, but it is a game about laser crabs, barnacles, and lobsters fighting each other and it does have the name NEO AQUARIUM - The King of Crustaceans - and that's certainly worth another look at now it's surfaced again on Steam. Though I think I might prefer the subtitle of its sequel: Ace of Seafood.

It is, obviously, a game about "dimensionally linked aquariums" and the battles that ensue between laser-enhanced crustaceans, each of whom have different powers. Fighting a lobster is very different to fighting a hermit crab, anyone who's hung around rough parts of the shore at night can tell you. Along with a story campaign, it has online multiplayer support for up to four, and the opportunity to create your own aquarium and fill it with friendly sealife.

Now read these words from creator Nusso and try not to be delighted. My readme-loving side is thoroughly charmed.

"In most video games, human beings shoot lasers and fly through the sky as if it’s nothing, but I asked myself the question: 'What if lobsters and crabs had these kinds of powers?'

"Nature's strategies sometimes far exceed the creativity of humans.

"If you reach a deadlock in the human struggles of your daily life, try turning your eyes towards nature; I’m sure you’ll find quite an unexpected battle for survival there."

Neo Aquarium originally came out a few years back, but might have swam too low for your sonar. It's now on Steam for £5.39. You can download a demo from publishers Playism's site too.