Developer: imissmyfriends.studio
Platforms: PC (Reviewed), PS5
Genre: Casual, RPG
Publisher: Wholesome Games Presents
Fishbowl is a narrative-driven slice-of-life experience with visual novel elements. The game was developed by Imissmyfriends.studio and published by Wholesome Games Presents. There are a few games similar to Fishbowl, such as Unpacking, A Memoir Blue, and Florence. This review was done on PC, but the game is also available on other platforms.
Alo is a 20-year-old girl who had moved away from home to learn how to become independent while taking on work; however, at the time, COVID hit, and she began to work from home. Every day, Alo wakes up and carries out her little routine whilst trying to come into tone with her emotions. The narrative itself speaks volumes for this game. Alo is a character dealing with grief, loneliness, and the weight of everyday life, and the story unfolds in such a grounded and intimate way.
This game plays like a visual novel, and it does so in the best way possible. It explores themes of grief, depression, loneliness, and slowly becoming aware of the people around you. Even from a distance, Alo is surrounded by friends and family, and that warmth really comes through. You get to experience her emotional journey as it unfolds day by day. The different characters, interactions, and narrative all come together to tell a story that feels deeply human.
What’s especially interesting is how, depending on Alo’s mood, whether she’s feeling completely down, somewhere in between, or actually quite okay, your dialogue options with others change. It’s such a cool way to approach conversations, and it really resonates with how emotions affect interactions in real life. Also, Samosa is such a cute nickname, and I love how her mum calls her a potato. The Aloo references are adorable. Fishbowl really embodies South Asian culture, and I think it’s depicted beautifully and with a lot of care.
The animation in this game is adorable, with its bright pixel art. I mean, the visuals and the detail added into each setting, the phone calls, the work sessions, are all splendid. The animations are even more pleasant and, in some instances, create such an impact, especially during the more intense or darker scenes. I love the contrast between the memories, the present, and the emotions Aloo feels. The phone calls she has with friends and coworkers are so expressive, and the level of animation deserves so much praise. It’s honestly amazing how much detail can go into this pixelated world, yet it still feels so whole and complete. I fell in love with the animation instantly. For instance, when Alo does house chores, you see little images of the chore cut into squares where you can carry out arrow key actions or hold down the space bar for interaction. It’s little details like this that elevate the gameplay beyond what it initially seems. I truly loved how these small, everyday activities around the house affect Alo emotionally.
The gameplay seems simple, yet it’s very engaging. I really liked the work segments; they reminded me of beat-matching games, where you need to slide the right file into the correct folder. The video editing mechanic is always fun, and there’s usually a small moment with a coworker that keeps each segment feeling fresh. The mini-games for each interaction Aloo does are such a nice touch. Even unpacking packages turns into a little slider puzzle, and Alo keeps track of items in her journal, which adds another layer of personality. Actions that might seem repetitive actually stand out because of the emotional weight behind them. The way the same activity can feel different depending on her mood is incredibly relatable.
The flashbacks Aloo has with her Jaja (grandmother) are so wholesome. Seeing Alo as a baby is even cuter. These glimpses into her past stay with you and add so much depth to her character. I thought the depiction of working from home in this almost secluded life, whilst dealing with such a great loss, was told beautifully through Alo’s eyes. What’s even better is that it creates a relatable experience for the player, and having a set during COVID is another impactful aspect. Additionally, being able to video call with her friends and family is such a nice way to reflect on everyday life. This game is special in many ways and tells a story that really stays with you.
Are you looking for a heartfelt narrative experience where even the smallest everyday moments can hold so much meaning? Fishbowl invites you to step into Alo’s life, balancing work, staying connected with friends and family, and navigating emotions at your own pace. Whether you’re organising files, unpacking packages from her past, or simply taking a moment to reflect, every action carries weight. If you’re looking for a game that focuses on connection, culture, and emotion, Fishbowl is definitely one to check out.
Overall: 8/10
This is S & S. We are world game explorers. We play games. We have played over 10,000+ games! We travel, we write reviews AND we play more games!!!!
