There even seems to be a 'consolation prize': when playing without a timer, you don't get a time bonus, but the level bonus is slightly higher. The oil will spread unless a match is made next to it and, if there is an oil barrel on the level, it can't be completely removed, the player just has to complete a level while also taking care to keep the oil in check.Īs before, the game also offers an easier 'Relaxed gameplay' mode in which the timer and also the two most difficult impediments: oil and time bombs can be switched off. For example the game includes new impediments: old tires (they can be 'recycled' by making a match next to them, but unlike boxes and frozen pieces, can be directly swapped with other tiles), time bombs (they need to be defused by matching them with pieces of the same color) and oil. Some new features have been introduced (I will elaborate more on the unfortunate changes to the bonus system in 'The Bad').

Unfortunately, the amount of points received is quite small and, as before, the game progresses very slowly after the first few experience levels. Since most achievements are won in match-3 gameplay, not in aquarium area, an icon indicating a new achievement appears and the player can pick up prize for this achievement.

Now also each completed level gives not only virtual money, but also some experience points, both money and points are also given for each achievement. In 'Depths of Time' the abovementioned lacks were corrected. Achievements are a popular idea in games since the advent of platforms such as Steam, but not always are they really integrated with the rest of the game and in 'Fishdom 3' they weren't. Achievements weren't integrated with gameplay - they were just an extra feature, just for satisfaction. Experience points were only given for purchases, their results such as winning a cup, and for feeding fish and cleaning tanks. In 'Fishdom 3' the system of experience points wasn't fully developed yet. Making this comparison is also useful insofar that it allows noticing a few improvements. It's closest to 'Fishdom 3': the same graphical style, the same gameplay mechanic with no level score, a simplified system of cups for well-developed aquariums and experience points.

'Fishdom: Depths of Time' could actually be called 'Fishdom 4' because it's clearly the latest part of the basic series. Where is the Fishdom we have known and loved?

Free fishdom-depths-of-time