Aquarium

Overview

Theme Aquarium is a simulation video game published by Electronic Arts Square, in which the player creates and controls a sea life aquarium. It was originally released on 17 December 1998 for PlayStation only in Japan. The game was later ported to Microsoft Windows under the name Aquarium and was released in Europe on 25 December 2000.

The gameplay is very similar to the other games in the Theme series, and the graphics are similar to Theme Park. In Theme Aquarium, the player begins with an expanse of empty floor space and the task is to construct a maritime attraction for visitors which must be filled with interesting and appropriate creatures at the same time as dealing with all the attendant challenges of running a profitable business. There are two ways of getting fish and other sea life, either by buying them off sellers or by catching them yourself. Dolphin shows can also be created and serve as the star attraction of the aquarium. Staff must be hired to maintain the aquarium and also to take proper care and attention to the animals.

In a 1999 interview, Bullfrog Productions co-founder Les Edgar stated that Theme Aquarium was produced and tested in the United Kingdom, but implemented in Japan. His intention was to "cross barriers" between the United Kingdom and Japan, and produce a game suitable for both markets, as, due to the success of Theme Park and Populous in Japan, he thought Bullfrog were more successful than other companies in producing games that were successful there. He commented that it sold well in Japan, but would not in the United Kingdom, and that the idea of having the producers in the United Kingdom and the development team in Japan worked.

Screenshots

Game details

Genres

Simulator, Strategy

Developer

Bullfrog Productions, Tose

Publisher

Electronic Arts

Platforms

PlayStation 3, Windows, PlayStation, PlayStation Portable

Modes

Single player

Yes

Local multiplayer

No

Online multiplayer

No

Co op

No

Age ratings

CERO

A

Release dates

Playable today

Playable offline todayYes

Single-player only, with no online features.

Online

Plays offlineYes

Credits

Region

US