Video Game Review - Clockwork Aquario

Rob reviews Clockwork Aquario on Nintendo Switch...

Clockwork Aquario is a look into what could have been. It's a gorgeous slice of 1992 arcade fun, that's been hurled through time to 2021. Developed by Westone Bit Entertainment, Clockwork Aquario was originally planned to be released onto SEGA's System 18 back in 1992. However, due to the rise of 3D and fighting games, Clockwork Aquario was shelved and lost to time.

Skip to 2017 and the titles right fall into the hands of Strictly Limited Games. Working alongside former employees of Westone and ININ Games, Strictly Limited Games have restored and completed the game to its original specs from 1992. From playing Clockwork Aquario you can see that it's been a real labour of love from the developer teams. 

Clockwork Aquario is a colourful, quintessential slice of 90's arcade action. Levels are filled with cute-yet-deadly creatures, platforming consists of some pretty random traversal methods, and the main boss character...well he's just as strange.  

The evil Dr Hangyo is attempting to take over the Clockwork Aquario world utilising an army of robots. Only three heroes stand in the way - Hack Rondo, Elle Moon, and the robot Gash. Each character will have to slap, headbutt, and throw their enemies to save the day. 

Much like other arcade titles from the '90s, the storyline is pretty vague. There's no context given throughout the game, and as such you are pretty much left to your interpretation. Again, much like other 90's titles, the gameplay more than makes up for the lack of story.

Gameplay is very reminiscent of that seen within Super Mario and Wonder Boy. Once you've chosen your hero, you'll then have to guide them through 5-levels of increasing difficulty. Naturally, these levels will be filled with various enemies and obstacles that'll test your platforming prowess. Enemies consist of an assortment of mechanical fish, clamshells, and even weird-looking cloud-fish. Dr Hangyo also makes an appearance at the end of each stage where you'll have to defeat him in the same style as Sonic's Dr Robotnik. 

Each of the three characters has a few attacks at their disposal. You'll be able to slap, headbutt, stomp, and throw your enemies, as well as hurl your co-op buddy to attack other enemies. Characters also have limited health which is shown via two-hit bars. What state you are currently in is shown via the characters clothing. When you're sown to low health, your character will sport various bandages, bruises, and tatty clothing. Getting hit again while in this state will result in a loss of life. You're able to recover health as enemies drop plenty of health items - and on occasion invincibility potions. These can also be used as weapons too!

There's a lot here to love as the development teams have poured a lot of love into this restoration. Each level is a visual treat, that's not only reminiscent of Wonder Boy but plenty of other retro classics too. Character and enemy designs are crisp and concise with plenty of variation. The game's soundtrack also shines with Shinichi Sakamoto's original score returning in all of its glory. 

While the game doesn't take too long to complete, there's a wealth of extras to keep you going. Not only can you play the full game in 2-player co-op, but there are also unlockable co-op mini-games, and an adjustable difficulty setting too. On a more technical side, you can also mess with the games various dip switches, which would have been used within its original release. 

All in all, Clockwork Aquario is a nostalgia-filled ride that's finally seen the light of day. As a retro gamer, I'm glad that Strictly Limited Games and ININ GAMES have restored and completed this delightful title. It shows that there's a lot of love out there for these often niche arcade titles and that nearly 20-years later there's still a calling for them. Clockwork Aquario is worthy of everyone's time. Whether you're looking for a trip down memory lane, or just want to experience that arcade heyday, then you won't be disappointed. 

Rating 9/10 

A code was kindly provided for this review

Clockwork Aquario is out now and can be purchased via the Nintendo Switch eShop by clicking here. 

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Rob Lake - For more comic book and video game chat why not follow Geek Culture Reviews on Twitter and Facebook @GeekCultureRev