​Megaquarium Review

By Kevin Mitchell  |  Posted: November 13, 2019

As someone drawn to zoos and aquariums worldwide, I'm naturally fascinated by wildlife beyond my backyard. Megaquarium, released by Auroch Digital for consoles (following Twice Circled's PC release, known for 2015's Big Pharma), lets players design and manage their dream aquatic park.

Originally released for PC in 2018, Megaquarium now arrives on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. Sandbox mode offers full customization - removing monetary restrictions, unlocking all fish, and adjusting merchant frequency. The campaign guides players through various locations with specific objectives, serving as an excellent tutorial for newcomers.

Megaquarium's building system offers extensive customization, from standalone tanks to wall-integrated displays. Early exhibits start simple - a few fish, rocks, and plants - but complexity grows with heating elements for tropical species and filtration systems. Staff management proves crucial, with employees gaining specializations over time. Facility expansion includes visitor amenities like massage chairs, vending machines, and restrooms.

While management sims rarely translate well to consoles, Megaquarium joins successful ports like Frostpunk and Jurassic World Evolution. The control scheme smartly uses the d-pad for menu navigation while reserving analog sticks for camera control. Contextual options appear when hovering over objects, and entire exhibits can be moved as single units. A helpful undo feature prevents accidental deletions.

Simply Put

Megaquarium stands as the definitive aquarium management simulator, with a smooth console transition. The intuitive controller scheme works well, though the tutorial remains essential. Advanced mechanics like predator management, decoration for skittish fish, and species population balance add depth to this engaging experience.