How Fish Is Made

The graphics of "How Fish Is Made" embrace a deliberately retro PS1-era aesthetic with low-poly models, pixelated textures, and muted colors that create a unique, unsettling atmosphere. Reviewers praise its grotesque yet stylish visuals, eerie body horror elements, and effective use of graphics to evoke nostalgia and tension, though some find the style divisive or overly reliant on shock value. Overall, the art style and atmosphere stand out as the game's strongest and most distinctive features.

The game's humor is a unique blend of dark, surreal, and absurd comedy, often unsettling yet consistently funny in a strangely engaging way. Its sharp, sometimes gross-out humor complements the existential and philosophical themes, creating a memorable and quirky experience that resonates with fans of indie horror and surrealism. While not for everyone, the humor adds depth and levity, balancing dread with unexpected laughs throughout the gameplay.

The story is generally praised for its surreal, atmospheric, and philosophical nature, offering a concise yet thought-provoking experience that invites personal interpretation. While some find it confusing or underdeveloped, many appreciate the deep allegory, unique style, and emotional impact, seeing it as a compelling narrative complementing the game's artistic presentation. Overall, it is celebrated as a short, experimental, and meaningful storytelling experience that resonates more with players seeking artistic and abstract narratives than traditional plots.

The gameplay is minimalist and primarily revolves around simple exploration and dialogue, serving more as a narrative and atmospheric vehicle than a mechanic-focused experience. While some appreciate its surreal, contemplative nature and the brief DLC’s more engaging katamari-like mechanics, others find the gameplay tedious, too short, or lacking in depth. Overall, it appeals to players interested in artistic, philosophical storytelling rather than traditional or complex gameplay.

The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its eerie, surreal, and immersive qualities, combining unsettling visuals, haunting sound design, and a grim, often grotesque aesthetic. While some find it highly effective in creating a unique and thought-provoking experience, others feel the atmosphere, though strong, can be underdeveloped or overshadowed by existential themes. Overall, the atmosphere stands out as a central and memorable strength that deeply enhances the narrative and emotional impact.

The game evokes a wide and intense range of emotions, from deep sadness and existential reflection to unexpected humor, creating a profoundly touching and memorable experience. Players highlight its rich symbolism, emotional depth, and powerful storytelling that resonate long after playing, making it both unsettling and heartfelt. This emotional complexity, paired with a passionate community, underscores the game's unique ability to connect on a deeply personal level.

The game's optimization is inconsistent, with noticeable stuttering detracting from the experience despite meeting basic PC port performance standards. While certain expansions suffer from poor optimization, the core performance and visuals remain generally acceptable.

The game's monetization is largely centered around serving as an extended, cleverly designed advertisement for the "mouthwashing" game, with free access but paid DLC acting as additional promotion. While some players appreciate the tie-in and find it enjoyable if familiar with "mouthwashing," others feel the overt advertising undermines immersion and gameplay depth.

The game offers moderate replayability through its two distinct endings and the option to make different choices in a second playthrough, though this may conflict with the game's intended message. Its short length and unique elements like humor and soundtrack further encourage players to revisit it. Overall, it is considered easily replayable and has garnered praise for its replay value.

Grinding in the game is notably tedious and demanding, often requiring players to invest extra effort or "a second life" to progress. The immersive environmental sounds amplify the intense atmosphere during these repetitive tasks.

The game suffers from frequent stability issues, including occasional softlocks and persistent freezing every few seconds, particularly noticeable in the DLC. Despite being free, these bugs significantly impact the gameplay experience.

The game features unique and enjoyable character design, complemented by quality audio that enhances the overall experience.