How Fish Is Made similar games & best alternatives
How Fish Is Made
2022
Related articles
Quick resume
Are sardines trustworthy? Are you? Do you want to be? How Fish is Made is a janky little jaunt through the world of surrealist storytelling. Now featuring a Katamari-like DLC!
Global score
95/100
Genres
Indie
Pros
- Unique and thought-provoking narrative
- Strong atmospheric audio-visual design
- Short and accessible experience
- Free to play
- Multiple endings encouraging replay
Cons
- Minimal gameplay mechanics
- Some players find visuals unsettling
- Lack of player progression or customization
- No multiplayer or social features
- Technical issues reported by some users
Motivations
-
Autonomy4
"Players make a significant choice (go UP or DOWN) that affects the narrative and their experience, emphasizing personal decision-making and control."
-
Competence-3
"Gameplay is very simple, mostly walking/flopping forward and dialogue choices, with minimal skill or challenge."
-
Competition-5
"No competitive elements or comparison to others; experience is personal and introspective."
-
Continuation1
"Short game with some replay value due to multiple endings, but overall brief sessions and no habitual long play."
-
Cooperation-4
"Single-player experience focused on individual exploration and choices; no multiplayer or teamwork."
-
Creativity4
"Highly creative narrative, art style, and atmosphere with surreal and grotesque elements; players interpret meaning personally."
-
Domination-5
"No elements of exerting control or superiority over others; interactions are equal and contemplative."
-
Escapism3
"Players use the game to reflect and escape into a surreal, unsettling world, providing distraction and thought-provoking content."
-
Expectation-4
"Players engage voluntarily out of curiosity and personal interest, with no obligation or external pressure."
-
Experimenting2
"Players explore different endings and interpret ambiguous narrative elements, encouraging experimentation with choices."
-
Exploration2
"Players navigate a strange, evolving environment and discover narrative elements and characters, though limited in scope."
-
Expression-4
"No character customization or cosmetic modification; presentation is fixed and standardized."
-
Fantasy4
"Surreal, imaginative setting with anthropomorphic fish and bizarre scenarios far from realistic experience."
-
Fellowship-3
"Minimal social connection; interactions are with NPC fish but no community or multiplayer socializing."
-
Growth1
"Players gain insight and personal reflection from the narrative, though gameplay skill development is minimal."
-
Health-5
"Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."
-
Idle-4
"Requires focused attention during short play sessions; no background or idle gameplay."
-
Intimacy-4
"Interactions are limited to brief dialogue with NPCs; no close relationships or emotional sharing."
-
Leadership-5
"No leadership or group management; player acts alone without directing others."
-
Progression-4
"No item collection or upgrades; static experience focused on narrative rather than accumulation."
-
Relaxation2
"Atmosphere can be unsettling but also meditative; some players find it calming or thought-provoking."
-
Sensation3
"Distinctive audio-visual style with grotesque and surreal sensory elements that evoke strong emotional reactions."
-
Status-5
"No social recognition or ranking; experience is private and personal."
-
Story5
"Strong narrative focus with philosophical themes, character dialogue, and multiple endings."
-
Strategy-4
"Minimal strategic or problem-solving elements; gameplay is straightforward and linear."
-
Thrill1
"Some tension from unsettling atmosphere and narrative ambiguity, but no high suspense or risk."
-
Value5
"Free, short, and highly regarded for its artistic and narrative value; excellent return on time investment."
-
Violence2
"Contains some graphic and grotesque imagery including fish being killed, but not focused on combat gameplay."
-
Survival-3
"No survival mechanics; environment is hostile in theme but gameplay is safe and scripted."
Similar games
Last update: 06/03/2026