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How Fish Is Made

PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2022

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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

  • Autonomy
    4

    "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."

  • Continuation
    1

    "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."

  • Creativity
    4

    "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."

  • Escapism
    3

    "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."

  • Experimenting
    2

    "Players explore different endings and interpret ambiguous narrative elements, encouraging experimentation with choices."

  • Exploration
    2

    "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."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "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."

  • Growth
    1

    "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."

  • Relaxation
    2

    "Atmosphere can be unsettling but also meditative; some players find it calming or thought-provoking."

  • Sensation
    3

    "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."

  • Story
    5

    "Strong narrative focus with philosophical themes, character dialogue, and multiple endings."

  • Strategy
    -4

    "Minimal strategic or problem-solving elements; gameplay is straightforward and linear."

  • Thrill
    1

    "Some tension from unsettling atmosphere and narrative ambiguity, but no high suspense or risk."

  • Value
    5

    "Free, short, and highly regarded for its artistic and narrative value; excellent return on time investment."

  • Violence
    2

    "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."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026