By Khloe Wilkerson

FishGun, available on Steam at no charge, is an incredibly immersive and thrilling underwater adventure game that brings together the excitement of exploration and the thrill of shooting fruit to take back and claim territory that was once yours. The cool premise: The evil fruit has taken over and drained the underwater world. You will use your fish gun to defeat these enemies to confront their queen. You’ll find yourself hooked (pun intended) as you shoot various fruits underwater.

FishGun offers intriguing fast-paced gameplay with stunning graphics that allow you to grasp and get the feeling of true battle when taking back lands that belong to you. The walkthrough tutorial, guided explanations, and dialogue make it easy to move through these sub-aquatic lands for beginner to intermediate gamers like me. You’ll be able to become a skilled fish hunter armed with various powerful guns. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys action-packed shooting games and wants to explore the depths of the ocean.

One of the standout aspects of FishGun is its visual presentation. Every level takes place in a distinct area, whether it’s a tiny, cramped region with lasers that you must avoid or a lava-filled space where you must jump while killing countless, attacking fruits. As you progress, you’ll face increasingly difficult levels and encounter many different types of fruits like vicious grapes, peaches, bananas, and lemons. These often involve more fruit to vanquish or additional obstacles placed in your path.

The many fruits each have a distinct personality or appearance, which adds depth to the game. The diversity of fruit you can shoot in FishGun is one of its most notable aspects. Every fruit, from sweet watermelons to tart lemons, reacts differently when shot, adding variety and interest to the game. Some fruits may burst into flames upon impact, while others may break into smaller pieces, making an enjoyable chain reaction.

To enhance your experience, there are many weapons and power-ups. You can customize your loadout to suit your style, whether you prefer rapid-fire weapons or more powerful, single-shot options. Additionally, power-ups can give you temporary boosts such as increased accuracy or faster reload times, adding an extra layer of strategy to your fishing expeditions. With the green power-up “Laser” and the blue power-up “Bullets Explode,” you will be able to see lasers and bombs coming out of the gun when you are trying to attack. You’ll witness stunning water splashes and particle effects that create a dynamic, astonishing element to the gameplay. The explosions and animations are so well done, making each shot feel impactful and satisfying. You can switch from single-handedly shooting them one at a time to quickly killing them by launching bombs at them.

The weapons in FishGun are intuitive and responsive, allowing for precise aiming and shooting. Whether you’re using a mouse and keyboard or a controller, the controls feel smooth and natural, enhancing your overall trek under the sea. There is a balance between accessibility and depth, making it easy for newcomers to pick up and play while still offering a satisfying challenge for more experienced gamers.

One of the highlights of FishGun is the wide variety of fish species you’ll encounter throughout your journey. Each fish has its unique behavior and characteristics, requiring different strategies to catch them. From speedy and elusive fish to larger, more challenging targets, you’re kept on your toes and constantly engaged. The thrill of reeling in a rare or elusive fish is incredibly satisfying and adds an extra layer of excitement and adventure to the gameplay.

As I played the game, one of my favorite moments was when I had to keep trying to beat a level but couldn’t. The game creates a dialogue in my head that says, “You can do it! Just one more shot!” and the game’s capacity to do so added to its appeal. After finishing a level, there was a sigh of relief and motivation for the following level. With the game’s built-in chat as you approach or finish a level, it even seems as though you have a best friend playing alongside you. Words on the screen would appear congratulating you or warning you of what was to come.

The sound design in FishGun is truly immersive, featuring a variety of sounds that enhance the atmosphere, such as jumping sounds, shooting sounds, and the “pop” of a fruit once you kill it. The explosions and special effects also come with impactful sound effects that make every shot satisfying. The upbeat tunes and splat sounds make every shot feel impactful. The game’s soundtrack complements the action on screen, creating a dynamic for engagement throughout. It adds an extra layer of adrenaline that’s needed as you deal with more difficult enemies..

FishGun offers hours of fun and thrills. The gameplay is engaging, the visuals are stunning, and the variety of fish species keeps things fresh and interesting. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a dedicated fruit hunter, FishGun is sure to provide you with nearly endless entertainment. So dive in, aim true, and let the overall underwater adventure of shooting fruits begin!

At 13, Bronx native Khloe Wilkerson is our youngest intern. She recently won two NYVGCC college scholarships and completed our journalism and writing class at Mott Hall III two years straight. FishGun was co-created by our longtime senior intern, Kimari Rennis.

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