Game Reviews

Legend of the Skyfish review - A pretty Zelda-inspired adventure game

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Legend of the Skyfish review - A pretty Zelda-inspired adventure game
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Legend of the Skyfish sucks you in right off the bat with its gorgeous, aquatic fantasy world that’s bursting at the seams with quality production.

Its Zelda inspiration is apparent from the get go in its mechanics, which are a direct homage to the classic adventure franchise. But it never feels like a lazy rip-off. The game’s marine theme plays a large part in this, as your heroine wields a fishing pole instead of a sword in her journey to stop the Skyfish from laying the world to ruin.

Submerge yourself

Crescent Moon Games's latest production draws you into its cerulean depths nearly instantly.

Legend of the Skyfish opens with a well-voiced intro to the backstory before setting you on your way, immersing you in a world that seems vibrant and well-realized.

That level of quality flows into the main game itself. The original score is both relaxing and lilting, much like the sway of waves along the beach.

Yet it also builds tension when it’s time for battle. The sound effects, too, are tactile and crystal clear, making combat and puzzle-stunts more immediate and satisfying.

We’d be remiss to leave out the artwork. Legend of the Skyfish is a beautiful game.

Everything from the sweeping world maps to the violent fish-men that try to strike you down are lovingly hand-crafted. Such artfully drawn games can be hard to come by on the oversaturated App Store.

Hook, line, and sinker

Legend of the Skyfish’s ocean environment has a heavy impact on gameplay. You’ll find yourself hopping from island to island, using your fishing line to swing yourself across to the next patch of solid ground.

The isles themselves are replete with spiky tiles, intimidating pedestals that fire arrows, monsters, weight-triggered booby traps and more, presenting players with environmental puzzles that grow increasingly difficult.

The game starts you out on a gentle learning curve that introduces you to new gameplay elements gradually while still offering a modest challenge. You’ll cast your line to drag blocks onto platforms to open gates, or you can snag a monster, dragging the beast closer to you for more advantageous combat.

There’s a whole lot of variety, so as you jump from level to level, it’s hard to get bored. Legend of the Skyfish’s polish extends well beyond its pretty surface.

It’s all pretty easy to control, too, using your left thumb to run, while your right aims your pole. A third touch control is prompted on the screen if there’s something you can interact with. If a monster is nearby, this third on-screen button but show a sword, meaning it’s time to get stabby with your beloved fishing pole. Simple, but effective.

We’re Hooked

Legend of the Skyfish could easily have been a shallow copy of The Legend of Zelda, but instead stands (or swims) above the rest in its own right.

The mechanics are spot on, and the fishing pole techniques make for some unique, cerebral fun. On top of that, the game features a masterfully realized world that is a real treat to look at. Legend of the Skyfish is truly something special.

Legend of the Skyfish review - A pretty Zelda-inspired adventure game

Legend of the Skyfish is a veritable tribute to the 2D adventure genre while trying something new
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