Clockwork Aquario Review

Clockwork Aquario is a peculiar case. The game’s development was started in 1992 and was intended to be developer Westone’s final project for the Sega System 18 arcade machines. Unfortunately, the project was canned at the time due to the increasing popularity of 3D and fighting games in arcades. It also unfortunately tested negative when placed in location tests in 1993.

Fast forward to 2017, Strictly Limited Games purchased the rights from SEGA and then teamed up with ININ Games and past developers from Westone studio and picked up the pieces of what was left since part of the project’s original source code was lost. Surprisingly enough because of this, Clockwork Aquario holds the World Guiness Record for longest game in development clocking in at 28 years and 81 days. And now in 2023, the game finally made its way onto Xbox family of consoles; two years after its debut on Sony’s PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch.

Clockwork Aquario tells the story of Huck Rondo, Elle Moon and robot Gush, a trio of unique heroes on a mission to stop the evil Dr. Hangyo from taking over the world. Will you able to stop the evil forces and overcome their machinations?

Clockwork Aquario is a 2D action platformer where players can choose from one of three characters: Huck Rondo, Elle Moon and robot Gush. There isn’t much difference in how their play and handle, although the robot, which is a bit bigger than the two human characters, does appear bigger and has bigger hitbox. Our trio of protagonists have a few tricks up sleeve to beat up their enemies.

You can slap them, jump on them or jump from under them with a headbutt. After the first hit, some bigger ones will require a few hits, enemies will be stunned and vulnerable allowing you to pick them up and throw them. Same thing with bosses. Either jump on/slap them or use their minions and throw them at the big contraption trying to kill you. Players can also pick up a Star power-up providing temporary invincibility along with throwing stars as projectile as a spread attack.

You start off the game with nine continues and two lives. You can also sustain two hits before dying, but the health bar is non existent. You need to keep count of the hits received and also your continues. Thankfully, you’ll be able to pick up potions to refill your health. You also have a ONE UP meter which fills up every time you pick up a green gem. Once filled up, you get an extra life.

The game looks great in its 16-bits Genesis/MegaDrive-like aesthetic; very bright and colorful. Each level has its own color palette. Enemy design is also surprisingly decent; each level has its own type of enemies. Boss are also quite well designed and provide a unique challenge. The soundtrack is fine as a whole; not quite as memorable as other similar games, but it matches the game’s cutesy visual. However, protagonists always annoying quips when slapping and jumping

Unfortunately, this cutesy platformer has a few issues. The first being the collision. When trying to beat up enemies, you need to absolutely be pixel perfect otherwise, you’re the one on the receiving end of damage or death. Also the lack of properly defined health bar is also irritating. And the biggest nuisance is the shortness of it; a game that can be finished under 30 minutes is a bit frustrating, especially if you’re craving more of it.

Clockwork Aquario is a fun and addictive action platformer that can be enjoyed solo or with a friend. It offers a decent challenge and boss battles are quite fun and challenging. But the biggest problem here is that it can be done in about 30 minutes. While there are a few difficulties to challenge and arcade mode to tackle, it can become repetitive pretty quick. If you don’t mind the length issue, Clockwork Aquario is a great platformer worth your time and money.