I bought Tropical Fish Shop 2 last week, and after playing it for a few days I’ve concluded this is a really great game app for kids and adults alike. It’s rated as appropriate for all ages, and is currently priced at $1.99.
Don’t be swayed by the average review rating of only 3/5 stars: reviewers have slammed this app for having slower than typical load times between game levels. While it may be a bit slower than what you’re used to with other apps, this is only because of the game’s complexity and rich graphics. By ‘complexity’ I don’t mean that the game is very difficult or hard to understand, just that it’s got a lot more action, variety and options than you’re probably used to seeing in what is essentially a match-3 game. But it’s much more than that…
Match 3, Plus A Lot More
The premise of Tropical Fish Shop 2 is that the player has recovered some sunken treasure and used it to start a tropical fish shop. By completing match-3 game levels and playing other types of mini-games, you earn coins that can be used toward stocking and upgrading your shop. There’s considerable variety in the mini-games, which include seek-and-find, brain teasers and timed contests against computer opponents.
The fish shop maintenance parts of the game bring in a Sims type of role-playing aspect: you get to build your shop the way you want it, and customize it as you see fit.
Variety’s The Draw
I’ve played, and enjoyed, many different match-3 games and apps over the years. What’s so unique and special about Tropical Fish Shop 2 is that it’s not just a match-3 game. Match-3 play is the centerpiece, and those game boards are as colorful as any coral reef. The fish shop building and maintenance is a nice detail too, but it’s the mini-games and brainteaser puzzles that really put this app over the top and keep it from becoming too repetitive. This video will give you a better idea:
I’d recommend Tropical Fish Shop 2 to anyone, adult or child, who understands and enjoys match-3 games. While some of the brain teasers may be too difficult for younger kids, tweens and teens will probably find them challenging, but not frustrating. The brainteasers can be skipped too, so there’s no risk of getting ‘stuck’ in the game if a given puzzle is too difficult.