The Aquarium does not dance Special Edition is a 2D adventure, RPG, and horror game. As Suze, you navigate an aquarium to find your best friend, Lulu, who has disappeared. It transforms from a guided tour into a world filled with creepies and mysteries, pushing you to solve riddles to survive.

The Aquarium does not dance Special Edition is a polished revamp of the original freeware game. It adds full Japanese voice acting for all five heroines, a brand-new scenario titled "The Aquarium will always hunger," and an updated user interface. The game’s atmosphere, storytelling, and horror elements are all well-balanced.

A thalassophobic nightmare waiting to happen

The Aquarium does not dance Special Edition's horror is greatly crafted through its oppressive atmosphere and disturbing creature design. As the player, you will explore long, twisted hallways, feeling lost and alone, a feeling broken only by a few warm, welcoming safe spots. The creepies are genuinely gruesome, and the full-screen art assets are stunning, showcasing the game's unique and memorable aesthetics, despite having a 2D art style.

Gameplay combines exploration with well-designed puzzles that require you to pay close attention to environmental clues. The story itself is a highlight, gaining significant momentum in the second half with numerous surprising twists and turns. The emotional voice acting during key scenes and the subtle, heartfelt bonds between characters elevate the narrative to a new level, with its full animated cut scenes.

Despite its many strengths, some aspects of the game could be improved. The new health bar design is not as clear or fitting as the original game. Additionally, a few puzzles are particularly difficult, potentially halting progress for players less experienced with the genre. Lastly, a minor bug was noted where unlocked extra content re-locked itself upon restarting the game.

A game worth trying for

The Aquarium does not dance Special Edition is a standout title that exceeds expectations. It offers a gripping horror experience with an engaging story and a beautifully crafted world. Its polished features and the addition of a professional English translation and well-done voice acting make it a worthwhile purchase for both fans of the original and newcomers to the RPG horror genre.