ifv-LookingOutwards-12

Chris Johnson’s Digital Ecosystems

 

Gameplay of Tap Tap Fish AbyssRium

In the mobile game Tap Tap Fish AbyssRium the player taps on the rock to generate ‘vitality’ points which the player can use to upgrade certain parts of the aquarium and purchase new fish with. Its marketed as a relaxation game but really is meant to be addictive and encourages in-app purchases for upgrades. I really like the style and fish animations in this game, the movements are realistic, so are the fishes designs except they are made to be a cuter than the real fish they are based on. I wish the game was more relaxing. I really admire the atmosphere in Chris Johnson’s digital ecosystems (they are both unsettling and calming) and how he explores the various kinds of ecosystems and how they are all connected by the presence of a cycle. I think Johnson’s piece is good as an art piece but doesn’t hold as strong as a game with replay-ability.