Koi

I have no doubt that we will one day enjoy marvelous console games out of China. But this, sadly, isn't one of them, and it's lamentable to see this exchange begin on such an inauspicious note.

KOI is a game that knows how to push your buttons. It draws you in with its beautiful soundscape and enchanting premise, but then takes you through an often shallow experience with some frustrating moments that discord with its otherwise serene exterior. It's a game which seems far more suited to mobile play than console, where longer play sessions highlight its lack of depth. It has moments of beauty, and comments on larger, prominent ecological issues – but ultimately feels like a missed opportunity.

KOI is the type of game of which the stumbles sting the most.

As is the case in any creative medium, games with noble artistic aspirations aren't all created equal.

Koi tries to be a relaxing exploration experience, but it doesn't look or play good enough for the high asking price.

Koi isn’t a bad game. It just lacks content and a level of polish found in even the smallest of indie games these days.

With its soothing overall look and feel, Koi isn’t likely to appeal to those who prefer their games gritty, dark, or driven by intense stories. For fans of a more casual sort or those who just want a break, though, it fills its niche very well. The exploration aspect means there’s plenty of time to waste searching the pond for secrets, and the relatively stress-free play offers a respite from more demanding games.

Koi is peaceful, smart, and minimal, showing the cleansing journey of a special koi fish working against the odds and the forces of filth and darkness. Simple, but short, Koi is a refreshingly fun casual game that feels like a true video game without losing any of the casual qualities that make up the genre. If you’re an angry gamer, human, or just someone needing a break, Koi is worth a try.

Koi is lovely to look at and listen to. It's also only an hour long, has pointless stealth mechanics, no consistency in puzzles, a nonsensical plot, and generally just feels like a totally empty game.

Koi is a beautiful but shallow pool. The first impression is strong but as you go on into the game it quickly becomes clear there just isn't much below the surface. The puzzles, story and gameplay are "barely there" enough to work, but without much that develops from the basics. As an experience, it's enjoyable enough, if over a bit too quickly, but as a game, it's pretty lackluster and tough to justify the price tag. It's a shame since there's a lot of potential here, but Koi doesn't manage to realize it.