Fishdom Reviews

by Sufans

I loved playing this game…for about 5000 levels. One day I decided to spend $1.99 twice in a row to beat a challenging level somewhere in the 5000s. After that, it became impossible to win even some of the easier levels. They cut my number of moves down by about half of what others are getting. When I have asked them to look into why my moves were decreased, the customer service “representative” (Inessa) gives me the same canned response each time. Then she asks for examples…I have provided many examples. There are levels where it is not even possible to win with the number of moves given. Inessa said the reason I have less moves is because I am playing a newer version than others. I think the developer got greedy and just wants more money. I’m not giving it to them. I’m now up to the mid 7000 level but I have to save up explosives and gather diamonds for days and days to beat the levels because they lowered my number of moves. I used to win tournaments and there was strategy to winning a level. It was fun. Now, I have to wait until the game decides it wants me to win and then it creates tons of explosives so I win the level. I’m lucky if I win 5 levels a week! Enjoy while you can when you are first playing, but be aware that they will change the game on you and are looking for a money-grab.

by RojerByz

First of all, I must admit that this a fun little game, it’s quite addicting too, I used to play it all the time (well when the game allowed me too and that’s not about the limited lives count, I’ll explain below)

This game constantly pushes new downloadable content and asks you to free up space on your phone if you’re running low, that would’ve been okay if it happened once a while or gave the option to play now and download the content later but no, this happens every other day and you can’t play until you delete something from your phone to get more space and after a few times I no longer have stuff to delete which means I could no longer play the game so I had to delete it altogether....and what makes the insult worse is that technically you don’t have to download that “new” content, you can still play the game as is and I proved that by running a test; I freed some space on my iPhone and then I turned off the internet and opened the game, to my surprise the game didn’t tell me I needed a connection to download that content and the message to free up space disappeared of course which means technically I should be able to continue playing the game without having to free up space or download content....so obviously this is an artificial limit set by the devs of this game and it’s a sad one that got me to delete this otherwise fun game.

I won’t be playing this again until this issue is solved.

by Sethv25

It was entertaining until about level 500. I realize difficulty should increase as you progress however it became exceedingly clear it became more rigged towards purchasing gems. The boosters often impede playability on the first move. They are placed specifically in the line-up of tiles clearly designed for gameplay (and effect). For example, five tiles combined are needed to make a bomb which is the only way to clear surrounding boxes. Despite being several other options for the boosters to be places, they predictably go into the exact boxes *designed* for gameplay to start that level. This applies even if you don’t select your boosters but are given them. So you have to keep losing the level to undo the in-game winning streak boosters. This depletes you’re lives and any advantage to actually being on a winning streak.

Second, there are too many animations that impede game play. Normally it’s just annoying until you get to timed levels. Using lightening, required on some levels, can wipe out a large amount of tiles (or all tile if two are combined) and the board has to refill. As it refills more combinations are being made and it takes longer. All the while the clock is still ticking, and if you’ve made enough explosions another lightening booster(s) is waiting to drop. During that time you cannot make any moves and the clock is still ticking down. This has to be intentional to make you purchase gems.

Done with the in-app purchase model.

by *97*86&75$7

I agree with what other people have said in their reviews. This game started out to be really fun, and I’m not one of those people that needs to win all the time. I just play to relax, however the game stops being fun when it can take you an entire week or more to pass one level. Most recently, some thing else has been happening. This has happened to me twice now, I have been on a level and then some sort of new tournament starts and I noticed that the number of moves that I previously had to complete the level changes. I’m on level 800-something now and whereas I had 16 or 18 moves before to try and beat this level now I only have 11 which is impossible, unless I want to spend money or use up every single spare bomb or special object that I have to try and win. And, as the other reviews have also mentioned when you do use a special object it does seem to place it in such a way that it destroys what would otherwise have been a really great move. And I also have had the same thing happen to me where I go to move a piece in the play that would create a bomb and it somehow moves in the opposite direction that I swiped. Until I read the reviews, I just chalked it up to my error, however reading that this is happened to several people now makes me wonder if it’s a problem with the game. Either way the game is quickly losing interest as it’s no longer fun or relaxing.

by Tiffer 🙄

After a year or so playing and on level 2024 I finally deleted this game. Enjoyed playing, didn’t spend money on it very often. Just got tired of the manipulative algorithm that would have you run out of moves or time with just one move to win. Also, annoyed when I still have a few moves but game won’t release the bubbles needed to finish level. So goodbye this app, I won’t miss you and sure you won’t miss me. Also lowered my rating. The following is a previous review since I simply edited to say goodbye. Tiffer roll your eyes at this. Play this game as a way to unwind and mostly enjoy it. I spend some money on it from time to time but not much. A few times I’ve almost deleted it because the game at times seems designed to make you spend money which I get, so I’m patient and stay stuck on a level at times for a few days. Really irritates me when the board is completely cleared and you have a few moves left and need only one more bubble but the game won’t release a bubble, grrr. Those are the times I nearly deleted. I also despise the new reward system of vouchers for designer fish. Yuck, those fish are ugly and I’d rather have the old reward system back where you get power ups. Another ploy to get players to spend. I’m in the 1700s on levels so been playing awhile. Maybe not much longer though if changes keep being made to squeeze me for money.

by MJ3CATS

I thought this was a great game, but the farther I get in the levels, the less I get to play. It is so hard to win with it taking days sometimes to get through a level now that I am at Level 393. There is no control of where to put the bonus pieces you earn, they just get dropped into spots where you had a great move you could have made. It is hard to earn bonuses. I move a piece to do one thing, and it does something I didn’t ask it to do. I have not paid for anything yet, so that is probably why it doesn’t want me to win much. The worst part is after you get to play a few times, when you lose, it kicks you out of the game not allowing you to play for sometimes as long as 30 minutes!!! You also can earn 30 minutes of a help, like the bombs, then three minutes later, you get timed out for 30 minutes since you lost a half dozen times. You can’t choose when to use an hour you may have earned so if it is late in the night, you just lose the time. I have never played a game that was so sparse on rewards. The other thing is I like being on a team, but I am pretty useless when I can’t win a level during the days the competition is taking place. I guess if this game wants me to play other games more that won’t time me out so fast and for so long, then they are succeeding. I do love the aquarium and the fish, but that can only go so far with helping me stick with this game.

by MikerTheHobb

I’m probably going to play this for a little longer, so don’t let me discount the addictive nature of this game. I’d have quit if i wasn’t being amused.
That being said, the fact that it’s a naked cash grab isn’t lost on me. Some levels are simply unwinnable without a “boost”. Don’t believe me? I hit roughly level 1100 and every other level is “super hard” or a “challenge” ( that you cannot opt out of…). I spent $50 for this little experiment, so I’m sure some PR guy will reply that no level is unbeatable, but when you win based off of spending, right? So, when Fishdom feels you haven’t spent enough, you get all the levels you can’t win without a boost. And it directly correlates to how much you spend! I had my wife just in this as a control. As soon as I spent $50, I got about 20 levels that were “easy”, whereas she didn’t spend anything and got slammed on those same levels. So we remade the accounts and got to where Fishdom wants you to spend money. This time, she dropped a $20 and got half as many “easy” levels, while I got slammed.

Basic idea, they made a fun game that makes it too easy to spend money, and that’s the point. They didn’t make this out of generosity. I’m getting annoyed by the fact that I don’t want to spend $20 a day so my time in this app may be ending soon, but I’ll never fault it for a lack of entertainment value.

by SCCat

I originally downloaded this app early of this year, however after a few hundred levels it finally clicked in my brain that I’ve been playing similar (almost identical) games for years now. this app has become my favorite go-to game hands down. The levels are challenging and can be incredibly aggravating at times. Especially when the levels cheat you. :/ Unfortunately this happens all too often to me, for instance I just finished a level that I should’ve beat on the 1st try had it not cheat me out of my turns. It’s aggregating and not fair to advid players like myself who love the game. I wish this would stop happening and that I could be compensated some diamonds considering I’ve beaten over a thousand levels. So I can only imagine how many times that’s happened to me. I wish there wasn’t a limit on the number of fish per aquarium or possibly joint-aquariums with friends! Maybe one day there will be a way to highlight our favorite aquarium overall in the profile section? And why isn’t there any additional ways of earing diamonds quicker other than purchasing them? All in all, thanks this app for all of your wonderful underwater adventures! Can’t wait to see what’s going to come out next! :)

by Angela.waterman

Sometimes there bad updates, sometimes there are really good updates. I play daily, I’ve spent my fair share of money because I wanted to, I did not need to. There are many difficult challenges- I’ve seen ‘em all. I’m on level 5239 - I have a family, a full time job, and this is my wake up & play and then relax & wind down game. One of challenges, fixing the submarine, hasn’t been available for quite awhile and that was one of my faves. The holiday events are ok, not my most liked challenge. I dislike the ones that are temporary that require collecting special items to “purchase” upgrades to the aquarium space. I wish the developers could just release like 100 levels instead 15 or 20 a week. But it’s acceptable. One of the best things in this app is they aren’t any ads ruining the fun between levels or anything. You can watch ads if you want to by clicking the video icon, or not. No forcing. Awesome!

Another issue I see are the ads for this app I keep seeing on other games I play occasionally- what’s up with those? They are seriously dumb. They do not represent the this app game at all. They’re non-existent challenges not seen in this game anywhere (moving parts to allow water to flow so fish can escape, or outrunning a shark?!?!) Those are huge misconceived ads!

by Redhotintx

I have had a few problems with this game in the past and support did not seem to be working, but eventually they resolved the issue of disappearing aquariums and coins. It took so long I got out of the habit of playing. I still play when I have time on my hands. Happening more often now so I am appreciating it again right now. Haven’t had any problems in quite some time so don’t know about support now. Guess as long as you’re not having a problem everything is good. I am not as interested in the process of decorating the aquariums and watching the fish, but they are still cute. Other reviews have stated this game is aimed at bilking you for money and I have to agree with that, but they all are. Still, you CAN play it without spending money for "diamonds & coins.” The further you go the more frequently you have no moves available at all or your available moves allow NO progress toward completing the level. When there are no moves, the pieces reshuffle, sometimes after one move it is back to no moves, reshuffles, repeats the cycle again and again. That totally kills my enjoyment of the game...so quit and go on to something else. I still like the look of this game, but as I said before it’s mostly just okay for passing time.

by WickedAwful

I truly enjoy this game and honestly wish that you could have unlimited play for free. The free play should not be limited to five games at a time, but should be unlimited. As long as you want to play and if you want to purchase extras then I can understand being charged for the extra advantages that you pay for in order to help you exceed in your levels quicker. Also the plants and fish that you purchase I could understand if those cost money for the more expensive ones. However for the little plants and cheaper fish they should be able to be earned after playing and winning x amount of games and you should not have to pay to open a bank of coins that you earned during your game play. That’s unreasonable in my opinion, because if you choose to purchase a package that allows you to earn the coins faster. You are being charged to earn the coins and then to use them! That’s double dipping and honestly pretty greedy on the game makers part, in my opinion. Don’t get me wrong, as I definitely love this game, but I cannot afford this game! Not to mention you have to leave your older fish aquarium’s behind after you have earned the stars and gained entry to new aquariums and you cannot go back and feed the fish you have left behind.

by MrsWilburn

Yes, this game is quite addicting. They keep you saying “Okay, just a few more levels” by giving prizes that are timed (like free lives for 30 minutes, etc.). Yeah, I see your tricks! I’ve played a few matching games & I’d say this one is the most enjoyable. I wouldn’t get bored of it as quick as others.
Every certain number of levels you win, you get to play a mini game. These are the mini games that are seen on the ads. Let me just say.. major eye roll!! These games could be won by a toddler. If you’re wanting to download based on just those, don’t.
“Oh, no! The fish is stuck in some seaweed! Which item should we use to help it out?? Clippers(Scissors) OR a toilet??” They haven’t used a toilet as one of the options (that I’ve seen so far), but that isn’t far off of what they do use.
My only other complaint is the placement of items in our aquariums. I just wish we had the option to overlap items (that we place) by some parts of the background. For example, if I’m sitting a house down but I want part of it to be behind a rock that was already part of the aquariums background-I can’t. It will look like it’s partially floating on a rock.
I know this game isn’t about design, it’s just those little things that sometimes irritates.

by Sd1978

After playing this game for close to a year now, I’m finally writing a review. This game is really well designed! The graphics are great, the levels are challenging, interesting and fun. It’s apparent how much work goes into this game, which is why I don’t mind paying monthly for gold rewards or the occasional boost. The downside is that it’s also easy to see how the game has been designed to try to squeeze more money out of you in several places. Once you get to higher levels (I’m currently at 3122), it’ll be nearly impossible to beat them without paying for additional boosts or extra moves. By then, you’re hooked. For anyone new to the game, I highly recommend staying away from the Fishy Bank. You’ll need to pay for the diamonds you’ve earned, then all the ones you earn after you’ve bought them will go back in that bank and you’ll just have to pay again to use them. Just let it stay full and use the ones in your regular bank to break that cycle. This is just another example of them trying to get you to pay more, which is really annoying. I would rate this game 5 stars if it weren’t for the fact that it can get very expensive to move ahead in higher levels.

by Come Find Me, DD Team!

Me and my husband play every night, for years! I see a lot of people kinda stuck on tanks, so I’m a nice person and figured I’d leave some valuable information. First of all, you only need to put in just enough coins for 3 stars per tank! After you get the 3 stars, go to next tank, and so on. Also, I purchase all the fish that my tank will hold before decorating simply bc you feed them fish daily and get coins. Then I save my coins and purchase the highest decoration available. You can also go back in the decorations and use any decoration that’s unlocked. This is helpful in purchasing the most expensive decoration so your tank isn’t so cluddered with meaningless junk. Additionally you can pile any amount of the same expensive decoration together so it’s not cluddered as well.
As far as money, you don’t have to spend to pass levels. I have over 100 of each booster, and I use my diamonds for the hammers, gloves, and torpedos. You can purchase diamonds tho. Look at it like this, don’t you purchase things in everyday life to make you happy? This is no different. It’s a choice. However, be warned! If you purchase diamonds, the ads that you get will become non existent for quite some time. If you do not purchase diamonds, you should receive your 3 ads every few hours daily.
I really hope this honest review helps.

by Akrose7879

I don't normally go out of my way to post reviews on apps. I kept seeing this ad playing other games. I've been looking for simple games to play instead of being on social media. And something to play if I ever have no service. I didn't think I'd really like this game. Most I tried I delete within the same day. I've played this for a good hour plus already. I love the fish and how they interact with you and each other. This game is really fun. The part where it shows you solving puzzles to help the fish escape those are in the mini games. I like how playing = buying stuff to improve the fishes happiness and earn more interactive scenes from them. You can also name the fish. I have not ran into a single ad at all. I'm sure many can relate to finding a fun game but having an ad like every five minutes or less. I find it easier to spend more time in games without ad interruptions. This is a very cute and fun game. I'm excited to see more of the fish interactions they all have their own personality. It's easy but not too easy to level up. This is a smooth good time consuming game without any of the stress you might experience in others. Highly recommend to those who just want to pass time. You get to decorate, buy more fish (characters) and play interesting mini games on top of something like candy crush. I like the explosives it offers, some are really huge and really helpful.

by Hugs Rivers 26

So much fun, but really expensive to play! I love the graphics of this game and the challenge but it is really hard to beat levels. I usually end up paying to play longer. When you do pay you go through the credits fast and as you progress through rounds things get more and more expensive, in terms of fun aquarium supplies to buy, and they take longer and require more credits/money to acquire them. Kudos to the developers for creating such a fun game and I’m all for getting paid what you deserve but when I play and pay, I hate feeling like I’m just paying a bunch of greedy people. It does taint my enjoyment of this game. This could be such a fun game for kids, most of whom, I’m sure can not afford to play this game! Too bad! Lastly, but gladly, as I come to the end of the game, I can use the money I spent on this game monthly towards a new car payment or two. If you are interested in feedback, maybe lighten up on the difficulty or the cost, or both, you might find you’ll make more money in the long run. Other than all that I’ve really enjoyed the premise and graphics and maneuverability of the game! It’s one of the good ones!

by Cablegyrl

In the day, to day grind of working, commuting, giving seminars, conferences, meetings, children’s school, homework, sports activities, Mortgage, rent, utilities, laundry, cooking, cleaning, we are a society that’s in a constant race, to get everything done, we are all Superman, Wonder Women, and every other Super Hero that exists. We all live to work, and as we age, we slow down, we start forgetting simple things. I’m 60, I have never played a Video, or other Computer game. And, like lots of people my age, my memory, and focus isn’t what it use to be. I’m tired of hearing, and seeing bad things that have become a daily occurrence. My doctor suggested I try playing a challenging game, she said it will work but he brain, something involving strategy, focus, but fun. She suggested this app. I have found it relieves stress, it’s very enjoyable and fun! Creative, adventurous, and everyone knows watching fish has a calming affect! It’s a blast! Not an identical aquarium anywhere, it’s interesting to create your own Aquarium World. I can’t wait to get home, and eDee use my brain! I’m almost at level 1300, and look forward to each new challenge. Plus, it’s great for any age group, and appropriate. Can’t wait for the next adventure!

by Ken&Barbie537

Out of all the matching games I have played this one is by far the best one I’ve ever played. One of the only matching games that looks like and follows the ads. The mini games are fun and unique and add a different experience to the gameplay. Not to mention all the beautiful layouts for the this app. I love how you can add unique fish, and they’ve even detailed the fish to have their own personality! How cute is that hahaha.

This game is very engaging and fun, it’s hard for me to put down. I love how they don’t push in-app purchases like other games. All your rewards come from your gameplay and patience. However the decorations are endless. You can even feed your fish! Im selecting layouts that my fish think of which helps add to your fishes happiness and helps put stars on your aquariums.

There’s even special themes as you play through each aquarium with matching decorations. I would only suggest that your fishes carry over to the next aquarium, because for me, it would help save coins so you don’t have waist time and coins buying the same fish. It can get costly seeing I was only able to add 4 fish to my first aquarium. Having to start over is pretty hard. But other than that, nice work !!

by The Little 1

I found this app a few months ago, and while it’s not what I thought it would be, I’ve become addicted to it. It’s very satisfying to beat these crazy levels! I also like the recent addition of having the ability to earn more power ups and be able to take I infinity time play can I have the time for it. I play mostly at night and I often have to forfeit a lot of “infinity lives” time play as they add up too quickly. At one point I had 14 hours of infinity lives and no way to put a hold on it. And that was after I had run out 4 hours! I ended up losing 7 hours! I wish there was a way to decide “when” we could use those bonus items (such as with the current bonus play where you can decide when to use you bonus items won). I don’t know any kid, young adult or grandma that has the time of time play. I’m retired and can play for long periods. And I do play fort long periods! It’s addicting! But I still end up losing a lot of infinity lives hours just because I need to sleep, eat and take care of the relief things. Other than that, I truly love this game! I am fifty my current level is in the 1700s and I have 1.5 million plus in points. I just started a few months ago. Thanks for all the fun.

by Cconner79

Its so much fun ti okay and easy but also hard takes my mind of my chronic pain and helps keep my mind sharp on days I’m sick while I can’t play when I have migraines (which is a few days a week), I haven’t lost a fish from starvation yet! And I really enjoy how each game has different objectives & I enjoy being in a team where u can help others as well as her help yourself. The fish are unique & you get to decorate each aquarium different themes. I do not like how you can’t move to a new aquarium until you earn so many points which has nothing to do with your game performance or the points you score but about how well you Decorate your aquarium and even that has nothing to do with the amount spent but rather a 3rd type pok t system imo it should be on you spend X amount of $ in decorations to move on not the fish happiness points which took me until I unlocked 3 aquariums to figure out! & giving lives to friends on your team is awesome but at 1st I didn’t realize that a team member’s request for lives didn’t require me to give them one of m lives but rather a coin donation and I still have some things I can’t figure out even with the instructions and tutorials so a more detailed instruction or Q&A is needed.

by Ply33352

I have Two issues with this game. First is if you lose and you can use nine diamonds to get five more moves it appears instantly and you can accidentally hit it. I have continued a level about 12 times. 10 of those were by accident when was absolutely no way to win the level in five moves. I think when you hit the button by five more moves the game should ask you if that’s what you really meant.
Secondly, There is really no such thing as infinity play. They give it to you, yes, but you’re really only allowed to win one or two levels. When you get to your limit of levels you can win on an infinity play it doesn’t matter whether you are on an easy, hard or super hard level, You’re simply not allowed to win. I was pretty sure that was the case but I tried it on my last infinity play. I was on the easy level and I played it for two hours of infinity play and never won. If I tried to use a booster they would place the booster in the absolutely worst possible place that would actually mess up what you have would have started with if you had not used a Booster. If you came very very close to winning, all Poseidon a lightning bolt would appear in the very spot you getting ready to do something with. Amazingly enough, as soon as infinity play had run out, I won the level.
I do not like games that are that contrived.

by FE410

An enjoyable match 3 game, but way too stingy with rewards; takes forever to earn enough to fill your fish tank, and so miserly with handing out gems you may as well forget about it. I hate the timed levels, you basically just have to keep playing them until you hit a turn that drops enough bombs to just randomly blow up all the tiles because there's just no time for studying the grid and planning a strategy. You need patience for this game, or else be prepared to spend lots of real coin in order to keep playing and advancing levels. GET RID OF THE TIMER!

Update: Now into the levels above 800. The game has only gotten worse. Now some levels have individual time bombs in the squares that you must take out before they count down and end the game before you're even out of turns. More and more it has become a matter of just taking turns until the level wins itself by dropping enough power-ups to complete the round. I'm getting very close to deleting Fishdom entirely.

Another update: The game is actually CHEATING! For the last FIVE GAMES IN A ROW I have been left with nothing but one or two squid to capture, and the game simply stopped issuing new squid! I even used up my gems buying extra turns to clear this level, but still no squid popping up until after last turn has been played! That’s the last straw. Deleting now.

by Thdvgghu

Most “free” games have in app purchases available, and that is accepted. this app makes it virtually impossible to complete levels (even if willing to wait for more lives) without spending “diamonds” which are pretty much (in any meaningful quantity) only available through purchase with real money. There are few chances otherwise. The advertised fun “figure out escape” games are virtually non-existent. They throw one in at the beginning to avoid lawsuits I suppose. You can “win” diamonds for your fishy bank which you must purchase with real money. There was a week time limit on this that I thought I could wait out and not pay. Nope, limit just resets. I admit I have spent money on this because it’s an easy game to play while sick (i.e. doesn’t take too much effort). You can win coins quite easily, but they are essentially worthless other than buying fish and decorations for your aquarium and giving you the occasional diamond or two. It’s entertaining enough, but not worth the cost to play. Even if you’re willing to stop and wait for new lives. Not enough rewards that aren’t worthless coins. When you do earn rewards such as infinite lives for a # of hours you are forced to claim them immediately rather than choose when you’re willing to spend another 2+ hours playing an iPad game. Just my opinion.

by AJturtle

Nice game; addictive 😃 The only reason I gave it 3 stars is because you try a level over and over and end up buying or using gems for the extra moves to beat it; meanwhile you earn the bombs you needed (in the first place) when you continue playing that level (with gems) and you can't save those bombs when you finish the level. These bombs would have been nice having in the first place (maybe you wouldn't have needed those extra moves); so you actually spend gems and forfeit bombs that you just bought or earned just at the end when you lost the level BUT you can't use for the next level to win and you're right back where you started... you need bombs & you're not going to pass that next level unless you gems to get those few extra moves needed to win.
It would also be nice if we could replay previous levels for coins to buy new items or fish for our aquariums and earn experience points.
The levels shouldn’t be based solely on difficulty but on repetition to beat a level. There’s no where to go from here where I’m stuck. No more $$ out of my pocket. What are you guys going to do to keep your loyal players!?!

by Opossums5

I really love this one. The rewards are generous. I have spent .99 one time in over a year. The one complaint is that the buttons are arranged so that it is too easy to spend 9 diamonds for 5 extra moves at the end of a failed level. I have probably lost about 45 diamonds this way. I think they could just make it where you have to confirm or move the button, and seems like either of those things would be easy to incorporate. I know I’m not the only one by reading reviews so if the developers leave it as is, it would leave me with a bad taste.
Update: the above still goes, but you learn the discipline.
No other game has kept me playing this long. I do spend a few bucks on occasion but don’t feel forced into it to keep playing. I just put it into perspective with whatever else I waste money on! If you don’t want to spend money, just have patience. Really like the teams when you find the right one, and also the gold pass events. I also think the event gives you generous rewards even if you don’t buy the gold pass. I could do without the stories, but you still get generous rewards if you participate.
Also customer support has always been responsive to me.