Pour one out for the Intellivision Amico. What could’ve been a neat little retro-style console with some of its own games has since become a relic under the weight of its own business model. Who knows, maybe one day it’ll finally resurface after so much drama. But, as it stands, that isn’t very likely.

But not everything is lost. Astrosmash’s remake will eventually see the light of day this month, and now we have Shark! Shark!, a returning favorite from the original Intellivision era that has you gobbling fish while avoiding getting devoured yourself by a great white.

The concept is simple and, in some ways, a bit limited, so it could frustrate some with that level of simplicity. Still, if you’ve got some friends around for a good little time, it might just keep you happily fed.

Into the Blue

The game puts you in the role of a tiny fish, with the ability to get bigger as you eat more fish that crawl along the ocean. Now, some fish you can’t eat until you get the proper size, but the good news you’ll just bounce off them here instead of accidentally getting devoured. Whew.

There’s some challenge to it, particularly with a large shark that comes along and hunts you down for a few seconds. It’s a bit of a challenge trying to avoid him, since he takes up a much larger presence on the screen than the original Intellivision release. Luckily, the responsive controls will help you as you try to dodge him (and snap his tail with a quick nibble) and keep enjoying your little snack. And you can collect pearls for bonus points and extra lives, too.

Shark! Shark! is a decent solo affair, but there are only so many levels before you start to feel things getting repetitive. Fortunately, there’s a versus mode, where you can compete with three other players in versus, trying to gulp up the most fish – and avoiding each other, if you’ve got “Eat Friends” turned on. (Needs to be an option in more games…we’re not psychotic, promise.) This is the real meat of the game, making it a surprising party favorite when you least expected it.

It doesn’t reinvent the genre by any means, but for a game that originally came out in the 80s, Shark! Shark! holds up pretty well.

A Casual Crowd Pleaser

Let’s talk presentation. While Shark! Shark! fails to go above and beyond in terms of next-level visuals, for the price, it certainly suits the casual crowd.

The fish are appealingly designed, moving along the various backdrops (also pleasant) while you work your way up the food chain. The animations are also cute, and the little touches with the sea life are well done. The menus are also easy to navigate through as well.

As for the music, it’s nothing to write home about, but it is nostalgic in terms of the classic game, with nice little ditties that play in the background. And the warning tunes whenever a shark nears is helpful, as you can prepare accordingly before they make you into fish food.

Let’s Eat

If you seek a little more nuance in games that will last longer over time, Shark! Shark! may not be the meal you’re looking for. However, if you’re an old-school Intellivision fan or just want a fun little game to play with your friends (as you eat them, mind you), then this one should keep you happily fulfilled. There may be other fish in the ocean, but this one’s got bite.

GAMERHUB RATING: 3.5 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS