Puzzle game fans rejoice — we’re giving away yet more software, and this time it’s a rather addictive three-in-a-row game from Fishdom. This one is bound to appeal to both the young and young-at-heart alike, combining satisfying tile-swapping with additional collect ‘em up game mechanics.

If you like fish-themed puzzle games (or just puzzle games in general, I guess) then be sure to read on for the full review and details about how to be in the running for a chance to win your very own copy for Windows computers at the end of the article.

The full version for Windows retails at $19.95 but we’re giving away 25 copies to readers valued at $500, absolutely free!

No Fishy Puns

Fishdom is basically a three-in-a-row game. The core aim of the game is to match three or more tiles of the same type in a row, after which they are replaced by yet more tiles. There are a set number of gold tiles per level, and the level is complete once you have cleared these using your three-in-a-row skills. At its core, it’s a very simple – and addictive – game which will quickly hook you if you’re a puzzle game maestro.

I’m a casual puzzle game player — I’ve played my fair share of Angry Birds and Bejeweled-style games on my iPhone. And if you’ve played similar tile-based puzzle games before, you’ll instantly know what to do. And if you haven’t, Fishdom takes only seconds to learn.

There is a range of special tiles to use, usually awarded for matching a set number of tiles in succession. These include the bomb tile, which obliterates all nearby tiles and a lightning tile which zips around the board removing random tiles, amongst others. Once you’ve completed the few opening levels, you will have to be a bit sharper, as the game introduces locked tiles which require a certain match in order to access the rest of the board. Speed is of the essence, as the timer becomes less forgiving with each level.

At the end of each level, you are awarded points for non-gold tiles which are converted into currency, money for completed gold tiles and money for remaining time. The better you are the more money you will make, and it’s money you’ll want to make because that’s what the rest of Fishdom relies on.

Collectables & Extras

The currency you earn in the main puzzle portion of the game is used to populate the series of aquariums in which the game takes place. Each aquarium has three gauges measuring Fish, Beauty and Comfort. These gauges represent the three categories in which you can spend money, and once you have filled each to the top you earn a trophy and unlock more.

What you add and where you add it is entirely up to you, but it certainly adds a little more to the game and provides an incentive to further play the already addictive puzzles. You can even click the “eye” button in the top-left of the screen to take a break and just check out your aquarium, which is the primary way of pausing the game.

The game also comes with a screensaver, which is your current aquarium and while it takes a few seconds to initialize (the screensaver essentially launching Fishdom in aquarium mode) it’s a nice little addition which reminds you to earn more money and buy more fish. The puzzles also come with a resume feature, so if you experience a crash or accidentally kill the process you can resume from where you left off.

The whole package is tied off nicely with a relaxing soundtrack which perfectly fits the casual-pace of the game. For what it is, Fishdom is an accomplished little game that keeps you swapping and matching tiles for in the quest of better looking aquariums and trophies.

How do I win a copy of Fishdom for Windows?

Step 1: Fill in the giveaway form

Please fill in the form with your real name and email address so that we can get in touch if you are chosen as a winner. MakeUseOf giveaways are open to readers worldwide.

The giveaway code required to activate the form is available from our Facebook page, Twitter stream and Google+ page.
 

Step 2: Share!

You’re almost done. Now, all that’s left to do is to share the post!

(Note: no points will be awarded.)

Alternative entry method: Use your points!

Exchange your MakeUseOf points for an entry into the competition. First, create a MakeUseOf account, earn points and exchange your points for an entry! Learn more about our Game system and Rewards program.

Sorry, the competition is now over

By participating in this giveaway, you agree to the giveaway rules.

This giveaway begins now and ends Friday, September 28th. The winners will be selected at random and informed via email.

Spread the word to your friends and have fun!

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