Fish Fillets 2

Fish Fillets 2 is a sequel to the beloved puzzle game in which the player controls a pair of little fish trapped in a sunken house full of rooms cluttered with all kinds of junk. The goal of each level is to get both fish safely to the exit, which means moving crates, ladders, balls, and other objects so nothing blocks their path and nothing falls on them or gets in their way. The game was made in the Czech Republic and follows on from the first game from the late nineties, keeping its calm, meditative atmosphere of an underwater house and its simple but very well thought-out physics-puzzle principle.

The second game adds new types of puzzles built around additional mechanics, such as moving platforms, slippery surfaces, inflatable balloons, or pressure-sensitive objects, along with more levels divided into several themed settings resembling different parts of the sunken house, and noticeably more polished graphics compared to the first game. In principle, though, it's still a pure puzzle game with no time pressure or action elements — the player can think through every move for as long as they like, the game never counts time or penalizes mistakes, and there's a hint system for moments when a level has you stumped. The game's special charm lies in the fact that one player controls both fish by switching between them, so you need to plan both their movements at once and anticipate how they'll get in each other's way or, conversely, help each other move heavier objects. Humorous dialogue between the fish, who chat out loud about their plans and fears, gives the otherwise austere puzzles a pleasant lightness and sense of humor.

Why play: Fish Fillets 2 will delight anyone who enjoys undemanding but cleverly constructed puzzles without stress or a time limit, and will appreciate the pleasant graphics and humor that make the game a relaxing experience even for players who dislike rushed, nerve-wracking puzzle titles.