Aqua Real Screensaver Review

When I first downloaded the demo for this screensaver, I was simply expecting just another animated screensaver that looped over and over. I have seen screensavers that have this similar theme, and, although it is entertaining to admire for a while, it begins to grow a bit tiresome.

However, this innovative concept for a screensaver, I believe, has revolutionized the thinking that should be used when creating a screensaver animation. Not only are the graphics incredibly realistic, but the user interaction applied to the game is brilliant. You can now interact with the fish in your aquarium. This, needless to say, can only lead into further development of this concept with other type of virtual pets that are waiting for you on your computer.

On top of all this, there is the settings window that allows you to alter several attributes of the aquarium. This lets the creative artist customize his or her own environment for the fish by choosing the colors of the foreground, and two colors that form a gradient in the background. I discovered, after messing around a bit, that stunning sunrises and beautiful night effects can be portrayed in the aquarium. In addition, the user can select multiple different lighting schemes and the program shifts through each of them.

The user can also select the type of fish that appear in the aquarium. I have only seen the demo, but the selection of fish provided was, needless to say, dazzling. I can only assume that the full version has an even wider selection of aquatic pals. In addition, there appeared to be a way one could select different coral structures that appeared in the aquarium. All of this, with customizable placement of bubbles, a range of different sounds, and a function that allows the user to put in music of their choice, make this the most amazing screensaver I have ever seen.

One of my favorite aspects of the program, is that it can also be used as an interactive desktop, so you can still have access to all your programs while being able to see your aquatic shrine.

The user interaction was simple and easy to figure out, making it appealing to people of all ages. The responses of the fish when "touched" or "fed" was incredibly realistic. Although there seemed to be no response when touching the smallest category of fish.

Needless to say, the pros crush the cons on this one. It is definitely worth he price for this beautiful virtual pet display.