In the Chinese version of the classic game "大鱼吃小鱼" (Big Fish Eats Small Fish), players control a small fish trying to survive and grow by eating smaller fish while avoiding being eaten by larger ones. But what if we turn the game upside down and imagine a world where the big fish is the protagonist and the small fish are just its prey? This is exactly what the English version of the game, "Shark Attack" does, and it leads to some hilarious and absurd scenarios.
In "Shark Attack," players control a hungry shark trying to eat as many fish as possible before getting caught by fishermen or other sharks. The game is a tongue-in-cheek take on the food chain and human obsession with aquatic predators. The graphics are cartoonish and the gameplay is fairly simple, but the humor and irony of the game make it addictive and entertaining.
One of the funniest moments in "Shark Attack" is when your shark accidentally swallows a pair of scuba divers. They are too big to digest and they cause your shark to swim slowly and awkwardly, making it an easy target for other sharks or boats. It's a great example of the game's dark humor and willingness to make fun of itself and its subject matter.
The Chinese version of "Big Fish Eats Small Fish" is different in many ways. It's more straightforward and less focused on humor or irony. It's a classic arcade game, where players try to get a high score by eating smaller fish and avoiding being eaten by larger ones. The graphics are simple and colorful, and the gameplay is addictive and challenging.
However, there are some interesting differences between the two versions. The Chinese version has a more detailed and diverse underwater world, with different types of fish and obstacles. The power-ups are different too, with shields, multipliers, and special items like bombs or mines that can help or hinder your progress. The Chinese version also has a more relaxing and cheerful soundtrack, which contrasts with the intense and ominous music of "Shark Attack."
But perhaps the most interesting difference between the two games is their underlying messages. While "Big Fish Eats Small Fish" seems to promote a Darwinian view of survival of the fittest, "Shark Attack" satirizes this idea by showing the ridiculousness and cruelty of predatory behavior. It also highlights the environmental damage caused by overfishing and shark finning, which are serious issues in many parts of the world.
In conclusion, both versions of the game have their merits and charms. "Shark Attack" is a hilarious and biting parody of the original game, while "Big Fish Eats Small Fish" is a classic and addictive arcade game with a more optimistic and celebratory vibe. Whether you prefer the English or Chinese version, one thing is clear: in the ocean, anything can happen, and the big fish may not always have the upper fin.