Fish tables are arcade games that have caused quite a stir in the US. Originating from China, these shooters made their way to North America in the past decade, where they have found a home in parlors housing classic fighting games, pinball ones, and carnival fare-like entertainment options. The point of contention with these devices has always been whether they are gambling machines masquerading as video games. Their operators claim they fall under the redemption game category, paying out prizes in-game credits or redeemable rewards. Using this loophole, they have maintained on arcade floors for several years in various US regions, functioning in what many believed to be a legal grey area.
Online, they are 100% legal and widely available. They get their name from simulating underwater environments where players get supplied sets of virtual weapons, each requiring a specific type of ammo. Naturally, the ones that do the most damage demand the most valuable projectiles in one’s arsenal. Hence, they are the least available. The goal of this game is to destroy as many aquatic creatures swimming across the screen as possible in a single round. Different types of fish carry distinct point values, and the aim here is to accumulate as many points as a player can within a set time frame or until the on-hand credits get depleted.
Fish table games are renowned for their vibrant graphics, dynamic gameplay, and extra features, like round power-ups. In this article, we shall advise how to approach their sessions on titles from this gaming genre.
Pick the Right Weapons
As noted above, any fish table option you select to play will give you a different array of weapons. Before starting your fish-hunting adventure, choose the right strategy you wish to use. Will you go after the sizeable underwater beasts and go for massive rewards immediately, risking losing the credits reserved for ammunition quickly, or shall you implement a more conservative tactic, a slow-and-steady-wins-the-race strategy? That will entail shooting lower-value ammo at lower-value fish.
You must also factor in the rate with which you plan on firing. A high one lets you discharge projectiles more frequently, which will increase your chances of hitting something but can also consume your ammo supply more rapidly. If you are an accurate shot, go for high-volume shooting. If not, seek to make sure that every shot counts. Moreover, please be aware that some weapons may have better accuracy than others, and others have special abilities, which come at different costs. So, it is up to you to consider all these elements and figure out how you will play your chosen fish table.
Base Your Gameplay on Other Players
We should have mentioned that most fish table choices are multiplayer-based games, but unlike in other picks, here, players do not support each other, nor can they communicate strategically. Consequently, it is impossible to assign roles, as everyone is actively competing to capture points from a limited pool.
That means you can only modify your tactics based on what others are doing to optimize your gameplay. And that is no small matter.
If You’re Not Precise, Utilize a Defined Shooting Pattern
If you are not the type that feels confident that you can take out high-value targets or any kind with single shots, then we would suggest implementing a shooting pattern that you think you can benefit from the most. There are multiple ones to pick from. Some players prefer simultaneously firing multiple projectiles into a wider area, looking to cover as much screen real estate as possible at one time. That is a luck-based approach, as it leans on the probability that one or more creatures will undoubtedly get hit when you do this.
The same logic as in the spread shot scheme is in play in firing rounds in circular or semi-circular patterns, which many like to do. Fan-shaped ones are also popular. Some individuals also like to combine shooting patterns and switch between these depending on the situation, meaning the number and types of fish on the screen.
Again, you must choose your preferred play style before choosing how you will fire and with what consistency. The most logical recommendation on this front is experimenting with different weapons and patterns in a fish gambling game demo. Then, set off to experience the real deal once you have a good grip on what fits you best.
Try to Stay Calm & Patient
We understand that this will be difficult to do in most fish table games, as most choices will have a round timeframe, and if you do not use up a certain number of credits within an allotted period, you will lose these. Still, that does not mean that you should fall prey to your impulsivity and go on a reckless shooting spree or opt for rash maneuvers.
In most cases, emotional stability will enhance your overall gaming performance. That is why it is crucial to keep a cool head since this will translate into better aim, judgment, and timing, producing a higher hit ratio for you. Always think of the big picture. But sometimes, go with your instincts and fire a round at a target if your gut tells you to.