In the seas of the distant future, humans have all but disappeared. In your current, newly-awakened state, you are no more than a piece of seafood. However, you have been blessed with the talent for leading your allies into battle. Do whatever it takes to become the Ace of Seafood.
Players freely explore an expansive, open-world underwater environment, uncovering new locations known as "reefs" that serve as bases and combat zones. Each reef is guarded by a variety of marine life, from small schools of fish to massive, formidable creatures like sharks and giant squid. Navigating the vast seascape and discovering these new areas is a core part of the gameplay.
The game allows players to assemble and command a squad of up to six aquatic creatures, choosing from a diverse roster including fish, crustaceans, submarines, and battleships. Each unit has unique strengths, weaknesses, and special abilities, enabling strategic party composition. In combat, players directly control one unit while the AI controls the rest of the squad, with the ability to issue orders like formation changes and target prioritization.
Defeating enemy creatures grants players access to their genetic material, which can then be used to "breed" those creatures and add them to the player's squad. This progression system encourages exploration and combat, as players seek to expand their roster of available units. As the player's squad grows in size and power, they can take on increasingly formidable foes and conquer more challenging reefs.
The underwater combat mechanics feature fluid movement, with units able to freely navigate the 3D environment. Attacks are diverse, ranging from homing missiles and energy beams to melee strikes and evasive maneuvers. The combination of tactical squad commands and fast-paced, arcade-style combat creates an engaging gameplay loop.
The game offers a high degree of freedom, allowing non-linear progression as players choose to focus on building up their squad, exploring the environment, or taking on challenging bosses. Additionally, the ability to name and customize individual units in the player's squad adds a personal touch to the experience.