Fire the content update klaxon cannon, we’ve just got news in from Team17 and Fika Productions that the console version of co-op roguelite Ship of Fools just got a major content update and a new paid DLC.
The update goes by the name Fish & Ships it landed on Steam PC first, but a few days later the same content update is out on PlayStation, Switch, and Xbox.
The new expansion opens up the Great Lighthouse for players to renovate via increasingly challenging erm… challenges. It also includes a new character called Otto, the reverse Kraken, and on top of that there are three new ships to master, each with its own unique ammo, artefacts and challenges (there are four in the PC version).
The Water Garden Duo
On top of the free content update, there’s a paid expansion, too. If you want to support to the game’s ongoing development, the Water Garden Duo costs a fiver and adds two characters: Mikoi and Noh.
The devs have cooked up a gameplay trailer to show off the new shizzle, so I’ve embedded that below for your convenience.
First Impressions
Ship of Fools certainly sounds like a contender for our article about the best co-op roguelikes and roguelites, and that being the case I just installed it on my hard drive. I’m not far in yet, but my first impression is positive. It’s got real cosy, Saturday morning cartoon vibes, and that atmosphere is maintained into the game.
The gameplay loop is actually very straightforward. You and a mate are in charge of a small ship that is trying to rid an archipelago of sea monsters. You do this by taking your ship out into the waters and fighting the creatures you encounter.
This is done via melee combat, charged defensive attacks, and cannons. There’s also a ship repair aspect, where you’ve got to use planks to fix up your hull when you take hits.
I’m still early on in my journey so I’ll have a more fully formed opinion in due course. I’ve also only played on my own. Once I’ve found a friend I’ll share my impressions here on Rogueliker!
Going down below with the patch notes
The new free character, Otto, is described as “a shipwright with enough tools to repair your ships, but most importantly, mend the wounds of your broken heart.”
You’ll have to complete at least one run to unlock him, or you’ll need to have beaten Tentacles twice. I’ve included the official copy for this bit because it sounded important.
After unlocking a new ship, interact with Otto using your character’s secondary action to access the shipwright menu. From there, you have the freedom to switch between any unlocked ships at will. You can also monitor your progress towards unlocking new ships and achieving the brightness challenges for each on
I’ll also drop the topline patch notes below. If you want the full skinny, hit the link.
Fish & Ships content and features
- New NPC: Otto the Shipwright
- Shipwright challenges to unlock ships
- Brightness Shipwright challenges to unlock items
- 3 new ships to unlock
- 18 new items to unlock
- Secret ship adornments to unlock
- “A Whale of a Time” achievement
- “Reduce Reuse Recycle” achievement
- “Beast Tamer” achievement
- “Festive Fleet” achievement
Update: this article has been updated to incorporate the release of the update on console platforms. Thanks for reading!
