Sharks and Minnows

Sharks And Minnows is a single-player survival horror game set in a decaying aquatic facility where players are forced to swim for their lives. The objective is to complete ten full laps across the pool while avoiding environmental dangers and unseen forces that stalk the corridors. What begins as a test of endurance quickly turns into a psychological battle, as the player discovers that each lap brings new distortions to the building’s layout. The swim center changes subtly with time, forcing players to adapt while under pressure.

Lap Progression and Risk Management

Swimming consumes stamina at a constant rate, and misjudging distance can end a run immediately. Players must search the facility between laps for supplies that temporarily restore stamina or offer minor advantages. Rest areas are not always safe, and the longer the player lingers, the more unstable the building becomes. Every lap is a decision between pushing forward or taking time to search dark corners for what may or may not be useful. The game discourages routine and rewards adaptability.

Available Strategies and Key Mechanics

Survival depends on a set of core interactions and player choices:

·         Monitoring stamina during each swim

·         Searching secondary rooms for hidden caches

·         Identifying safe zones based on previous patterns

·         Responding to audio and visual warnings in real time

·         Navigating alternate routes when main paths become blocked

Each mechanic is designed to challenge the player’s attention and memory, often forcing hard choices under stress.

Tension Built Through Environment

The facility is designed with repeating architecture that disorients the player. Hallways look familiar but may lead to different areas, and lights flicker unpredictably. Water levels sometimes shift between laps, revealing new hazards or hiding old ones. Background sounds like dripping pipes or distant footsteps become more frequent as laps progress. These elements are not tied to scripted jumps but instead build a slow, consistent tension that grows with each circuit across the pool.

Exploration Beyond the Objective

While the goal is to survive ten laps, the game hides layers beneath this simple structure. Certain doors only open after specific conditions are met, and hidden messages appear in reflections or signage. Players who take time to explore off-route may uncover pieces of the facility’s history, including journal entries, broken equipment, or markings left by others who tried to escape.