Reel Fishing


Reel Fishing is a series of fishing video games by Natsume. The first game, Reel Fishing, was released for the PlayStation in 1996. Originally a localization of Victor Interactive Software's Fish Eyes series from Japan, Natsume has since diverged from that series to create their own games.

Series

There are several games in the series. The first two games, Reel Fishing and Reel Fishing II appeared on the PlayStation. They were followed by Reel Fishing III in 2003 on the PlayStation 2. A special fishing reel controller was released with the first game that was also compatible with the sequels. The first game was successful enough to reach "Greatest Hits" status.
' was released for the Dreamcast in 2001, making it the first non-Sony entry of the series. In 2006, Natsume released Reel Fishing: Life & Nature and Reel Fishing: The Great Outdoors for the handheld PlayStation Portable. Reel Fishing: Life & Nature was also planned for the Nintendo DS, but was canceled. Two installments for the Wii, ' and Reel Fishing Challenge were released in 2009.

Games

''Reel Fishing''

Reel Fishing is the first in the Reel Fishing series of fishing video games. It was released on the PlayStation. It was published by Natsume.
When hooking a fish, the player must wait until its mouth has completely covered the hook, then hit the reel button to set the hook. Once the hook is set, the player can reel it in. If the player reels when the fish is resisting, there is a greater chance of the line snapping and of the player losing the fish. When the fish is speeding away and then slows, the fish has a lesser chance of resisting.
One a fish is caught, the player can put it into their personal aquarium, in which the fish can be fed and raised.

''Reel Fishing II''

Reel Fishing II is the final Reel Fishing game on the PlayStation. It was published by Victor Interactive Software. It features 19 levels and tons of different types of fish.
The main menu gives an options menu, Free mode, and Season mode. The game menu is the Aqua Lodge, in which the player may view records, tackle, and a fishing magazine which gives monthly tips and news. In the tank room, the player can care for and watch caught fish. Gameplay consists of a full motion video background and a point of view from the boat. The player may cast anywhere into the play area, but may not move. Some areas may have different spots with different assortments of "hotspots" and a different current. Once a fish has "bitten," the screen shifts to an 3d underwater view and the player must either entice the fish using a lure, or wait for fish to arrive using bait. The hook must be set at the right time, and the fish must be fought to the surface. At the time it reaches the surface, it is automatically brought onto the shore and size is calculated.
Reel Fishing II contains two modes of fishing: "Season," and "Free." In "Season" mode, the player starts with two areas available, Ocean Variety and Carp fishing, but will unlock more. Time progresses in months, and the player is limited on time during fishing. Players unlock new areas by meeting the goals of unlocked areas. Tackle is unlocked upon each visit. In "Free" mode, the player can fish in any unlocked area with any unlocked tackle. There is no time limit, and the month can be selected before fishing. As there are no goals, nothing can be unlocked. Scores will still be kept.

''Reel Fishing: Wild''

Reel Fishing: Wild is the unofficial Reel Fishing game exclusively on the Sega Dreamcast. It was published by Victor Interactive Software. It features only 14 levels and a fairly wide variety of fish, including a yellow piranha.
While gameplay is similar to Reel Fishing II, there is no Season or Free to compete and locations can be chosen at any time of day without restrictions. It also has a smoother 60 FPS unlike the two previous games. Unlike both Reel Fishing games, players cannot keep caught fish in tanks as caught fishes are always released back into the water.

''Reel Fishing III''

Reel Fishing III is a fishing game for the PlayStation 2 platform. It was published by Victor Interactive Software.
The story is about a man and his dog. You get a letter from your friend from your childhood. He says that he will be going out of town for a bit and requests that you look over his lodge, named "The Aqua Lodge". You eventually befriend a dog and find pages of your friend's journal as a reward for accomplishing fishing goals.
Reel Fishing III is based around freshwater fishing. Unlike Reel Fishing II, players are restricted to fish in freshwater, as to make the story feel more realistic. It ranges from bass fishing, trout fishing, mountain fishing, stream fishing and many more.

''Angler's Dream''

Reel Fishing: Angler's Dream, known in Japan as Fish Eyes Wii, is a fishing video game for the Wii platform. It was released on April 30, 2009 in Japan and in North America on August 25, 2009.
The game is part of the Reel Fishing series of games. Owners of Angler's Dream will be able to unlock extra content in the WiiWare game Reel Fishing Challenge.

''Reel Fishing Challenge''

Reel Fishing Challenge is a WiiWare fishing video game by Natsume. It was released in North America on June 29, 2009 and later in Japan on July 14, 2009 and the PAL region on February 26, 2010.
The game is part of the Reel Fishing series of games. Owners of the Wii game Reel Fishing: Angler's Dream will be able to unlock extra content including additional fish and challenges in Reel Fishing Challenge.
Players catch fish by making a casting motion with the Wii Remote to cast their line, and shaking the Nunchuk to reel it back in. Once they have a hooked a fish, they must follow a series of prompts to make the catch. Players can also alter their gear to help lure specific types of fish.
The game features a free play mode and a challenge mode that revolves around completing objectives set within a time limit.
Nintendo Life believed the game to be shallow compared to other games in the genre.

''Paradise 3D''

Reel Fishing Paradise 3D is a fishing video game developed and published by Natsume as part of the Reel Fishing franchise for the Nintendo 3DS.
Gameplay, like other games in the fishing simulator genre consists of casting a line from a fishing pole to reel in fish. In the game, the player casts the line and reels in fish with the touch screen. Whether or not a player can catch a fish usually depends on timing and the placement of the tackle. The game includes multiple fishing techniques, including bait fishing as well as fly fishing. The game also includes 15 stages, 40 fish, and over 100 pieces of tackle. Players can also keep caught fish in a fish tank for display.
Reception, though minimal has been universally mixed. Nintendo Gamer gave the game a 6.5/10, calling it a "A pleasant fishing sim." Nintendo Power gave the game a 6/10 and stated "We recommend a catch-and-release approach to Reel Fishing Paradise 3D; it probably isn't destined for your trophy wall."