Rapala Pro Fishing

As far as video games goes, this one definitely can’t compete with the likes of Halo or Call of Duty, but if you are an outdoorsman who occasionally likes playing the odd video game, you might want to check out Rapala Pro Fishing. If you are cooped up in the house by bad weather, a nagging wife, or just unable to adventure outdoors in general, then having the odd video game devoted to your loved outdoor activities can be a real asset. Rapala Pro Fishing is one of the better fishing games out there and I suppose l can tell you a little bit about it, but you have to agree to invite me over for your next fish fry. Ok? Awesome.

There are two modes to choose from in this game: free fishing and tournament fishing. In the tournament mode, you compete against the clock to catch more and nicer fish than your competitors whereas free fishing is just a leisurely outing on the lake where you can fish without worrying about competition. In both modes, new equipment can be unlocked by completing various tasks, but these tasks aren’t clearly outlined anywhere so you just stumble upon them most of the time.

The mechanics of Rapala Pro Fishing is pretty much the same as other fishing video games. First, you gotta find a decent fishing spot in your boat, select the correct equipment for your location and target fish, then cast your line. There are two options for casting, the easy cast (what gamers would refer to as “ez-mode” and label anyone who chooses this option a “noob”) and then more realistic manual cast. Ez-mode is pretty much a point-and-shoot type of cast where you don’t have to worry about missing the hole you are casting into. Manual cast requires a little bit of technique, though. Basically, the rod is controlled by the analog stick and you have to press the cast button at the correct point of the cast. With practice, this is a much more efficient and fun way to cast your line. When you put your lure in the water, the camera switches to an underwater view and you can see the fish when it bites your hook. After the bite, the camera switches back to the third-person view of the boat and you start the
classic fishing struggle of balancing reeling in and line tension.

Overall, this game is alright for casual play, but it is pretty easy to master if you frequently play video games. However, it is worth buying if you have an interest in the outdoors and at 30 bucks, it’s a pretty good deal.