Proving that software based on fishing sells, Activision is publishing yet another title in the genre, set to hit the Wii (as well as the 360 and PS3) this summer. Called Rapala Fishing Frenzy, it sounds, uh ... exactly like that other Rapala game for the Wii.
Fish fans might look forward to this iteration, though, which captures "the adrenaline-pumping intensity of sport fishing." If that statement just sent thrills throughout your body, you should also know that Fishing Frenzy lets you catch twenty-five of the world's most sought after fish. So ... woot?
Just a few short days ago, we "predicted" (by reading Hudson's web site) that a sequel to Fishing Master would be on the way soon. It turns out we're totally psychic (that's what it is when you can predict the present, right?), as the first screens of Fishing Master: World Challenge have been revealed.
World Challenge takes players on a boat tour around the world. You'll get to see some of the most beautiful and distinctive landmarks of the world -- in the distance, as you sit by a nearby body of water and fish! There will be over 200 varieties of fish, although most of them will fit into the category of "fish you almost caught."
A new listing on Hudson's website reveals a planned Japanese release of Mezase!! Tsuri Master Sekai ni Challenge!, which translates to Fishing Master World Challenge. This could mean that the sequel to Fishing Master challenges the player to hook the entire globe with his fishing line, reeling it in impossibly (and dunking himself in the process), or it could mean that you fish in a bunch of different locations.
According to the page, Fishing Master 2 will be released in Japan in July. No U.S. release has been announced yet. The first Fishing Master game got middling reviews, but did come out at $30 in the U.S., to its credit.
Fishing titles aren't our most coveted games, but if you like the thought of motion-controlled fishing with the Wiimote, this is a good week for you. We assume that if most of you were to pick up such games, though, they would have to be ones that were on sale (at least, that's how we roll). So, here are your two choices:
First off, Amazon's "Deal of the Day" is the Dreamcast port Sega Bass Fishing for $19.99. Keep in mind that the deal only lasts until 3am EDT, so you don't have too long to mull it over. The other fishing software on the menu is Rapala Tournament Fishing for $23.99 at GameQuest Direct (use coupon code CAG1SHIP for free shipping). This sale will last until Wednesday.
Like we said before, we're no experts when it comes to this genre, so if you have any insight for potential buyers, go ahead and share it in the comments.
It's a WiiWare smorgasbord today! Only, this is closer to the part when you can't stop yourself from puking because you ate too much.
That's not to say Cocoto Fishing Master will be bad, though. In fact, for what it is (a Cocoto game), it looks kind of neat. The premise is pretty simple -- you catch fish and sell them. There's also a story mode that involves collecting fragments of an idol, but we're not sure how that works. Since it's a Cocoto title, it will involve minigames as well; yet, fortunately, those seem to be restricted to multiplayer mode.
Check after the break to see a few more screens of this fishing game.
In our mind, only Sega could take a traditionally pedestrian, low-pressure sport such as fishing and infuse it with buckets of fun and energy.
In this latest Sega Bass Fishing video, we're treated to a brief look at the Inlet area, before being whisked off to Fish!! to a rock soundtrack. Only an average catch this time, unlike the BIG ONE! we saw caught last month, but who cares? You'll have caught another one thirty seconds later. Our inner Dreamcast fanboy is looking forward to this one immensely -- let's hope Sega nails the Wiimote and Nunchuk controls.
A few new screens from the upcoming Sega Bass Fishinghave surfaced, showcasing this idyllic location, as well as something a little more important to gameplay: fish! Frankly, this whole thing has us hankering for a vacation. A picnic on that lawn, a little fishing, some leisurely walks around the grounds ... anyone else feeling it? You can sign on for this virtual vacation late next month.
We're often anti-port, but it's hard to dislike a port that offers loads of extra content (by way of several new locales), enhanced gameplay, and good, plain fun ... all of which it looks like we're going to get with Sega Bass Fishing. In case you're unconvinced, we've got some freshly scaled screens for you in our gallery below, and a heavy dose of nostalgia we're happy to share. We may not have the Dreamcast's fishing controller, but we have the memories.
Even if you hate fishing games, Sega Bass Fishing will probably provide the special kind of simple joy that seems to come only from Sega arcade games. There is something about the goofiness of the whole thing, and the English that is only slightly awkward, that we always associate with having a good time in video games. Yes, it's another port, but it's pretty hard to be upset at Sega. How can you not love a game whose Japanese title is Get Bass? It's an imperative!
In any case, the Wii needs a good fishing game, and that's precisely what Sega Bass Fishing is. According to IGN's preview, the latest version includes not only improved graphics, but brand new locations in which to fish. If the Wiimote and Nunchuk can adequately replace the superb Dreamcast fishing controller, then there will be no reason not to Get Game.
The next in a line ofworthless Wii peripherals is this Fishing Rod Advance from Dragon Electronics, to use for games such as Fishing Master and Rapala Tournament Fishing... oh, and we guess there's also that short fishing bit in The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. Yet, as our own JC Fletcher suggested, you'd probably just be better off using this to make your cat go insane. Sure, this will only set you back $9.95, but we bet you could probably spend those ten dollars better somewhere else.
We have to wonder -- do they keep making these ridiculous peripherals because people keep on buying them? Here's a chance to cleanse your soul and fess up, folks!
Before TGS, we learned that D3 Publisher would be expanding their Simple series to the Wii, with the first two titles being Everybody's Kart Raceand Everybody's Bass Fishing Tournament. But after the first two entries in the series, D3's already got four more titles lined up, not including Oneechanbara R, which comes from a series that used to be in the Simple category.
The next four games are, in order of Simple series number, THE Party Casino, THE Shooting Action, THE Block Kuzushi, and THE Wai Wai Combat. A Block Kuzushi game actually came out in the U.S. for the DS, under the name Break 'em All, so there may be a possibility of a similar release on the Wii.
If Data Design Interactive can get away with PS2 shovelware on the Wii, then we don't see why D3 can't make some original budget software and market it worldwide. We've always wanted to see the Simple brand in the U.S. There's something refreshingly honest about making the "budget-ness" of a game apparent right away.
A NeoGAFfer named ram reports that Sega's arcade/Dreamcast fishing game Sega Bass Fishing (known in Japan by the much catchier name Get Bass) will see a 2008 release on the Wii. Apparently, rather than a new game, this will be a port of the original with new content (including changing weather conditions and 15 different locales). The very Dreamcast-like screens he posted would certainly support that conclusion. We don't know what the source is for the information or the screens, unfortunately.
Considering how well the Dreamcast fishing controller works for Wii-like tennis, we wonder if Sega will have some special insight for fishing with the Wiimote and Nunchuk.
Posted Jun 21st 2007 3:00PM by JC Fletcher Filed under: News
The EBGames listing for Hooked says that it includes a "free controller," but we have two problems with that claim. First, the package costs $60. We doubt some fishing game would cost $60 without being bundled with accessories, meaning it's not really a free controller. Second, a Wiimote fishing controller costume is not a controller.
So the Dreamcast fishing controller can emulate the Wiimote, but the Wiimote needs a shell to approximate the Dreamcast fishing controller.
We've had enough time now with the Wii to discover some real gems (how many hours have you put into just Wii Sports so far?) ... but like any system, there are also a few duds, particularly within the launch window. If you're looking to expand your collection, or if you're one of the Wii-less trying to figure out how to budget when your day comes, we're here to help you find the best and the worst of the Wii so far.
Some of the first images and concrete information on Rapala Tournament Fishing have recently hit the internet, undoubtedly lost in the random assembly of tubes for days before being found by a lone internetter and subsequently brought to our attention. Now, given the popularity of the Dreamcast's fishing rod controller, the combination of Wiimote and nunchuk is naturally fit to work much in the same way.
The Wiimote is confirmed to control most of the game's needed actions, such as steering your boat, adjusting line tension in regards to your rod and setting your hook. The Wiimote's rumble capabilities should come in handy as well, undoubtedly allowing your to feel the fish take your bait and the Wiimote's included speaker conveying the sound of a fish thrashing about in the water as it tries its best to get free of the hook's embrace.
With 16 different levels to fish based on real-life locales, such as the Okeechobee river in Florida, Kanai River in Alaska and Lake Victoria in Africa, plus the 27 different types of fish, ranging from the Rainbow Trout to the King Salmon, Rapala Tournament Fishing is looking to be a great experience for those wanting some simulation fishing action on the Wii.
A new listing on Hudson's website reveals a planned Japanese release of Mezase!! Tsuri Master Sekai ni Challenge!, which translates to Fishing Master World Challenge. This could mean that the sequel to Fishing Master challenges the player to hook the entire globe with his fishing line, reeling it in impossibly (and dunking himself in the process), or it could mean that you fish in a bunch of different locations. 
Fishing titles aren't our most coveted games, but if you like the thought of motion-controlled fishing with the Wiimote, this is a good week for you. We assume that if most of you were to pick up such games, though, they would have to be ones that were on sale (at least, that's how we roll). So, here are your two choices:
Before TGS, we learned that D3 Publisher would be expanding their Simple series to the Wii, with the first two titles being Everybody's Kart Race and Everybody's Bass Fishing Tournament. But after the first two entries in the series, D3's already got four more titles lined up, not including Oneechanbara R, which comes from a series that used to be in the Simple category. 
The EBGames listing for Hooked says that it includes a "free controller," but we have two problems with that claim. First, the package costs $60. We doubt some fishing game would cost $60 without being bundled with accessories, meaning it's not really a free controller. Second, a Wiimote fishing controller costume is not a controller. 
Some of the first images and concrete information on Rapala Tournament Fishing have recently hit the internet, undoubtedly lost in the random assembly of tubes for days before being found by a lone internetter and subsequently brought to our attention. Now, given the popularity of the Dreamcast's fishing rod controller, the combination of Wiimote and nunchuk is naturally fit to work much in the same way.
