Reel Me In! (Bass Fishing (DC))

Member Name: VOODOO MAN

Product:	Bass Fishing (DC)
Date:	08/04/02 (349 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Graphics, great for parties

Disadvantages: Loading times and longevity

When Dreamcast games stood proudly on the shelves of gaming stores, Sega Bass fishing and the very intriguing looking fishing rod stood out beyond all else. A fishing game, quite simply where you have to sit in a boat and fish, for bass. A simple enough idea; one that's been copied a few times, but never with the same level of conviction as Sega's virtual fish 'em up. Sega Bass fishing stands alone, in a boat on a lake, as the best 'fish 'em up' game around. It's not flawless by any means, but for the most, it's a top game.

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Graphically at first viewing you'll be very impressed. Well, I was anyway - excellent water effects, very smooth and realistic bass movements, and a general authenticity - everything looks realistic; if you're pulling your line across the sand at the lake's bottom you'll see excellent sand movement effects. The top ripples do all seem to move in unity though, which does show Sega up a tad, but all in all the colours are right, the animation is excellent, and you really do have to play this one.

The sound isn't amazing. There's partial in game commentary, a muffled voice stating the size of your catch, the location of where you're fishing and other obvious information, but the most important sound effects are those from the water and fish. It's no Ecco the Dolphin, but I think Sega's managed to achieve a reasonable amount of tranquillity, appropriate splashes, line reeling, and fish noises - it's acceptable. Nothing out of this world, you'd here just the same from a portable television to one with Dolby 5.1 surround. In game music could have been improved greatly.

With the fishing rod Sega Bass plays like a gem. Responsive and accurate, just flick the rod to cast the line, and use the reel to bring in your dinner! Simple. You'll start to wonder why people go 'real' fishing if all they do is put the fish
back, Sega Bass fishing is as close to the real thing as you can get, without the rain and fishy smells. There's a championship mode to play through, but for a quick gaming session, the arcade or original modes will suffice. It's a brave attempt from Sega, you have to try it.

For the first three hours you'll be lost in a world full of plankton and fish hooks, Sega Bass manages to hold your attention very well for the first few times of playing, but after that it loses it's appeal and the line just can't real you in. It's fun for brief stints, but if you're looking for a life long partner, this just isn't it.

What Sega Bass fishing does excel at is providing entertainment at family parties, or at Christmas time, you'll be surprised by how many frowns that turn to smiles by thrusting a plastic rod at television screen, everyone will want a go. And why not, it's a game with universal appeal, there's no foul language from the Bass although you might get a tad annoyed with the loading times...

It's got its ups and its downs, but overall, a very good game.

Thanks for reading,

VOODOO MAN

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