Story: This one doesn’t have much of a narrative, as Euro Fishing is a simulator game, not a story driven adventure. So I guess the story would be you choose your character, head to the water, and hope for the best. You can always roleplay I suppose and add some wild narrative or backstory for your avatar, but Euro Fishing is all about the sport of fishing above all else. So I know this seems sparse, but the gameplay is the draw here, so let’s move on.

Gameplay: This game is released by Dovetail Games, known for their simulator style video games. So Euro Fishing reflects that and offers a sim style of play, which can be good or bad, depending on your preferences. The game offers a deep system that rewards attention to detail and knowledge of mechanics, so you do have to make sure to put in some effort before you cast out. I know some prefer an arcade style experience, where you just throw in your line and go, but that’s not the approach taken here. You can ignore most of the systems put in place to help you succeed, but doing so lowers your odds and makes the experience more difficult and unpredictable. But you can always just fish and not concern yourself with the deeper systems, though the game rewards those who learn the ropes and put that knowledge to use. Once you’re in the game, you can go through some extensive tutorials and I advise that you do, as they teach you the basics and how to make the most of your fishing expeditions. When you’re ready to cast your line, you can choose a tournament against AI opponents, play online against other human players, or just relax in a freeform fishing adventure. These options allow you to explore the game in numerous ways and if you have that competitive edge, you can challenge the world to see who can nab the biggest haul.

Once you have entered the game world, you choose a fishing spot along the bank and several are available on each map. A handful of locations can be picked from in terms of maps, each with unique elements and DLC promises even more maps as time passes. So if you get bored with one location, just swap to another. After you’ve chosen your spot, you’re free to equip your rod with various baits and hooks, to maximize your chances depending on fish type and environmental variations. These systems offer a good amount of depth, but aren’t hard to pick up on and after some practice, you’ll be in the swing of things with ease. The controls are great, casting feels natural and offers multiple methods, depending on your desired level of control. Once your line is in the water, you wait for the fish to bite and then engage in a tension based system, balancing pulling in your fish against line tension and the environment. Adjusting the tension is a simple, easy to learn system and once you’ve got your catch close to shore, press a button and net your whopper. The entire process of casting, fighting the fish, and reeling in your catch is a fluid, easy to pick up system. This is a sim however, so if you want to be consistent with hooking the fish, make the most of the bait/hook system or you’ll spend a lot of time just staring at the water. I had a lot of fun with Euro Fishing, as it offers a system with great depth, but also accessibility. If you’re a fishing fan who wants a less arcade style experience, Euro Fishing is recommended.

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