I first downloaded this game because I have always wanted to try a virtual fishing game. I loaded it up, played it 2-3 minutes and said to myself, “eh… this sucks”. A couple days later, my daughter was playing it and I looked a little closer. After she was done, I fired it back up and ran my battery out playing it. For the next 2 days, I spent 4-5 hours in the game. I had to force myself to quit. 
It’s pretty easy to get started if you want to play the game in a stand alone mode. Yes, you can play the game multiplayer on “Fish Net” too. The game is really simple to pick up, but they offer lots of instructions and in the game, the story mode helps guide you through various levels of difficulty.
You have to set up a game to use “Fish Net” and if you were given a net code, you have to enter in to fish with the “Fish Net” guys. I skipped that portion of the game, I played against the CPU in the multiple styles of play and difficulty levels.
Once you get through all the introduction info, you pick where you want to fish. The easiest catch is “the Old Pond”. This is a good place to get your feet wet and learn how to play. The initial sessions give on screen tutorials within the game to help you along.
Once you get bite, you can start reeling immediately or set the hook by pulling the iPhone back towards you. As you can see, I landed a WHOPPER there. The right hand side of the screen has has a tab called tackle box. Tap this and bring up the bait you can u
se where you are fishing.
Moving on to a more difficult pond. I am getting better, 23 pound Pike for the win.
The awards and achievements can be viewed in game or online.
Here is the Waves of doom area. if you land one of big 400-500 pound monsters, you have to reel in slowly, letting off the slack a little. You have to make sure your line isn’t going to snap from the fish fighting. You will need to take your time and wait for the fish to get tired.
Game play
The game play is pretty innovative. It reminds me of the old iPod scroll wheel honestly. You flick your wrist to case and if you are using a spinner, you reel in slowly and if you are using a bobber, you just sit back and wait on a bite. Set the hook and if it’s a whopper, tactically reel the fish in. The graphics are pretty nice, but the effects are spot on. In the most difficult area fishing area, “Waves of Doom”, you are on a boat rocking back and forth with waves sending spray towards you.
The hook is that there is an achievement system where you get trophies for winning tournaments and there is a gallery of the largest fish of each breed you’ve caught. I don’t know about you, but I like having something to aim for. Achievements keep it interesting.
Wrap Up
Like I said in the opening paragraph, the game didn’t impress at 1st, but it grew on me quick once I gave it a chance. It only costs $1.99, so it’s worth trying and deleting if you don’t end up liking it. I don’t recommend people playing this one at work though, too much movement to get away with at work.
Pros:
- Innovative
- Fun
- Awards and Achievements built into the game make for stickiness.
Cons:
- The graphic are average
- The game play can get repetitive and boring after a few days.
