Review: Rapala Tournament Fishing (Wii)

While Gamestyle does not care much for games such as Deer Hunter, Carbela’s Alaskan Adventure or similarly themed American "redneck" releases, fishing is another matter. Twilight Princess confirmed what we already knew; casting a rod and landing catch is one of the most satisfying and enjoyable tasks available. So with that foundation in mind, could Rapala Tournament Fishing land a worthwhile experience?

Rapala for the uninitiated is a major manufacturer of fishing products, starting from very humble origins. This game features a selection from their product range, spread across some of the best fishing spots in North America. There is a persistent undercurrent throughout that you are living through an interactive advertisement for the company and its wares. Beyond the products are quizzes that attempt to keep you amused whilst the game is loading each area. Rather than focus on the art of fishing, these ask questions concerning particular aspects of Rapala products.

While Gamestyle is all in favour of diversions amidst loading times (Namco’s Tekken being a fine example) we did not really purchase this game to expand our product knowledge. The incentive for correct answers is the unlocking of videos as you work your way through the multiple-choice format. Your reward is one of several videos, which are - yes; you’ve guessed it - footage of Rapala products in action and how to get the best from them. Marvellous, but such knowledge may come in useful during a pub quiz.

Owners of the Dreamcast will fondly recall Sega Bass Fishing, which was one of the most engaging and entertaining of releases. The motion sensitive rod was a huge part of the equation and while the Wii remote does an adequate job, it is no replacement for the distinctive peripheral. Here you have to remember certain actions with the Wii Remote and the nunchuk device whereas previously you could cast and reel with more natural movements. The control in comparison does not feel as responsive or fluid, with you fighting against the limitations, rather than enjoying the experience, and in a release such as this control is everything.

The strangest thing is that eight years on from the Dreamcast offering (which came via the arcade and must be a huge influence on this release) the actual experience and options remain almost the same. Some progression has been made here, by offering you the opportunity to navigate the fishing area in your own powerboat. However the basic principles remain intact such as being aware of the habits of certain species, then targeting these areas and using the right lure.

While Gamestyle was able to recall on previous fishing experience, players new to the sport will struggle as Rapala is pitched towards the expert or experienced enthusiast. There is little support or help available to nurture your ability and the game lacks a tutorial mode beyond just mere text suggestions. It’s almost as if you’ve been thrown overboard and can either sink, or swim. To newcomers this will be a real barrier to overcome in the more simulation themed modes such as the tournament offering.

Progress through the various modes is enhanced and rewarded with new items to try out on the lake. The locations have been chosen with care and the given size of each tries to inject some adventure into the pedestrian proceedings, although even larger areas should have been introduced. Once you’ve cast the whole fishing experience comes tumbling down. Visually this is a step backwards over previous fishing releases, with textures looking particularly gruesome and some clashes evident. Having already been released elsewhere, this looks like a quick port with little consideration for what the Wii can achieve visually.

Whereas Bass Fishing had to build some excitement into events with its arcade heritage Rapala is almost boring in comparison. When a fish swallows the hook, it should be a moment of drama and the precursor to the battle ahead. Not the insignificant experience that unfolds instead, with the monotonous voice over doing little to rescue your flat line interest.

So the answer is that there is no worthwhile experience in Rapala Tournament Fishing to be discovered. It fails to provide any sustainable game play from an arcade perspective or a deeper challenge for players who want to challenge nature. For the Wii its yet another release that really fails to grasp the possibilities offered by the unique control scheme.

Rating: 4 / 10

Words by Jason Julier