Deadliest Catch: Alaskan Storm

Based on the popular reality TV show, Deadliest Catch: Alaskan Storm puts the player in the boots of the brave crab fishermen of the Bering Sea. That said fishing isn’t the only thing you’ll be doing in this game, as there are missions that involve search and rescue operations in the Alaskan frozen waters.

Featuring some of the real-life fishermen seen in the show, Alaskan Storm could be considered exclusively for the fans of the series. Those players looking for a show that’s mostly about fishing or some light simulation elements might feel left behind by most of the content in this game.

Fishing Fan Service

As we mentioned before, more than a simulation game, Deadliest Catch: Alaskan Storm is a game made explicitly for fans of the series. Going into it expecting a seafaring version of American Truck Simulator is a recipe for disaster. Fans of the show will be pleased to see their favorite characters from the show making a return in this game. The player takes the role of the general manager of a crab fishing company, overseeing every aspect of the process with the help of Captain Sig.

As much as the game tries to be a realistic representation of the unforgiving world of Alaskan crab fishing, some low-budget limitations make the whole experience feel cheaper than it is. For example, the visuals look extremely outdated, even for a budget game. Some minor glitches also further sour the overall experience, making it feel like an unfinished mess at some points.

Slow and Methodical

One thing to keep in mind is that Deadliest Catch: Alaskan Storm is not an arcade game. Every action in the game takes some time to process: a testament to the developers’ commitment to realism. However, this also means that most of the game’s gameplay loop easily becomes a boring repetition of chores. Again, it’s important to remember that this is a game that will appeal mostly to fans of the show.

The slow pace, as jarring as it might seem at first glance, is something that soon becomes bearable – as long as the player is invested enough in the game’s action. Most of the dramatic storytelling from the show is missing from the game, but that’s to be expected.

Even though it might seem like this is a very niche game – and in all honesty, it is – there’s still some entertainment to be had for casual players. Fans of tycoon-style games, like the aforementioned European Truck Simulator series, will find the methodical gameplay fun enough. However, it’s worth mentioning that, as competent as it is, this is still very much a budget game, so expect some minor hindrances here and there.

Pros

• Realistic water physics
• Great attention to detail for fans of the show
• Some of the show’s cast reprise their role in the game

Cons

• Lots and lots of glitches
• Terrible textures
• Awkward animations and subpar character models