Pro Bass Fishing

Overview

Yawn, stretch, yaawn ... Oh, sorry! I was falling asleep at my PC playing WizardWorks' new game, Pro Bass Fishing. This is their attempt at an "interactive fishing simulation." The game lets you fish from six different lakes, has variable weather conditions, provides six types of fish that you can catch with different fishing rods, and allows you to choose from tons of different lures. At the beginning of the game, you get a boat with a trolling motor and a mighty snazzy fish finder (yeah, right!). There is no fishing tournament available, so there is not a whole lot to this game. Just fish and try to have fun.

Gameplay, Controls, Interface

The mouse can be used for all functions of the game. When you wish to cast your line, you simply click the mouse and up pops a crosshair. You drag the crosshair to the place you wish to cast, click again and the fishing line goes to that spot. Moving around the fishing boat is just as easy; click on your tackle bag and it brings up the different types of lures available. The same goes for rod selection and navigation around the lake in your boat. On the right side of the main game screen you can see which lure you are using and how tight your drag is on your line. There is also a meter that lets you see how much tension the fish is putting on the line when you are reeling in the fish. The game manual says that you can use a force-feedback joystick to feel the fish fighting you. I didn't feel a need to use the joystick as they had to put a gun to my head to get me to play this game.

Graphics

I have had the opportunity to play many bass and river fishing games in my aging years. It all started with the 8-bit Nintendo, then the 16-bit Super Nintendo, and finally the Sega Genesis machine. Any one of those gaming platforms could whip this game's butt with both fins and a tail tied behind its back (I'm not joking). When you actually get to catch a fish, the only thing you get to see is the fish wagging its tail at you until you drag it into the boat. I will give the WizardWorks game designers credit for the stunning algae that covers the lake, and the excellent sunken logs that hug the lakeshore. However, there is nothing in the graphics that makes you want to play Pro Bass Fishing more than once, and that's stretching it.

Audio

The audio in the game is just plain flat. The fisherman yawns, mosquitoes buzz, the frogs croak and ribbit. When there is a fish on your line, you just hear it being reeled in and a little splashing. Hold me back, Bubba.

System Requirements

Pentium 120 or higher, Windows 95, 16 MB RAM, 60 MB free hard disk space, 2X CD-ROM drive, DirectX video and sound compatible cards (joystick optional)

Documentation

The manual runs you through the setup process, and covers all aspects of fishing in this game. You are also shown how to navigate your boat and use the fish finder. This is a very simple game to learn. It took me all of about ten minutes to figure out how to play it.

Bottom Line

The genuine fishing lure included in the game is the best part of the package. Next time I'm down at the in-laws' in Arkansas, I'll put the free lure to good use. I'm not trying to be cruel, my gentle reader; it's just that you might as well save the cash on this stinky fish. If you’re looking for a good fishing game, go pick up Front Page Sports' Trophy Rivers; it's a whole lot more fun and realistic. Enough said.