The Fisherman

"The Fisherman: Fishing Planet"
Reviewed by: Carless Yen
Platforms: PC, Xbox, PS4
Publisher: Bigben Interactive
Developer: Fishing Planet LLC

For the longest time I've been looking for a realistic fishing title to really capture the simulation of real life fishing. There hasn't been a game to even come close to deliver all I was looking for until now. "The Fisherman" is the most realistic fishing game I have played in my entire life of gaming. So realistic you even have to purchase fishing license for every location. What is crazy is there are 19 different locations and each is unique. They aren't just in the US , but all over the world. My mind was blown by just how in depth this game is. Over 140 different types of fish. They all are attracted to different baits, and can be caught more in certain times of the day or weather. The game has so much detail it can actually take a while to figure out. With over 1000 different types of tackle you will really need the in depth tutorial. It does an amazing job at teaching you everything you need to do to be a great angler and take advantage of the 4 types of fishing. Float fishing, spinning, bottom fishing and trolling.and even purchase stands to set up a second baited pole. Everything about The Fisherman feels so real, and makes you really plan your trip.if your taking out your boat, or just fishing from the banks "The Fisherman" nails everything to a tee except maybe for the feeling of fishing . The battles and pole work just don't feel that great at times. Some times you are just spinning your hand and reel doesn't even move or the vibration just doesn't give you that battle feel. It is still early though I'm sure a update is coming. This game is just to perfect every where else to not tackle that as well.
That is really my only complaint except maybe the characters. Every one kind of looks like one another. There are beard and hair options on characters while being created that aren't there to choose. I hope they add more Hair and beard options as well as clothes. There are some you can purchase with the two different type of currencies you earn. They are really expensive though, so wish there was more you could do early. Every one on the lake looks like twins right now. It is fun seeing them all out there though and communicating through chat. Talking about tackles and locations. Can be annoying when people want to crowd your spot though, but there is options to fish alone as well. Same for the tourneys as well. Hundreds of online and offline tournaments are what I've been looking from in a fishing game for years. Like i said earlier the content is far beyond what any other fishing game has delivered in gaming history. I haven't been able to step away from this game. Hours will just pass like fishing in real life. You lose track of time your having so much fun or trying to complete a mission. There are so many missions to keep you busy forever probably as well as tournaments. I can see this game being around a long time and very popular. I seen prob 8 guys today on the lake when I was playing on the server I was on alone. So you will have no problem making fishing buddies. Saw a bunch of ladies as well. The Fisherman just delivers all all aspects, and people are loving it it seems. I know I am.

Pros: Tons of Tackle
Hundreds of breeds of fish
Realistic experience all around
Loaded with content and tournaments
Fun alone or with friends
19 different places to fish

Cons: Fishing could improve
More areas on the maps would help with crowding

Overall: 8.0 The best and most realistic fishing experience in gaming history. The Fisherman truly is the fishing game we have been waiting on for years.