Fishing Kings, Gameloft’s entrance into the fishing realm, recently splashed into the app store. Not since Flick Fishing have we had so much fun yanking virtual fish from the digital ocean.
Fishing Kings Pros:
- Impressive 3D-rendered underwater views
- Flawless fun controls
- Exhilarating experience
- Great soundtrack enhances gameplay
Fishing Kings Cons:
- None as of this review
Fishing Kings features 5 different locations where you can cast your line and land whopper after whopper. The Bahamas, Lake Erie, the Waikato River, Nahuel Huapi, and the Amazon provide the backdrop for some thrilling man vs. nature action. All locations but the Amazon are unlocked from the start, though only 1 of the 3 sub-locations in each is initially available. You’ll need to compete in and win some of the available tournaments to receive fishing licenses that grant access to more locations. Invitations to these events are received via an in-game PDA system. You may also receive missions, requiring you to catch a certain number of a specific species of fish. Similar to the licenses won during tournaments, completed missions reward you with Fishbucks, which can be spent at the local shop on lures and improved equipment which just might help you land the fish of your dreams.
There are 33 different species of fish in the game. Once you catch a fish, its species is unlocked in your fishing guide, giving you on-demand access to information about the fish, such as approximate size/weight, location, preferred lure, and more. Your fishing diary contains information about your personal best and worst fish, lifetime catch statistics, achievements you’ve won, and leaderboards maintained through the Gameloft Live! network.
The most notable aspect of the game is the underwater view, which allows you to experience the 3D-rendered water world in all of its glory. This is where Gameloft really knocks it out of the park and sets itself apart from Flick Fishing. You get the opportunity to experience the game from the lure’s perspective, watching it jerk and shimmy through the water as you reel in your line. You’ll see fish of several species in their natural habitat and enjoy the thrill of watching the curious creatures poke at the bait before one finally bites. The struggle to tire the fish without breaking your line is half of the fun. The controls do a great job of putting you in an active role, as the accelerometer-based controls will have you twitching and twisting your way to fishing immortality. Casting is as simple as tapping a target spot and making a casting motion with the device. Once your lure is in the water, a circular motion on the reel slowly pulls your line through the water, attracting fish in the process. When one bites, tip your device to hook it and then reel the sucker in. You’ll need to watch you line tension, indicated by the color bar, while tipping your device to the left or right as indicated by the radar to avoid snapping the line. When the fish is about 10 feet out, you’ll tip the device once again to pull him up and discover the full size and weight of your catch. It’s just that simple, yet so very exhilarating. The countrified soundtrack only serves to enhance the experience, which is quite immersive and addictive.
Replay value is high for fans of fishing, though it might wane a bit for the casual gamer once you’ve unlocked everything. The Gameloft Live! integration gives players the opportunity to compare stats and determine once and for all who really caught the biggest fish and who’s just telling tall tales. At $2.99, this is one of Gameloft’s best values and it’ll certainly give Flick Fishing a run for its money. Fishing Kings is a 5-Dimple catch-of-the-day.
