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1 Developed and published by Misc Games. Fishing: North Atlantic is the sequel to the hit Fishing: Barents Sea. First released in October 2020 for PC and then released on the 30th of June 2021 for Playstation 4 and Xbox One. You explore the vast ocean of Nova Scotia hunting for fish to make a living. Let’s find out if this Fishing: North Atlantic review sinks or swims.
Fishing: North Atlantic – Fishing Never Been So Much Fun
I have to admit that I know absolutely nothing when it comes to fishing. So taking on the task of a fishing game was something that I was a little doubtful about. But it is also a simulation game and they can be really addictive so why not. Not playing the first game was also in the back of my mind but it made no difference at all. A fishing game is a fishing game right. So how hard can it be? Well if you enjoy this review then why not check out my latest one here. You can also catch up with what the rest of the Thumb Culture team are up to on our social media. Anyway, let us reel in on this Fishing: North Atlantic review.
Gameplay
It had been a long time since I’ve booted up a game and been surprised but Fishing: North Atlantic has done just that. If somebody mentioned a fishing game to you then your reaction would be to assume that they are boring and a waste of time. While the game has its moments of being a drag. The whole experience is an eye-opener in the world of fishing. Your job is to captain a vessel with the hopes of catching as many different species of fish and selling them for a profit.
Starting off the game is simple enough but the tutorial could do with a little touch-up. If you’re a beginner in the fishing and trawling world then it is hard to follow and to get your head around. The boat navigation is simple enough but it’s when it comes to the more technical aspects. That’s when you can really struggle. But with patience, it all fits into place.
Catching the actual fish is a blast as you man the harpoon and manually aim at swordfish for example and then have to reel them in yourself. The goal of the game is to catch as many fish as possible, sell them for a hefty profit at a harbour that gives the most money, and rinse and repeat. It does sound boring but there is so much to do while on your travels. Each port you visit has a bar where you can ask the locals for tips on where to catch certain fish.
Once you find out a great location for that huge school of fish you want then it’s off you go. Even if the distance is far you can always drop nets along the way. Those nets will usually fill up by the time you get to your destination so on your way back it’s like the seas are throwing money at you. That money is going to come in handy very soon as well. Once you hit the first port of the game an absolute must to buy is the autopilot upgrade. While sailing the seas is great and the scenery is beautiful. It can take some serious real-time to get to a location.
Each harbour you dock at unlocks fast travel which is a lifesaver in this game as the map is huge. Each dock you visit gives you the opportunity to sell what you’ve caught and you can put that money for boat upgrades, bait, deckhands, and even new vessels with 27 to choose from. With 10 different types of fish and with each giving their own challenge you really will be tested to the max.
The weather dynamics in Fishing: North Atlantic is truly up there with the best. They are so impressive that it makes you want to go to every inch of the map just to see if there is any subtle change in the weather and to see how it affects your gameplay.
Graphics and Audio
Playing on an Xbox One X and at 4k the graphics are really impressive. While some areas lack a little. It’s the water graphics that stand out a mile. Obviously with a game that is 90% water then you would expect them to be good. But they are better than good. Every water ripple is there. Each water-air bubble. The way it moves and makes you adjust the steering of the boat because of rough waters is just amazing. Each of the 6 ports you visit is impressive as well because they are highly detailed of real Nova Scotia ports. The weather and day and night cycle are a beauty to behold as they are so realistic. You can just stop at what you’re doing and watch the sunset. Or gaze at the stars in the night sky.
The audio is fine. Nothing really to say about the audio as you are on the water constantly. But the game does have an in-boat radio that you can listen to which is a nice touch. I never did have any problems with the graphics or audio. Everything just seemed perfect.
Longevity
After spending a good 40 plus hours on the game. I feel like there is still much more to offer. Sometimes it can feel like a drag but heading to a destination or finishing a task is greatly rewarding and not just in the game. You can spend hours just exploring the map looking for new types of fish or watching a sunset. The game keeps giving with what you can explore.
Final Thought
My final thought is that if the game had a better tutorial for players with absolutely no fishing knowledge. Then it would be perfect. There are a lot of fishing games out there but there is just something about Fishing: North Atlantic that reels you in (pun intended). It seems that all simulation games have a certain hold over people and this is no different. If you are a fishing veteran or a complete newcomer like me. It really doesn’t matter because this game is just so much fun and relaxing and I will definitely be putting in more hours. It is with a warm heart that I give Fishing: North Atlantic the Thumb Culture Gold Award.
Disclaimer: A code was received in order to write this review.
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