Review of “Nice Day for Fishing” on PlayStation 5

Sure thing, let’s dive into this! Here’s my take:

—

So, picture this: “Nice Day for Fishing”. Sounds chill, right? Developed by FusionPlay, published by Team17 — just a relaxing trip through Honeywood with Baelin, our unsuspecting fisherman. And then, boom, chaos. It all kicks off when some player messes with a forbidden treasure chest. Classic, really. Suddenly, Baelin’s not just holding a rod; he’s thrust into the spotlight. No longer just an NPC, he’s now the dude. Who saw that coming?

Now, this isn’t just your run-of-the-mill fishing sesh. It’s like, who even thinks to mix deep RPG magic with fishing? But that’s why it works. You’re not just reeling in fish; it’s about timing, spells, and keeping that line from snapping. If you’re thinking, “This sounds oddly epic for fishing,” you’re totally right.

What really gets me, though, is the vibe. Inspired by Viva La Dirt League’s Epic NPC Man shorts — yeah, never heard of ’em either. But it doesn’t matter; you’re not thrown into some weird no-context fantasy. It’s digestible, hysterical even, like the trailer gave me a laugh at least. Random thought, but the fishing mechanics here? They’re like a strategic dance, and I can see getting lost in it for hours. Weirdly satisfying.

Quests guide you everywhere, sometimes a bit too much. Backtracking is real; you’ll find yourself thinking, “Have I been here before?” Spoiler: yes, yes you have. And the map? Thankfully it’s clear; without it, I’d probably still be wandering aimlessly.

Then there’s the world itself — Azerim, compact and charming. Think 16-bit vibes and pixelated beauty. I don’t even know why, but the water effects and parallax scrolling stick with me. It’s nostalgia in a new form.

Ah, boss fights. Yes, you heard me. Fish-based bosses with multi-phase battles? A bit extra, right? But they’re genuinely fun challenges. Pro tip I wish I’d known earlier: holding the X and Circle buttons changes everything. No more panicked button mashing.

Now, some frustration. Fishing in currents can be punishing; you almost need a PhD in boat alignment or something. Got better once I unlocked a super hook, thank goodness. But the grind is real. Seriously, by the end, it’s all about gathering the rarest stuff, and I get it, but it felt more like a time sink than fun.

Trophies for days, too — it’s got a full list. For those trophy hunters, a mix of story and fishing feats await. Perfect for padding the collection and showing off a shiny Platinum if you’ve got a spare 35-40 hours.

Remember, though, this game isn’t just any fishing trip. It’s deceptively complex and just plain weird. You go in for a simple cast and find yourself in magical boss battles, tangled in spells and quirky humor. Even if the grind nudges frustration levels up, the creative spark in design and dialogue pulls you right back in.

“Nice Day for Fishing” is ready for you on PS5. At $19.99, or $23.99 if you want the “Epic Edition” perks. Legendary items? Cosmetic flair? It’s all there, toss on that Tinfoil Hat and set sail.

—

Wow. That was one wild ride through Honeywood. Who knew fishing and adventure would mesh this well?