Rapala Fishing Frenzy 2009 Xbox 360 Review

Rapala Fishing Frenzy 2009

Xbox 360 Review
Publisher: Activision Value
Developer:  Fun Labs

Unfortunately, for fishing fans, the next-generation of gaming consoles has not been very friendly to you in regards to a solid fishing game, whether it be a simulation, or arcade release.  Activision, with developer Fun Labs, tried but failed yet again with Rapala Fishing Frenzy 2009.

It is not an easy thing to bring fishing onto a video game console, as there is always the issue of trying to make it fast-paced and exciting, while still making it feel like you are wrapped up in nature and a serene atmosphere.

Rapala Fishing Frenzy 2009 was released as a value title from Activision, and really falls flat in a variety of ways.

The biggest issue though was with the actual controls of the game.  You do all of the casting with the right analog stick, which is not accurate to say the least.  Once in the water, you can begin to reel in and hope a fish hooks on.  Once hooked, the excitement of reeling a fish in is supposed to kick off.  The game just lacks realism though, as you have to punch in button combinations and such to keep the fish on the line.  It just doesn’t feel real in any such way, and for me took away from the fun.

As a fan of fishing myself, I would have preferred a more realistic approach, with the analog stick acting as the rod, and the reeling in handled by the other analog stick.  The way it is done here just doesn’t work.

In regards to game modes, the game is lacking as there are no online tournaments, only leaderboards.  On top of that, you get 2 characters to choose from and that’s it a big and a girl.

You do get plenty of lures to choose from, and 7 different lakes to check out.  There are 21 different types of fish in total that you can catch as well.  As you progress you will unlock things, but there is not much here to really impress.

I honestly do not know what this game was supposed to be, a simulation or an arcade fishing game?  It acts like a simulation in many ways, but the way in which it is unrealistic makes me think it is supposed to be an arcade experience.  Either way, the game simply fails and needs to be re-worked for a 2010 release.

Graphics: 6.0 Not a bad looking game, but the underwater camera is not good, and the animations need improvement.

Audio: 4.0 The audio is decent with its sound effects, the rest is real bad though.  Make me feel like I am in nature and put the surround sound to work!

Gameplay: 4.0 The worst part of the game to say the least, not realistic in any way!

Replay Value: 3.0 If you play for more than 2 hours I’ll be impressed.

Final Score: 4.0

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