Gone fishin'
Fishing is a bit of a peculiar sport but one which has been transferred to computer game form several times with reasonable amounts of success, with the likes of Sega Bass Fishing and Big Game Fishing dishing up quite accurate recreations of the pastime. Bass Class is a bit less sophisticated than later efforts but it remains a strangely enjoyable interpretation and which is admirably detailed, if nothing else. It all starts out with the player choosing from one of six lakes, each of which offer their own challenges and rewards. you then get to select from a dizzying array of rods, lures and boats before setting out onto your lake of choice, which is where the real fun begins (depending on your perspective). There are other fishers out too, and the whole thing is presented as a competition where you are aiming to bring back the biggest fish after a certain amount of time. You have to pay attention to everything from lifting up your anchor to your speed (don't get caught going too fast in a restricted area or you'll get fined!). There's a bunch of accessories like depth finders to help catch the monsters and once you've found your spot, it's time to cast off. You're going to need some patience, just as in the real world but if you persevere and land the catch of your life, you'll be showered in fame and glory. If you are an armchair fisher, then things don't get much more detailed than this. There are hundreds of combinations of rods and lures to experiment with and while the visuals aren't overly impressive, it's easy to get lost in the game's depth and find yourself hooked. Non-fishing fans probably needn't apply but if you know your trout from your guppies, then there's a lot of fun to be had here.
