Nice Day for Fishing Review

Game: Nice Day for Fishing
Genre: Sports, RPG
System: Nintendo Switch (Also on Steam (Windows))
Developer|Publisher: FusionPlay | Team 17
Age Rating: EU 12+ | US Teen
Price: US $19.99 | UK £19.99 | EU € 19,99
Release Date: May 29th, 2025

Review code provided, with many thanks to Press Engine.

Nice Day for Fishing – A Quirky RPG That Reels You In

Nice Day for Fishing is one of those games that quietly sneaks up on you and ends up delivering far more than expected. I initially picked it up thinking it was going to be a casual, relaxing fishing sim, an easy way to unwind with some pixel art and a few chilled-out hours by the water. But what I found instead was a refreshingly original RPG that turns fishing into a full-blown battle mechanic. And oddly enough? It works. Really well.

This isn’t just a fishing game with a few stats tacked on. This is a role-playing game built entirely around the idea of fishing as combat, progression, and exploration. It’s clever, funny, and surprisingly satisfying.

From Background NPC to Pixel Hero

At the heart of the game is Baelin, a humble fisherman from the peaceful town of Honeywood. He begins as a background NPC, repeating the now-iconic line: “Morning! Nice day for fishing, ain’t it?” with a good-natured chuckle. Life is simple, until a group of troublemakers causes the town’s adventurers to vanish, and Baelin finds himself accidentally reeling a demonic menace out of the local lake.

With no one left to save the realm, Baelin steps up in the only way he knows how: with a fishing rod. It’s a ridiculous setup, but one told with so much charm and humor that it’s impossible not to smile. Nice Day for Fishing leans into its comedic tone, often poking fun at traditional RPG tropes. It’s light-hearted, clever, and self-aware, though it does occasionally include mild swearing, which might put off parents looking to play it with younger children.

Fishing Meets Combat

The core mechanic, fishing as combat, is genuinely engaging. You cast your line, hook a fish, and then begin a real-time battle where you reel to drain the fish’s health, release to avoid incoming damage, and even block or counter attacks. As you progress, you unlock spells and abilities to help in battle, turning what could have been a repetitive task into a fun and strategic system.

Each new fish is like a mini-boss with its own attack patterns and timing, and later battles introduce deeper mechanics that keep things fresh. Oh, there are even boss fights which mix things up further. Nice Day for Fishing gradually layers complexity without overwhelming you, and the controls are intuitive and easy to pick up. It’s a great example of how to build a satisfying gameplay loop that doesn’t rely on grinding or busywork.

Fish or Quest – Your Choice

While there’s a central questline that moves the story forward and unlocks new areas, Nice Day for Fishing is just as happy to let you take your time. There’s plenty of incentive to simply wander and fish. Catching and selling fish allows you to buy new rods, hats, and other gear, each with their own stat boosts and perks. You’ll also discover treasure chests and unique items that enhance your character.

The game rewards players who take a relaxed approach. Progression comes naturally as you explore, fish, and engage with the world. It’s a welcome change from the pressure of traditional RPGs where you’re always chasing the next big quest. Casual players may be pleased to hear if you fail a rush battle you just get to try again with all your health replenished.

Familiar Look, Fresh Feel

Visually, Nice Day for Fishing uses a familiar pixel art style that’s been done many times before, but it suits the tone and gameplay just fine. There’s enough detail to make the environments and characters feel alive, and the animations during fishing battles are punchy and expressive. While the art direction doesn’t break new ground, it complements the gameplay well and never gets in the way of the fun.

Conclusion: A Reel Surprise

Nice Day for Fishing blends RPG mechanics with fishing in a way that feels both natural and refreshing. It’s a game that doesn’t take itself too seriously, yet offers a surprisingly deep and rewarding experience. Whether you’re following the main story, upgrading your gear, or just hanging out by the water to see what you can catch, there’s a lot to love here.

This is a game that understands the joy of quiet progression and mixes it with creative twists on genre expectations. If you’re looking for a unique RPG with heart, humor, and hooks (literally), this one’s worth casting a line for.

Final Verdict: Two Thumbs Up

 

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