Review: Real VR Fishing
Real VR Fishing was a game that captivated me on the Meta Quest when it launched in 2019. At that time, I was optimistic it would be available on other platforms, but after seeing it listed on Steam without any updates on a release date, I was uncertain if it would ever happen. However, it has now become available on Steam, and I have been fishing in various locations around the world. Did it manage to reel me in once more?
Release Date: December 6th 2024
Developer: Devs United Games
Publisher: Devs United Games
Price: US $19.99 / CA $22.79 / € 16,79 / £15.49
Reviewed On: Meta Quest 3 with Link Cable
* Access Provided For Review *
A Prize Catch
True to its name, the core aspect of the gameplay revolves around the fishing experience. However, Real VR Fishing also offers a solid fishing simulator that teaches you some basics about fishing if you are not already familiar with it. This includes understanding which rods, reels, and baits will attract the larger and better fish in various locations worldwide, whether in freshwater, rivers, or saltwater.
When you go fishing, you will need to cast out your line, bait and hook the fish, and then manage the tension and slack on the line while reeling in your catch. If you fail to handle any of these aspects, you may lose your fish. To accommodate different skill levels, the game features three difficulty settings: Normal, Hard, and Expert. In Normal mode, you can wear glasses that reveal the exact location of the fish and provide a gauge to help manage tension, slack, and rod movement to tire out the fish. Hard mode removes the glasses and offers a radar to indicate fish locations, eliminates the gauge, and presents a tougher challenge as the fish will put up more of a fight. Expert mode provides no assistance in locating fish, and the fish will require more effort to tire out. In Hard and Expert modes, managing tension and slack on the line is indicated by color cues – red denotes an excess of tension, whereas blue represents too much slack (which can be disabled if you prefer the complete immersive experience).
Beyond fishing, you will need to decide whether to release or keep your catch. Releasing fish grants you XP, while keeping them earns you cash. This decision is important initially, as XP helps you level up your fishing license in each area. However, cash is necessary to purchase new gear, which will enable you to catch larger fish, ultimately providing more XP or money in the long run. Overall, the base game consists of twenty locations in South Korea, seven in Japan and ten in the US for you to progress through to unlock all that Real VR Fishing has to offer. Your chosen difficulty level affects the amount of XP and cash you earn for your catches.
You can further increase the number of locations available in Japan and the US through downloadable content (DLC). This will introduce an extra twenty locations in Japan with the Japan Part One and Two DLC. Additionally, you can include twenty locations for the US West Coast in the West Coast DLC, along with fifteen locations from the US East Coast and two national parks in the East Coast DLC. This means that if you are enjoying the game, you have the opportunity to expand to a wide range of locations to catch new types of fish.
One of the best aspects of Real VR Fishing is the opportunity to enjoy a peaceful fishing experience at stunning real-world locations by yourself, or you can invite friends or other players online to join you, with a maximum of four participants. You can also enjoy a few cans of beer in real-life while you fish for a complete immersive experience.
Stunning Real World Places
Real VR Fishing looks impressive on the Quest version of the game, and as I anticipated, it appears even more stunning when utilising the capabilities of a PC. The developers have created incredibly realistic water, complemented by static panoramic images that enhance the authenticity of the environments. While one might assume that these static images could detract from the immersion, they have incorporated additional effects and animations in the scenes to ensure they blend seamlessly. This includes elements like mist around the taller mountains, fireflies near the lake that flit by during night maps, wildlife swimming or flying past, and car lights moving across a bridge in the distance, to name just a few. These subtle details significantly enhance the immersive experience. Additionally, the in-game models of the fish are beautifully designed and intricately detailed, making the experience of catching them feel much more gratifying.
Moreover, the skilful incorporation of audio significantly enhances the overall experience, starting with the sound of water flowing, the swoosh of your rod during casting, and the noise of your reel along with the splashes as you battle your catch. This audio is enriched by the background sounds unique to each location, such as weather effects and the general atmosphere. When these elements come together, it can be quite remarkable how effectively it draws you into that setting.
One aspect I especially appreciate is the in-game MP3 player and browser, which work exceptionally well. This allows you to load MP3 files into your game and enjoy your own music whether you are fishing alone or with others, or even better, you can use the browser to view your favorite YouTube channels and podcasts — all while you fish.
Comfort
The Verdict
Real VR Fishing is enjoyable for both anglers and those who don’t fish, thanks to its smooth and satisfying gameplay. It features stunning environments and excellent audio, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in real-life locations from Korea, Japan, and the United States, with the option to add more via paid for DLC. You can choose to have a tranquil solo session or connect with others online for a more social experience, which is something you may not realise you need in VR until you experience it. I highly recommend adding Real VR Fishing to your Steam or Quest library.