It's fishing. For many gamers the idea of a video game about fishing is the ultimate
antithesis of what gaming should be about. Sitting in front the television trying to catch
a small mouth bass just doesn't cut it for most people. This is a true niche title.
I am a bit disappointed in the "create a player" mode of the game. Adding a create-a-player
for the sake of having one just isn't acceptable anymore. It is nice that you can choose
your fisherman (both multicultural women and men are represented), however just adding
glasses, hats, and changing the color of the boat or vests doesn't cut it for me. Maybe I am
spoiled with the intense features of NBA 2k, but if you are going to have this in the game,
give me something I really can sink my teeth into. If I can't make myself, I know the
feature just isn't robust enough for my tastes.
From the "it's a good and a bad thing" comes the special fishing controller. I'll be
honest, even I felt a bit geeky shelling out 20 bucks for this baby, but in the end, it made
for the best digital fishing experience possible. Is it a worthwhile investment even if
there are only three games that support it? My answer is a resounding yes. And what a
three games they are!
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My two biggest complaints with the title deal with the lack of multiplayer and online mode.
I've completely given up on Sega's support of online play, and Sega Bass Fishing 2 is no
exception. I have almost forgotten what the modem in the back of the machine is for. If
there ever was an easier title to make online compatible, I'm not sure what would be. The
ability to fish with a friend online at a tournament, or compare your catches would have
made this a tough title to beat. And while I understand that making a game with this type
of pace multiplayer is a challenge, I don't accept that they didn't even try. Why not a
cool split screen mode and a time limit. I could see this as a blast to play, but we will
never get that chance on the Dreamcast now will we?
There are some other minor quibbles that you may encounter the more time that you spend with
it. Depending on the conditions, you could be there for awhile -- like Seaman in the water.
Watch and wait. Drink a refreshing beverage. More watching and waiting.
If you have the patience for it, Sega has made a title that meets the high standards they
set with the original version and taken it to another level. Digital fishing may not be
your idea of a fun time, but give it a chance and you will be pleasantly surprised. The
pacing of the game may have you dozing off at times, but with a little persistence you will
find one of the most underrated games of 2001.
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