There are a ton of fishing video games out there, and I've played most of them. It all started when I was 8 and used to rent "Black Bass" and "Blue Marlin" for original NES. These games are both classics and if you want to give them a shot nowadays you can play them both online at
www.everyvideogame.com.
However, in the last 20 years, there hasn't been much excitement around fishing games. It's been mostly a toss-up between unrealistic arcade-style games where you are catching 20+ pound bass after 20+ pound bass, and simulations which come up short. I guess maybe my standards are high, but I've always wanted a game that really captured professional fishing in North America. I'm really excited to announce that I think that game might be here. Let me tell you about it...
Bass Pro Shops' "The Strike" was an instant hit for Wii. It came with a spinning reel controller which fit over the WiiMote and allowed players to fish a variety of real lakes using products they actually bought at a virtual Bass Pro Shops! While that was pretty cool, the tournaments in the game were definitely lacking the feel of real fishing tournaments.
And this is where "The Strike: Tournament Edition" comes in.
This brand new game promises a ton of brand new features, many of which haven't even been seen in a fishing video game as of yet. Here's a short list:
1.·
Tournament Style Gameplay: New style of Career Mode mimics real life fishing tournaments with a Pre-Fish Mode that allows you to scout each lake ahead of time, get special lake-specific tips from your fishing Mentor, place hot spot markers, and compete against fellow fishermen for prizes
o Start as a rookie and climb the ranks against trash-talking pros, collecting sponsors for your jersey and boat as well as prize money that you can use to upgrade equipment
o Each tournament features a Sports Ticker to keep you updated on how the competition is doing ·
2.
Immersive Fishing Controller: Exclusive fishing pole peripheral is ambidextrous and easily attaches to your Wii Remote so you can cast, reel, and jig just like you would out on a real lake. ·
3. America’s Hottest Fishing: 12 amazing, real life North American lakes – including two exotic hidden locations. ·
4. Abundance of Trophy Fish: 14 species of fish, including Large and Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskie and Crappie with a huge Legendary Fish to hunt down in each lake ·
5. Authentic Equipment: Over a hundred authentic Bass Pro Shops® lures and a huge selection of rods and reels that behave on the lake as they would in real life, attracting the proper species of fish
o Each boat is equipped with a fish finder, GPS system and even a radio with a large music library. ·
6. Achievements: Earn 15 Badges for completing impressive fishing feats and completing game challenges.
"Collect sponsors?" "Trash talk?" "Large music library?" Awesome...
Rumour has it one of the exotic locations is the Amazon River where you can fish for peacock bass. Wow... It keeps getting cooler.
If you go out and buy this game and get really good at it, there's even a real-life "The Strike" tournament happening September 2, 2012 at the flagship Bass Pro store in Springfield, MO.
Here's what's at stake: o First Prize: 2012 Toyota Tundra
o Second Prize: Tracker Boat
o Third Prize: Arctic Cat ATV
o Fourth & Fifth Prizes: Bass Pro Gift Certificates
Well, that's all I can say for now because honestly, I haven't played this game yet. The good news is that it's in stores (as of October 24th) and I'm getting mine soon. I'll have a review once that happens. For now, tight lines and if reading this article leads to you getting a brand new boat you owe me a fishing trip.
By the way, the game is $49.99 with the new rod controller, or $29.99 without.
