It's that time of the year again where the weather is turning more and more hostile towards getting out fishing; Soon the ice will be covering Minnesocold lakes. What does one do to scratch that fishing itch?
One thing that I found that works is playing fishing video games and that is where the Rapala Fishing Frenzy video game for Wii comes in to play.
The Rapala Fishing Frenzy video game for Wii was designed by Activision in consultation with the people at Rapala to provide a enjoyable angling experience when you can't be on the water or a fun substitute for actual fishing for gamers. As you see in the picture above the game comes with a special Wii controller and nunchuck holder that simulates using an actual fishing rod. You can play the game with or without the fishing rod holder. Using the rod is OK and adds something to the game, but I think it is easier to play the game without the fishing rod holder.
I have found that the game is quite challenging and is good for many hours of video angling enjoyment. The game is centered around the pursuit of various types of gamefish. You can practice your skills in an "Open" mode and also fish in challenges/tournaments where you are trying to reach a goal in a set amount of time. One thing I like about the game is that you are awarded for a progression of achievement. By catching fish you get stuff added to a "Anglers Den."
By achieving challenges you get bonuses such as a wider selection of lures or getting the option of fishing more lakes.
Learning to cast is a bit tricky so here is the secret: The toggle on the nunchuck needs to be pushed towards the top of the nunchuck, then you simply lift and "throw" the wii controllers like you were using an actual fishing rod. It is important to master the skill of long casts because the longer the cast the more likely you will be able to "set the hook" into a fish.
One good thing about the game is that when a fish bites you use the controllers to "set the hook" just like you do in reel fishing. In addition to that as you are reeling in the fish you can and need to perform maneuvers and "combo's" with the controllers that will help you in the game. I was surprised by how active you have to be to play this fishing game well.
Being that the game is tied in with Rapala, you have a wide assortment of Rapala lures to choose from to fool the fish. I was surprised that they included Rapala Jigging Raps in the lure selection because I consider it to be an ice fishing lure. One thing that could have made the game better would have been realistic sound effects for the Rapala Skitter Pop and Rapala Skitter Prop. For surface lures they also offer the Rapala Skitter Walk.
As you can see from this still shot the graphics are pretty good.
The one thing that really bugged me about the game is that fish lengths and weights don't match up to reality. The fish weights are much heavier than a fish of a given length would ever be.
I would rate the Rapala Fishing Frenzy video game for Wii as a 4 out of 5 stars.
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