Developer – FusionPlay

Publisher – Team17

Platforms –   Nintendo Switch, PS5,PC (Reviewed)

Review copy given by Publisher

When I was a kid, I once spent an entire afternoon wrestling with something huge on my fishing line, convinced I’d snagged the Leviathan itself. After ten grueling minutes, I pulled up an old rubber boot. Disappointed? A little. But proud? Absolutely. That was the moment I learned that fishing isn’t just about the catch; it’s about the story. And Nice Day for Fishing is exactly that: a story worth reeling in, where the line between silly and sincere is always tugging in just the right direction.

You play as Baelin, a humble NPC best known for his iconic line, “Nice day for fishing, ain’t it?” But when the traditional heroes of Azerim mysteriously vanish like nervous trout in a thunderstorm, Baelin finds himself cast into the spotlight. No longer background filler, he’s now the protagonist, armed with a fishing rod, a surprisingly heroic mustache, and a destiny bigger than any bass he’s ever tangled with.

The game starts as a cheeky twist on RPG tropes but quickly hooks you with its surprisingly earnest story. Baelin must defend the town of Honeywood from an encroaching evil by doing what he does best: fishing, fighting, and fixing things. But don’t be fooled. This isn’t your average “fish ‘n chill” simulator. It’s a full-blown pixelated RPG packed with magical fish battles, spellcasting, and gear upgrades, all centered around the world’s most overachieving fisherman.

Honeywood acts as your base of operations, and rebuilding it is one of the game’s most satisfying loops. You’ll dredge up resources from wrecks, bring back long-lost villagers, and restore shops, homes, and more, all while unlocking new equipment and quests. Watching this sleepy fishing village come back to life is as rewarding as landing a perfect catch on your first cast.

Fishing here isn’t just a pastime; it’s a full-on combat system. You’ll engage in precision-timed battles against feisty fish that bite back, using elemental spells, gear abilities, and strategic bait choices. Your fishing rod becomes your all-purpose adventuring tool, transforming with upgrades like a magnet hook for sunken treasures or a drill tip to smash through underwater caves.

The underwater sections are especially fun to explore, with swirling currents, hidden caverns, and secret fish lurking in the deep. There’s a rhythm to the movement and combat that keeps things engaging, and every region brings fresh mechanics and enemies to wrangle. You’re constantly encouraged to improve your line strength, unlock new tools, and dive deeper, both literally and mechanically.

Baelin’s progression is handled with a surprisingly heartfelt sense of growth. Completing regional fish collections and offering them to the mighty Fishing God earns you major upgrades and more than a few laughs.

Side quests add flavor and humor, with characters who range from endearing to completely unhinged. Some questlines are a bit shallow, and a few repetitive fetch tasks might test your patience, but they rarely overstay their welcome. The writing always keeps things buoyant, leaning into the absurdity without ever losing its sincerity.

When it comes to combat , it gets trickier as you go, with boss fish that require more than just good timing. They demand preparation, strategy, and the right rod for the job. It’s not always perfectly balanced, but the challenge spikes help break up the pace and make victories feel well-earned.

There’s also a solid crafting and upgrade system woven throughout. Whether you’re improving your fishing line, enhancing your rod, or decking out your boat with treasure-finding doodads, every improvement feels tangible and worthwhile.

By the time you reach the final stretch, Baelin has gone from a meme-worthy NPC to a hero you genuinely root for. His transformation isn’t just about leveling up. It’s about stepping into a role he never thought he could fill. It’s unexpectedly touching, and it gives weight to even the silliest moments.

Nice Day for Fishing might look like a one-joke game on the surface, but it’s got a whole ocean of heart underneath. It’s a brilliant send-up of RPG conventions, sure, but also a genuinely fun and heartfelt adventure in its own right.

So whether you’re here for the jokes, the deep-sea boss battles, or just looking to save the world one cast at a time, this game proves that sometimes the biggest legends don’t wield swords. They carry rods, wear funny hats, and never let a bad cast stop them from trying again.