Sega Bass Fishing is a new genre for this reviewer.  I am used to playing games that require me to master a special type of weapon or military tactics.  Keep in mind while you read this review that I am new to this type of game.

The initial thought of a fishing game sounded rather boring to me.  Mainly because I think of fishing as a sport of patience, feeling lucky if I ever caught a single fish.  The video game version is much faster pace though, and had options that I thought would have been overlooked.  Sega Bass Fishing is a one player game, and there are two modes that you can chose to play.  One of them is "arcade" mode, which is basically a timed game where you try and catch as many fish as possible.  I preferred to play the "Original" mode, where you select a character and are able to play in a tournament, visiting many fishing sites.  Each area has its own rules, but it boils down to whether or not you can catch more (larger) fish than your opponents.  As you progress in this mode, you are given new lures as bonuses and can visit many new sites to fish from.

Gamers will enjoy the many features of the game.  The ability to save high scores and tournament rankings, and the Jump Pack is a nice addition for those using the standard controllers.  Sega must have had lots of plans for this title, because even at launch the fishing controllers were available, giving you a very natural and fun way to play this game.  The graphics will not blow you out of the water (pardon the pun), but you will not be disappointed either.  The external scenery looks nice in the different fishing areas, but it only really serves as eye candy.  The learning curve is relatively quick.  If you have ever fished in real life before, the controls will feel totally natural and you will get the hang of it very fast.  If you have no clue how to fish, the real-time coach will throw out hints while you play and guide you.  There is actually some strategy to this game too.  Time of day, water temperature, locations, lures, and fish sizes all play a factor in this game.  These features keep things interesting and help add longevity to what could have been a rather simple game.

Sporting and Hunting fans will probably love this game.  If you are new to the genre, you may want to rent this title before making your buying decision.  Personally, I would rather play this game as a party game with friends than treat it as a simulation.  The action is fast enough to keep your interest, but long-term replayability may not be up to par for all gamers.  Sega gets an A+ for uniqueness, and fans will greatly appreciate the features and hardware supported by this title.  Overall, a solid game expanding gaming into unchartered waters!

reviewed by Todd Alexander