Sega Marine Fishing
Score: 90% ESRB: Everyone Publisher: Sega Developer: Sega Media: GD/1 Players: 1 Genre: Sports
Graphics & Sound: Sega Marine Fishing's graphics are pretty smooth. There is a little bit of clipping (images moving inside one another) after the fish are caught, but otherwise the fish are near-perfect looking. The sound effects of SMF are also pretty good. You can get sucked right into the action as your hooked fish splashes out of the water and into the air.
Gameplay: How much gameplay can a fishing game actually have, anyway??? This one has more than you think. Sega Marine Fishing offers two modes of play, as well as network support. Arcade Mode gives you the true arcade experience, complete with time limits and weight requirements. 3 areas are available in Arcade Mode, but with unlimited continues, defeating the areas shouldn't be all too hard. Original Mode actually offers 3 sub-modes of play. The Free Fishing Mode will allow you to roam around and fish 'til the sun goes down. This is the heart of SMF and it's here where you can pick up bonus items. To unlock even more items, take a try at the Mini Games, and improve your fishin' skills at the same time. Then once you have the game mastered, go on over to your Aquarium and view your stats. Sega Marine Fishing also offers Network support. Here you can check out your rankings and also compete in competitions. So bust out your rod and reel, hit the high seas, and enjoy the fishing. SMF has 12 lures, 15 varieties of fish (including Sailfish, Blue Marlin, and Mako Sharks), and also supports the Dreamcast Fishing Controller.
Difficulty: Sega Marine Fishing has a pretty good variety of difficulty, but it never gets to the point of being impossible. Even at the hardest setting, you should be able to reel in almost any fish (although you may break the line a bit more). Arcade Mode is actually too easy though. Although it is a perfect arcade-style game, the addition of unlimited continues doesn't add the needed urgency of catching fish quickly.
Game Mechanics: SMF's controlling options are actually set up really well. You will need to combine reaction time to counter the fish's direction, as well as know when to release some tension in the line. The game also supports the Dreamcast Fishing Controller (although I didn't have the chance to test one), which will give the user an even better 'at home fishing experience.' Sega Marine Fishing is a solid game and if you're into fishing, you may want to check it out!
-Woody, GameVortex Communications AKA Shane Wodele
Quake III Arena Tokyo Xtreme Racer 2