Sega Bass Fishing Duel (PlayStation 2)

GameSpot editors' review

• CNET editors' rating: 3.5 stars Very good
  Detailed editors' rating
  Overall score: 7.2 (3.5 stars)

• Reviewed by:
  Tim Tracy
• Reviewed on: 09/26/2002
• Released on: 09/23/2002
• Originally published on GameSpot: Sega Bass Fishing Duel (PlayStation 2) Review

Sega Bass Fishing 2, the final fishing game released for the Dreamcast, and the last to make use of Sega's unique fishing controller, was actually a great game that added a number of improvements to the already great experience offered by the first game. Now, just over a year later, Sega has ported the game to the PlayStation 2 and added a new mode for good measure. Virtually nothing has been lost in the translation (except the ability to use that fishing controller), and aside from the one new mode, the game is basically the same as it was for the Dreamcast. So while the gameplay is still great, the graphics definitely wear their origin on their sleeve and don't really hold their own against other games on the system.

Since there is currently no fishing controller available for the PlayStation 2, Sega has made a number of changes to the control scheme to compensate. The results are surprisingly good, though not as a good as having a dedicated fishing controller. Here, controlling your boat is handled by the left analog stick, while actions like speeding up and slowing down, selecting lures, and so forth are mapped to the face buttons of the controller. Casting and reeling, on the other hand, have been moved to the shoulder buttons, complete with pressure sensitivity. Should you find the last change too much to get accustomed to, you can also use the right analog stick to reel in your catch.

When you start the game, you can pick from a number of different character types, each with varying stats (such as casting distance), which makes each character just a little bit different when you get them out on the lake. To add to this, you can also make a variety of cosmetic changes to your angler, such as adding a hat and sunglasses or changing the color of your angler's shirt or boat. While the way your character dresses has no effect on his or her fishing skill, it's nice to have the option to change outfits.

Once you take your character out on one of the game's spacious lakes, you can then look for a spot to fish. On board your boat is a handy "fish finder," which uses sonar to tell you if a fish is in the vicinity of your boat. But for the most part, fish can be seen just under the water's surface when you drop anchor, rendering the fish finder nothing more than just eye candy. As you guide your boat around the lake, you'll notice trucks and boathouses on the shore, docks protruding into the lake, and other details. Under the surface, you'll find tree trunks, rocks, and other things that fish like to hang out around. Aside from choosing your location, you can also choose the time of day, month, and weather for your outing. All of these factors make a cosmetic difference when you start to play, but they also factor into whether or not the fish will be biting. In fact, some combinations of weather and season will make the fish downright finicky, and you may come away from the lake empty-handed until you figure out the ideal combinations of weather conditions.

Continue reading

Where to buy

Sega Bass Fishing Duel (PlayStation 2): $89.01

store	price	in stock?	rating
eBay	$89.01	Yes

see prices from 1 store

Compare prices for Sega Bass Fishing Duel

eBay

$89.01