There are RPGs where you wield blades to slay dragons, and then there’s Nice Day for Fishing, where you wield a fishing rod to save the world. Developed by FusionPlay and published by Team17, this pixel-art action RPG is as charming as it is unexpected. What starts as a relaxing day on the water morphs into an epic quest involving ancient magic, monster fish, and town restoration—with all the drama you never knew you wanted from a fishing game.
Baelin the Bait-Slinger: From Background NPC to Pixel Hero
You play as Baelin, a humble fisherman from the quiet village of Honeywood. Normally he’d be just another NPC dropping flavor lines in a tavern. But when evil descends and the real heroes disappear, fate gives Baelin a promotion. Suddenly, this bearded rod-wielder is center stage in a full-blown RPG where the bait is your weapon and the ocean is your battleground.
And yes, he still says his now-iconic catchphrase: “Morning! Nice day for fishing, ain’t it?”
Battle Fish, Boss Fish, and the Forces of Blight
Fishing isn’t just a side hobby in Nice Day for Fishing; it is the combat system. You battle aquatic monsters using timing-based minigames, magic spells, and precision mechanics that make each catch a mini duel. Think Darkest Dungeon meets Sega Bass Fishing, but pixelated and much weirder.
Specialized bait, spells, and hooks allow you to manipulate your foes—stunning them, dragging them from cover, or nuking them with elemental damage. Boss fish are no joke either; these monsters have unique attack patterns, environmental hazards, and sometimes even a backstory.
And just when you think you’ve mastered it, the game throws in depth-based combat mechanics, underwater currents, and puzzle-like environments.
Rods, Hats, Boats, and Hooks: Customize or Die Trying
In Baelin’s world, your fishing rod is your sword, your boat is your steed, and your hat? That’s your armor. Each upgrade isn’t cosmetic fluff—it actually affects gameplay. Need to mine into a submerged cave? Equip the drill hook. Want to collect loot from wrecks? Use the magnet. Trying to survive a poisonous kelp trench? Better find the right gear.
There are RPGs with less depth (pun intended) than this fishing sim when it comes to player progression. Between customizable rods, boats, hooks, and bait, your playstyle can shift dramatically from one session to the next.
Honeywood Needs You: Rebuilding as You Reel
Your adventure isn’t just about catching critters. The town of Honeywood lies in ruins after the Celestial Collapse, and it’s up to you to rebuild it—one sunken chest and timber haul at a time.
Fishing expeditions net you more than just monsters. You’ll salvage building materials from shipwrecks and unlock new areas and shops as you invest in rebuilding Honeywood. It’s part resource management, part Animal Crossing-style village revival, all wrapped in an oddly compelling loop.
Rebuilding also opens up more characters, equipment, and quests, giving the game a nice sense of growth and community.
Puzzles, Progression, and a Surprisingly Big World
Despite its retro look, Nice Day for Fishing hides a sprawling world filled with secrets. The regions of Azerim each come with their own ecosystems, puzzles, enemies, and fishing challenges. One minute you’re drifting along a peaceful coast; the next, you’re navigating underground currents to reach forbidden ruins.
Progression is metered by how well you explore and interact. There are shrine collections to complete, rare catches that test your mastery of the rod, and spells to unlock that reshape how you fish and fight. You’re not just leveling stats; you’re leveling your problem-solving brain.
Pros:
- Creative Combat System: Genuinely engaging fishing-based battles.
- Customization That Matters: Gear affects strategy, not just stats.
- Town-Building: Adds a layer of purpose to your progress.
- Exploration-Driven Gameplay: Biomes feel unique and rewarding.
- Charming Pixel Art + Voice Acting: Baelin is now a fully voiced icon.
Cons:
- Repetition in Late Game: Some fetch/fish/build loops start to feel grindy.
- Not for Everyone: If you hate fishing, even magical fishing won’t change your mind.
- Combat Simplicity: While clever, the fishing battles don’t evolve much after a point.
Should You Play It?
If you’ve ever wanted a chill-but-challenging RPG that swaps swords for fishing rods and grinding for gutting trout, this game is absolutely for you. Fans of Stardew Valley, Moonlighter, and oddball action sims will feel right at home.
But if fishing games bore you or you need constant narrative momentum, Nice Day for Fishing might feel like a bite that never quite lands the hook.
Should You Buy It?
Yes. Especially if you love cozy games with heart and offbeat mechanics. Nice Day for Fishing isn’t just a meme turned game—it’s a well-thought-out, smartly executed RPG wrapped in humor, charm, and a love for the rod.
Buy at full price if you’re into simulation-RPG hybrids. Wait for a discount only if you’re unsure about the fishing-core loop.
Nice Day for Fishing: Surprisingly deep, occasionally repetitive, and always charming. Nice Day for Fishing proves you don’t need a sword to be a hero—just a good rod and a better hat. – ColdMoon
