Natsume brings its players to the lake in Reel Fishing: Angler’s Dream; and to the ocean, and the stream, and the pool, and the river, and to at least eleven different water locales. Each location presents a stunning backdrop of mountains, waterfalls, and fields. The fish are also graphically pleasing, but the middle ground is graphically lacking, causing soaring birds to look like moving white marks on your screen. In fact, the game is so graphic intensive that there are few visual cues to indicate when you have caught a fish. Instead, audio cues of fishing reels are emitted from the Wii Remote and the TV. Also, the Wii Remote has two different vibration patterns, one for a fish pulling on the line, and another for the fish fighting against you. The game can be played with the Wii Remote with the Nunchuk or alone. There is also multiplayer so you can compete with your friends and family to see who really can catch the biggest fish.

When you catch a fish, you view its specs and decide if you want to keep or release it. If you keep it, it will stay with you until you return back to the Lodge, where you once again check to see if there is anything you would want to release. The ones you keep are put in one of three tanks in the Lodge, which you can check at any point while at the Lodge to see what you have in your inventory. Upstairs in the Lodge is the Fishing Master, an old man who doles out advice and replaces your broken lures. There are also different fishing options, such as fly fishing or ocean fishing.

Reel Fishing: Angler’s Dream seems to be a promising sports title for those interested in serene fishing games. Expect to see it in stores this summer for $39.99.