Nice Day for Fishing Review – A Whimsical Pixel RPG with Depth

Developed by FusionPlay and published by Team17, Nice Day for Fishing is an unexpected, quirky fishing RPG that’s just as strange as it is fun. Drawing inspiration from Viva La Dirt League, the game combines light-hearted humor with action-packed fishing battles, exploration, and the occasional town-building mechanic. Whether you’re here for a laugh or some easygoing fishing action, Nice Day for Fishing offers a surprisingly deep, yet concise experience that feels tailor-made for fans of quirky indie games.

Gameplay & Mechanics

Fishing is at the heart of the game, but it’s not your typical relaxing pastime. Instead of just casting and reeling, you engage in real-time “fishing battles” with each catch. These aren’t just about timing the right moment to reel in; they’re more like light RPG combat sequences. You’ll need to balance attacking and defending, using spells, potions, and parrying mechanics to land the perfect catch. While this combat system adds a unique twist to the usual fishing genre, it’s not without its flaws—repetition can creep in after you’ve caught a few fish, and the novelty may wear off for some players.

As you progress, you’ll unlock new rods and lures, including magnet hooks and driller lures, which help you access hidden underwater currents and treasure zones. You’ll also collect resources to rebuild Honeywood, the town you’re based in. This town-building aspect provides a satisfying sense of progression, as you unlock new gear, characters, and quests as you improve the town’s infrastructure.

Exploration & Town Building

Exploration is a bit limited in scope, but it’s rewarding enough to keep you engaged. There are secret areas to discover and treasures to find beneath the calm surface of the lake. Whether you’re diving into a mysterious cave or unlocking new fishing spots, the sense of discovery is there. Additionally, the town-building element—where you collect resources to repair Honeywood—adds a bit of depth to the otherwise straightforward gameplay loop. It’s a nice touch that encourages players to spend a bit more time with the game, but don’t expect vast open-world exploration.

Story, Visuals & Charm

Visually, Nice Day for Fishing embraces a charming pixel art style, evoking a sense of nostalgia for fans of retro RPGs. The world is vibrant and cozy, and the character designs are playful, adding to the lighthearted tone of the game. The soundtrack complements the laid-back vibe, adding to the feeling that you’re simply passing the time while enjoying some peaceful fishing.
The humor, however, is the real star.

The dialogue is full of dry wit and absurd scenarios, delivering the kind of awkward, deadpan humor that fans of Viva La Dirt League will immediately recognize. The voice acting is charming, though somewhat sparse. A few key moments are fully voiced (like Baelin’s catchphrases), but most of the dialogue is text-based.

Personal Note: More Voice Acting Could’ve Made It Shine

One personal note I want to add is that I felt Viva La Dirt League could have added more voice overs to the game for their fans. While the limited voice acting we get is solid, it’s clear that there was potential to inject more of the team’s signature humor into the game. For those of us who are big fans of their work, additional voice lines would’ve been a real treat and would have enhanced the experience tenfold. A few more comedic skits or full dialogue exchanges would have really pushed this game from great to unforgettable.

Pacing & Replayability

The game is relatively short, with the main story taking around 2–3 hours to complete. That said, there are side quests and extra content to uncover, which can extend the playtime for those looking for more to do. However, the repetitive nature of the fishing battles and fetch quests may cause some players to lose interest after a few hours, especially if you’re playing in long sessions. That said, Nice Day for Fishing works best in short bursts, perfect for a relaxing evening or a quick laugh.

Nice Day for Fishing is a cozy, comedic ride with charm in every pixel. It’s not trying to reinvent the RPG wheel, but it does offer a refreshing spin on fishing games. With a bit more polish—particularly in the voice acting department—it could have been a modern cult classic for fans of offbeat humor and casual gameplay.

Nice Day For Fishing Launch Trailer

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The code was provided by the distributor.

I reviewed it, and then it was edited by my partner.