Out Fishing: An Unexpected Mix of Genres

On this page we’ve talked a lot about how effective genre blends or elements from very different genres can be when the mix is done well, with context and connection between its components. That said, today we’ll talk about Out Fishing, the upcoming game from indie studio Mūn Mūn Games, which will present us with a curious and original mix between a fishing simulator, with all the calm and relaxing feel that may suggest, and a survival horror… Yes gamer, you read that right: fishing simulator + survival horror. Can’t imagine it? Keep reading…

Personally, I’m not a fan of simulators of this kind, not because I have anything against them, but simply because they just don’t catch my attention. BUT, while it’s true that many of you might share my point of view, the fact is we all know what to expect from them, right? I mean everything, selecting the right rod, the proper bait, the perfect spot, and the ideal time of day, then maybe spending hours doing that relaxing thing called fishing. Sounds almost idyllic, you can’t deny me that. Here we’ll even be able to deal with our catch at the end of the day, sell it off, etc… But obviously Mūn Mūn Games’ proposal doesn’t end here, and this is exactly where the concept gets more interesting. While we keep talking about this, take a look at the Official Reveal Trailer for Out Fishing, brought to you by IGN:

From Tranquility to Total Terror

Like we said earlier, and as you may have seen in the video above, in Out Fishing you’ll be able to expect everything a fishing simulator has to offer. We’re talking about the whole process of going fishing, peace and serenity included, and that relaxing moment we always expect from games of this kind. Also, obviously, you’ll be able to do several other things related to the genre, like picking the right spot to fish, and your proper gear, rod, bait, etc. Here you’ll even be able to make money off your catches after each outing, and upgrade your tools for that purpose; you’ll even be able to upgrade the dock you leave from each day to hunt your prey. In that sense, Out Fishing apparently has it all.

The big thing here is that it’ll actually have even more, because this peaceful countryside setting that seems so relaxing will change drastically once the sun sets, and that’s when you’ll remember that your favorite fishing lake, the one you’ve known since childhood and used to visit with your dad, is next to a forest said to be haunted, and eventually you’ll find yourself not only fighting for your survival, but investigating old disappearances that have taken place around that same idyllic lake. In Out Fishing, everything will change after sunset, when the shadows of the forest begin to come to life, and danger will start creeping in from every dark corner, or might even rise from beneath the water!

A Progressive Nightmare

Each night, this terrifying madness will grow, through cryptic encounters and disturbing discoveries, that promise to bring psychological horror on the level of games like Alan Wake, Mundaun or Silent Hill. What will begin as a simple task will turn into an obsession in which we’ll gradually lose touch with reality. But we mustn’t forget what we came for: Out Fishing is still a fishing simulator, in which besides having everything we expect from games of this kind, we’ll experience a story of slow, progressive horror, even peaceful at times. Here, upgrading our camp and tools won’t just give us better resources for the next day’s fishing, but will also help us survive the terrors of the night.

Among its main features, the developers highlight the following:

• A slow-burn horror story told through exploration, fishing, and strange encounters, with a haunting ambient soundtrack
• A dynamic day-night cycle and shifting weather that alter fishing conditions, exploration, and the threats that emerge
• Upgrade and unlock tools, vehicles, and techniques to access deeper, more dangerous areas and uncover greater rewards
• Light survival and camp-building mechanics that reinforce tension, not micromanagement
• A hauntingly beautiful world full of clues, uncover the truth behind a forgotten disappearance through items, voices, and strange visions
• A single, horrifying goal: reel in the one thing that was never meant to be found

“Out Fishing, is a handcrafted horror experience built by a solo developer. Cast your line, but once the light fades, you’re no longer alone by the water.”

So…

Okay, let’s recap: Out Fishing is a strange and at the same time original blend between two genres we’d never imagine finding together: fishing simulator and survival horror. If we’ve mentioned it here it’s because it caught our attention, positively I should say, whether it’s for its originality, its visual appeal, or its mechanics. Its release will be announced soon, and while there’s no set date or time window yet, it would be wise on our part to keep a close eye on this project, for which we recommend visiting its Steam page and adding it to your Wishlist, just like we did! Yep, you’ll find it right below! Once you’ve done your homework, come back here and tell us what you think of this unique pitch! You know gamer, we’ll be reading you! 🙂

Images Source: IGN Official YouTube Channel, Out Fishing on Steam